Dead Cat Question

[Ty Ford]

Originally Posted by Petri Kaipiainen

There are fairly good/usable cheap mics out there, but no cheap blimps/windjammers.

Really?

http://www.coffeysound.com/product.p...7&bestseller=Y

Ty Ford

[Petri Kaipiainen]

Ok ok, I stand (mostly) corrected. Unfortunatelly (???) I live in a country where the supply side does not work as well as over there...

I do myself have 2 Rycote Zeppelins/Windjammers and one of their new synthetic zeppjammers (R-series, S? I forget). They work.

[Allan Black]

Originally Posted by Renton Maclachlan

My experience is a deadcat doesn't help for anything over very light breezes. I was disappointed.

I'm going for a blimp as a result.

Yes there's a point where you need a blimp because the breeze has turned into a stronger wind. And it's difficult to measure where that point is, by the time you hear it on a job, it's usually too late.

Rycote have had the windjammer market for many years and their products are meant for professional and every day use by eg: sports channels who treat their rigs less than kind. I bought a used one and had to reseal the seam on the basket. The end caps are made from expensive Dupont Hytrel which bounce back into shape after a thump.

I don't think you'll find the Indian windjammers in the pro arena any time soon and it'll be interesting to read how long they last. With the full setup, they all really roll the highs off especially noticeable on speech, but the wind has gone or nearly gone.

I'd look at the Rycote S series they seem to be better designed and built with many years of
research behind their development.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ist&sku=497431


Cheers.

[Tom Blizzard]

I just bought the Rode NTG-2 from B&H. I bought the kit.
In addition to the NTG-2, the kit contains, among other things, the Rode WS6 Deluxe Windshield F/NTG2 & N.

I also ordered the Rode Dead Cat (aka) Wind Muff F/NTG-1 / NTG-2

My question is this: They do look a bit different, however do any of you know if there is any difference in the performance of the two ?

[Jonathan MacDonald]

Originally Posted by Tom Blizzard

I just bought the Rode NTG-2 from B&H. I bought the kit.
In addition to the NTG-2, the kit contains, among other things, the Rode WS6 Deluxe Windshield F/NTG2 & N.

I also ordered the Rode Dead Cat (aka) Wind Muff F/NTG-1 / NTG-2

My question is this: They do look a bit different, however do any of you know if there is any difference in the performance of the two ?

Also looking for an answer to the same question!

[Mike Beckett]

The Rode wind jammers (WS6/7) are similar to Rycote softies. These incorporate a "dead air space" area inside them using a sort of mesh, which is crucial in minimzing wind noise.

The deadcat is just a furry sock that I found only helpful in very light winds. If you have the WS6/7 then you probably won't want to use the Deadcat. It does have a cool name though.

(I liked their new blimp... complete with Dead Wombat. What next? Dead 'roo!?)

[Tom Blizzard]

Thanks Mike and Jonathan,
I sent a PM to Rode tech service yesterday but no reply as yet...... ..

Anyway, Jonathan, looks like Mike is correct. However, we both know that you can't use the included foam WSVS windshield with the WS6 that's included with the kit.

I checked my owner's manual a little closer and here's what I found.
1. (page 2) "Rode has also designed a series of products which include the Dead Cat wind sock (for high wind applications)........"

2. (page 7) " When using the mic outside in heavy winds you may need to purchase a more specialised wind shield, such as the Rode Dead Cat, which will provide additional protection from adverse wind conditions."

Mike's explanation makes sense, but I wonder about the idea that two are better than one?? i.e. Foam + Dead Cat together.

That might not matter in this application??

[Mike Beckett]

I think Rode could still be recovering from Australia Day on Monday!

You're right, the stock foam windshield has to be removed for the WS6/7 windjammers (and the Rycote Softies I use). The windjammers/softies are a tight fit over the mic barrel.

