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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: tbrown4 on July 07, 2010, 07:05:23 PM

Title: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 07, 2010, 07:05:23 PM
In preparation for my third trip to All Good, I felt that I need some additional wind protection. I made a pattern to fit the DPA windscreens that I use on my AKG 460 set up. The pictures below show this set up with the a61 swivels. Pretty happy with the results.

I ended up with a whole lot of this fuzzy fabric leftover. Is this something people would be interested in?

(http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/975/img00957201007071847.jpg)

(http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3913/img00958201007071847.jpg)

(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/4325/img00959201007071847.jpg)

(http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5568/img00960201007071848.jpg)

(http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/7066/img00963201007071848.jpg)

(http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/5158/img00964201007071849.jpg)

(http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1034/img00965201007071849.jpg)
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: flipp on July 07, 2010, 07:21:20 PM
I was all set to see pics of a massacred Muppet to make a screen much like the Dead Teddy from the DIY thread. I will admit I kinda like the fabric; almost like a dayglo tie-dye.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=101340.msg1409797#msg1409797
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 09, 2010, 10:56:29 AM
Where the heck did you find sweet fabric like that. I was stuck with black faux fur from johanns fabrics. How much to make me a set for my AKG c214's? (think it would be the same as 414's)... I dig them a ton!

Neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Shadow_7 on July 09, 2010, 11:40:42 AM
That is a pretty sweet fabric.  I was stuck with 1/2" length leopard print from Hobby Lobby.  That was the longest fake fur that they had.  And I got the last square yard of that stuff.  Also with lots of leftovers.  Although I plan on building a zeppelin setup someday, which might need that much material.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 09, 2010, 01:37:19 PM
Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Shadow_7 on July 12, 2010, 12:15:07 AM
Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.

It's more of a concept stage at the moment.  But basically it'll probably be something along the lines of that 4" PVC stuff used for washing machine and septic tank drainage.  Cut down and out to make up the bulk of the zeppelin skeleton.  Some rubber bands or band like stuff to suspend the mics.  The main issue is how to get rounded ends, and what sort of NON-metal mesh to skin that frame with.  Once I've figured all that out, I can start thinking about skinning it with fur.  The main blocks right now is that I don't what it to be metal, and I can't use a hot glue gun since it'll be outdoors and in the Texas Summer Sun.  Perhaps a wiffle / waffle? ball cut in half and bored out to make the ends.  Plastic ties to bind it all together?  I'll probably get better mics before then.  Maybe something in an NT4 or VP88 to simplify the zeppelin.  As in 1x zep, versus 2x.  Or not.  I've also toyed with the ideal of a double frisbee UFO looking variant to better suit a stereo pair on a stereo bar.  With waterproof roof (frisbee).  Just an ideal at this point.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 12, 2010, 07:09:17 AM
Where the heck did you find sweet fabric like that. I was stuck with black faux fur from johanns fabrics. How much to make me a set for my AKG c214's? (think it would be the same as 414's)... I dig them a ton!

Neil


Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 12, 2010, 07:09:58 AM
Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.

It's more of a concept stage at the moment.  But basically it'll probably be something along the lines of that 4" PVC stuff used for washing machine and septic tank drainage.  Cut down and out to make up the bulk of the zeppelin skeleton.  Some rubber bands or band like stuff to suspend the mics.  The main issue is how to get rounded ends, and what sort of NON-metal mesh to skin that frame with.  Once I've figured all that out, I can start thinking about skinning it with fur.  The main blocks right now is that I don't what it to be metal, and I can't use a hot glue gun since it'll be outdoors and in the Texas Summer Sun.  Perhaps a wiffle / waffle? ball cut in half and bored out to make the ends.  Plastic ties to bind it all together?  I'll probably get better mics before then.  Maybe something in an NT4 or VP88 to simplify the zeppelin.  As in 1x zep, versus 2x.  Or not.  I've also toyed with the ideal of a double frisbee UFO looking variant to better suit a stereo pair on a stereo bar.  With waterproof roof (frisbee).  Just an ideal at this point.

Sounds like a cool project. Keep me posted!
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 12, 2010, 07:55:31 AM
Where the heck did you find sweet fabric like that. I was stuck with black faux fur from johanns fabrics. How much to make me a set for my AKG c214's? (think it would be the same as 414's)... I dig them a ton!

