Topic: Outdoor Rain Protection

[stevetoney]

I'm trying to cover all the bases in outfitting my new higher end rig, so I hope everyone's not getting tired of some of my questions that have probably already been asked many times in the past.  

One area of concern is being outdoors when it starts to rain this summer.  So, I have a rough idea where I'd just take velcro straps or bungy cords and wrap them around shaft of the mic stand and the handle of a small 18 inch diameter umbrella that I have.  I've seen other rigs in the past and this seems to be a popular alternative, although I think I've seen some mic stands in the past that actually have an umbrella attachment.  Between this and a garbage bag around my rig bag, that would probably adequately protect everything, wouldn't it?

Any better ideas?  Thoughts?  Pictures?  Links to products?

Thanks.

[OFOTD]

I'm trying to cover all the bases in outfitting my new higher end rig, so I hope everyone's not getting tired of some of my questions that have probably already been asked many times in the past. 

One area of concern is being outdoors when it starts to rain this summer.  So, I have a rough idea where I'd just take velcro straps or bungy cords and wrap them around shaft of the mic stand and the handle of a small 18 inch diameter umbrella that I have.  I've seen other rigs in the past and this seems to be a popular alternative, although I think I've seen some mic stands in the past that actually have an umbrella attachment.  Between this and a garbage bag around my rig bag, that would probably adequately protect everything, wouldn't it?

Any better ideas?  Thoughts?  Pictures?  Links to products?

Thanks.

Alot of people use stroller umbrellas from Toys R Us and the like.  It comes with a small umbrella and a clamp.    You should be fine with an umbrella and something to cover your gear bag.  If you feel like your mics will get wet I know that using a condom over them has been used many times successfully.  Weird I know but it works,

[midside]

http://www.rycote.com/

[SmokinJoe]

I've thought about umbrellas, and the other thing I've thought about is plastic soda/water bottles, at least for small mics like AT-853s.  I think the best thing is to do both, at the same time, like belt and suspenders. Bottles and umbrellas are a lot cheaper than mics.

I haven't done this, but here's the plan... Cut the bottom out of the soda bottle,  stick the mic in through the mouth so the capsule is kind of in the middle of the bottle somewhere, duct tape the thing in place, and probably point it down a few degrees so if it doesn't collect water.  I expect rain hitting the plastic bottle would definitely make noise, but not as much as rain hitting the capsule.

Interesting idea on the condoms.  As a married man who went to see "doctor snip snip" years ago, I haven't bought condoms in a long time.  If my wife found condoms in by gear, I'd have some serious explaining to do. 

[midside]

Uhhhhh, rycote had been making stuff for like 30 years for this exact purpose.
Ever wonder how the professionals get such nice sound outside in the rain in the movies?
The answer is.....rycote.

[dointhatrag]

last years GOTV rained the entire festival ( 90 %)

Rycote wind jammers are the best for rain IMO.

can you hear the rain?

http://www.archive.org/download/RhythmDevils2006-08-19.schoeps/RhythmDevils2006-08-19schoepsd102.flac

[Brian Skalinder]

No doubt Rycote provides excellent gear in this regard.  However, not everyone has the budget for the fairly expensive (last I checked) Rycote gear when they only very rarely record in challenging weather conditions.

And damn if I don't find their website difficult to follow and identify which (if any) of the various options (Windshield/WindJammer/Windscreen/Softie) will work best for running my MKx + actives near-coincident using my Vark bar.  Can't tell if I need a special mount from Rycote, or if I'm only able to run coincident, or if I have additional options for running split omnis, or...what.  I'll figure it out one of these days, though...

[dointhatrag]

you will need a zeppelin, with a MK suspension inside, then the wind jammer cover.

Yes it runs 650.00

[midside]

No doubt about it, the rycote site is very confusing.
But, they make systems for just about any mic out there...so, the best way to get fitted is to talk to a dealer.  I highly suggest Buzz Turner at turner audio:
http://www.turneraudio.com
He really knows the stuff.

Price wise...yes, it is expensive but well worth it.
You must use rycote zepplins with rycote suspensions.
So, you can sell your shock mounts to help offset the cost.
Plus, these systems are not only for rain, they also work a lot better in the wind than a piece of foam!
They create an empty space of air around the microphone body and the wind/rain hits the zepplin from a greater distance away from your capsule.
After recording a few times in the wind, I told myself...."Never again without a zepplin" and these are words to live by.

For many of us here who have thousands of dollars worth of gear, a rycote system is a no brainer.

But, if you are on a smaller budget and want to get creative, then I would suggest trying to build a homemade design modeled after the rycote.  Perhaps try to build an open air frame, maybe using small embroidery hoops and thin dowel rods to go over your mount.  Then stretch some material over it....lycra?  I don't know, just an idea.....but I'll keep my zepplin

[midside]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that they also protect your mics from the elements...like dust!

[rokpunk]

If only you had on an aluminum foil beenie instead of the yellow hat, you most certainly could have made contact with the aliens with that rig.

[Gizby]

That looks like the greatest job in the world.

[TNJazz]

mmmm...Cantar...

[Krispy D]

screw weather protection where can I get that rad tribal outfit?!?!

[RobertNC]

What about monsoon protection?

Think Rycote could have endured the lawn scene - Grateful Dead at Jerriweather 6-20-1983?