Rycote Modular Windshield Kit + Rode NT4

[SAnthony]

Hi,

Today i received my Rycote Modular Windshield Kit:

http://www.rycote.com/products/full_windshield_system/

Do you guys have any advice regarding the spacing of the support cradle holding the NT4, the placement of the support cradle on the bar (with the a/b numbers) & filler strip? Should the mic capsules be as far forward inside the shield as possible?

Cheers.

[John Willett]

Drop an e-mail to Rycote and they will tell you the optimum placing.

[SAnthony]

I've emailed them. I'll share the info once i've received it.

Cheers.

[SAnthony]

Hi,

I received the following info from Rycote.

"we would recommend that the snap rivets on the suspension hoop are positioned in number 6, and the thicker 13.6 x 2.4 'O' rings are used to mount the Rode NT4. We also suggest that you move the hoops on the suspension bar to positions A1/A2, and A15/A16, so that they are as far apart as possible"

[John Willett]

The perfect reply from Rycote within 24-hours of your e-mail. 

[SAnthony]

I've been delighted with Rycote's customer service. Prompt & detailed response from all of my enquiries.

[digifish_music]

Hi,

Today i received my Rycote Modular Windshield Kit:

http://www.rycote.com/products/full_windshield_system/

Do you guys have any advice regarding the spacing of the support cradle holding the NT4, the placement of the support cradle on the bar (with the a/b numbers) & filler strip? Should the mic capsules be as far forward inside the shield as possible?

Cheers.

I have an NT4 in a Rycote-knockoff blimp, quite happy with it, it's sitting like this (I doubled up the rubbers to hold it)...



digifish

[wbrisette]

I have an NT4 in a Rycote-knockoff blimp, quite happy with it, it's sitting like this (I doubled up the rubbers to hold it)...

Is this the one made in India? if so, how is it holding up? I've seen where some people have had good luck with it, and others haven't.

Wayn

[digifish_music]

I have an NT4 in a Rycote-knockoff blimp, quite happy with it, it's sitting like this (I doubled up the rubbers to hold it)...

Is this the one made in India? if so, how is it holding up? I've seen where some people have had good luck with it, and others haven't.

Wayn

It's holding up well. But I am careful with everything I own. I bought a second one after receiving the first which means I must have liked it I suppose.  The cage is an order of magnitude more fragile than the Rycote, but the rest of it is very sturdy. I wouldn't hand it to a film crew but I would have no hesitation recommending it to anyone for personal use, at $90 the next step up is a very big one. Definitely a great deal for the hobbyist.





Here's a recording from the beach on a quite windy day...

http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=44250

And a not so windy day...

http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=43779
http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=43778

and walking with it...

http://freesound.iua.upf.edu/samplesViewSingle.php?id=43781

All using an NT4

In summary, technical performance is excellent (I haven't had any issues with noise from it, vibration etc). Faux fur cover looks cheap, shed fluff until I gave it a vacuum (after that it shed no more) and works well in windy conditions. Durability of grip and mount, good to excellent (seems very solid). Durability of basket questionable. Cine City who I bought it from were great to deal with fast to ship.

But again, if you are a hobbyist and not sure if you want to spend $500+ on a Rycote or K-Tek then it's a great place to start. Would I buy a 3rd? Probably.

Which brings me to one of my pet hates, film crews carrying around manky, matted and dirty windjammers on their Rycotes that should have been replaced years ago...like the one in your pic 

digifish

[wbrisette]

Which brings me to one of my pet hates, film crews carrying around manky, matted and dirty windjammers on their Rycotes that should have been replaced years ago...like the one in your pic 

Actually, that was a new Rycote. Have you seen the new covers? They seem to be changing the styling a bit and they tend to look more "frayed" even after a few combing sessions. The KTEK ones on the other hand look much sharper and orderly. However, the KTEK cages are crap and I hate them, but they do tend to be almost 1/2 of what the Rycote system costs, so I have one as a backup.

Wayne