Rycote Softie just don't cut it

swiperstopswiping

swiperstopswiping

Well-known member
I've been using an At4073a for a little bit now, and have realized that a rycote softie still allows a decent amount of wind to be picked up by the mic. Obviously the way the mic is angled with the way the wind blows makes a difference, but I was wondering, has anyone tried putting a good sized foam board around the body of the microphone, resulting in more of the direct wind being blocked, and therefore requiring the softie to do only a minimal amount of work.

----|--o


that is a crappy diagram for your convienience. the 'o' is the rycote
and the ' | ' is the foam board.
 
If you know which way the wind is consistently coming from, you could maybe try a large pop filter placed on the windward side of the mic.

Just an idea though, because you may end up with an even bigger problem of gusts of swirling wind coming around the pop filter. (ever ride in the back of a pickup truck?)
 
Yep, zeps work best. You can also check out the new K-tek k-zep, it's getting good reviews, especially for the price.

Phil
 
What about the new K-tek Zeppelin? Not the 'Fuzzy' but the full Zeppelin they recently came out with. Has anyone here used one yet? They look to be half the cost of the Rycote.

I need more protection too. I have a Lightwave Equalizer for my 4073a, which is equivalent to the Softie. It does OK up to maybe 10-15mph winds but higher winds and gusts are all too common here in Colorado.

-Dan
 
Dan, see my post just above yours - our paths crossed.

I'm actually using the hugely expensive Sennheiser blimp and windsock and I just leave the windsock on all the time. Haven't had any problems with wind noise.

A couple of folks on RAMPS have said nice things about the k-zep, and Tim should be getting his from Manfred any day now.

Phil
 
I've heard some really good things about that sennheiser blimp, but like you said, hugely expensive. I was wondering what exactly is a pop filter?
 
If I was buying a zep today, I would either get the Windpac for it's convinience or the Ktek for it's budget. Rycote has some serious catching up to do.

Pop filter is that little round thing you see in front of mics in a studio. Basically a piece of nylon stretched around a loop. Stops the popping P&T's. In actuality you can use a 12' silk to cut wind down dramatically; sort of a large pop filter. Just depends how the shot is blocked. You would still need a full zeppelin but even that will get it's ass kicked by over 30mph wind.

Cheers
 
What size of the k-ket zeppelin would work for a k-66 and a at 4073? their website does not indicate lengths... how would this compare to the sennheiser blimps and the rycote stuff. Anyone have experiences with any of these?

Edit: found the sizes for the k-tek's , SHORT 5" , MEDIUM ??", LONG 10" , these seem to come with the shock mount, that's a good price for the package (250$ from BH)
 
Last edited:
robot909,
You're looking at the K-Tek Fuzzy. I'm not sure if it would be any better than a Softie in terms of wind protection. K-Tek announced a full zeppelin design at NAB. Oddly enough, they don't even show it on their own website yet. Look part way down in this article:

http://dvmag.com/features/features_item.jhtml?category=Archive&articleId=187203101

I haven't found too many online places listing them yet although I would guess that any pro shop selling K-tek can get them. Here's one link:

http://www.equipmentemporium.com/new Fuzzy's.htm

-Dan
 
yes, thats the one I was looking for. like Teledan said, its not on the k-tek website. I'll try this trewaudio place.

thanks
 
You can also call K-Tek and talk to them. Manfred is the owner and his fabulous daughter Brenda answer the phone and are really great about advice. Really great people. You can't go wrong with K-Tek products. All made in the US by a family run company. You can find the number on their website.

No, I don't work for them or sell their products. Just love the products and like to see quality and hard working people kept in business.
 
I just picked up a K-Tek wind system. The medium is the size to get for your 4073a. Its worked fine so far, but I have yet to be in conditions that would really put it to the test.
 
I'd be interested to hear how you like it, Craig. As it seems with everyone, I really like K-Tek gear and their new Zeppelin looks great; and for a more reasonable price when you consider what you get and compare to Rycote. I need a second BBG and furry for a job I have next month and I'm having a really hard time shelling out $200 for something that looks like a playtoy you give to your cat.

-Dan
 
I apologize for the tangent as this is slightly off topic from swiper's original question, but seeing as we're talking about the K-Zep...

Now that there is a decent quality zeppelin for <$350, is there any audio advantage for using this over a KSSM + BBG + windjammer on a hyper such as the oktava? I know it weighs more, but at this point I am more concerned with the audio quality. I know hypers, in general, are better indoors, and zeppelins, in general, are geared for outdoors, but I'm looking for a diverse set of gear that gives me the best audio. I guess technically my question boils down to wondering if having the capsule at the front of the mic (in hyper-cardioids, as opposed to shotguns) makes any practical difference in the type of wind shielding it needs.
 
Not sure I completely follow your question but the reason you don't use a full zepplin on a hyper is

A. it's overkill indoors
B. a zeppelin takes up more space, making it more difficult to use with low ceilings and will keep the mic a bit further from subject.

But I have seen video of people using zeppelins indoors. Whatever makes one happy. :undecided

Cheers
 
I think he's asking if the K-Zep will have better wind protection (and thus audio quality) than a Rycote Baby Ball Gag which only covers the capsule on a hyper. The K-Zep would totally enclose a hyper.

My guess is there would be no significant difference, other than the K-Zep being bigger and heavier.
 
Yes, sorry for the confusing question. You both answered my question; I had not considered the extra bulk on the back end being an obstruction. Thanks! :-)
 
K-tek Zeppelin Fuzzy

K-tek Zeppelin Fuzzy

I just bought a medium size for for my Rode NTG1. It is good protection for moderate wind. Sudden gust and strong wind will not offer protection.

Delfino
 
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