Interesting. Looking at the V7 and the XM8500 to my podcast. Currently using a borrowed Sterling ST59. But I need a dynamic mic, as the room is really bad with outside sounds. Watched your review of the V7, and now this (unfortunately I don't have access to the V7X in Brazil, only the V7). Was thinking about starting with the XM8500, and later making the jump to a better mic, something along the lines of the Rode Procaster. But when you say that the V7 is slowly becoming one of your favorites.... Decisions, decisions.
@@falkowski83 I didn't demonstrate the off axis rejection because dynamics in a quiet room all sound similar but the extended frequency range really fills out the signal and gives it a natural tone. I really like that.
Been playing with this microphone for a few days, it rocks. It's like a Shure Beta 57A but better at both the low end and high end. For the price I'm impressed. Great mic.
Great video as usual! One of my favorite things about this channel is the tests of somewhat unusual gear (or usual gear in unusual applications?) and the explanations that go along with them. When I watch your videos I feel like I've learned something more than just "oh this guy thinks this microphone is/isn't very good." If you're taking suggestions for videos, how about one on matching microphones to voices?
Thanks so much for your review you inspired me to get my own copy . I recieved it yesterday .I use to have the V7 but I actually prefer the V7x for vocals.. because I play outside . Lately its been ultra windy so I brought an extra wind foam mic cover. The mic sounds very good. Very open sounding . Has a great frequency response. Captures the sweet spot especially the high end. Really detailed sound and crisp without sounding harsh. I'm really enjoying singing through this mic. Well done SE Electronics.
I know I am late to the party, but great review of the V7X. I had not tried the V7X for vocal, but I will try it tomorrow! Full disclosure, I am an sE Artist and have a range of their microphones - and why did I go down the route of sE Electronics... I don't know a company that can match them for price to performance, pretty much throughout the range! Keep up the good work!
Great review thanks for the objectivity! I like the fact that you are very knowledgeable and have vast experience with recording! Really impressive engineering went into that and it is hard to believe the price considering the build/sound quality. I actually prefer the super/hyper cardioid patterned microphones in many cases. One downside is that the proximity effect can be excessive comparatively to standard cardioids so you have to be cognizant of that fact. Based on your audio, it really does have a smooth warm extended condenser like vibe going. Based on the frequency response graphs, they knew what they were doing on this and the V7. I like that it sounds great 5 or 6 inches away as that is far more comfortable for recording. Thank you!
Nice review Allen. I'm interested in the V7. I know they're apples and oranges, but I'd love to hear how it compares to the CAD M179 (in the Supercardioid pattern.)
The biggest thing to note is that the m179 is a condenser while the V7 is a dynamic. Dynamics are typically better at background noise rejection than condensers but condensers are better at pulling out the detail of your voice than a dynamic would. If in a treated space, a pro voice over artist would get better results from the m179 but if in an untreated room or trying to limit outside sounds, go V7. At least, that's what I would do.
I feel like I never heard of sE Electronics until about two years ago. I've been a fan of Shure and Sennheiser microphones. So, how would the V7 compare with the Beta58 or the e945? Maybe this can be a future Masked Mics episode.
I've already thought of that and yes, it's likely to happen. I like the sound of the Evolution Sennheiser mics and the V7 is no different. I'm partial to supercardioid dynamics personally and the Beta 58A was the first dynamic supercardioid I purchased. Honestly though, they have different sounds and it's a matter of preference.
Great review. Picking up this mic as I have a baritone voice that nonetheless needs a little help in the low end. Will see how it goes, but I'm optimistic.
I got this V7x, very nice design. I purchased it to test against my Senheisser e935. The main issue I experienced is very sensitive to plosives & proximity effect.
Hi, I want to record my written poetry professionally. Suggest me a good audio interface and microphone. But my room is not sound proof. The sound from outside comes inside our room. If I use Audio Technica 2035 mic and Shuru SM 58, then what will be the difference between the two? And which audio interface would be better for ShureSM 58. In which there is no noise and the quality is also good at the time of recording.
@@SoundSpeeds Sir, if I use the original Shure SM 58 mic With Universal Volt 1 Audio Interface. Can I get a good recording? Noise will not come in the recording ? Will I get crisp sound quality?
