Topic: Rode WS8 cheaper Rycote Softie?

[bryantruitt]

I have a pair of 20mm diameter condenser microphones and I'm looking for some windscreens.

I was also looking at the Rode WS8 which appears to be based off the design of the Rycote Softie and is much cheaper. Does anyone have personal experience with these windscreens?

I know the Shure 81WS are popular around here and might be a good choice, especially with a furry cover, but I like the idea of a single piece wind cover that I can slip on, and it seems like this design has more airspace between the microphone and the cover.

[myke2241]

i think those are fur covering foam i could be wrong. The softies have the fur and basket integrated. the basket design creates a negative void space making it more transparent then foam of the same diameter. BTW i think you are actually referring to the Baby Gag Balls which is a two piece system with the basket and fur separate.

if your looking at budget these are great. the best wind protection... no. but they do work though

[John Willett]

The softies have the fur and basket integrated. the basket design creates a negative void space making it more transparent then foam of the same diameter.

The Softie is a course open foam covered with a Windjammer - it's not a basket.

Though the Softie has now been replaced by the Super-Softie which is a quite different design.

Rycote are now patenting their designs after so many people copied them - though many copies do not understand the science and so copy superficially without understanding *why* the design was done in a certain way.

[fotoralf.be]

I use a set of WS8 outside on various SDCs and they work nicely.

Ralf

[voltronic]

If you haven't purchased yet, a far cheaper way to go would be to pick up a pair of these...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850366-REG/auray_whf_2040_hh_foam_20mm_1_dia_40mm_1_6.html

...and then have TBrown4 make you a custom set of Dead Muppets to go over them.  I just did this for my CM3s (20mm also) and am very happy with the results.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=137563.0