Neil


Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.


Will do buddy thanks!

Neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 12, 2010, 08:35:27 AM
Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.

It's more of a concept stage at the moment.  But basically it'll probably be something along the lines of that 4" PVC stuff used for washing machine and septic tank drainage.  Cut down and out to make up the bulk of the zeppelin skeleton.  Some rubber bands or band like stuff to suspend the mics.  The main issue is how to get rounded ends, and what sort of NON-metal mesh to skin that frame with.  Once I've figured all that out, I can start thinking about skinning it with fur.  The main blocks right now is that I don't what it to be metal, and I can't use a hot glue gun since it'll be outdoors and in the Texas Summer Sun.  Perhaps a wiffle / waffle? ball cut in half and bored out to make the ends.  Plastic ties to bind it all together?  I'll probably get better mics before then.  Maybe something in an NT4 or VP88 to simplify the zeppelin.  As in 1x zep, versus 2x.  Or not.  I've also toyed with the ideal of a double frisbee UFO looking variant to better suit a stereo pair on a stereo bar.  With waterproof roof (frisbee).  Just an ideal at this point.

Sounds like a cool project. Keep me posted!

head to your local wal-mart or bass pro and pickup a 'cricket tube' it will work perfect rip off both ends of plastic and you are left with a 'zepplin' type skeleton.

Neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 12, 2010, 09:19:15 AM
All PMs regarding custom orders have been replied. If this goes well, I'll move over to the retail thread.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 13, 2010, 10:57:35 AM
The first two custom orders have been made and shipped out. I'll wait for them to arrive and be tested out and report back. I still need to work out pricing as well. If this continues to go well I will make a thread in the retail forum. Thanks to those who let me experiment on them ;D
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 13, 2010, 12:11:49 PM
Looking forward to them Tim! I will report back asap.

Neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: dlh on July 13, 2010, 01:06:34 PM
Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.

It's more of a concept stage at the moment.  But basically it'll probably be something along the lines of that 4" PVC stuff used for washing machine and septic tank drainage.  Cut down and out to make up the bulk of the zeppelin skeleton.  Some rubber bands or band like stuff to suspend the mics.  The main issue is how to get rounded ends, and what sort of NON-metal mesh to skin that frame with.  Once I've figured all that out, I can start thinking about skinning it with fur.  The main blocks right now is that I don't what it to be metal, and I can't use a hot glue gun since it'll be outdoors and in the Texas Summer Sun.  Perhaps a wiffle / waffle? ball cut in half and bored out to make the ends.  Plastic ties to bind it all together?  I'll probably get better mics before then.  Maybe something in an NT4 or VP88 to simplify the zeppelin.  As in 1x zep, versus 2x.  Or not.  I've also toyed with the ideal of a double frisbee UFO looking variant to better suit a stereo pair on a stereo bar.  With waterproof roof (frisbee).  Just an ideal at this point.

What about skinning with plastic canvas (for crafts)?
Some people have used rain gutter screens for the ends, but most are aluminum.  Frost King makes a plastic 3" one. They also make rolls of plastic mesh gutter guard.

Here are some pics from "naturerecordists" on Yahoo (you probably have to register to see them).  In the pics, it looks like he used plastic canvas and employed embroidery hoops to connect stuff.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/naturerecordists/photos/album/1729854447/pic/list

Here's one link to plastic mesh strainers:
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/NicksNaturalNook/items/Fine_Mesh_Strainer_set_FREE_SHIP_unique_14933262

There are some YouTube videos on diy zepelins.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: flipp on July 13, 2010, 01:46:59 PM
Send me a rough sketch with height, length and circ.

It's more of a concept stage at the moment.  But basically it'll probably be something along the lines of that 4" PVC stuff used for washing machine and septic tank drainage.  Cut down and out to make up the bulk of the zeppelin skeleton.  Some rubber bands or band like stuff to suspend the mics.  The main issue is how to get rounded ends, and what sort of NON-metal mesh to skin that frame with.  Once I've figured all that out, I can start thinking about skinning it with fur.  The main blocks right now is that I don't what it to be metal, and I can't use a hot glue gun since it'll be outdoors and in the Texas Summer Sun.  Perhaps a wiffle / waffle? ball cut in half and bored out to make the ends.  Plastic ties to bind it all together?  I'll probably get better mics before then.  Maybe something in an NT4 or VP88 to simplify the zeppelin.  As in 1x zep, versus 2x.  Or not.  I've also toyed with the ideal of a double frisbee UFO looking variant to better suit a stereo pair on a stereo bar.  With waterproof roof (frisbee).  Just an ideal at this point.

