Need reccomendation on a blimp system

I

IneedHELP

Member
Hey all,

I have an audio-technica shotgun mic, discontinued model AT835b. It has the same dimensions (369.0 mm (14.53") long, 21.0 mm (0.83") diameter) as the new model, the AT8035, and I was wondering if someone could recommend a good blimp system for it. I don't know if it matters, but it'd be in use with the HVX and I plug directly into the camera since I can't afford separate recording. Thanks!
 
I haven't used it personally, but the Rode Blimp System at $ 300.00 is getting a lot of attention as the best bang for the buck out there right now. I've got the Rycote S300 which is in roughly the same price range ($ 350.00). The Rode is probably more versatile since it's long furry cover is removable, but the Rycote with its integrated short hair is a very convenient and elegant design.
 
Check out the Rode.... very nice & I've heard of people finding them on eBay for between $200-$250. I REALLY like mine!
 
http://usa.rodemic.com/accessory.php?product=Blimp

Compatible Mics:
RØDE: NTG-1, NTG-2, NTG-3
AKG: C568EB, C568B, C480B CK61/62/63
Audio Technica: AT4073a, AT875R, AT897, BP4029, AT 835ST
Azden: SGM-1000, SGM-1X, SGM-2X (short barrel only)
Beyer: MC 836, MCE 86 II, MCE 86 S II
DPA: 4017
Edirol/Roland: CS-50
Neumann: KMR81I, RSM191
Sanken: CS1, CS3, CSS55
Schoeps: CMD 2U, CMIT 5U
Sennheiser: MKH 20 P48, MKH 30 P48, MKH 40 P48, MKH 50, P48, MKH 60-1,
MKH 416, P48, MKH 418 S, ME60, ME62, ME64, ME66​
Sony: ECM-678, ECM-673, ECM-674 ,ECM-680S, ECM-670, ECM-672
 
Keep in mind, just because a mic isn't listed as being supported doesn't mean it won't work. Rode says their blimp takes mics up to 12 3/4 inches long and I believe the largest diameter is 30mm. I haven't measured it, but I think you could physically fit a mic that's a little longer then 13 inches in the Rode.

Don't quote me on that though....
 
I got all excited for the Rode blimp, but it's not going to work because while the diameter works at 21mm, it's too long for the blimp at 14.53". Thanks anyway guys, maybe I'll check out that Rycote.
 
I found a rycote that would fit my mic, series S450, and the site I found it on was "trewaudiostore.com" - does anyone know if this is a reliable site?
 
The Rode should work just fine with your 14.53" mic. It measures out to about 20" long, and the mic mounts are on a sliding rail system, so you can adjust where on the mic it's gripping it. For the price, quality and everything, it's really my recommendation.
 
I should make it clear that I definitely believe you and that's not why I'm saying this, but if it'll work for my 14 inch mic, why does rode tell me it'll accommodate up to 12 and a quarter? I'm just expressing my confusion here, that's all.
Also, say I go with this Rycote S series, there's a 375mm lenth blimp and a 450 - obviously either would fit fine for my 369mm long mic, but which is better? One that fits snuggly (375, difference of 6mm) or one with a lot of breathing room (450, difference of 81mm)?
 
I just got the Rode Blimp, impressive, so much larger and impressive than the photo I saw of it when ordering. Looks to be high quality, functional.
 
The Rycote S450 kit is the one for a 369mm long mic.

The "Lyre" suspension on the S-series is better than any other suspension and only equalled by other Rycote "Lyre" suspensions and the Osix mount.
 
Rycote is always a good way to go. I got the Rode blimp though and I gotta say that it is fantastic. Hell I even lost the little rubber thing that holds the cable and I sent an e-mail to Rode asking if I could buy another. They shipped it to me free of charge.

Not only a well functioning blimp system (and very versatile I should add) but a fantastic company with excellent customer service.
 
I ended up getting the Rode system for the mic, and I bought it from B&H Photo/Video. They have a 15 day return policy, so I figured if it didn't fit my 369mm mic, I could always return it and opt for the Rycote. It is adjustable, and I can make it work for the most part, but fitting the actual blimp onto the pistol grip gives me some complications with the XLR sticking out the back end. When I have the blimp on, audio detects bumps to the boompole, and I think it's because the xlr is rubbing up against the blimp. I have to fool around with it a bit more, but if I can't get it right, I'll just return it and pick up the Rycote.

Otherwise, the Rode was a fantastic reccomendation, I got it with a free boompole, fuzzie windscreen to fit the blimp, and even a carrying case for the pole. Thanks for the help everyone!
 
IneedHELP said:
I ended up getting the Rode system for the mic, and I bought it from B&H Photo/Video. They have a 15 day return policy, so I figured if it didn't fit my 369mm mic, I could always return it and opt for the Rycote. It is adjustable, and I can make it work for the most part, but fitting the actual blimp onto the pistol grip gives me some complications with the XLR sticking out the back end. When I have the blimp on, audio detects bumps to the boompole, and I think it's because the xlr is rubbing up against the blimp. I have to fool around with it a bit more, but if I can't get it right, I'll just return it and pick up the Rycote.

Otherwise, the Rode was a fantastic recommendation, I got it with a free boompole, fuzzie windscreen to fit the blimp, and even a carrying case for the pole. Thanks for the help everyone!
Click to expand...

From what you say above, the Røde Blimp is too short for the mic.

You need a good 3" space at the front of the mic. and the same at the rear (at least) as you need to have a flexible loop of cable to decouple the mic. and this loop must not touch the windshield at all.

Measure the mic. against the outside of teh Blimp with the XLR connected - put the front of the mic. by the plastic ring that joins the front cup to the main body. With the XLR on the mic. the back end of the XLR should be by the ring at the back end - if it sticks into the rear cap area then the Blimp is too short for the mic.
 
I use the Rode Blimp with NTG-2 & Tascam HD-P2. Did some quick tests with the setup the other day & was very impressed with it's wind handling ability.
 
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