You can get a good recording. Dynamic mics are less "crisp" than condensers but the SM58 will be better in an untreated space and that's king. You need to control your background noise and get it quiet prior to recording but yes, you can
I've done various experiments with cheapie dynamics and finally come to the conclusion that the SE V7x is great for spoken word... I like it with a thin foam windshield and an eq boost around 150Hz, but even without those it has a good clear and warm sound. And of course the fact that it is supercardioid means that us amateurs working in untreated rooms in our homes can get good results.
Sounds like a great mic. In your opinion, dynamics or shotguns are the best for conventions/loud places? I am looking for a mic to record in noisy conditions just in this price range(100 bucks or less). Can you recommend me anything better than this or I should buy this one?
I'll start with two above your price range that you might search for used. My favorite MOS (Man on the Street) interview mic is the Electro-Voice RE50 but then EV went and made it better with the RE50N/D-B. It's a wonderful sounding diverse mic that's rugged AF with a higher output because fo the neodymium magnet. It's omnidriectional so it's very forgiving when you use it. You can check it out at this link: amzn.to/2J4lubA Another great mic around the same $200 new price point is the Sennheiser MD46. Unlike the omnidirectional RE50, the MD46 is a cardioid so it rejects out more off axis sounds better but the mic will only pull out who it's pointed at. It's also build really well and has a long handle. Check it out here: amzn.to/2XFj6S8 Now, Around the $100 price point I think that either the sE V7 (geni.us/sEV7) or V7X (geni.us/sEV7X) are great mics to consider as is the Shure Shure VP64A for under $80: amzn.to/2J5kBQ6 It's not as pretty of a microphone but it works great! Note, these are all my affiliate links URLs. You may be able to get a hold of an EV 635A dynamic for around $100 but it would be used. I have two of the higher output ND-B models and they are great.
@@kacpermarczukiewicz3079 Certainly! I didn't mention the Shure SM57/58, in case you're wondering, for a reason. I think there's better options for handheld mic style interviews.
Been looking at the V7 for double duty podcast and some live singing vocals. I know the V7 is the "vocal" mic, but for some reason the extended response of the V7x makes more sense to me. I'd rather get more and cut eq than miss sound and have to boost eq... Tell me if you think I'm wrong!
I got the v7x and compared it to the shure beta58a. I found the 58 to be more powerful sounding in terms of both mics were on the same EQ setting and I just swapped the cable. Do you thing the v7 will be better for more power
Thank you. Yeah, part of that openness comes from reproducing air frequencies better but still... the combination of things that made this mic works very well. I like it a lot. Thanks for watching.
Hey Allen, I have a question. In your career so far have you had a low hum in your mics while working on location, and discovered that it was a home alarm system? I do, in the duplex I rent. Not hum in the power lines, as I operate tests with a Zoom H5 on batteries, and I tested the outlets for grounding. I'd like to get an end-address dynamic mic like EV RE27N/D at some point but.... this hum... I was about to write Heil service, and especially to EV because their mics contain some humbucking elements, to find out if they have some information. Then I thought of your experience so I'd ask you as well. No hum: AT-2035; AT875r short shotgun; CAD Equitek E-200. Hum: AKG C4000B, Rode Procaster. I walk outside my door and all the hums stop. * Rode has been awesome! I sent them my Procaster and they had no problems with it and they still stepped above and beyond in their settlement of my case. Be well, good luck in everything.
Does the hum change if you touch the mic? Try what I cover in this video: czcams.com/video/pxnI5vv9Yb8/video.html If that doesn't work, record me some samples and email them to me
@@SoundSpeeds Watched that, and the Neutrik EMC video, I now have homework to do!! Good stuff. You've given me this today: So I should think differently, just because the alarm system in my home is MY issue, I should realize that it is just one source of RFI among many that we encounter, in the wider picture. My tests are direct to Zoom H5 on batteries with a new, short Mogami XLR cable. I'm focused on the single low hum, but you're right, I have an MXL 990 that is the full spread interference like your video as I hold the metal case and walk around inside it only grows worse. Thank you, Allen.
