SE Electronics V7 X

I decided to buy this mic after a friend recommended it for recording electric guitar amps and snares.
After years using the sm57 I didn't think I would have found a replacement, but man! This one is a keeper!

It's got a firmer and less honky sound than the Shure and delivers a better result on most of the usual instruments you usually record with a 57.

What more could you want for 100 bucks? Highly recommended!

Sound quality is fine, and noise from handling is ok. The strong odor is from red painted windproof inside the capsule which actually can be removed but I use it as is to prevent sound coloration with the close mouth positioning. Just keeping the microphone in its soft case in a ventillated place :-) If the lights are turned off on stage, you will find it by smell

i enjoy this mic. especially for the snare drum. it has a little tighter polar patern, so the hi hat bleeds less in to the microphone. also, the frequency response is wider, i get little more stick attack does not need to be boosted as much in high mid-high fq area. Never used it for guitars, but i imagine it would work with no problemo. Its similiar to a beta57 in my opinion. Recommend it

I bought a bunch of these while working with a number of different groups and bands. I find i can push these further than i could ever push the 57 or anything at a similar standard. Professional sound on vocals, brass, sax, percussion, guitars. Maybe lacking in the high end but if you are looking for a vocal mic with a higher end then check out the V7 as thats probably more what you are looking for
Would recommend as lead mics or as backup mics

great work horse mic.

This beats its obvious competitor (sm57) in my opinion. Smooth sound and well built. Very good product.