Windprotection

[pand]

Hi I'm new to the forum, and haven't had full chance to browse all the threads relating to wind-protection.

If you're outside in open countryside, where it can be windy, if you are using a blimp with a fur cover, how do you make sure you cut down on wind, but still keep ambiant noises (like from livestock) audible?

I've been told that using a foam guard is not enough, as you'll probably lose the background noises.

(for the record i'm looking towards rycote but i've not even thought about mic yet. there would be a dedicated boom operator).

 

[Jacquot]

Hi I'm new to the forum, and haven't had full chance to browse all the threads relating to wind-protection.

If you're outside in open countryside, where it can be windy, if you are using a blimp with a fur cover, how do you make sure you cut down on wind, but still keep ambiant noises (like from livestock) audible?

I've been told that using a foam guard is not enough, as you'll probably lose the background noises.

(for the record i'm looking towards rycote but i've not even thought about mic yet. there would be a dedicated boom operator).

The blimp with fur will help dramatically with low frequency (wind) sometimes down to 30dB but still allow higher frequency ambient sound --but, there is some attenuation with high frequency using a windscreen; it's just a trade-off. Using a good quality screened blimp (e.g., Rycote) is important for that reason. Directional mics (like the commonly used shotgun) are more susceptible to wind and vocal plosives. However, a bigger issue is usually pole noise (from hands and cables.)

If you place the mic correctly to the source, you will get the cow moos and still knock down the wind noise.

Since you say you'll have a dedicated sound person, then let them determine the setup they are comfortable with.....and remember that bad sound will ruin all your perfect camera work whereas good sound will make bad camera work look okay.

Hiring an experienced sound person with their own equipment that they know and can skillfully use is a very, very smart investment. And you won't need to buy the kit yourself, and also risking getting something that might not work for you in the end.