RODE Blimp suspension pix. at DVinfo.net

Allan Black · September 20th, 2008, 06:49 AM

In response to some requests for shots of the RODE Blimp suspension, here's some quick shots, with the NTG-3 fitted. Note the custom XLR male connector.

In Pix 1 the hoops have 2 positions for the O rings similar to the Rycotes, and the instructions say 'various configurations for various environmental conditions' which means 'wind' but how strong and from what direction I'm finding out.

The 2nd pix shows the cable from the rear of the mic, fitted through the isolation plug, the little grey piece which can come away from the mount, then down through the handle to an XLR socket at the bottom. The cable can't be removed from the handle. The silver clip at the top of the handle swings out so you can adjust the position of the handle, then lock it again.

Cheers.

Marty Wein · September 22nd, 2008, 12:02 PM

Allan,
Another nice feature is the fact that you can also move the handle back and forth in addition to the angle adjustment, for optimum balance.

FYI: The connector is a new Switchcraft design and not custom to Rode and the Cable is removable should you want to (see attached).

Andy Wilkinson · September 22nd, 2008, 02:18 PM

Thanks for this. I'm struggling to understand this here but does this mean if that if I wanted to put (say) a stereo AT825 mic in this new blimp that the arrangement would let me get the cable(s) out of it?

I have a (new) Rycote 330 System and the answer is no (with that) as there is only a very narrow channel to get the supplied short proprietory Rycote (mono) cable through the system to the "outside". It's very good/a delight otherwise!

Marty Wein · September 22nd, 2008, 07:14 PM

Andy,
Yes you can rewire it with a 5 pin cable. The attached instructions are for inserting a cable. To remove the cable you would follow step (5) pulling down the XLR, followed by (2) Removing the cover. Remove the supplied cable and follow all the steps from (4) thru (7). Steps (1) and (3) do not apply.

Once you have it in your hands it will be easier to understand.

Allan Black · September 22nd, 2008, 07:50 PM

Hi guys, agreed the AT825 with its supplied twin cables could fit, with some custom absorbtion at the damping points so they don't rattle.

Hi Marty thanks. I had my Blimp before that info. As you know Blimps come fitted with that tail cable in my pix, so you just plug your extension cable into the XLR in its handle. But that PDF is needed if you want to change that cable for your longer one, without it it'd take a while to figure it out. It shows the handle of the PG2 shockmount which is the same handle as the Blimp.

Here's the RODE dual suspension explanation I was looking for. Quote:

The “Low and Wide” configuration is the default setting as supplied out of the box. The silicone bands are not pulled extremely tight in this setting. This provides a supple and relatively soft suspension system, which results in the best handling noise isolation. Think of it as the sort of suspension they use in limousines or jalopies so that for maximum passenger comfort, i.e. more spring travel and not a lot of damping.

The “Tall & Narrow” configuration stretched the bands a bit tighter and also shifts the centre of the microphone clips slightly upward. The extra tension in the bands is useful in more extreme environments where short, sharp movements on a long boompole are unavoidable and you don’t want the microphone to bounce around too much. For harsh conditions when the Blimp will be subjected to jolts and bumps it may be a worthwhile compromise. The other main use of this configuration is for larger diameter microphones such as the M3, NT4 and NT3. The extra weight in these microphones requires extra tension in the silicone bands to prevent them from sagging. Unquote.

The Blimp carton lists 46 mics of all types and that now includes RODE M3, NT4/3, so I expect my AT822 and others to fit.

The Blimp is available now from least 3 outlets in Sydney for $A269. Components like the end caps will also be available separately through RODE dealers.

Shortly on the RODE site, they'll be a named list of parts, like 'bung' the small plug in Marty's PDF.

Cheers.

September 20th, 2008, 06:49 AM	#1
Allan Black Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 809	RODE Blimp suspension pix. In response to some requests for shots of the RODE Blimp suspension, here's some quick shots, with the NTG-3 fitted. Note the custom XLR male connector. In Pix 1 the hoops have 2 positions for the O rings similar to the Rycotes, and the instructions say 'various configurations for various environmental conditions' which means 'wind' but how strong and from what direction I'm finding out. The 2nd pix shows the cable from the rear of the mic, fitted through the isolation plug, the little grey piece which can come away from the mount, then down through the handle to an XLR socket at the bottom. The cable can't be removed from the handle. The silver clip at the top of the handle swings out so you can adjust the position of the handle, then lock it again. Cheers. Attached Thumbnails

September 22nd, 2008, 02:18 PM	#3
Andy Wilkinson Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge (UK) Posts: 875	Stereo cable through the new Rode blimp Thanks for this. I'm struggling to understand this here but does this mean if that if I wanted to put (say) a stereo AT825 mic in this new blimp that the arrangement would let me get the cable(s) out of it? I have a (new) Rycote 330 System and the answer is no (with that) as there is only a very narrow channel to get the supplied short proprietory Rycote (mono) cable through the system to the "outside". It's very good/a delight otherwise! __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - www.shootingimage.co.uk Affordable Corporate & Web Video for Cambridge & East Anglia Last edited by Andy Wilkinson; September 22nd, 2008 at 03:21 PM.

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September 22nd, 2008, 07:14 PM	#4
Marty Wein Major Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 229	Andy, Yes you can rewire it with a 5 pin cable. The attached instructions are for inserting a cable. To remove the cable you would follow step (5) pulling down the XLR, followed by (2) Removing the cover. Remove the supplied cable and follow all the steps from (4) thru (7). Steps (1) and (3) do not apply. Once you have it in your hands it will be easier to understand.

September 22nd, 2008, 07:50 PM	#5
Allan Black Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 809	Hi guys, agreed the AT825 with its supplied twin cables could fit, with some custom absorbtion at the damping points so they don't rattle. Hi Marty thanks. I had my Blimp before that info. As you know Blimps come fitted with that tail cable in my pix, so you just plug your extension cable into the XLR in its handle. But that PDF is needed if you want to change that cable for your longer one, without it it'd take a while to figure it out. It shows the handle of the PG2 shockmount which is the same handle as the Blimp. Here's the RODE dual suspension explanation I was looking for. Quote: The “Low and Wide” configuration is the default setting as supplied out of the box. The silicone bands are not pulled extremely tight in this setting. This provides a supple and relatively soft suspension system, which results in the best handling noise isolation. Think of it as the sort of suspension they use in limousines or jalopies so that for maximum passenger comfort, i.e. more spring travel and not a lot of damping. The “Tall & Narrow” configuration stretched the bands a bit tighter and also shifts the centre of the microphone clips slightly upward. The extra tension in the bands is useful in more extreme environments where short, sharp movements on a long boompole are unavoidable and you don’t want the microphone to bounce around too much. For harsh conditions when the Blimp will be subjected to jolts and bumps it may be a worthwhile compromise. The other main use of this configuration is for larger diameter microphones such as the M3, NT4 and NT3. The extra weight in these microphones requires extra tension in the silicone bands to prevent them from sagging. Unquote. The Blimp carton lists 46 mics of all types and that now includes RODE M3, NT4/3, so I expect my AT822 and others to fit. The Blimp is available now from least 3 outlets in Sydney for $A269. Components like the end caps will also be available separately through RODE dealers. Shortly on the RODE site, they'll be a named list of parts, like 'bung' the small plug in Marty's PDF. Cheers.