AKG
AKG C636
Handheld cardioid electret condenser vocal mic with double shock suspension and multilayer pop protection
Power Phantom 48 V ±4 V (IEC 61938).
- Type
- Condenser (electret)
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −45 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 18%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 42%
- Self-noise
- 20 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 23%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 23%
- Max SPL
- 150 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 92%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 91%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 14 handheld condensers
More output than 77% of 14 handheld condensers.
Each stripe is one handheld condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 12 handheld condensers
Quieter than 64% of 12 handheld condensers.
Each stripe is one handheld condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 14 handheld condensers
Takes louder sound than 69% of 14 handheld condensers.
Each stripe is one handheld condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the quick guide, p. 2.
Titled "Frequenzgang / Frequency response"; axes "amplitude [dB]" and "frequency [Hz]". Angle, distance, room and smoothing not stated (taken as on axis).
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the quick guide, p. 2.
Titled "Polardiagramm / Polar diagram"; full circle, 0° at the top; rings labelled "0dB", "-10dB", "-20dB" (10 dB per ring, -30 dB at the centre). Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 3/4-inch back-electret condenser, 24-carat gold-plated"24-CARAT GOLD-PLATED CAPSULE" (p. 1). | p. 2 |
| Sensitivity | −45 dBV/Pa (5.6 mV/Pa)1 kHz. "5.6 mV/Pa (-45 dBV)"; the quick guide: "Sensitivity at 1000 Hz, re 1 V/Pa 5.6 mV/Pa". | |
| Self-noise | 20 dB(A)to IEC 60268-4. The quick guide prints the standard as "IEC 60286-4". | |
| Max SPL | 150 dB SPL0.5% THD; also 150 dB SPL, 1% THD (quick guide). "MAX. SPL FOR 0.5 % THD: 150 dB"; the quick guide gives the same 150 dB "for 1% THD". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 74 dBA-weighted, re 1 Pa | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohmmaximum. "≤ 200 ohms"; the quick guide: "200 ohms". | |
| Rated load impedance | 2000 ohmminimum, recommended. "≥ 2000 ohms". | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V ±4 V (IEC 61938) | |
| Current draw | 4 mAmaximum. "≤ 4 mA". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (pin 2 hot) | |
| Weight | 312 gnet. "312 g (11 oz.)"; the quick guide agrees. | |
| Dimensions | 51 × 185 mmDiameter × length. | |
| Supplied accessories | SA61 stand adapter; zip bag"IN THE BOX: C636 microphone, Zip bag, SA61 stand adapter". | |
| Bass cut | 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave | |
| Temperature range | -10 °C to +60 °C | |
| Housing | Zinc-alloy housing, spring-steel grille | p. 1 |
| Suspension and pop protection | Double shock suspension (absorbent rubber and an adjustable balancing network); 3-layer pop protection | |
| Shipping weight | 450 g (15.9 oz.) | p. 2 |
| Box dimensions | 25.5 × 8 × 8 cm | |
| Versions | C636 (UPC 885038039426) and C636 BLK (UPC 885038040125) | |
| From the other | ||
| Item number | 3439X00020 | p. 1 |
| Replacement parts | Capsule 2003Z00130 (mounted 5061985); windscreen 5068871; wire-mesh cap 5074397; handle 5074398 | |
Documents
- C636 Master Reference Condenser Vocal Microphone, cut sheet
- C636 Master Reference Condenser Vocal Microphone, quick user guideDE, EN, ES, FR
- C636 service manualspare parts
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.