While the sound of a recorder does cut through other sounds quite well the comparatively soft dynamic does mean that it can be swamped. It therefore works best in small ensembles. Using the smaller instruments to increase the pitch difference between the recorder and the other instruments often works well, but does tend to type cast the instrument. Another critical issue is the lack of dynamic flexibility of the recorder so that the expressive possibilities of the instrument do not match those of other instruments. This can create a compositional problem since often quite disparate means of expression will need to be used between the instruments while trying to maintain compositional unity.
Some combinations work better than others.
For instance recorders combine well with harpsichords, which share dynamic limitations, but not so well with pianos. This is partly the actual sound which doesn't seem to blend well but also pianistic musical language. Strings can work effectively, as can other woodwinds so long as the difference in styles as well as in timbres are considered and exploited. Brass tend to be overpowering but can be used effectively in alternation. Interestingly music for brass often works well on recorders and vice versa.