Something to check - is the ground pin from the XLR connected to the microphone housing? (compare this to the microphones without the hum) - you can test it with an ohmmeter. Is the hum 60 Hz? I have seen transformers in close proximity to XLR cables impart hum on some microphones and not others. Typically an inductive coupling causes the hum. I'll say it is rare with battery powered electronics but clearly there is a source radiating low frequencies inside your duplex if it disappears when you leave. Sometimes when an electronic product has power supply capacitors beginning to fail they leak and no longer filter the incoming AC very well so you could always try unplugging different appliances, etc. and see if any of those cause the hum to disappear. I had this happen with a computer monitor that was radiating 60 Hz to my USB DAC. I took it apart and replaced all of the electrolytic capacitors and the problem went away. I would not discount the ground as the ground wire can still act like an antenna and radiate 60 Hz hum depending on what is connected to the line - i.e. neighbors with suspect electronics. Short of having twisted pair of conductors for the AC L & N wires (extremely unlikely), you are not going to prevent 60 Hz coupling to the ground wire due to proximity in the romex jacket. The other thing to try is to use star quad wire for the microphone interconnect cable - either Mogami or my preferred Canary (it maintains flexibility over time better in my experience). This will at least reduce noise coupling to your XLR cable - I don't recall exactly but believe it was a 6 dB improvement over standard twisted pair. Good luck!
Its my favorite mic, sounds less muddy. I change microphone mesh to chinese mesh for shure mics, and do some eq. I always talk very close to mic because its simpler for me, so less 80hz and more 2.5 khz on my behringer mixer do some magic, its starts sounds very broadcasty.
Great sounding mic! I agree that often, instrument mics sound good on the voice. I love the Shure SM57 on spoken word and singing, and prefer it to the SM58. I find the 57 has better high-frequency response which helps intelligibility. It is one of my favorite choices for a lectern mic (only thing is the plastic grill doesn’t shield very well against EMI so it can pick up hum from power or lighting ballast depending on placement)
Sound Speeds That is FANTASTIC information. I had to replace a mic for an installed sound system that was an SM57 with a Sennheiser E835 because of the hum that the 57 picked up. I chose the E835 because it has a humbucking coil. It fixed the hum problem but I thought the 57 sounded better and more natural.
@@nickr5213 A quick search on my phone didn't yield any. It wasn't an official Shure product but worked well. Also, if you haven't watched it, watch this video: czcams.com/video/pxnI5vv9Yb8/video.html
If the explosives r that bad than u should take out the built in wind screen, that doesnt really work anyway n either not use one or use a screen. Altho some mics sound better with the foam wind screen on the outside. The big fat ones. Sounds great on ur voice also.
What was that you said? You like stickers!!!! PS: the v7 has slowly been becoming one of my favorite dynamics.
Unlike some other reviewers. Yeah, I have a drawers full of them going way back. They are reminders of my life but take up little space.
Interesting. Looking at the V7 and the XM8500 to my podcast. Currently using a borrowed Sterling ST59. But I need a dynamic mic, as the room is really bad with outside sounds. Watched your review of the V7, and now this (unfortunately I don't have access to the V7X in Brazil, only the V7). Was thinking about starting with the XM8500, and later making the jump to a better mic, something along the lines of the Rode Procaster. But when you say that the V7 is slowly becoming one of your favorites....
Decisions, decisions.
@@falkowski83 I didn't demonstrate the off axis rejection because dynamics in a quiet room all sound similar but the extended frequency range really fills out the signal and gives it a natural tone. I really like that.
Been playing with this microphone for a few days, it rocks. It's like a Shure Beta 57A but better at both the low end and high end. For the price I'm impressed. Great mic.
I really like it too. Much more pleasant than a Shure SM57 or Beta 57A to my ears.
Great video as usual! One of my favorite things about this channel is the tests of somewhat unusual gear (or usual gear in unusual applications?) and the explanations that go along with them. When I watch your videos I feel like I've learned something more than just "oh this guy thinks this microphone is/isn't very good."
If you're taking suggestions for videos, how about one on matching microphones to voices?
Good idea. I'll add that to my list.
Thanks so much for your review you inspired me to get my own copy . I recieved it yesterday .I use to have the V7 but I actually prefer the V7x for vocals.. because I play outside . Lately its been ultra windy so I brought an extra wind foam mic cover.
The mic sounds very good. Very open sounding . Has a great frequency response. Captures the sweet spot especially the high end. Really detailed sound and crisp without sounding harsh.
