Sound quality of shotgun mics inside windshields (blimps/zeppelin)?

[Kevin Kelly]

I need to buy a shotgun microphone that will live inside a windshield (blimp, zeppelin, etc.) with a furry cover. Average wind speeds around here are 15-20 mph with wind gusts ranging up to 40 mph. That’s why the microphone will mostly be inside the windshield. I've done some research on this, but I still have a few questions.

How does the windshield affect the sound quality of the microphone?
Why are most shotgun mic reviews done indoors?
Are there any shotgun mic reviews done using windshields?
Would the sound quality of a “bright” microphone, such as an Audio Technica BP4073, be “equalized” by using a windshield?

Kevin

 

[Alex H.]

How does the windshield affect the sound quality of the microphone?

The more material you place on/around the mic, the more the high frequencies will be attenuated. However, a zeppelin and fur cover aren't going to make everything sound muffled. You'll hear a rolloff on the higher frequencies, but not to an amount that makes the audio unusable. In fact, it's not enough really to compromise the sound quality. Better to lose a tiny bit on the high end than to take the low-end rumble and overmodulation of wind on a bare mic, right?

Why are most shotgun mic reviews done indoors?

There are a lot of reviews out there, and I do mean a lot. Everybody fancies themselves a professional filmmaker these days, and finds that a good reason to post their own tutorials and reviews. Consider the source before you weigh the insight from the review or tutorial. If the video or sound quality of the filmmaking tutorial are bad, chances are the "instructor" is only repeating information gleaned from other Internet tutorials. And if it's a camera review and the video is awful, or a mic review and the sound is recorded poorly, it's probably the same thing. Take it for what it is.

Shotguns can be used indoors in the right hands, and certainly in non-reflective rooms. There are also rooms where shotguns aren't appropriate. Thus, indoors may not necessarily be a bad place to review a shotgun and can, in fact, be a good place to see how it performs indoors. But you're right, many do not take them outside, where a much more complete image of the mic's capabilities can be demonstrated (not in place of interiors, but in addition to them).

One of our moderators, Matt (MattinSTL), has a good comparison of two popular shotguns, recorded outdoors.

Are there any shotgun mic reviews done using windshields?

 

[Rick R]

How does the windshield affect the sound quality of the microphone?
- HF loss is expected on a budget system Very little on a Rycote or other high-quality system... Weight is a factor as well. FWIW, I always remove the Zeppelin and go with a lighter weight Softie if possible. I have a Softie Windjammer as well and only need to resort to the blimp in moderate-heavy wind.

Why are most shotgun mic reviews done indoors?
- Depends on where and by who. Any idiot can post a 'review' on-line, whether they know anything about a product's use or not.

Are there any shotgun mic reviews done using windshields?
- Sure, Search. Why don't you rent a few and try them out hands-on.

Would the sound quality of a “bright” microphone, such as an Audio Technica BP4073, be “equalized” by using a windshield?
- Reread #1

 

[Sergio Fucchi]

In the opinion of some professionals only Cinela ensure full transparency.

 

[GaryNattrass]

Most of the movies and TV made over the past 50 years have used a mic inside a blimp, yes it does affect the sound but this is generally not a problem for the audio post guys!