Are you looking for the best mic for your Bearcat 980 radio? You’ll find all the essential information to make the right choice in this short article.
Most truckers, boaters, and radio enthusiasts love almost everything about the Uniden Bearcat SSB CB Radio except its noise-canceling microphone. The Uniden Bearcat 980 excels in nearly every sphere, from spot-on reception to exceptional SSB stability to compact design.
However, this versatile radio comes with a mic that not only feels flimsy but is also found wanting in audio quality. More often than not, even screaming into the mic at the top of your voice doesn’t help matters as you’re barely audible. If you’re someone who uses the Uniden 980 frequently, then you can always replace the OEM mic with a quality aftermarket mic.
That’s why we decided to write this article and compile some of the best microphone models compatible with Bearcat 980 SSB Radio.
The 5 Best Mics for Uniden Bearcat 980 (Comparison Table)
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Uniden BC804NC (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Astatic 302-AST878DM (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Astatic 302-10005 D104M6B | Check Price |
 | Astatic 302-10036 RD104E | Check Price |
 | RoadKing RK56B | Check Price |
Mic for 980 #1 – Uniden BC804NC (Editor’s Choice)
The BC804NC mic from Uniden comes across as the ideal replacement mic for Uniden’s PC78 and PC68 series CB radios. At the same time, the Uniden BC804NC works with any standard 4-pin CB radio and is companionable with Cobra ® 29, 25, and 18 CB radios. The BC804NC is a versatile noise-canceling mic highly sought-after for its functionalities, ease of use, and excellent compatibility.
Designed ergonomically, keeping in mind the needs and preferences of the user, this mic allows you to hold it firmly without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the push-to-talk knob makes it easier to use, thereby adding to the microphone’s utility and efficacy. In addition, the noise-cancellation feature goes a long way in letting you communicate clearly and distinctly by canceling out ambient white noise.
The BC804NC mic package comes with a 9-ft flexible spiral cord and a standard 4-pin screw-on connector. Apart from the CB radio brands mentioned above, this mic also pairs with Galaxy, General, Connex, and Stryker 10 meter radios.
Pros
- Noise-canceling 4-pin replacement CB microphone
- Hardwearing mic ruggedly constructed and exclusively designed for companionability with 4-pin connector DIN radios
- Professional truckers and radio operators will find this mic very handy for crystal clear communication
- It comes with a 9-foot long ultra-flexible coiled cord for easy access in large vehicles
- Works with all Uniden PC68 and PC78 series radios
- Companionable with Cobra CB radios as well as Galaxy, General, Connex, and Stryker 10m radios
Cons
- You may not find the space to position the extra-long cord in your regular vehicle
- Many users will feel the need for a compact charging dock and an authentic wiring pairing with Uniden 980
Mic for 980 #2 – Astatic 302-AST878DM (Close Runner-Up)
The Astatic 302-AST878DM is a top-notch amplified and upgraded desktop mic featuring a superior Omni-directional ceramic cartridge for better voice clarity. This Astatic ceramic desk mic also comes with traditional push-to-talk and lock-to-talk knobs making it perfectly compatible with Uniden 980.
The AST878DM comes equipped with a 5-conductor shielded standard color-coded cable with a 4-pin connector for seamless hook up with Uniden and Cobra CB/SSB radios.
This omnidirectional desk mic is guaranteed to stay functional for years on end, thanks to its solid Cycolac housing. The CYCOLAC™ resin encasing makes the mic extremely temperature and scratch-resistant, offers it dimensional stability, and imparts superb colorability and outstanding aesthetics. At the same time, the rugged Cycolac covering renders this desktop mic perfect for commercial and industrial applications.
You can easily switch on the AST878DM mic using the simple PTT knob with a built-in locking mechanism. In addition, a volume pot (potentiometer) built into the base of this CB desk mic allows you to modulate and control volume.
Pros
- Premium amplified ceramic omnidirectional desktop mic for CB radios
- Features a hardy and resilient Cyclolac resin casing
- High-quality tactile, intuitive lock-to-talk and push-to-talk buttons
- Ideal for across-the-board commercial and industrial applications
- It comes with five conductors shielded standardized Astatic color-coded cable and a 4-pin connector
- Extraordinary frequency response range: 50Hz-12000Hz
- Compatible with almost all well-known CB radio brands, including but not limited to Uniden, Cobra, Galaxy, and Stryker
- Die-cast base adds to the microphone’s durability
Cons
- Volume pot control knob feels somewhat delicate and fragile
- Voice sounds a tad too tinny
Mic for 980 #3 – Astatic 302-10005 D104M6B
Like all other microphones of Astatic, the 302-10005 D104M6B mic has been engineered meticulously to enable it to outperform all OEM microphones. In addition, the Astatic 302-10005 D104M6B has been designed with painstaking care, which enables SSB (Single Side Band), CB (Citizens’ Band), and ham radio users to communicate smoothly.
This is a top-quality handheld ceramic power microphone equipped with a robust construction making this mic amazingly handy and user-friendly.
The toughened ABS framework, together with the chrome-plated grille screen, goes a long way in ensuring unique sound quality even in challenging mobile environments. This Astatic ceramic microphone is a handheld variant of the vintage D-104 desktop mic produced by the same company. As a top-quality high power ensures crisp and clear voicing when set up with a hi-gain FET preamp.