I'm really enjoying singing through this mic. Well done SE Electronics.
Sorry meant to say really detailed sound ' lol
Awesome and I agree. The extra little boost in the highs probably helps with the extra windscreen too.
@@SoundSpeeds Yes indeed it does
If you haven't purchased yet, please consider using the affiliate links below.
This was an awesome video & review! 😁
Cheers 🍻
Thank you for watching!
I know I am late to the party, but great review of the V7X. I had not tried the V7X for vocal, but I will try it tomorrow!
Full disclosure, I am an sE Artist and have a range of their microphones - and why did I go down the route of sE Electronics... I don't know a company that can match them for price to performance, pretty much throughout the range!
Keep up the good work!
Thanks. Let me know what you think.
Great review Allen! Side note, I think you should make your CZcams backdrop set out of stickers from your drawer!
Wouldn't sound as good anymore otherwise I might.
Great review thanks for the objectivity! I like the fact that you are very knowledgeable and have vast experience with recording! Really impressive engineering went into that and it is hard to believe the price considering the build/sound quality. I actually prefer the super/hyper cardioid patterned microphones in many cases. One downside is that the proximity effect can be excessive comparatively to standard cardioids so you have to be cognizant of that fact. Based on your audio, it really does have a smooth warm extended condenser like vibe going. Based on the frequency response graphs, they knew what they were doing on this and the V7. I like that it sounds great 5 or 6 inches away as that is far more comfortable for recording. Thank you!
I completely agree. I never like being right up on a mic - even dynamics.
Great review 👍🏻👍🏻 Thanks
Thank you. :-)
Nice review Allen. I'm interested in the V7. I know they're apples and oranges, but I'd love to hear how it compares to the CAD M179 (in the Supercardioid pattern.)
The biggest thing to note is that the m179 is a condenser while the V7 is a dynamic. Dynamics are typically better at background noise rejection than condensers but condensers are better at pulling out the detail of your voice than a dynamic would. If in a treated space, a pro voice over artist would get better results from the m179 but if in an untreated room or trying to limit outside sounds, go V7. At least, that's what I would do.
Interesting how some instruments mics sound great on vocals . My daughters used the shure Beta 57a. I think I'll also order this one. Sounds great
I think so too. Please consider using the link in the description when you buy.
I feel like I never heard of sE Electronics until about two years ago. I've been a fan of Shure and Sennheiser microphones. So, how would the V7 compare with the Beta58 or the e945? Maybe this can be a future Masked Mics episode.
I've already thought of that and yes, it's likely to happen. I like the sound of the Evolution Sennheiser mics and the V7 is no different. I'm partial to supercardioid dynamics personally and the Beta 58A was the first dynamic supercardioid I purchased. Honestly though, they have different sounds and it's a matter of preference.
Great review. Picking up this mic as I have a baritone voice that nonetheless needs a little help in the low end. Will see how it goes, but I'm optimistic.
Let me know your thoughts.
Did you end up liking for the V7 for your baritone voice for spoken words? I'm thinking about getting one but not sure...
The V7 is wonderful.
Do you also have a review on the V7?
Thanks for posting, regardless 😊
No, sorry.
I got this V7x, very nice design. I purchased it to test against my Senheisser e935. The main issue I experienced is very sensitive to plosives & proximity effect.
Yeah but that's a minor thing and only really a concern if you talk straight into it point blank. Thanks for watching.
Hi, I want to record my written poetry professionally. Suggest me a good audio interface and microphone. But my room is not sound proof. The sound from outside comes inside our room. If I use Audio Technica 2035 mic and Shuru SM 58, then what will be the difference between the two? And which audio interface would be better for ShureSM 58. In which there is no noise and the quality is also good at the time of recording.
No interface will fix the acoustics but something like an SSL2 or 2+ would do you well with the the SM 58.
czcams.com/video/emRQZM8-Nf0/video.html
@@SoundSpeeds Sir, if I use the original Shure SM 58 mic With Universal Volt 1 Audio Interface. Can I get a good recording? Noise will not come in the recording ? Will I get crisp sound quality?
