Is a deadcat necessary for recording sound outdoors?
- Thread starter HeyAndy
- Start date
David W. Richardson
Chapelgrove Films
Personally, I'd say yes it is.
First off, you never know when a slight breeze will stir up. And even a slight breeze can mar your sound.
Second, are you stationary or doing a run-and-gun? If your mic is on the move, then it's moving through the air -- which will give you exactly the same distortion that wind will.
Remember that, most likely, whatever you're shooting is a one-time-only thing. You can't go back and re-stage it if something mars your sound. So take every precaution to get the best sound possible on the first go-around. A deadcat is a good insurance policy.
First off, you never know when a slight breeze will stir up. And even a slight breeze can mar your sound.
Second, are you stationary or doing a run-and-gun? If your mic is on the move, then it's moving through the air -- which will give you exactly the same distortion that wind will.
Remember that, most likely, whatever you're shooting is a one-time-only thing. You can't go back and re-stage it if something mars your sound. So take every precaution to get the best sound possible on the first go-around. A deadcat is a good insurance policy.
David W. Richardson
Chapelgrove Films
If cost is a problem, check this out. This kid made her own deadcat, and gives pretty good instructions on how to do it.
http://lianashootselephants.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-make-your-own-dead-cat.html
If you're going to make your own deadcat, try to find a fake fur material with the thinnest, most open-weave, backing you can.
http://lianashootselephants.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-make-your-own-dead-cat.html
If you're going to make your own deadcat, try to find a fake fur material with the thinnest, most open-weave, backing you can.
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David W. Richardson
Chapelgrove Films
This definitely looks like it's worth trying. I'll spend 3 bucks and 20 minutes to see if it will save me $50 in the long run. However, I read down the comments on the article and the DIY Deadcat creator said she wasn't all that impressed with the sound quality with the windscreen/deadcat combo, but wasn't sure if it had anything to do with the microphone brand or any internal noise issues with her camera. Regardless, it's a starting point and definitely worth tinkering with. Thank you for sharing, I know I'm going to look in to it further
Video Production
What I understood her to say was it was the microphone that she wasn't impressed with, even without the deadcat. I may be mistaken about that.
If it is just the deadcat causing her problem, then it's likely that she got faux fur with a heavy, even rubberized, backing to it. A thinner, looser weave backing will do much better.
Let us know how it works for you Lisa!
David W. Richardson
Chapelgrove Films
Your best guide is your own experience.
There's no reason not to use a deadcat inside. Again, if your mic will be moving while you're recording, then air will be passing across it -- same effect as wind. So a deadcat could definitely help in that situation.
maranfilms
Veteran
For serious filmmaking, I would say a zepplin is a must. They can be pricey, but there's actually a few good tutorials on youtube that show how to make one on the cheap. And to be honest, I made one before I bought a rode blimp. The diy, works just as well as the pro one, just doesn't have as many features, like the ability to change angles, but if you have a decent boom op, he can work with it if need be.
Michael Carter
Veteran
If your mic is moving indoors, you do need some sort of screen - even a foam ball will help.
I have the Rhode blimp with fur and it's great for $299. My son bought the eBay Indian knockoff and he's been happy with it as well, I looked it over and it seems good for the price.
As important as wind protection is a highpass switch. It can really save you, especially if you get any bumps or handling noise.
I have the Rhode blimp with fur and it's great for $299. My son bought the eBay Indian knockoff and he's been happy with it as well, I looked it over and it seems good for the price.
As important as wind protection is a highpass switch. It can really save you, especially if you get any bumps or handling noise.
henryqiu
Well-known member
IMO - if used indoors, the windscreen that comes with VMP should typically be good enough - otherwise why would Rode even have offered it - unless you are recording right next to a blowing fan or something (in that case you should have had the fan turned off if you want to record a dialog, not the noise of a fan). If it's used outdoors, a deadcat or something equivalent is a must, unless you are sure there is no/little air flow around your mic.
If you monitor audio while recording, you'll know exactly when you have to use a Deadcat and when you don't have to at all.
It's understandable that any extra layer of stuff you put around your mic affect the sound recorded. In the case of a Deadcat or Blimp, it's the high frequency part of the sound being recorded. It's not that the more the better. You do pay a price to get clean sound recordings in strong wind. If no/little air flow, if unnecessary, it's better to remove the deadcat/Blimp.
If you monitor audio while recording, you'll know exactly when you have to use a Deadcat and when you don't have to at all.
It's understandable that any extra layer of stuff you put around your mic affect the sound recorded. In the case of a Deadcat or Blimp, it's the high frequency part of the sound being recorded. It's not that the more the better. You do pay a price to get clean sound recordings in strong wind. If no/little air flow, if unnecessary, it's better to remove the deadcat/Blimp.