Spartacus
Veteran
Can you post a pic of the Rode´s shockmount, please?
NEW Rode Blimp fits most shotguns.
- Thread starter Allan Black
- Start date
Can you post a pic of the Rode´s shockmount, please?
Allan Black
Veteran
No need, if you download the data sheet from the RODE site in post 1, there's one there.
Cheers.
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
I'm intrigued by this product but disappointed that not much is said or shown through this thread... other then "I'm getting one"... "they will ship mine"... and "it arrived."
It would be very helpful to post some detailed pictures or follow up with more detailed impressions or comparisons.
I would like to see some close-up detail shots of the unique aspects of this thing... like the little flip-tab thing... and the twist up tighten thing... these look like unique attributes that could use some further clarification and definitely a couple detail pictures.
Anyone?
The data sheet doesn't tell real world experiences... doesn't make comparisons to other products... and doesn't really show much of the unique details of the mount... but you could.
Otherwise I'm a little lost about the point of this thread... what did it tell us? That a Rode makes a blimp and you got one?
It would be very helpful to post some detailed pictures or follow up with more detailed impressions or comparisons.
I would like to see some close-up detail shots of the unique aspects of this thing... like the little flip-tab thing... and the twist up tighten thing... these look like unique attributes that could use some further clarification and definitely a couple detail pictures.
Anyone?
The data sheet doesn't tell real world experiences... doesn't make comparisons to other products... and doesn't really show much of the unique details of the mount... but you could.
Otherwise I'm a little lost about the point of this thread... what did it tell us? That a Rode makes a blimp and you got one?
Allan Black
Veteran
Apologies, been busy. This RODE Blimp works as advertised, the carton lists 46mics it caters for and there'll be others. It comes with a quick start sheet and that's all I had, but you do need to follow the product manual, which at this stage is up on the RODE site.
http://www.rodemic.com/accessory.php?product=Blimp
Here's statements by the lead designer.
http://www.rodemic.com/news.php?article=0013
The Blimp comes with accessories, comb, Allen key, and a range of clips for different diameter mics. That's a new design Switchcraft XLR connector with 2 configs for the suspensions in the hoops, here's a rundown on each.
Quote: "The 'Low and Wide' configuration is the default setting as supplied out of the box. The silicone bands are not pulled extremely tight in this setting. This provides a supple and relatively soft suspension system, which results in the best handling noise isolation. Think of it as the sort of suspension they use in limousines or jalopies so that for maximum passenger comfort, i.e. more spring travel and not a lot of damping.
The 'Tall & Narrow' configuration stretched the bands a bit tighter and also shifts the centre of the microphone clips slightly upward. The extra tension in the bands is useful in more extreme environments where short, sharp movements on a long boompole are unavoidable and you don’t want the microphone to bounce around too much. For harsh conditions when the Blimp will be subjected to jolts and bumps it may be a worthwhile compromise. The other main use of this configuration is for larger diameter microphone such as the M3, NT4 and NT3. The extra weight in these microphones requires extra tension in the silicone bands to prevent them from sagging." Unquote.
There's a couple of pieces to watch you don't lose, one is the small 'grommet', the other the 'bung'. The fur windscreen is slightly thicker than the Rycote version, how much it reduces high frequencies I've yet to find out, but so far so good.
The Blimp is selling in Australia now for $A269, USA (very soon) $US400.
In many respects it looks like the Rycote, doing the same job. HTH.
HA! that's a professional LOW noise cable! my lousy framing.
Cheers.
http://www.rodemic.com/accessory.php?product=Blimp
Here's statements by the lead designer.
http://www.rodemic.com/news.php?article=0013
The Blimp comes with accessories, comb, Allen key, and a range of clips for different diameter mics. That's a new design Switchcraft XLR connector with 2 configs for the suspensions in the hoops, here's a rundown on each.
Quote: "The 'Low and Wide' configuration is the default setting as supplied out of the box. The silicone bands are not pulled extremely tight in this setting. This provides a supple and relatively soft suspension system, which results in the best handling noise isolation. Think of it as the sort of suspension they use in limousines or jalopies so that for maximum passenger comfort, i.e. more spring travel and not a lot of damping.
The 'Tall & Narrow' configuration stretched the bands a bit tighter and also shifts the centre of the microphone clips slightly upward. The extra tension in the bands is useful in more extreme environments where short, sharp movements on a long boompole are unavoidable and you don’t want the microphone to bounce around too much. For harsh conditions when the Blimp will be subjected to jolts and bumps it may be a worthwhile compromise. The other main use of this configuration is for larger diameter microphone such as the M3, NT4 and NT3. The extra weight in these microphones requires extra tension in the silicone bands to prevent them from sagging." Unquote.
There's a couple of pieces to watch you don't lose, one is the small 'grommet', the other the 'bung'. The fur windscreen is slightly thicker than the Rycote version, how much it reduces high frequencies I've yet to find out, but so far so good.
The Blimp is selling in Australia now for $A269, USA (very soon) $US400.
