Softie Recomendations
 

I went to B&H the other day and asked about wind protection for my Sennheiser ME66-K6 on my Canon XH-A1. I was shown the Rycote 18cm Medium Hole Softie ($110, model 033052) and the Lightwave MS-106 Miniscreen ($140, model MS106). Does anyone have a recommendation or other suggestions? Is it true that the foam windscreens do not protect enough for use outside (I was told this by the sales person at B&H)?

Thanks,
Hugh

Hi Hugh...
 

The Softie has a foam layer of some sort under that furry outer, tho' foam on it's own is pretty useless at reducing wind noise.

The Rycote Softie is good (for wind noise elimination) up to about 20 - 25 mph wind speeds, maybe a tad more. Anything over that really requires the full on Rycote Windjammer with zeppelin and "dead cat" overcover, tho' you're starting to get a bit on the pricey side with one of those. Can't help you with the Lightwave.

I used a "no name" dead cat cover over the foam covers on my XL1s stereo mic to very good effect for years. If you don't already have a foam cover for your ME66, I'd go for the Softie

(Does anybody make a foam cover for a ME66? Seems unlikely, but stranger things have happenned!)

Regards,

Chris

Thanks so much for your advice. I think the Rycote sounds like it will be a good all around protector. I rarely tape outside, but when I do I wanted to have something to keep wind noise to a minimum.

To try and answer your question, when I was at B&H I was shown 2 foam protectors for the ME66. They were both made by Sennheiser. One was just plain foam ($40 approx.) and the other was foam covered in a layer of velour ($70 approx.). It seems like to pay $40 more for the Rycote and have proper protection is worth it.

Thanks again,
Hugh

check these out.. .can't vouch for the quality (I haven't used them) but may give you some options for use over existing foam, etc.:

http://www.professionalsound.com/Catalog/Koala.htm

they are made in australia

Outside with a Rycote and Mk66
 

I shoot mostly outside with a Rycote and a MK66. First, foam alone is almost useless, maybe works in the 2-5 mph wind speeds. My guess is that you are lucky to get 10-15 mph with a Rycote and a MK66. For higher wind speeds either get a less directional mike or go to the full blown windjammer kind of rig. Shotguns seem to be very sensitive to wind noise.

Rick

Is it easy to take the Rycote on and off the ME66? And thanks for your input. I think the Rycote sounds like the way to go for me.

Thanks again,
Hugh

Found this site about how to build your own windscreen:
http://www.joelandkaren.com/mic-zeppelin/