You can get a good recording. Dynamic mics are less "crisp" than condensers but the SM58 will be better in an untreated space and that's king. You need to control your background noise and get it quiet prior to recording but yes, you can
I've done various experiments with cheapie dynamics and finally come to the conclusion that the SE V7x is great for spoken word... I like it with a thin foam windshield and an eq boost around 150Hz, but even without those it has a good clear and warm sound. And of course the fact that it is supercardioid means that us amateurs working in untreated rooms in our homes can get good results.
The V7 doesn't please me as much as the V7x for spoken word - but I may be about to come round to it for singing!
Good to know. Thanks!
Sounds like a great mic.
In your opinion, dynamics or shotguns are the best for conventions/loud places?
I am looking for a mic to record in noisy conditions just in this price range(100 bucks or less).
Can you recommend me anything better than this or I should buy this one?
Are you overheard micing or doing interviews and need a handheld?
@@SoundSpeeds I am talking about handheld interviews style of work. I were using Rode NTG and it worked quite great and I'm considering dynamic.
I'll start with two above your price range that you might search for used. My favorite MOS (Man on the Street) interview mic is the Electro-Voice RE50 but then EV went and made it better with the RE50N/D-B. It's a wonderful sounding diverse mic that's rugged AF with a higher output because fo the neodymium magnet. It's omnidriectional so it's very forgiving when you use it. You can check it out at this link: amzn.to/2J4lubA
Another great mic around the same $200 new price point is the Sennheiser MD46. Unlike the omnidirectional RE50, the MD46 is a cardioid so it rejects out more off axis sounds better but the mic will only pull out who it's pointed at. It's also build really well and has a long handle. Check it out here: amzn.to/2XFj6S8
Now, Around the $100 price point I think that either the sE V7 (geni.us/sEV7) or V7X (geni.us/sEV7X) are great mics to consider as is the Shure Shure VP64A for under $80: amzn.to/2J5kBQ6 It's not as pretty of a microphone but it works great! Note, these are all my affiliate links URLs. You may be able to get a hold of an EV 635A dynamic for around $100 but it would be used. I have two of the higher output ND-B models and they are great.
@@SoundSpeeds Amazing answer. Thank you.
@@kacpermarczukiewicz3079 Certainly! I didn't mention the Shure SM57/58, in case you're wondering, for a reason. I think there's better options for handheld mic style interviews.
Been looking at the V7 for double duty podcast and some live singing vocals. I know the V7 is the "vocal" mic, but for some reason the extended response of the V7x makes more sense to me. I'd rather get more and cut eq than miss sound and have to boost eq... Tell me if you think I'm wrong!
Depends on what your goal is. The V7 is very good and full but the V7X adds a bit more presence if you need it. Ideally you'd rather not have to EQ
I got the v7x and compared it to the shure beta58a. I found the 58 to be more powerful sounding in terms of both mics were on the same EQ setting and I just swapped the cable. Do you thing the v7 will be better for more power
I don't think so because the Bata is tough to beat. It would be close but power wise the Beta would likely win
Thanks for such a quick response. In terms of power of a mic what do I look out for when I purchase. The sensitivity?
Yes. Based on what you said before.
2:15 is it possible to double up the windscreens to reduce the plosives even more?
It really starts to cut into the fidelity of the mic but... it is physically possible. I wouldn't
These mics definitely have a bit more clarity than other dynamics like the standard sm57 or the Audix i5. Open sounding is a good description.
Thank you. Yeah, part of that openness comes from reproducing air frequencies better but still... the combination of things that made this mic works very well. I like it a lot. Thanks for watching.
Hey Allen, I have a question. In your career so far have you had a low hum in your mics while working on location, and discovered that it was a home alarm system? I do, in the duplex I rent. Not hum in the power lines, as I operate tests with a Zoom H5 on batteries, and I tested the outlets for grounding.
I'd like to get an end-address dynamic mic like EV RE27N/D at some point but.... this hum...
I was about to write Heil service, and especially to EV because their mics contain some humbucking elements, to find out if they have some information. Then I thought of your experience so I'd ask you as well.
No hum: AT-2035; AT875r short shotgun; CAD Equitek E-200. Hum: AKG C4000B, Rode Procaster. I walk outside my door and all the hums stop.
* Rode has been awesome! I sent them my Procaster and they had no problems with it and they still stepped above and beyond in their settlement of my case.