In many respects it looks like the Rycote, doing the same job. HTH.
HA! that's a professional LOW noise cable! my lousy framing.
Cheers.
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Allan Black
Veteran
Both, er all three. It's long story. :violin:
Cheers.
Cheers.
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
I can assume for myself, but do you mind explaining the action and use of that little silver flip tab... and also the "wheel".
It looks as though the silver flip tab opens and closes to secure the cable routed underneath... and the wheel tightens and loosens to allow the grip to move along the rail... in order to choose a balance point for the system with a mic inside.
Both of those features are clever... and worth commenting further on. If I buy one of these I will probably put up a video to explain what's so great about it (or, if the case my be, what's NOT so great about it... although by appearances that's doubtful)...
Thanks for the follow up detail pics.
It looks as though the silver flip tab opens and closes to secure the cable routed underneath... and the wheel tightens and loosens to allow the grip to move along the rail... in order to choose a balance point for the system with a mic inside.
Both of those features are clever... and worth commenting further on. If I buy one of these I will probably put up a video to explain what's so great about it (or, if the case my be, what's NOT so great about it... although by appearances that's doubtful)...
Thanks for the follow up detail pics.
Allan Black
Veteran
Hi, the 'silver flip tab' at the top of the grip, or handle, opens out to allow you fold the handle back up against the Blimp then you close it. You can then stow the Blimp in a narrower box. I'm still using the Blimps carton, it has 2 foam 'packing plates' that fit on each end of the Blimp, keeping it centred in the carton.
And you're correct, that 'wheel' at the very top of the handle, loosens the handle so you can slide it along the suspensions base rail, to balance the mic. The rigging/balancing thing is a one time operation for all mics with the same dimensions.
The accessories also include 4 sets of suspension clips for mics of various sizes, and 8 spare (2 sets) polymer O rings for the suspension. You're very well covered there.
The fur Wombat comes neatly folded inside the Blimp, I store mine there for convenience and to keep dust out of it.
Cheers.
And you're correct, that 'wheel' at the very top of the handle, loosens the handle so you can slide it along the suspensions base rail, to balance the mic. The rigging/balancing thing is a one time operation for all mics with the same dimensions.
The accessories also include 4 sets of suspension clips for mics of various sizes, and 8 spare (2 sets) polymer O rings for the suspension. You're very well covered there.
The fur Wombat comes neatly folded inside the Blimp, I store mine there for convenience and to keep dust out of it.
Cheers.
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John Willett
Veteran
Yes - the "Lyre" suspension *is* that good.
It's well protected by patents to stop the copyists who have tried to reverse-engineer other Rycote windshields and shockmounts.
It is so good that I have swapped all my shockmounts over to the new style and Hugh Robjohns (Technical Editor of Sound on Sound) has done the same thing.
A Rycote S-series comes complete with a mic. tail (soft, flexible XLR lead that does a similar job to the ConnBox) and works out slightly cheaper than a Softie kit and mic. tail.
So I would go for the S-series.
Allan Black
Veteran
John, no offence but most of the folk who read this thread, believe Rycote is too expensive.
Cheers.
Cheers.
MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
Yeah John... sorry but major DITTO from me as well.
Calling all these other guys "copyists" and stuff... it just reminds me of the people who have made a concerted effort to kill any good thing I've tried to bring to the forum.
The guys who are comfortable paying $700+ for a blimp system can keep doing that... I'm sure the Rycote system is nice, but at the very least we can cut the Rycote price in half... and the client isn't going to care if they can't hear the difference... and most users aren't going to care under the same premise... at least in this thread.
When I look at our Rycote blimp now... and realize what this damn thing cost... I'm just amazed at the outright ludicrous nature of the pricing... plus I've bought a couple BBGs... and there's not much you could say to me to convince me that these things are worth the price.
Sure... it's supply and demand... economy of scale, of production... I can follow the REASONS you'd give... but those are the same reasons that I'm thrilled that we're finally getting some options. If Bic made the only ink pen they could probably cost about $30 each... or I guess they could even be $50 each... and somebody who knows the company and lives near it could be upset when another company comes along to bust the monopoly... but you're going to have a tough time convincing the masses that $1 pens were bad for them.
I'm sure Rycote will continue to have decent sales, but there's no way in hell I'm buying another $600 system if I don't have to.
John Willett
Veteran
They are not too expensive, actually, when you take everything into consideration -- the research and development, build quality, back-up, etc.
The new "Lyre" suspensions are technically the best on the market (and strongly patented) and are extremely inexpensive - so much so that the windshield kits now include a ConnBox at the same price that used to be about £70 extra.
You do get what you pay for.
Fine - if you can't afford a Mercedes you buy a Ford - but you don't say a Mercedes is too expensive - in both cases you get what you pay for.
Personally, I prefer quality and If I have to pay a but extra to get that quality I will do it - it actually normally ends up being cheaper in thelong run.
Postmaster
Dark Side of the Camera
Ha, have you had a Mercedes lately?
