Rode Blimp suspension

[Philip Fass]

I've read many positive comments about the Rode Blimp and its components, but many negative comments about rubber band-style suspensions.

Is this suspension different/better than a rubber band type? You can see it in the product datasheet or user manual from the downloads tab here: RDE Microphones - Blimp

[Allan Black]

Hi Philip, you'll read about the Rode Blimp and the various Rycote models. I have both types and they both work very well.

If you set either up properly, they both work well enough to reduce the sound of wind to be useable in your productions.

If you show trees blowing sideways, you should also have some wind sounds to accompany the visuals.

Record some as a separate exercise efx so you can add them in in post.

Knowing that, you can kill all wind sounds in your subsequent video recordings, and you can guarantee your voice recordings will be clear and eligible.


Cheers.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Philip Fass

I've read many positive comments about the Rode Blimp and its components, but many negative comments about rubber band-style suspensions.

Is this suspension different/better than a rubber band type? You can see it in the product datasheet or user manual from the downloads tab here: RDE Microphones - Blimp

This is the "rubber band" type and is a copy of the old, now discontinued, Rycote suspension (and copied without fully understanding the "whys" so the original designer tells me).

Rycote discontinued that suspension when they developed the patented "Lyre" suspension which is very much better.

The Rycote S-series is cheaper than the Røde and uses the "Lyre". The suspension is much better and the wind suppression is excellent - the Røde is heavier and slightly larger; the slightly larger size means that in the very worst conditions the Røde has the edge in wind suppression (but not mechanical isolation where the Rycote wins).

For the money I would get the S-series myself.

This is a useful article that explains suspensions with test results as well - Keeping Microphones Quiet

[Tom Morrow]

After reading that article and Chad's review, I bought a Rycote S-Series and I was not disappointed. The Lyre suspension is MUCH better at reducing handling noise than the $50 Pearstone isolation mount with the rubber-band-like suspension that I had been using previously.

I've noticed that the rubber band type suspensions seem to be expendable, as the rubber rots and needs replacement whereas the lyre looks like it'll last until I break it myself :-)

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Tom Morrow

After reading that article and Chad's review, I bought a Rycote S-Series and I was not disappointed. The Lyre suspension is MUCH better at reducing handling noise than the $50 Pearstone isolation mount with the rubber-band-like suspension that I had been using previously.

I've noticed that the rubber band type suspensions seem to be expendable, as the rubber rots and needs replacement whereas the lyre looks like it'll last until I break it myself :-)

The rubber ones also bounce and droop.

I don't thing you will break the "Lyres" - I have seen them twisted over and over and still return to the original shape - I have also seen them thrown across a room - the "Lyre" is very very very tough.

[Philip Fass]

I've been leaving out a key piece of information: I can get the mic I've been considering (Neumann 81i) and the dealer throws in the Rode Blimp free.

I suppose I could sell the blimp on eBay and use the funds toward a Rycote.