Rycote or Rode for the MKH 50

N

Nytkim

Member
Hello again!

I decided to go for the MKH 50. What do you guys think about the Rycote Windshield 2 vs the Rode blimp? The Rycote cost is double the Rode, having almost the same features, it is smaller and fits better the mkh 50. The Rycote seems to have better materials, construction, durability, wind reduction and its lighter. I don't plan to put the microphone on really strong winds. The Rhode seems more flimsy, but has the 10 yr warranty and fits a lot of microphones.

I plan to use the windshield until it is no longer useable and also with longer microphones (which will require an extension for the Rycote). Will there be any difference with the MKH 50? Anything that justifies the price difference? Is the construction quality really better on the Rycote? Maybe someone with the new rode blimp can share some experience.

Thanks.
 
The Rycote Baby Ball Gag highly regarded by most pros. A 'Zeppelin' screen is normally not necessary for interiors, and that's the MKH50 recommended usage... interiors. I have a Rycote 'Softie' for my 416 shotgun, which is only adequate for low velocity breezes. I haven't tried the new 'Super Softie'.
 
I will be using it outdoors until I get myself a shotgun. Would the BBG with the Windjammer be enough?
 
I see the Inv 6, BBG and Windjammer would be around $270, while the Rycote Super Shield costs around $360
 
I think it is pretty much a decision you are going to have to make. The Rycote WS2 Kit is considered by Location Sound people to be the best Zepplin when doing the cost/benefit analysis. The Rode is apparently heavier.

I often use my MKH 50 in mixed environments in a shoot going from interior to exterior with it. For interiors you shouldn't need a zepplin but most people put it in one and leave it there.

I sometimes have it in a Rycote WS2 if I am using it in a booming situation or if I am doing ENG work I will I stick a foamy on for interiors or move to a softie outside work. Here's the softie and it's not that pricey...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...Njr8u_39sICFYyTfgod2ZAAWA&is=REG&A=details&Q=

Make sure your shockmounts are good. Rycote Lyres are the tried and true. The K-Tek Nautilus is supposed to be good.

And the mic is fabulous. Treat it well as it deserves it.
 
Andrew Stone said:
I think it is pretty much a decision you are going to have to make. The Rycote WS2 Kit is considered by Location Sound people to be the best Zepplin when doing the cost/benefit analysis. The Rode is apparently heavier.

I often use my MKH 50 in mixed environments in a shoot going from interior to exterior with it. For interiors you shouldn't need a zepplin but most people put it in one and leave it there.

I sometimes have it in a Rycote WS2 if I am using it in a booming situation or if I am doing ENG work I will I stick a foamy on for interiors or move to a softie outside work. Here's the softie and it's not that pricey...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...Njr8u_39sICFYyTfgod2ZAAWA&is=REG&A=details&Q=

Make sure your shockmounts are good. Rycote Lyres are the tried and true. The K-Tek Nautilus is supposed to be good.

And the mic is fabulous. Treat it well as it deserves it.
Click to expand...

Wait, so you mean a Lyre mount like the Inv 7 and a softie are enough for the MKH 50? No need for the WS kit 2? I plan to use it for recording SFX until I get another mic. In my city wind goes from 5 to 10km/h. More than that only with heavy rain, which we would hardly shoot anything.

By the way, I was thinking about getting a shotgun later. The Rode Blimp is adjustable. However, an invision + softie is cheap enough to buy a really good zeppelin when I get my shotgun.
 
You might want to consider getting a pistol grip with the Rycote INV mount built into it. Price isn't that bad and if you are doing sound recordist stuff, I think your thoughts in the immediate post above are right on track. You can swap out the lyre sets to different types.

Here are some options:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/263721-REG/Rycote_033702_Medium_Hole_Softie_Lyre.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554999-REG/Rycote_041107_INV_7_InVision_Indoor_Microphone.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407106-REG/Rycote_037301_Extension_Handle_with_Foam.html

The softie should work in moderate wind. If not in your case, you should still have one in your kit. It will get used a lot.

BTW lots of people, once they have the MKH 50 will end up using it in place of 416 in many instances. Spend some time with this one and get to know it's pickup pattern and sonic print (unless you really need that second hypercardiod / boom mic). As you will discover the sound you will get from it is just that amazing. Be prepared for the extreme lack of noise from this mic particularly if you haven't used a microphone of this grade before.

This microphone does pair well with a Sennheiser 416 although it does have a different sound and a slightly wider / more forgiving pickup pattern when booming. As Rick says, it works well as an interior mic and generally that is its use but it is great for capturing sounds for SFX or sound design material and it can be used as an outdoor microphone for dialogue in some situations. It will all become clear when you start to use it.
 
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