What about skinning with plastic canvas (for crafts)?
Some people have used rain gutter screens for the ends, but most are aluminum.  Frost King makes a plastic 3" one. They also make rolls of plastic mesh gutter guard.

Here are some pics from "naturerecordists" on Yahoo (you probably have to register to see them).  In the pics, it looks like he used plastic canvas and employed embroidery hoops to connect stuff.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/naturerecordists/photos/album/1729854447/pic/list

Here's one link to plastic mesh strainers:
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/NicksNaturalNook/items/Fine_Mesh_Strainer_set_FREE_SHIP_unique_14933262

There are some YouTube videos on diy zepelins.


there are also some pics of homemade/DIY zeppelins and other assorted baskets in the IY threads here on ts.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=101340.msg1504511#msg1504511            follow the link to the zeppelin thread and then also follow the link in reply #7 in that thread for a few ideas of non-metallic material you can use
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Shadow_7 on July 13, 2010, 10:58:50 PM
The plastic gutter mesh I am aware of, and have intended to use.  Which is fine and dandy for a TUBE.  The issue arises with the termination of the tube.  A flat plate allows a certain shall we say drum head.  No matter how tight you get the material near it, it still flexes and does the drum noise thing that doesn't do a recording much good when it's not part of the performance.  Continuous curvature allows a certain tension and distributed load that prevents most unwanted sounds. 

Granted that we're not talking about a 55 gallon steel drum, although that might provide the best windscreen to mesh ratios.  For use with any stereo configuration.  Although not really a wind profile I'd desire to use in my region.  And a hard sell at most venues.  But still for my mics, the point of interest is that end of the tunnel.  Versus the walls of the tunnel (tube).  Although it is probably just a matter of scale to make that distinction.

I like the frisbee ideal mainly because moisture and wind profile are minimized.  Although odd reflections are inevitable that route.  Putting a single loop of fake fur with bungee like seems seem to be the way to go.  Not that I intend to fly the equivalent of a basketball on the end of a flagpole.  Although I will if I have to.  Part of the reason for getting into the recording thing is to overcome the shortcomings of so called pro outfits that deem sporting rain capes and other weather compensation measures outside of their means.  Even though "they" specialize in OUTDOOR event recording.

 :angry2:
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 16, 2010, 06:27:46 PM
Just came in the mail today fit the ol' c214's like a glove

(http://neilyboy.mtco.com/pics/Photo1695.jpg)

Neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 16, 2010, 11:17:02 PM
Nice. When are you debuting them at a show?
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 17, 2010, 09:14:17 AM
next outdoor show as of now is not until august 7th.. will be FARMFEST450
Backyard Tire Fire
Miles Nielson
Chicago Farmer
Herbert Wiser Band
Jaik Willis
Ernie Hendrickson
BubbaFats Band


Going to see greensky bluegrass on july 28th.. it is indoors but still may slip them on as they look pretty awesome!


Thanks again Tim they are great!
Neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Shadow_7 on July 17, 2010, 09:34:14 PM
I keep my windscreens on pretty much at all times.  You never know when you're going to be below an A/C vent.  Or if you want/need to relocate while recording.  You don't need them, until you need them.  But in terms of degradation versus risk.  Why take the risk, even indoors.  Plus it helps keep the dust and smoke and other things that might not be that great for the mic element off the mic element.  Extra padding on impact if the unthinkable happens.  And other usefulness.  Plus it's a conversation piece where you might otherwise sit through an hour plus of awkwardness.  Perhaps a bit of stealth / security too if you're flying expensive mics and don't want them to walk away if you turn your head for less than five minutes.
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: Neilyboy on July 18, 2010, 09:10:51 AM
all very good points Shadow_7. I am diggin the new look so I may have to run them indoors haha

neil
Title: Re: Dead Muppets (DIY "dead rat" windscreens)
Post by: tbrown4 on July 22, 2010, 09:11:05 AM
For those interested, I've made a retail thread. I've got a new color pattern too.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=137563.msg1786477