My Dad worked in the building trade and was also a keen photographer. As a child he taught me the importance of always having the right tools for the job. This is a lesson I have carried with me into my own professional life and probably explains my large collection of microphones! It also applies to microphone accessories such as shock mounts and windshields. There is no point in having a great recording ruined by unwanted handling, or ‘blasting’ wind noise.
Rycote have built an international reputation through decades of R&D and are widely recognised as market leaders in both shock mounts and wind protection for location recording and ENG. The Rycote Classic-Softie featured here effectively reduces wind noise by 25db whilst leaving the frequency response of the microphone completely unaffected. It consists of an outer layer of synthetic fur and an inner core of specially designed foam which is not degraded by UV, and is also impervious to moisture, making it perfect to use even in the most inhospitable conditions. The Rycote Softie also comes in a variety of different sizes to suit a range of microphones.
Sennheiser MKE803 with Rycote InVision INV-7 Lyre shock mount.
Amazingly fast to put on ……………………………………………………….
Sennheiser MKE803 with Rycote Classic-Softie Windshield. An extremely light and versatile combination. Perfect for location situations where equipment has to be carried!
CLICK HERE to hear my favourite singer on a windy day in a tree about 30m away.
CLICK HERE to hear a close-up of sinister burrowing bees recorded with a mild breeze
The rejection characteristics of the microphone help to suppress the traffic sounds and the Rycote Classic-Softie deals with the wind……… and the pig deals with his diner!
CONCLUSION.
Right tools for the job!
Martin Mitchell's Microphones 