The have nothing but trouble with quality.
Yesterday they have to callback AGAIN 1.3 million cars.
Electronics, brakes, and problems because of lousy finishing and machining.
They had those problems many times before.
You offen pay more for the logo and the nimbus as for the product (not to mention shareholder value and profit).
"You get what you pay for" is a rather romantic POV, leaving economics totaly out of the game.
I got that cheap indian blimp - and despite what Rhode and Rycote marketing guys mambo-jambo over acustic research - it works just fine, for a fraction of price.
I worked with the expensive "Pro" Brands and even did a comparson between my Indian and a Rycote - and guess what? No notceable difference soundwise - thou the Rycote was better build and machined. This may change in severe wind caus the fur of the indian blimp is on the shorter side.
Frank
The have nothing but trouble with quality.
Yesterday they have to callback AGAIN 1.3 million cars.
Electronics, brakes, and problems because of lousy finishing and machining.
They had those problems many times before.
You offen pay more for the logo and the nimbus as for the product (not to mention shareholder value and profit).
"You get what you pay for" is a rather romantic POV, leaving economics totaly out of the game.
I got that cheap indian blimp - and despite what Rhode and Rycote marketing guys mambo-jambo over acustic research - it works just fine, for a fraction of price.
I worked with the expensive "Pro" Brands and even did a comparson between my Indian and a Rycote - and guess what? No notceable difference soundwise - thou the Rycote was better build and machined. This may change in severe wind caus the fur of the indian blimp is on the shorter side.
Frank
Spartacus
Veteran
I should have patented the idea when I had it over one year ago.:beer:
Actually I was inspired when I saw a vibrating groundglass suspension in one of the 35mm DIY threads. Hehe, Rycote probably worked on it longer, but I got a similar idea at least...
Anyway, from an artist point of view, I can understand the need for cheaper products, you normaly don´t generate that much revenue to pay of equipment.
But as bussinesmen?
Have you guys ever run a company and had people trust you to pay them each month, even if the big corporate client is overdue paying the final instalment...?
Are you guys telling your client: "You know what, this project could actually be done cheaper, I just underpay the crew, use a HV20 and skip lunchbreaks - or we just film in India!"
I guess where ever you guys are, you want to be paid decently for your work as cameraman, editors or directors.
As do the workers and engeneers at Rycote in the UK.
I´m not saying don´t buy the knockoff, but please stop whining about the cost of genuine products from first world countrys...
The market seems to be changing from renting to buying equipment (at least on the low- and midbudget level), that´s the only reason we see all those copycats and DIY projects at all...
Just my 2c, of course
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MattinSTL
Sound Modulator
Cheaper in the long run? I guess you didn't read where I said our Rycote blimp (which was NEW 2 years ago) is DESTROYED from a couple hard knocks. I do run'n'gun and eng situations where equipment is at risk... and to restate my earlier position... the reason everybody in ENG uses SOFTIES (or a derivative there-of)... is because they are DURABLE... NOT because they work better then blimps.
You want to talk about getting what you pay for? I pay for the best sonic results that I can obtain... if the Rode blimps come down in the USA to the prices they are elsewhere in the world I'll never use a SOFTIE for ENG again.
I'll wager that you'd hear ZERO difference in the transparency of the Rode vs. the Rycote... but I can pretty easily hear the difference in my current Rycote blimp and one of my several Softies.
Frankly... I think the Rode blimp even looks great. I like the geodesic grill design... from a logical "transparency" standpoint... a STRENGTH (read my earlier posts and paragraph in this post)... as in a honeycomb structure is stronger then a basic grid... and again, I think it just LOOKS cool. Currently I have to keep the jammer on our Rycote because the end cap is so chewed up from the couple knocks it took...
I think it's a rare dude that can protect a boom pole ALL the time... sooner or later it's gonna' get a knock... and if the thing on the end can't take it, I'd rather not be paying $700 for it.
I wouldn't say "you get what you pay for"... I'd rather say "throw your money away if you really want to"... It's my sincerest wish that the days of getting boofed on this stuff are coming to an end. :beer:
Man we worked about 18 months (from 2005) on the design back in the day, spot the lyres
One finished here http://www.autonomicum.com/cinedof/prototype_2006_08_24.jpg
Cheers,
T
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Spartacus
Veteran
Hey Toenis,
I hoped you´d chim in here, I couldn´t remember whom´s design I saw...
I was doing a commercial for a company building water jet cutters, (like laser cutters but cold cutting) and wanted to ask them to cut me a spiral/spring/lyre design I drew, but then just bought a shockmount...
I´d sue Rycote imeditately if I where you hehehe
I hoped you´d chim in here, I couldn´t remember whom´s design I saw...
I was doing a commercial for a company building water jet cutters, (like laser cutters but cold cutting) and wanted to ask them to cut me a spiral/spring/lyre design I drew, but then just bought a shockmount...
I´d sue Rycote imeditately if I where you hehehe
