sE Electronics - V7

SE Electronics V7 is a good option. It's a little more detailed/less boxy then the SM58 and doesn't have nearly as strong of a proximity effect. You can usually find one used for around $100.

Don’t know why this is so far down! Super/hyper-cardioid capsules make a big difference. The easy, low-budget option would be sE v7s.

A hyper cardioid like an SE-Electronics V7 or Audix OM5 can help push the monitors louder before feedback.

The SE V7 mics are actually pretty good

Lately a lot of dynamic mics like the sm7b, but it's a bit too pricey. I used a Samson q2u for a couple years and currently I use an SE Electronics V7 and I'm very happy with them. I got the q2u when it was like $45 but it looks like it more than doubled in price. It's now in the same price range as the v7 or Shure sm 58 ($100ish) and I don't think I can recommend it at that price. I've seen the fifine am8 recommend as a value mic from a lot of people and I realized Podcastage actually put out a review for it a while ago. I highly suggest watching his reviews when it comes to recording gear. Budget (<$100) Behringer xm 8500 - $20 on sweetwater but needs an audio interface and XLR cable - https://youtu.be/zrKKjGXyHg4 Fifine am8 - $45-$55 USB and XLR mic that was a "kinda recommend". Comes with USB cable - https://youtu.be/lQ0vjxX2mU8 Mid tier - all will need an audio interface/XLR cable Shure sm 58 - https://youtu.be/G5-3tm4ru-k SE Electronics V7 - https://youtu.be/3XjQYPIxP68 There are plenty of others like the Shure mv7, sm 57, Audiotechnica AT 2005, etc but I'm too lazy to find the links Pricey tier Sm7b Electro Voice RE20

they seem to sound great but not so sturdy. V7 and V7MC1 sound great / look great when new but loose some magic after a year or so of venue / road use.

Also my pick. Comparable to the SM58 on practicality, but a slightly more detailed, modern sound. [https://www.reddit.com/r/livesound/comments/16ythwu/thoughts\_on\_se\_electronics\_v7/](https://www.reddit.com/r/livesound/comments/16ythwu/thoughts_on_se_electronics_v7/)

Honestly not a fan of a V7 or anything sE Also think a handful of people don’t sound that great with their M80s

V7 is incredible for live so know there isn't too much of a gap here. My pick is a M88, it has such a tight low end pick up for baritone with a nice presence bump. Translates V well through any speaker. Love it. V7 has better plosive rejection, just sounds a little hyped where the M88 is v natural.

Get a cheap used Behringer UM2 or better interface. These are very popular inexpensive interfaces and great for starting out. You’re going to want to have 2 separate channels in case you have anyone else that wants to simultaneously record with you. Get XLR cords. For most part USB mics are junk. Next, ask yourself are you in a super quiet environment or medium to loud environment where you are going to record? Quiet then go for condenser mic like AT2020. Easy to find used in great shape from people that wanted to podcast but didn’t commit. On the other hand if you’re on a medium to loud environment, a dynamic mic is better suited for this purpose. Shure 58 or SE v7 are great mics, but you can definitely find cheap dynamic mics like Behringer XM8500 that will get you started. I’d really recommend shopping used on Facebook marketplace for the interface. The Condensers I mentioned are over budget new, again easily found on marketplace. These beginner xm8500 retails for $19. Everything I mentioned are XLR style mics. I really think that if you’re really invested in creating content you should start off with the gear that will perform the best over first couple years. Nothing wrong with Rode usb mic, but most people would send you the route im talking beyond very little usage

It’s a very good vocal mic. I prefer my EV ND96 over anything else for live vocals, but that’s just personal preference. The SE v7 is very capable of recording vocals or performing live….and I actually like the reg v7 versus the v7x to record guitar cabs, as well as snare bottom. As far as difference of v7 versus a shure 57 or 58, the SE v7 has more hyped upper mids and is a bit more bright. A lot of vocalists prefer the v7, but the 57 is a must have in any mic locker.