What is the primary benefit of the aluminium voice coil?

The aluminium voice coil is lighter than traditional copper coils, allowing for a faster transient response. This results in a crisper, more natural high-frequency capture that helps vocals stand out in a mix.

Is the on/off switch audible through the speakers?

No, the V7 Switch is designed with a silent switching mechanism. This ensures that muting or unmuting the microphone does not create an audible click or pop in the live sound environment.

Can the switch be locked to prevent accidental muting?

Yes, the switch features a locking mechanism. This allows the user to secure the microphone in the 'on' position, preventing accidental silencing during a performance.

What is a super-cardioid pattern?

A super-cardioid pattern is a highly directional pickup shape that is narrower than cardioid. It provides excellent rejection of off-axis sounds, which helps prevent feedback and stage bleed.

How does the V7 Switch handle mechanical noise?

The microphone includes a patented internal shockmount. This design decouples the capsule from the metal body, effectively minimising handling noise when the singer moves the microphone.

Is the V7 Switch durable enough for touring?

Yes, the microphone features a robust all-metal construction. This design avoids the use of fragile plastic parts, making it suitable for demanding live stage use and frequent transport.

Does this microphone require phantom power?

No, the V7 Switch is a dynamic microphone. It does not require phantom power to operate and can be plugged directly into any standard XLR microphone input.

How does the V7 Switch compare to the Shure SM58?

While the SM58 is a legendary cardioid mic, the V7 Switch offers a tighter super-cardioid pattern and an aluminium coil for more high-end clarity. It also includes the specific silent switch not found on the standard SM58.

What type of connector does the V7 Switch use?

It uses a standard 3-pin male XLR connector. This makes it compatible with almost all professional mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and stage snakes.

Is this microphone suitable for instruments?

While primarily designed for vocals, its high gain before feedback and crisp response make it usable for instruments. However, dedicated models like the SM57 are more common for specific instrument applications.

What is the typical price for the V7 Switch?

The typical price for the sE Electronics V7 Switch is approximately £84. This positions it as a cost-effective professional option for live vocalists.

Does the V7 Switch include a windscreen?

Yes, the microphone features an integrated internal windscreen. This helps to reduce unwanted wind noise and plosive 'popping' sounds during vocal performances.

Gear article

sE Electronics V7 Switch

The sE Electronics V7 Switch is a professional handheld dynamic vocal microphone designed for live performance, featuring a specialised aluminium voice coil and a super-cardioid polar pattern. It is distinguished by its lockable, silent on/off switch and robust all-metal construction, intended to provide high gain before feedback and a crisp, natural sound capture.

See live prices

Background and Design

The V7 Switch represents sE Electronics' entry into the high-performance handheld dynamic market, specifically targeting the needs of vocalists and sound engineers in live environments. Unlike traditional dynamic microphones that often use copper voice coils, the V7 utilises a specialised aluminium voice coil. This design choice is intended to deliver a more open and crisp sound, traditionally associated with more expensive condenser microphones, while maintaining the durability of a dynamic element.

The build quality features an all-metal chassis, eschewing plastic components to ensure longevity under the rigours of touring. A unique internal shockmount is integrated into the design to decouple the capsule from the housing, which significantly reduces mechanical handling noise during performance.

Technical Features and Operation

The microphone employs a super-cardioid polar pattern. This directional characteristic is narrower than a standard cardioid pattern, providing superior isolation by rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This is particularly beneficial on loud stages where bleed from drums or amplifiers can compromise the vocal mix.

A key feature of this specific model is the integrated on/off switch. Designed for silent operation, it allows the user or engineer to mute the signal without introducing audible 'clicks' or 'pops' into the sound system. The switch is also lockable, preventing accidental engagement or disengagement during a performance.

Acoustic Character

The V7 Switch is noted for its 'natural' capture. The aluminium voice coil provides a frequency response that emphasizes clarity and warmth without the muddy low-mid build-up common in some entry-level dynamic mics. The result is a vocal presence that stands out in a dense mix, requiring less corrective EQ from the front-of-house engineer. The internal windscreen also helps manage plosives and wind noise, further refining the output signal.

Market Comparison

When compared to industry standards such as the Shure SM58 or Beta 58A, the V7 Switch offers a modern alternative with its aluminium coil and integrated switch functionality. While the Sennheiser e945 and e935 also offer high-quality dynamic captures, the V7 Switch competes aggressively on price, typically positioned around the £84 mark.

For users requiring a switch for specific applications—such as talkback, corporate presentations, or lead singers who prefer to manage their own muting—the V7 Switch provides a silent, mechanical solution that is absent on the standard V7 or the instrument-focused Shure SM57.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the aluminium voice coil?: The aluminium voice coil is lighter than traditional copper coils, allowing for a faster transient response. This results in a crisper, more natural high-frequency capture that helps vocals stand out in a mix.
Is the on/off switch audible through the speakers?: No, the V7 Switch is designed with a silent switching mechanism. This ensures that muting or unmuting the microphone does not create an audible click or pop in the live sound environment.
Can the switch be locked to prevent accidental muting?: Yes, the switch features a locking mechanism. This allows the user to secure the microphone in the 'on' position, preventing accidental silencing during a performance.
What is a super-cardioid pattern?: A super-cardioid pattern is a highly directional pickup shape that is narrower than cardioid. It provides excellent rejection of off-axis sounds, which helps prevent feedback and stage bleed.
How does the V7 Switch handle mechanical noise?: The microphone includes a patented internal shockmount. This design decouples the capsule from the metal body, effectively minimising handling noise when the singer moves the microphone.
Is the V7 Switch durable enough for touring?: Yes, the microphone features a robust all-metal construction. This design avoids the use of fragile plastic parts, making it suitable for demanding live stage use and frequent transport.
Does this microphone require phantom power?: No, the V7 Switch is a dynamic microphone. It does not require phantom power to operate and can be plugged directly into any standard XLR microphone input.
How does the V7 Switch compare to the Shure SM58?: While the SM58 is a legendary cardioid mic, the V7 Switch offers a tighter super-cardioid pattern and an aluminium coil for more high-end clarity. It also includes the specific silent switch not found on the standard SM58.
What type of connector does the V7 Switch use?: It uses a standard 3-pin male XLR connector. This makes it compatible with almost all professional mixing consoles, audio interfaces, and stage snakes.
Is this microphone suitable for instruments?: While primarily designed for vocals, its high gain before feedback and crisp response make it usable for instruments. However, dedicated models like the SM57 are more common for specific instrument applications.
What is the typical price for the V7 Switch?: The typical price for the sE Electronics V7 Switch is approximately £84. This positions it as a cost-effective professional option for live vocalists.
Does the V7 Switch include a windscreen?: Yes, the microphone features an integrated internal windscreen. This helps to reduce unwanted wind noise and plosive 'popping' sounds during vocal performances.