Rycote S-Series Windshield Demo and Shootout against the Rode Blimp

Chadfish

Chadfish

Veteran
I recently picked up the Rycote S-Series windshield, for it's size, simplicity and price (270.00 US) and I really like it. Here's a video I made taking a look at it, and there's a shootout against the Rode Blimp - both going up against an industrial fan. For the amount of wind coming at these blimps, they both did really well IMO. I'm glad I have both, as I can choose one or the other (or both!) depending on my needs for the day.

Do you ave either of these windshields? What are your thoughts?

 
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I have the rode blimp, I like it a lot , the construction is kind of cheesy, but I get that it needs to be a light as it possibly can.
 
I don't really like the build of the rode blimp, cheap and seems like it will break any day, but it works. I guess it's reassuring that it comes with a 10 year warranty. The rycote looks like actual dirty animal fur, not a fan of the overall look of it (I know it has nothing to do with what it is intended for).

Is the output plugin Izotope? Love all their plugs!

At 3:49, most evil face I've seen during a shootout.

Cheers,

Mitch
 
Great demo! I use the Rycote S and like it.....light weight, easy to get to the mic and pretty much indestructible. I've used it to break tree branches down in a creek bed (that center ring is tuff) so I could get the boom where I wanted it.
 
Yes Mitch I ran the audio through iZotope Ozone, but with no processing, so I could get some decent sized levels to screen capture. And yes, I am evil, and try to hide it for the most part, but the evil slips out once in a while...
 
Own the S-series and it's just about as good as a "big" Rycote which is much more expensive. You need very strong winds to get it to surrender. One of the three hooks of one of the fur parts broke off at some point so careful with that, but there's no notable difference, two hooks attach the thing well to the middle part. Unfortunately it's not wide enough to fit the Oktava 8 cap for an Oktava M/S setup. I know that the Rode is just that bit wider to fit it.
 
sonidista said:
Own the S-series and it's just about as good as a "big" Rycote which is much more expensive. You need very strong winds to get it to surrender.
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Agreed.



sonidista said:
One of the three hooks of one of the fur parts broke off at some point so careful with that, but there's no notable difference, two hooks attach the thing well to the middle part.
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Have you contacted Rycote?

It may be guaranteed.

I certainly have not heard of these breaking at all - so Rycote may want to investigate.
 
Yes, contact Rycote. They appreciate feedback on products, especially new ones, and usually go out of their way to make you whole again.
 
Hey chad, have you tried the Rycote in gusty winds? I think thats my only worry, gusty winds over a constant stream.
 
I have not. Though I think if the gusts were strong something like the Rode blimp would do better. Head on the S-series does fine, but from the side I thought it could be better. I did use it outside and found that light breezes made some rumble. Nothing I couldn't work around, but more than I expected.
 
So, since I have been bouncing back and forth between these two, it sounds like the Rode Blimp is the better all around solution for the price. FWIW Im looking to use it with a 416.
 
ben_r_ said:
So, since I have been bouncing back and forth between these two, it sounds like the Rode Blimp is the better all around solution for the price. FWIW Im looking to use it with a 416.
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I used to have the RODE blimp but ended up selling it and bought a Rycote system. The RODE is just way too bulky and heavy. The S-Series is real nice though (I use the windshield system with my 416.)
 
ben_r_ said:
So, since I have been bouncing back and forth between these two, it sounds like the Rode Blimp is the better all around solution for the price. FWIW Im looking to use it with a 416.
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I would say the opposite.

The Rycote is cheaper, lighter, and has the far better suspension.

The Røde is larger and heavier so and will likely to be marginally better for wind attenuation (due to the fact that it's larger).

Unless you are recording in a gale I think the S-series would be the best option (bit if you are recording in a gale I would get the full Rycote windshield kit at the higher price).
 
I have both and am glad. I find that the Rycote is equal to the Rode with wind hitting the front, but that rarely happens! So If I see trees moving from the wind, I grab the Rode.
 
Chadfish said:
I have both and am glad. I find that the Rycote is equal to the Rode with wind hitting the front, but that rarely happens! So If I see trees moving from the wind, I grab the Rode.
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And its statements like this that make me continue jumping back and forth.

Sigh... I guess Im just going to have to buy them both, do my own testing and return the one I like less.
 
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