Topic: Should windscreens always be used?

[phishn]

Should windscreens always be used in or outdoors?  And if so, do they affect the quality of the recording?  I have read references to windscreens protecting the mics from smoke, ac systems, and shock if someone knocks your rig down and the mics hit the floor cap first.  I'm debating if I should always use them or not.  My mics are AKG 391's and I have the stock windscreens that come with them.  One last question.. Do the screens go all the way in touching the mic caps or should room be left between the front of the cap and end of the windscreen?

[rabhan]

i agree with moke, and practice the same principles of ws art!

[F.O.Bean]

 You don't want the screens pulled on "all the way" tight.

mok3, why not?? if theyre on "all the way", that IS creating a dead space in the screen....right??

[BCostigan]

I've read that windscreens do affect the sound quality...not much mind you but....where did I read that?

[nickgregory]

I would never not use them....even if I do sacrifice a minor amount of sound, at least I am protecting my investment in mics from smoke that is so prevalent at some of these venues.

[Swampy]

Ya, always use screens, inside and out. Its just a good habit to be in. I also have read that there should be air between the screen and mic...

[phishn]

And if so, do they affect the quality of the recording?
 

A good set of w.screens should not affect your recording.

Are the ones that come with the mics considered a good set?  And if the sound is altered by the use...how?  does it muffle highs?

[thinkbig]

I use :

outside :

 DPA ua0896  ( 19mm dia )

inside :

 DPA ua0020  ( 19 mm )


the 0896's are the standard for outside

Jeff

[Brian Skalinder]

the 0896's are the standard for outside

Except for all those people running Shure A81WS, IMO a better option for outdoors.

[John R]

dpa 896 inside
shure 81 outside

made the mistake of not running with screens at mule 9:30 on the 26th, bummer.  so much smoke.  ran them last night, less smoke, but the ac was on for some reason.  glad i ran them.

jr

[nickgregory]

the 0896's are the standard for outside

Except for all those people running Shure A81WS, IMO a better option for outdoors.

depends on the location...here in Raleigh, the DPAs are sufficient nine times out of ten....

[sexymexi]

i don't run them inside unless i'm by a vent or yes the lower volume music.  but i've done some with double windscreens and it has muffled the sound a bit..  

someday i'm gonna make a wind screen, using mic pop filter silk, and a wind screen, i was going to base it on the blimp windscreens in that i have an outer protection (the pop screen) which would reduce most of the wind, and under that have a space and then a smaller screen to reduce anything else that might be there.  when i do, i'll be sure to post pics, and maybe make some extra's and let you guys try them if you wish.  when i get all moved out, and back in,  i'll try and do that.  

matt

[creekfreak]

Now that you can no longer smoke in a lot of the areas I tape I have been using them less and less. I see no reason to use them if there are no a/c issues or smoke issues in doors. While a good pair of windsreens will not affect sound that much, I have noticed a difference, just not as bright with the screens on.

[Arglebargle]

I use them with my AKG 480s but not with my DPA 4060s.

[Arglebargle]

Actually they are Core Sounds HEBs, I asked for 4061s, and whoever sold me these things told me to get these 4060s instead because they have lower noise. I was told to use attenuators when the music is too loud. They work great for stealthing and I rarely even need the attenuators, but when I try to record on the stage if the music is too loud they sound awful!!!