When I had the NTG-2 on my VX2100e, I used the deadcat over the foam windshield, as I found it gave a slight improvement in windy conditions. It can of course affect the sound in minor ways, but it was OK for me at the time.

I believe one of the Rode instruction sheets recommended this too - and I recall a video showing Peter Freedman of Rode putting the deadcat over the foam on the Videomic.

[Tom Blizzard]

Just received an answer to my question from RODE. Mike Beckett is right:


"Hi Tom, I would recommend the WS-6 as it is a higher quality wind screen.
Regards,
Michael Buckley
RØDE Microphones "

[Allan Black]

Originally Posted by Mike Beckett

I think Rode could still be recovering from Australia Day on Monday!

They're all awake now :)

In order of breeze, wind, blizzard (no pun Tom:) protection it goes ..

Foam: only good for some pops from breaths and keeping dirt out of the mic capsule.
I keep one on all the time indoors.

Deadcat: follow instructions, pull it on over the RODE foam on some RODE mics.
Outdoors, light breezes only, trouble if the wind gets up.

WS 6 -7: replaces all above. Surprisingly good for strong to gusting wind and
will work on a medium length boom with a shock absorber.

Blimp: replaces all above. Blocks all wind short of a blizzard, then you go home.
Needs a 2nd person to operate, especially if on a boom.

The secret to using these is to know which one to install right off the bat, stopping to change one or going back to the car is the pits out on a shoot.

Repeat shoots in a location are good, you can get to know and recognise the conditions. Check weather forecasts, even phone ahead and ask.

Of all of the above the WS6 and 7 are very good, the RODE dealer demo has a 12" fan at full blast about 2' in front of an NTG-3/WS7. Hardly hear the wind, sorry I can't show it.

Cheers.

[Tom Blizzard]

Thanks Alan,
You have answered all my questions and then some. Your reply needs to be saved and posted somewhere so everyone wondering about the subject can read it. I am sure saving it in my documents.
I took a look at your profile and that explains why you are an authority on the subject.

Thanks so much for your very informative comments.
Regards, Tom Snowstorm (lots of wind)

[Allan Black]

Thanks Tom :) After you sort out the wind protection thing, because the Deadcat, WS6-7 and Blimp have furry covers, they pick up grit and dirt.

This will definitely degrade their performance over time, especially the Blimp.

It's just basic housekeeping: depending on how often you use them and especially how you store them, they need cleaning. Do NOT soak them in water, use a minimum of light mild soap and warm water, carefully wash them a section at a time. Slowly does it so you don't send them bald !

Then very carefully rinse them a section at a time to get rid of the soap, press the water out with a towel and lay them out to dry naturally over whatever time it takes.

Now use a small comb to slowly brush the hairs back into the shape they first were. Carry that comb and use it when the hairs are flattened in the case.

If they're flat they are NOT doing the job they were designed for and will block some sounds. They do that anyway, but it's better than the wind.

I store all hairy wind protection in protective covers to avoid airborne grit. HTH.

Cheers.

[Elvis Ripley]

I just noticed this and wanted to say that I have a NTG 1 and have used the foam (comes with mic), dead cat, WS6 and Blimp and also the Blimp + Dead Wombat and second Alan Black's order of usage. The WS6 is kind of like a deadcat over a foam windscreen. I use that on the camera and on a boompole when I need extra protection above what the foam provides.

The blimp is really the best and sounds the best. It also makes you look way more professional because apparently a lot of video people have never seen or heard of anything like that where they have a long history of use in larger productions like movies.

[Allan Black]

The more expensive RODE WS6 will defeat stronger wind than the less expensive RODE deadcat.

Cheers.

[Simon Denny]

The dead cat will only work in situations with a low breeze. In stronger wind low-end rumble is picked up even with the Rode low pass filter on.
The best I have found is the Rode WS6 Deluxe Windshield For Use With NTG-1 And NTG-2 Shotgun Microphones. Or use the Blimp but this will require a second person