the t.bone EM 800 Stereo Set

I bought these for use as overheads for live settings.
There is audible distortion before I've been able to gain stage these mics properly . To use them without peaks I've had desk fader right down and barely any gain, and on loud material I've even padded - 30db at the desk (Allen and Heath desk) to manage peaks. They're far too hot, so when the peaks arrive, there's distorted signal. To achieve any usable gain staging, ie bring them alive, noise is introduced.
I've recently been using the EM700 set as I do believe Thomann make good budget mics that can perform OK. The fact the EM700 are cheaper, but have pad and low cut options is a bit odd. The 700 mics sound way better too. The EM800 are not worth it imo.