fuzzy wuzzy, etc.

Shawn Philip Nelson

Shawn Philip Nelson

Veteran
I just bought an MKH60 and now need to get the shockmount and wind protection. It seems to me that with a mic this pro I shouldn't cheap out and since it's a shotgun it'll be my outdoor mic and I want the capability to shoot in high wind situations (such as on the Oregon coast). I found the Rycote Windshield kit #4 fits the mic and I can get it for $660 from TAI audio. Is this the best thing to do or are there any just as good alternatives?
Thanks,
-Shawn
 
There seems to be a lot of Rycote bashing as of late - and based on the prices for their zeppelin packages - rightfully so.

Fortunately we have alternatives. K-tek, a very reputable manufacturer, now offer blimps - and are more than half the price of Rycote. In the past few days, I've noticed that TrewAudio is offering 10% off these K-Tek products. Jump on that. $263 for a blimp that will suit your needs. Sure beats the inflated price of an equivalent Rycote product.

Also, I don't want to speak for wabbit, but I've read that he also recommends WINDPAC, though I've never seen nor used their products.

Good luck.
 
Okay, I went to TrewAudio and they have the K-Tek K-Zep Wind System and they say it will fit a 416 and 4073a, so I assume an mkh60 as well. But, it doesn't look as quality as the Rycote. The windshield has all these holes on the side (the rycote has some fabric). It's nice to be able to use the windshield without the windjammer in low wind situations but this doesn't look like it would work. Has anyone actually used this? Any reports? I'd love a chance to save $400 but I don't want to cheap out on quality when outfitting my mkh60.
 
The MKH-60 is a thicker diameter than a 416 so it probably wont fit in the clips. I have an MKH-60 and if I use a 416 with my Rycote Zeppelin I have to put tape around the 416 where it clips in to increase the diameter.
 
shawneous said:
Okay, I went to TrewAudio and they have the K-Tek K-Zep Wind System and they say it will fit a 416 and 4073a, so I assume an mkh60 as well. But, it doesn't look as quality as the Rycote. The windshield has all these holes on the side (the rycote has some fabric). It's nice to be able to use the windshield without the windjammer in low wind situations but this doesn't look like it would work. Has anyone actually used this? Any reports? I'd love a chance to save $400 but I don't want to cheap out on quality when outfitting my mkh60.
Click to expand...

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Klemme, the owner of K-Tek and designer of the Zepplin, last Thursday at the DV Expo and he showed me the new Zepplin. I can assure you the phrase "cheap out" can never be associated with ANY K-Tek product.

The new Zepplin is really built very very well and made with parts that can easily be replaced at a small cost if you left them under a truck tire or something weird like that.

The Rycotes can not be easily replaced and are not as modular. The one downside is that the frame requires that you use the the fuzzy and you don't have to on the Rycote.

However, he explained that making the cage in the manner he did allows him to drastically cut the cost.

So if you insist on having the option of a zepplin with and without a fuzzy, then by all means pay more than twice for the Rycote. But having the fuzzy on the K-Tek is not going to reduce anything but the highest of frequencies which in 99.99% of case is not going to an issue.

But never, never, ever worry about the quality of any K-Tek product. All K-Tek products are made right here in California, and is a family run company with the highest regard for detail.

Plus, you can call them and ask them any question and if for some reason you have a problem with a product the owner will see to it that it is fixed. Try that with Rycote.

And the usual disclaimer: I don't work for them or have any financial interest. Just have a lot of respect for the product and like to see a great company with great people be rewarded for what they do.

If you do call them, ask for Brenda who is the General Manager (and daughter of the owner). She is fabulous, smart and added bonus, very lovely.

But never be worried about K-Tek products being anything other than top notch in workmanship and quality.
 
Kelly, thank you so much for taking the time for such a thorough response. You've definitely convinced me. That and timapter responded to my PM saying similar things as you are. I called up K-Tek today and I believe I spoke with Brenda, she was very helpful. I'll definitely be ordering the K-Zep after I pay the plumber/excavator to fix my house's plumbing emergency... (dang life getting in the way of gear purchases)
 
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