On the other hand, this D104M6B amplified ceramic power CB mic includes a six-wire, five-conductor (one-conductor shielded), 7.5’ coiled cable with sturdy strain relief 4-pin connector.
Pros
- Amplified 4-pin ceramic power CB mic suitable for Uniden and Cobra SSB/CB radios
- Grille screen electroplated with chrome
- Forged black rugged ABS housing
- A miniature version of the conventional Astatic D-104 desk mic
- Built-in ext gain control and transistor amplifier
- Adjustable frequency response range: 100Hz-10,000Hz
- 4-pin connector for full compatibility with Cobra and Uniden radios
- 1-year limited warranty from the manufacturer
- Matchless D-104 sound thanks to the transistorized amp and ceramic component
Cons
- A good number of users have reported that the sound quality is not up to the mark.
Mic for 980 #4 – Astatic 302-10036 RD104E
The Astatic 302-10036 RD104E Road Devil Noise-Cancelling Citizens Band (CB) Mic featuring a high-gain amp with electronic equalization guarantees crisp, clear two-way communication.
This Astatic RD104E CB microphone makes sure that you’re able to communicate even under noisy conditions. The ultimate in power microphone, the 302-10036 RD104E, allows you to hold it comfortably yet firmly in your hands for clear-cut conversations.
Housed inside a black polyurethane-coated steel framework, this mic is especially CB radios that don’t have mic gain control. Reinforced with Electret noise-canceling component ensure that you’re able to converse even in extremely loud surroundings and settings. In addition, the bright luminous red color of the mic of this mic makes it quite distinguishable, especially in dim conditions, thus ensuring you don’t miss calls.
The RD104E also has a built-in volume control button for enhancing power and amplifying the mic making your voice very audible. In addition, this Astatic mic is companionable with almost all CB radio models as it comes with a 6-wire cable and a 4-pin connector for trouble-free pairing.
Pros
- World-class amplified Electret noise-cancelling CB mic
- Ergonomically designed for sweeping handheld applications
- Appropriate for SSB -, ham -, and CB radio communications
- Includes a high-gain amp with digital equalization
- Polyurethane coated steel grille screen
- Heavy-duty molded red ABS housing
- 7.5’ durable and flexible coiled cord with strain relief at both ends
- Clamshell packaging for boosting durability
Cons
- Not pressing down hard on the talk down will cause the transmitter switch to get noisome, and the amp enhances the noisiness.
Mic for 980 #5 – Roadking RK56B
The RK56B from Roadking has been the go-to mic for professional drivers for over half a century, owing to its versatility. Like all other Roadking mobile communication gadgets and widgets, noise-canceling CB-mic keeps you in touch even in demanding situations.
The spot-on harmony of advanced technologies, practical capabilities, and industrial-grade durability makes the RK56B the default choice for CB communication.
The introduction of the very first Roadking mic can be traced back to the period when they created the interstate. Blending a rock-solid form with state-of-the-art noise-canceling technology, the Roadking RK56B is easily the favorite CB mic for seasoned truckers. This superlative noise-canceling mic comes encased in a black Cycolac scaffold and includes a flexible spiraled cord with a 4-pin connector.
Pros
- Top-class in-house wired noise-canceling for CB, SSB, and ham radio communication
- Works smoothly even in environments and settings where acute background/ambient noise is common
- 6-conductor black spiraled flexible cord with 4-pin screw-on connector for across-the-board compatibility
Cons
- The switches could have been of better quality
What Is Wrong With the Stock Bearcat 980 Microphone?
Most Uniden Bearcat 980 radio users have complained that the OEM mic leaves much to be desired.
Many truckers, professional CB and SSB operators, and ham radio users agree that the Bearcat’s mic does not feel solid. In addition, despite being a noise-canceling microphone, it falls short when reproducing crisp and clear audio like mass-produced microphones.
If you get the opportunity to check out the Uniden 980’s mic, you’ll probably find it replicating your voice poorly. Clarity does not work in your favor simply because you or rather your voice is barely audible. To make matters worse, raising your voice (almost on the verge of shouting) leads to dissonance.
Many truckers and radio operators have opined that aftermarket and non-OEM microphones perform better than the Bearcats. You need to scream into the mic to make yourself even remotely audible to the individual at the other end of the line owing to the highly reduced intonation capability. And quite amazingly, you can take away the microphone noise-canceling effect simply by cutting the paper at the mic’s back.
To say last but not least, if you want to make the most of the Uniden 980’s features, replace the stock mic with any of the products reviewed above.
Conclusion: The Best Microphone for Bearcat 980 Is…
If you’re looking for a practical reason to change the Uniden 980’s stock microphone, then you’ll find many. Perhaps the most plausible reason is that most professional truckers, CB, SSB, and ham radio users have found the OEM mic to be of inferior quality.
So you’ll be better replacing the Bearcat’s mic with any of the compatible microphones appraised above. Our winner? As we’ve already said above, we think that the BC804NC microphone is the best mic for Uniden 980 you can find on the market at the moment.