Stupid question from a newbie about fuzzy mics at DVinfo.net

Adam Brennan · February 2nd, 2003, 09:52 PM

I noticed that some of the XL1 camera's have the fuzzy mcs..what is this for? I suppose it's for cutting down on wind? not sure..but please do tell

Thanks in advance

Ken Tanaka · February 2nd, 2003, 11:14 PM

Not a "stupid" question at all, Adam!

Indeed, the "fuzzy" gizmos are windscreens such as those from Rycote and Lightwave Systems. Rycote makes one of the original, and arguably the best, such hairy windscreens, having won a technical Academy Award for their Windjammer and Softie products several years ago.

These hairballs are much more effective in gusty or high winds than conventional foam windscreens. Their principal is basically to diffuse the pressure fluctuations that cause low-frequency wind noise on mics. Rycote's screens also feature a relatively elaborate internal suspension to mitigate mechanical vibration transmission from the screen to the mic.

Tim Joseph · February 8th, 2003, 05:19 PM

Just a side note... These will reduce your audio signal by 6-15 dB depeding on the actual unit. Another side note.. on the movie set we call them "dead cats" :-D

Nori Wentworth · February 8th, 2003, 07:12 PM

They also give your camera a more "cuddly" appeal.

Barry Rivadue · May 3rd, 2003, 05:34 PM

When I see Rycote Softies listed, what do MH/SH/LH mean??

Ken Tanaka · May 3rd, 2003, 10:50 PM

Barry,
Those acronymns had me bewildered for a while, too. They stand for Medium Hair, Short Hair and Long Hair, respectively. These may be particularly pertinent factors if, say, you are planning to use a Softie on your camera and don't want its "bangs" dangling into your frame. Also, long-hair Softies offer the greatest attenuation of wind noise but also attenuate all sound just a bit more.

I suppose that if someone errs they should err on the long-hair side. They would then have the option of taking the thing to a barber.

Rycote takes their hair very seriously, and packs a nylon brush with each (shotgun) Softie.

February 2nd, 2003, 09:52 PM	#1
Adam Brennan Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 58	Stupid question from a newbie about fuzzy mics I noticed that some of the XL1 camera's have the fuzzy mcs..what is this for? I suppose it's for cutting down on wind? not sure..but please do tell Thanks in advance

February 2nd, 2003, 11:14 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Not a "stupid" question at all, Adam! Indeed, the "fuzzy" gizmos are windscreens such as those from Rycote and Lightwave Systems. Rycote makes one of the original, and arguably the best, such hairy windscreens, having won a technical Academy Award for their Windjammer and Softie products several years ago. These hairballs are much more effective in gusty or high winds than conventional foam windscreens. Their principal is basically to diffuse the pressure fluctuations that cause low-frequency wind noise on mics. Rycote's screens also feature a relatively elaborate internal suspension to mitigate mechanical vibration transmission from the screen to the mic. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 8th, 2003, 05:19 PM	#3
Tim Joseph Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 35	Just a side note... These will reduce your audio signal by 6-15 dB depeding on the actual unit. Another side note.. on the movie set we call them "dead cats" :-D __________________ =================== Scheezo Have Camera, Will Travel-

May 3rd, 2003, 10:50 PM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Barry, Those acronymns had me bewildered for a while, too. They stand for Medium Hair, Short Hair and Long Hair, respectively. These may be particularly pertinent factors if, say, you are planning to use a Softie on your camera and don't want its "bangs" dangling into your frame. Also, long-hair Softies offer the greatest attenuation of wind noise but also attenuate all sound just a bit more. I suppose that if someone errs they should err on the long-hair side. They would then have the option of taking the thing to a barber. Rycote takes their hair very seriously, and packs a nylon brush with each (shotgun) Softie. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 8th, 2003, 07:12 PM	#4
Nori Wentworth Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada Posts: 217	They also give your camera a more "cuddly" appeal.

May 3rd, 2003, 05:34 PM	#5
Barry Rivadue Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 508	When I see Rycote Softies listed, what do MH/SH/LH mean??