V7 X

I’ve been ranting and raving about SE Electronics’ mics after I picked up a few variations of their line of dynamics (V7, V7X, V-Beat, V-Kick). I shot the V7X out on snare against a 57 and the 57 still blew the V7X out of the water, simply because there’s something to the crunchy crack of a 57 on a snare drum. The V7X sounded too… balanced? It didn’t help the snare cut through the mix like the 57 does. I’m still a big V7 shill, but there’s just some things that 57’s excel at.

I'm assuming you're not recording Harley's or birdsong like you stated in your post, and you have 48V phantom power if you're using condenser mics most likely. Disregard those answers maybe? The 57 that you have will be your best friend for live instruments if you're running through a PA system. If not, then the condensers are better for sure so long as you're close micing. If you're recording a live band/artist and they're going through a PA, you should use dynamic mics but if you aren't having issues with feedback, then the condenser will get the cleaner recording, even if you're going through the PA. The natural ambience of the room (chatter and whatnot) really can add to the vibe and realism but if you don't want that, go for all dynamics. I recommend the SE V7 over an SM58. They're the same price but one is just better. As far as instruments, an SM57 or SE V7x will work great. The 'instrument' mics leave the low end a little more natural from my understanding but it's worth looking into the specs. I'm a live/studio engineer of 20 years but there's always someone better so I'm open to suggestions from anyone with better ideas.

I'm assuming you're not recording Harley's or birdsong like you stated in your post, and you have 48V phantom power if you're using condenser mics most likely. Disregard those answers maybe? The 57 that you have will be your best friend for live instruments if you're running through a PA system. If not, then the condensers are better for sure so long as you're close micing. If you're recording a live band/artist and they're going through a PA, you should use dynamic mics but if you aren't having issues with feedback, then the condenser will get the cleaner recording, even if you're going through the PA. The natural ambience of the room (chatter and whatnot) really can add to the vibe and realism but if you don't want that, go for all dynamics. I recommend the SE V7 over an SM58. They're the same price but one is just better. As far as instruments, an SM57 or SE V7x will work great. The 'instrument' mics leave the low end a little more natural from my understanding but it's worth looking into the specs. I'm a live/studio engineer of 20 years but there's always someone better so I'm open to suggestions from anyone with better ideas.

The i5 and sE v7x are my go to for snare top. If I have both, i5 on bottom, and you cant get a better sound than both of those through a 312 and an 1776. Just, *chefs kiss*

The sE v7x being the best of them imho. But, to make it clear, I still use the crap out of some sm57's lol

I like the SE V7. The wired mic and capsule for wireless are pretty budget-friendly.

try super cardiod mics like the se v7 or even shure beta 58a. have your drummer tape his cymbals. turn guitars and bass down on stage. use in ear monitor. project your voice more but not like you are doing to hurt yourself etc