Be well, good luck in everything.
Does the hum change if you touch the mic? Try what I cover in this video:
czcams.com/video/pxnI5vv9Yb8/video.html
If that doesn't work, record me some samples and email them to me
@@SoundSpeeds Watched that, and the Neutrik EMC video, I now have homework to do!! Good stuff.
You've given me this today: So I should think differently, just because the alarm system in my home is MY issue, I should realize that it is just one source of RFI among many that we encounter, in the wider picture.
My tests are direct to Zoom H5 on batteries with a new, short Mogami XLR cable. I'm focused on the single low hum, but you're right, I have an MXL 990 that is the full spread interference like your video as I hold the metal case and walk around inside it only grows worse.
Thank you, Allen.
@@vrvretro Glad to help. I hope it fixes your issues.
Something to check - is the ground pin from the XLR connected to the microphone housing? (compare this to the microphones without the hum) - you can test it with an ohmmeter. Is the hum 60 Hz? I have seen transformers in close proximity to XLR cables impart hum on some microphones and not others. Typically an inductive coupling causes the hum. I'll say it is rare with battery powered electronics but clearly there is a source radiating low frequencies inside your duplex if it disappears when you leave. Sometimes when an electronic product has power supply capacitors beginning to fail they leak and no longer filter the incoming AC very well so you could always try unplugging different appliances, etc. and see if any of those cause the hum to disappear. I had this happen with a computer monitor that was radiating 60 Hz to my USB DAC. I took it apart and replaced all of the electrolytic capacitors and the problem went away.
I would not discount the ground as the ground wire can still act like an antenna and radiate 60 Hz hum depending on what is connected to the line - i.e. neighbors with suspect electronics. Short of having twisted pair of conductors for the AC L & N wires (extremely unlikely), you are not going to prevent 60 Hz coupling to the ground wire due to proximity in the romex jacket. The other thing to try is to use star quad wire for the microphone interconnect cable - either Mogami or my preferred Canary (it maintains flexibility over time better in my experience). This will at least reduce noise coupling to your XLR cable - I don't recall exactly but believe it was a 6 dB improvement over standard twisted pair. Good luck!
I only use standard thickness Canare star quad. Love it!
I got this few days back. Now I’m having a panic attack on where to glue that sticker 😬
LOL.
Its my favorite mic, sounds less muddy. I change microphone mesh to chinese mesh for shure mics, and do some eq. I always talk very close to mic because its simpler for me, so less 80hz and more 2.5 khz on my behringer mixer do some magic, its starts sounds very broadcasty.
It's great that you found a mic you like and know how to tweak it to your liking. Thanks for watching
Great sounding mic! I agree that often, instrument mics sound good on the voice. I love the Shure SM57 on spoken word and singing, and prefer it to the SM58. I find the 57 has better high-frequency response which helps intelligibility. It is one of my favorite choices for a lectern mic (only thing is the plastic grill doesn’t shield very well against EMI so it can pick up hum from power or lighting ballast depending on placement)
You can purchase alternate grills for the SM57 including metal versions.
Sound Speeds That is FANTASTIC information. I had to replace a mic for an installed sound system that was an SM57 with a Sennheiser E835 because of the hum that the 57 picked up. I chose the E835 because it has a humbucking coil. It fixed the hum problem but I thought the 57 sounded better and more natural.
@@nickr5213 A quick search on my phone didn't yield any. It wasn't an official Shure product but worked well. Also, if you haven't watched it, watch this video:
czcams.com/video/pxnI5vv9Yb8/video.html
Sound Speeds That’s a great video! Did you get your AKG mic completely fixed?
@@nickr5213 I sure did. Apparently companies don't like being called out on social media. I used it in an episode of Masked Mics to celebrate.
If the explosives r that bad than u should take out the built in wind screen, that doesnt really work anyway n either not use one or use a screen. Altho some mics sound better with the foam wind screen on the outside. The big fat ones. Sounds great on ur voice also.
Thanks. Most windscreens aren't necessary though. They tame the highs a bit but aren't necessary.
I think you mean "plosives" not "explosives"
He does.
Nice review, but mixed feelings on intro voiceover - it seems like worst audio quality inside most treated recording booth on youtube :)
The V7 is a better choice but... You can use the V7X