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 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/573091-REG/Rode_WS6_WS6_Deluxe_Windshield_for.html)

or the Rycote Sofie?
Rycote | 10cm Medium Hole Softie | 033022 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/322369-REG/Rycote_033022_10cm_Medium_Hole_Softie.html)

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 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?

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 (http://www.ktekbooms.com/products.php?id=12)

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 (http://www.ktekbooms.com/products.php?id=12)

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.

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

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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlgx5wmJNbg&feature=channel_page)

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 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpBzn69_DPU)

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 (http://vimeo.com/2433898)

And this video shows the $800 blimp from Sennheiser
Wind Protection for Shotgun Microphones on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/2095874)

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

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.


I've seen it, Guy, believe me...
Here
Translations of The Lord's Prayer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord%27s_Prayer_in_different_languages)
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

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 (http://www.dvcreators.net/rode-blimp/)

Coupon code "vasco"

Valid through March 31, 2009 for 20 people.

Temptation: Rode Blimp at DVcreators.net (http://www.dvcreators.net/rode-blimp/)

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 (http://www.dvcreators.net/rode-blimp/)

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 (http://www.dvcreators.net/rode-blimp/)

19 blimps left...

Here's a great vid on the blimp YouTube - RodeBlimp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRnhJ8xoQk)

18 left. Thanks Paula!

Here's a great vid on the blimp YouTube - RodeBlimp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRnhJ8xoQk)

18 left. Thanks Paula!

You beat me to it, Guy! I was going to say "Make that 18!"

any promos still going on?

4 years later, the instant thought would be no, but Guy always has good things happening ..?

Cheers.

haha its worth asking
i just bought a windscreen and am thinking about a blimp

The Rode Blimp is a great choice, clever guys and gals at Rode, the name 'Blimp' has gone into audio folklore.

Another 4 yr old thread :) You could make one of these, mine is still going strong ..

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/239479-carry-case-rode-blimp.html

Cheers.

I have found the Wincutter range to be very good and great value for money

Reducing wind noise on video (http://www.photo-i.co.uk/2012/01/windcutter/)

But to answer the original question - Rycote is the best as they designed the hairy cover originally, understand the science behind the design and *how* and *why* it works.

All the others are copies.

If you don't fully understand the science you can get higher levels of high frequency loss and other problems.

In the old days Rycote did not properly patent and protect their ideas, which is why they were copied so much.

Now they have patented the design of the "Lyre" suspension, which is why it has not been copied and others still use copies of old Rycote designs.

Everyone knows just because anything was first last century, doesn't mean that 45 years later it's still the best.

Time moves on, there are some great audio windscreen products available now.

Cheers.

Everyone knows just because anything was first last century, doesn't mean that 45 years later it's still the best.

Time moves on, there are some great audio windscreen products available now.

Cheers.

Agreed - but the Windjammer was relatively recent and not 45 years ago and Rycote have continuously been researching and improving their product line.

Which then immediately gets copied.......

Rycote invented the Windjammer, Rycote invented the Softie, Rycote invented the suspension that used a metal ring with moveable pegs and O-rings, etc... All these have been copied.

But they patented the "Lyre" suspension, so this has not been copied.

The difference between inventing and copying is that the person who invents the product fully understands the science behind it an *how* and *why* it works.

The Rycote Windjammer is a special design of fabric, the hairs are the type, diameter and length they are for a reason and how they attach to the backing is that way for a reason. Someone who copies (especially if they want to make it cheaper) is unlikely to fully understand the science and the reason for something - so it ends up looking similar but performing worse (even though it may seem fine on initial testing). EG: many of the copies are worse in high frequency attenuation and frequency response through the cover.

Yes, there *are* some quite reasonable windscreens out there, but very very few that are original designs and are not copies of the Rycote.

Fair comments John, although you have omitted the high cost of the Rycote covers and accessories. I suspect there are many followers on this forum who may not be able to justify the extra cost. Of course any professional audio or video guy will not flinch at the cost and no doubt the high quality of Rycote products will speak for themselves.

Now which end do I plug the mike in ? :-).

any promos still going on?

The coupon code "vasco" mentioned early in thread still applies. It's a big discount, not sure if we have any t-shirts left though.

Agreed - but the Windjammer was relatively recent and not 45 years ago and Rycote have continuously been researching and improving their product line.

Which then immediately gets copied.......

Rycote invented the Windjammer, Rycote invented the Softie, Rycote invented the suspension that used a metal ring with moveable pegs and O-rings, etc... All these have been copied.

But they patented the "Lyre" suspension, so this has not been copied.

The difference between inventing and copying is that the person who invents the product fully understands the science behind it an *how* and *why* it works.

The Rycote Windjammer is a special design of fabric, the hairs are the type, diameter and length they are for a reason and how they attach to the backing is that way for a reason. Someone who copies (especially if they want to make it cheaper) is unlikely to fully understand the science and the reason for something - so it ends up looking similar but performing worse (even though it may seem fine on initial testing). EG: many of the copies are worse in high frequency attenuation and frequency response through the cover.

Yes, there *are* some quite reasonable windscreens out there, but very very few that are original designs and are not copies of the Rycote.

I'm here in Los Angeles and was with the Rycote / RODE folks last night....there will be an announcement "soon" about a RODE / Rycote partnership project. I have one sitting here in front of me....

any promos still going on?

So Note, I told you :) and Guy has a higher level NDA than I have :)

Cheers.

Fair comments John, although you have omitted the high cost of the Rycote covers and accessories. I suspect there are many followers on this forum who may not be able to justify the extra cost. Of course any professional audio or video guy will not flinch at the cost and no doubt the high quality of Rycote products will speak for themselves.

Now which end do I plug the mike in ? :-).

The question was about quality, not price.

But - the Rycote S-series is cheaper than the Røde and has a better suspension - also, the Rycote Miniscreen with Windjammer is cheaper and 5dB better than a Softie.

Price also has to be taken into consideration. I have not gone into as much product research as you have, so I will take your word for all the facts you have mentioned.

Price also has to be taken into consideration. I have not gone into as much product research as you have, so I will take your word for all the facts you have mentioned.

Yes and no.

Talking about *quality* price does not come into consideration at all.

When talking about *value for money*, then it does come into consideration - of course.

Having said that - the Rycote S-series is still cheaper than the Røde Blimp.

OK John, I take your point.

I guess at the end of the day a Rycote or Rode blimp is going to produce a better result than putting a sock over the mike :-)