Which fuzzy wind screen is better Rode or Rycote?
 

Hi,

Which one do you guys think is a better wind screen?

The Rode WS6 Deluxe Windshield
Rode | WS6 Deluxe Windshield for the NTG2 and NTG1 | WS6 | B&H

or the Rycote Sofie?
Rycote | 10cm Medium Hole Softie | 033022 | B&H Photo Video

Thank you.

Rycote understand the physics behind suspensions and windshields and I have talked at length many times with the designer.

Though, personally, I would go for the Rysote S-series which is the same price as the Softie.

Hi Marco,

I had disappointing experiences with the Rode
(on an otherwise amazingly good-and-cheap Rode NTG2)
and excellent experiences with a Rycote
(on a Sennheiser ME66).
Go with Rycote: that's what they're about.

All the best

Vasco
PS
just out of curiosity:
do you speak italian?

Thanks for the input.
I don't speak Italian. I understand a lot of it when people are speaking, but I don't speak it.

-marco

I've got the RODE WS7 on the NTG-3, it works very well, as advertised and I have it handy outdoors if the wind blows up.

It's quicker to fit than any blimp but I study the weather forecast prior, thankfully here they've improved over the years.

Cheers.

Hi Vasco,

Thank you for the feedback. Innovation is the key to a successful product and sometimes revision comes with the territory - especially after hearing valuable end-user feedback. I'd love to hear what was disappointing about the RODE. I realize the Rycote has been in the game longer, but I'd like to hear how RODE could improve the product to compete. If it is design flaw, I'd take on the responsibility to make sure the development team is made aware.

BTW, K-TEK is one more option to consider. K-Tek Products

Guy,
I owe you (as a Rode reseller) and Rode an apology:
I later realized that I was comparing the Rycote to a Rode
Deadcat (the one that sells for less than $40). Not fair - and quite dumb - on my part.
I then bought a Rode WS6 (around $100), and that's a whole different ball game:
it does the job pretty well @ a fraction of the Rycote price point.
Yep, I can recommend it!: good performance, excellent price.
(but just forget the Deadcat: this one is really useless.
How about dropping it, period?)
Sorry, my bad.

Best

Vasco

Vasco,

Thank you for the update. I truly appreciate it.

Sorry if this question is too obvious. Did you keep the foam windscreen on the mic and put the Deadcat over it? I've heard of some people not keeping the foam on and having issues because of that. Just curious.
Bernie

Yes, Bernie, of course I did keep the foam windscreen on!

OK, here's my thing with the Deadcat:
I'm not saying that it is totally ineffective
(I haven't thrown it into the trash can;
now I keep it just for my seldom used Videomic
on my backup Panasonic).
IMHO (and the reason for suggesting Guy to drop it)
the problem with the Deadcat is that,
since it looks and feels like "the real thing",
after a while it gives you the illusion
of enjoying the same kind of wind protection
you would get from a "real" windshield.
Until it's too late...

Best

Vasco

If you're using the NTG-2, you might want to consider putting a piece of tape over the hi-pass switch and over the XLR connection.
See this video YouTube - Reducing Wind Noise

I have a video up demonstrating the "dead kitty" on the RODE SVM, which proves its effectiveness in 15-20mph winds. YouTube - RODE SVM Stereo VideoMic for camcorders

We've also got the new RODE Blimps that just rock for $299. I can offer DVinfo.net members a heck of discount if you need a total dead air space. Great bang for the buck.

BTW, this video shows the NTG-2 with a similar slip over fuzzy from K-TEK
RODE NTG-2 Shotgun mic on location on Vimeo

And this video shows the $800 blimp from Sennheiser
Wind Protection for Shotgun Microphones on Vimeo

I gotta go finishing cutting another video....stay tuned!

I've seen it, Guy, believe me...
Here
Translations of The Lord's Prayer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
you can learn how to say "lead us not into temptation"
in a large number of different idioms... :-)

OK, I'll pre-bite: could you please numerically quantify the magnitude of the temptation,
and the time span you'd be willing to make it last?

Best

Vasco

Temptation: Rode Blimp at DVcreators.net

Coupon code "vasco"

Valid through March 31, 2009 for 20 people.

OK, Guy, I'm ready to switch to full biting mode,
as soon as you activate your coupon code
(I guess I'll send the "lead us not into temptation" link to the PLASTICcreators...)

Vasco

Alrighty. Coupon code "vasco" ready for 20 DVinfo.net members now active. I have 20 blimps here in the warehouse ready to ship, first come, first serve. Free T-Shirt too! Rode Blimp with FREE RODE T-Shirt