Best Wind Protection at DVinfo.net

Frederic Gittler · May 13th, 2007, 11:40 AM

I am searching for the best wind protection for a shotgun microphone (AT835ST, if it matters) mounted on-camera, ENG style. This means the zeppelin-style full enclosure windshield is not an option. Note that I live in Europe, where relative pricing is not the same as in the US: the Lightwave products here seem to be significantly less expensive than the Rycote.

The application is mostly action shots, snowboarding and some skateboarding, mainly shot on a tripod.

Here is where I need advice: between the three following setups, which one would give me the best protection and versatility:
- Rycote Softie (140 euro)
- Lightwave Equalizer (90 euro)
- Lightwave Miniscreen (90 euro) + MiniSock (37 euro)

I admit to be tempted to the Miniscreen/MiniSock combo as it seems to be the closest to the concept of a front-end-only zeppelin (not expecting anything as good as result, though) and I can always add the MiniWindmaster fur cover later. Any comments from users would be most welcome, especially if you have compared hands-on these systems.

Also, I have read comments in other threads leading me to further ask if the "support disc system" of the Lightwave products works well?

Thank you,
---
Fred

Ty Ford · May 13th, 2007, 12:25 PM

Getting space between the mic and the filter results in the best reduction. The hair is OK, but not as important as the space.

I'd advise you to contact k-tek in California. They have a way of coming up with solutions that might even allow you to blimpify your camera-mounted mic.

Regards,

Ty Ford

PS; "Blimpify" is a copyrighted term owned by Ty Ford and Technique, Inc. a US Corporation TIN #52-1912506. Use of the term in any manner written or spoken, unless licensed by Technique, Inc, is strictly forbidden. Violators will be prosecuted.

Ian Savage · May 13th, 2007, 01:33 PM

It's really not difficult to mount a full rycote on a camera, wouldn't be suitable for an 835ST but a smaller mic like an Ambient tiny mic and a smaller blimp work fine, I mounted mine using a AT bracket and an Ambient hot shoe plate.

Greg Bellotte · May 13th, 2007, 02:15 PM

Try this one...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...indscreen.html

really good wind AND RAIN resistance. you can add the dead cat over it if you need more.

Graeme Fullick · May 14th, 2007, 04:50 AM

Frederic,

I have an AT835ST and the lightwave miniscreen. It works well inside and also outside with a full fur cover - so I would go for the last option. Have to agree with Ty (who is almost always the best advice on audio) - the dead space around the mic is critical to good wind isolation, but the miniscreen is not good outside without a fur cover. Just one word of warning - the prescribed miniscreen is a tight fit on the AT835ST - which is good for isolation as it seals off the diaphragms - but it is a little difficult to get on and off. Fits better on my Senn MKH416.

May 13th, 2007, 11:40 AM	#1
Frederic Gittler New Boot Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: France Posts: 22	Best Wind Protection I am searching for the best wind protection for a shotgun microphone (AT835ST, if it matters) mounted on-camera, ENG style. This means the zeppelin-style full enclosure windshield is not an option. Note that I live in Europe, where relative pricing is not the same as in the US: the Lightwave products here seem to be significantly less expensive than the Rycote. The application is mostly action shots, snowboarding and some skateboarding, mainly shot on a tripod. Here is where I need advice: between the three following setups, which one would give me the best protection and versatility: - Rycote Softie (140 euro) - Lightwave Equalizer (90 euro) - Lightwave Miniscreen (90 euro) + MiniSock (37 euro) I admit to be tempted to the Miniscreen/MiniSock combo as it seems to be the closest to the concept of a front-end-only zeppelin (not expecting anything as good as result, though) and I can always add the MiniWindmaster fur cover later. Any comments from users would be most welcome, especially if you have compared hands-on these systems. Also, I have read comments in other threads leading me to further ask if the "support disc system" of the Lightwave products works well? Thank you, --- Fred

May 13th, 2007, 12:25 PM	#2
Ty Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Baltimore, MD USA Posts: 2,337	Getting space between the mic and the filter results in the best reduction. The hair is OK, but not as important as the space. I'd advise you to contact k-tek in California. They have a way of coming up with solutions that might even allow you to blimpify your camera-mounted mic. Regards, Ty Ford PS; "Blimpify" is a copyrighted term owned by Ty Ford and Technique, Inc. a US Corporation TIN #52-1912506. Use of the term in any manner written or spoken, unless licensed by Technique, Inc, is strictly forbidden. Violators will be prosecuted. __________________ Ty Ford's Audio Bootcamp Field Guide Ty Ford's Audio Video Blog

May 13th, 2007, 01:33 PM	#3
Ian Savage Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: England Posts: 88	It's really not difficult to mount a full rycote on a camera, wouldn't be suitable for an 835ST but a smaller mic like an Ambient tiny mic and a smaller blimp work fine, I mounted mine using a AT bracket and an Ambient hot shoe plate.

May 13th, 2007, 02:15 PM	#4
Greg Bellotte Major Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 291	Try this one... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...indscreen.html really good wind AND RAIN resistance. you can add the dead cat over it if you need more.

May 14th, 2007, 04:50 AM	#5
Graeme Fullick Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 337	Frederic, I have an AT835ST and the lightwave miniscreen. It works well inside and also outside with a full fur cover - so I would go for the last option. Have to agree with Ty (who is almost always the best advice on audio) - the dead space around the mic is critical to good wind isolation, but the miniscreen is not good outside without a fur cover. Just one word of warning - the prescribed miniscreen is a tight fit on the AT835ST - which is good for isolation as it seals off the diaphragms - but it is a little difficult to get on and off. Fits better on my Senn MKH416. __________________ Graeme