Ready2Talk PA62 vs PA63 vs PA64: Which Installed PA System?

Short answer: if you need one microphone and want the lowest price, buy the PA62. If you need two microphones, variable music muting or an AUX input, buy the PA64. The PA63 sits between them and is being phased out by Ready2Talk; we still have several in stock, and while they last it is a good buy if you want the 4 x 50W amp with a single mic.

All three are installed units for vans, minibuses and coaches. They wire into your existing stereo and speakers and are normally fitted by an auto electrician or installer, usually below the dash console.

Main differences

Feature	PA62	PA63	PA64
Amplifier	4 x 30W Class D	4 x 50W	4 x 50W
Design	Flow-through: stereo passes to speakers, amp only powers up when the mic is on	Amp runs continuously for music and mic	Amp runs continuously for music and mic
Stereo input	Speaker level only	Speaker level or RCA	Speaker level or RCA
Microphone inputs	One	One	Two
Music muting	100% mechanical cut-off (relay) when mic is keyed	Full cut-off when mic is keyed	User variable, 0 to 100%
Talk over music	No	No	Yes
AUX input	None	None	3.5mm AUX input
RF / noise suppression	RF suppression built in, plus filter chokes on both power leads. Amp is off unless the mic is on, so two-way radios and GPS trackers can't interfere	Three levels of vehicle noise suppression	RF suppression built in from Ver. 2.5, covering GPS trackers and two-way radios
Availability	Current model	Being phased out, limited stock	Current model
Price (incl. GST)	$630.00	$739.05	$847.00
Ideal use	One driver or commentator, budget install	One driver or commentator, noisier vehicles	Driver plus commentator, or a passenger mic for questions

What they share

• Designed and built by Ready2Talk in Canada specifically for the tourism industry
• Same case size, so the PA FMP flush mounting plate fits all three
• Take the full Ready2Talk 6-series microphone range: HS36T wired headset, HS BT4 Bluetooth headset, PSM4C hand mic, PHM6C hand mic, HM BT4 Bluetooth hand mic and GN17C gooseneck
• Use the vehicle's existing speakers and leave the stereo free
• Connect to factory or aftermarket stereos; plug-and-play T harnesses are available for popular vehicles including Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit
• If the driver or commentator runs a Bluetooth headset, we recommend a wired headset as backup for flat batteries
• Mounting plates for a cabin-based wired mic socket are available, or skip the cables and go Bluetooth

Which one should you buy? Two questions

Ready2Talk's own advice comes down to two questions, and we agree with it:

1. Will you ever want two microphones at once? If yes, PA64. If no, a PA62 will do.
2. Will you ever want to play music and talk at the same time? If yes, PA64. If no, a PA62 will do.

The PA64 is the full-featured unit. The PA62 is the value option: it does less, but what it does it does well.

• Buy the PA62 if one microphone is enough and you want the simplest, lowest-cost install. Music from the stereo flows straight through to the speakers; key the mic and an internal relay cuts the music, powers up the amp and sends the mic to the speakers. Release it and the music returns. Because the amp is only live while the mic is on, external noise isn't an issue. The mic can also be pre-set to favour the rear speakers so the guests hear the commentary and the driver isn't shouted at.
• Buy the PA63 if you want the 4 x 50W amp, RCA input and three levels of vehicle noise suppression for a louder vehicle, but still only need one mic. Being phased out; we have several in stock and they won't be replaced once gone.
• Buy the PA64 if you need two microphones (driver plus commentator, or a passenger hand mic for questions), want to duck background music rather than kill it, or need the 3.5mm AUX input for a pre-recorded commentary track or iPad.

FAQs

Is the PA63 being discontinued?
Yes. Ready2Talk is phasing it out and the PA62 is the replacement single-mic model. We have limited PA63 stock in Auckland and will support them as normal.

Why is the PA62 cheaper than the PA63?
Different design. The PA63 and PA64 run their amplifier all the time for both music and mic. The PA62 is a flow-through unit: the four speaker channels run in and out through it, and its amp only powers up when the mic is keyed. That means no variable muting, no RCA input and one mic input, but a simpler, lower-cost box.

Will a two-way radio or GPS tracker interfere with it?
Not on current units. The PA64 has had RF suppression built in since Ver. 2.5, which deals with GPS trackers and two-way radios. The PA62 has it too, and because its amp is only powered while the mic is on, it's never live at the same time as the radio anyway. The HS36T and 46T-series headsets also carry RF suppression.

Can the PA62 work as an intercom?
Yes. Two PA62 units connect with a Ready2Talk link cable to make a two-way intercom, with the primary unit controlling the secondary to prevent mic feedback. Each area keeps its own volume control. It suits ambulances and vehicles with separate enclosed seating areas. The PA64 can also be configured as a two-way intercom. Contact us for the link cable and suitable mics.

Can I run two Bluetooth microphones on one system?
Only on the PA64. Its two mic inputs let the driver wear a Bluetooth headset while a passenger uses a Bluetooth hand mic.

Do these need professional installation?
Normally yes. They wire into vehicle power and the stereo, so most operators use an auto electrician. If you want a plug-in, no-install option instead, look at the PA6 plug-in system or the portable JB6.

Will my old PA5-series headset work?
No. The PA62, PA63 and PA64 use the 6-series mics (HS36T, PHM6C, BT4 range). PA5-series mics such as the HS30M won't work on them; on the PA62 in particular, only a 6-series mic will switch the relay and power up the amp.

How fast will it ship?
If it shows in stock, it dispatches from our Auckland warehouse within 1 business day.

Not sure which fits your vehicle? Get in touch and we'll talk it through.