AKG C636 BLK

If you are looking for an affordable, but really good high-end condenser vocal microphones, the selection is manageable. In addition to the Neumann KMS and the Shure KSM I came across the C636 from AKG, which makes curious because of its cheaper price. It is the successor of the legendary and extremely successful C535 with professional modern features. Why it is my hot tip for singers, you will learn now.

FIRST IMPRESSION
In addition to a multilingual quick guide (including German), the compact pack contains a high-quality padded bag with a microphone and a microphone clip. The clamp is housed in a separate compartment with zipper always at hand and can not be lost. At the microphone she sits taut and stable, so live-fit. Underneath is - well padded and protected - the C636.

THE SMALL BLACK
The microphone weighs 327 grams (weighed with a kitchen scale) and is well balanced and full in the hand. The black die-cast housing makes a very robust impression and promises a long reliable use on stages. The grid capsule is made of extremely robust spring steel, which has a higher strength compared to other steels. The capacitor capsule is thus well protected.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE
Inside, the microfibre mesh is lined with special foam that acts as a pop-protection and protects the capsule from moist pronunciation. Of course, other microphones have that, too. If you unscrew the grid, however, another very fine mesh metal windshield comes to light, which also helps to keep the sound free of hissing and popplugging. He holds magnetically on the microphone, an impressively elegant solution.

LESS GRIPS THANKS TO DOUBLE DAMPING
Underneath, the 24-carat gold-plated microphone capsule appears, which is suspended twice (!) With a springy damping. Thus, the sensitive capacitor capsule is well protected from shocks, such as a built-in microphone spider. So the C636 better from annoying noise, as all comparable microphones. Minimized handle noise and no rumble (a basscut switch can lower frequencies below 80 Hz). That pays off especially live, where one often holds a micro in the hand.

THE SOUND
Let's get to the most important thing: the sound. It is impeccably clear, remains impressively linear and transparent over a wide frequency response. Only a slight increase of about 4 dB by 8 KHz helps the sound to a little more assertive freshness. The C636 reproduces vocals and speech in high definition and with the best speech intelligibility. It will not, as with other models, distorted frequency response to nice color. The AKG C636 is really a microphone for professionals!
Of course it always depends on the interpreter, how comfortable he feels with the sound of his voice. But just because the C636 sounds very authentic, it's my tip for singers. Just give it a try and impress the colleagues who prefer more expensive brand logos;)

STUDIO FIT
The sound of the C636 is so good that I can even recommend it for recording in the studio. No wonder in the genes: top producer Michael Wagener (White Lion, Skid Row, Extreme, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Dokken) has often used the predecessor C535 in the amp acceptance of many top bands. Just his clarity and honest reproduction is an absolute plus.

CONCLUSION
An elegant and at the same time robust microphone with high-resolution condenser capsule, effectively doubly muffled against handling noises, hissing and popplugging with high feedback security makes the AKG C636 the ideal live microphone and even the secret tip for studio recording.