vs

$629

$399

The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals. Its wide frequency ... more

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Experts recommend Shure SM7B more than AKG C636

As of 3 Jan 2025, experts prefer Shure SM7B over AKG C636, but both Microphones have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Shure SM7B received 3 recommendations: from MusicTech (6 Apr 2022), Music Radar (26 Jun 2024) and PianoDreamers (25 Jan 2023). By contrast, AKG C636 received only 1 recommendation from Music Radar (26 Jun 2024).

Rank	Change	Price	Microphone	IGN	PCMag	MusicTech	Music Radar	PianoDreamers	PC Gamer	SoundGuys	CNN Underscored	Tom's Guide	Wirecutter
8	-1	$399	Shure SM7B The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.	-	-	10	12	8	-	-	-	-	-
62	N/A	$629	AKG C636	-	-	-	14	-	-	-	-	-	-

Curious to see this month's entire Microphones ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

On 26 Jun 2024

Music Radar ranked Shure SM7B as #12 and AKG C636 as #14

Rank	Microphone	Comment
...	...	...
#12 out of 22	Shure SM7B	The best for recording vocals in untreated rooms
...	...	...
#14 out of 22	AKG C636	The best studio microphone for master reference
...	...	...

Source: www.musicradar.com

On 6 Apr 2022 MusicTech ranked Shure SM7B as #10

Rank Microphone

... ...

#10 out of 15 Shure SM7B

... ...

Source: www.musictech.net
On 25 Jan 2023 PianoDreamers ranked Shure SM7B as #8

Rank Microphone Comment

... ... ...

#8 out of 11 Shure SM7B
Best known as MJ's Vocal Mic

... ... ...

Source: www.pianodreamers.com

After counting and adding up the 92 expert endorsements of the January rankings, Shure SM7B outranks AKG C636. This is not to say that AKG C636 is a bad option. Like Shure SM7B, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.

As can be seen below, Shure SM7B is mentioned by key experts in Jan 2025, while AKG C636 is not.

Rank	Change	Price	Microphone	IGN	PCMag	MusicTech	Music Radar	PianoDreamers	PC Gamer	SoundGuys	CNN Underscored	Tom's Guide	Wirecutter
1	-	$100	Blue Yeti The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile and durable device with four directional patterns, a built-in headphone jack, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and software, making it a popular choice among content creators, podcasters, and gamers.	-	-	11	-	-	-	-	1	1	-
2	-	$99	Shure SM57 The Shure SM57 microphone is highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, durability, versatility, and compatibility, making it a popular choice among musicians, producers, and recording engineers for capturing instruments and vocals in various live and studio settings.	-	-	-	1	1	-	-	-	-	-
3	-	$120	Elgato Wave 3 The Elgato Wave 3 is a versatile and reliable USB microphone designed for content creators, podcasters, and live streamers, featuring a cardioid polar pattern, two connectivity options, advanced features, and compatibility with both PC and Mac.	8	-	-	-	-	-	1	3	-	-
4	+12	$279	Shure MV7 Plus	5	7	-	-	-	6	-	-	3	-
5	-1	Check price	Blue Yeti X	1	-	-	-	-	-	2	-	-	-
6	-1	$149	Shure MV6	-	-	-	-	-	1	-	-	4	-
7	-1	$297	SteelSeries Alias Pro	3	4	-	-	-	7	-	-	-	-
8	-1	$399	Shure SM7B The Shure SM7B is a highly regarded dynamic microphone that delivers exceptional sound quality, particularly for recording vocals, with its wide frequency response range, flat frequency response, presence boost, and effective noise isolation.	-	-	10	12	8	-	-	-	-	-
9	-1	$35	Razer Seiren Mini The Razer Seiren Mini microphone is praised for its sound quality, directionality, and compatibility, making it a highly recommended choice for clear and focused audio recording in various applications.	-	-	-	-	-	2	5	-	-	-
10	-1	$186	Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set The Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set is a USB microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, and several useful features, making it a great choice for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.	-	3	-	-	-	4	-	-	-	-
14	-	$119	HyperX QuadCast S The HyperX QuadCast S is a versatile and reliable USB microphone suitable for podcasting, streaming, gaming, and vocal recording, with four polar patterns, built-in pop filter and noise reduction technology, and two connectivity options.	6	-	-	-	-	5	-	-	-	-
15	-	$279	Shure MV7 The Shure MV7 microphone is a versatile and adaptable option for podcasters, streamers, and content creators, offering excellent sound quality, noise-cancelling capabilities, and connectivity options.	-	-	4	8	-	-	-	-	-	-
16	+1	Check price	Rode NT1 The Rode NT1 is a high-quality studio condenser microphone with a wide frequency response range, low self-noise, cardioid polar pattern, dual connectivity options, and durable construction, making it a versatile and reliable choice for recording vocals and acoustic guitars.	-	6	-	6	-	-	-	-	-	-
17	+1	$449	Electro-Voice RE20 The Electro-Voice RE20 is a dynamic broadcast microphone with exceptional sound quality, advanced noise reduction features, and a wide frequency range, making it a versatile and reliable choice for professional audio recording and broadcasting applications.	-	-	8	13	-	-	-	-	-	-
18	+1	$3595	Neumann U87 Ai The Neumann U87 Ai is a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that delivers warm, crystal-clear, and detailed sound quality, making it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic guitar, and spot microphones for individual instruments in a sound-treated recording space.	-	-	13	-	11	-	-	-	-	-
Show all rows

Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [6]

90

Total expert reviews: 6

with a score: 1
without a score: 5

Highest score by Music Radar	90
Average score based on 6 reviews	90
Lowest score by Music Radar	90

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [36]

141

Total expert reviews: 36

with a score: 10
without a score: 26

Highest score by Music Radar	460
Average score based on 36 reviews	141
Lowest score by Music Critic	86

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

From Seller:

Audio Analog or digital: Analog Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Max SPL: 150 dB Connectivity: XLR Pattern and type Capsule: Electret condenser Polar pattern: Cardioid Type: Handheld Applications: Stage, studio Diaphragm size: 3/4 in. Switches: Pads tp -20dB, LP, HP Phantom power required: Yes Included accessories Case: Pouch Clip: Yes Shockmount: No Power supply: No
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From Seller:

ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting & Streaming. The SM7B Is Trusted By The Worlds Leading Vocalists, Podcasters & Streamers.
STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response Produces Exceptionally Clean & Natural Reproduction Of Both Music & Speech.
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