I was recently able to pick up a used Sennheiser ME66/K6 package that
included a Lightwave EQ 106 windscreen, that I plan to use this
spring, in the field.
First, I would like to please ask opinions on the performance of the
Lightwave EQ windscreen, by any members that have used it, or have
any info on it.
I've also been trying to decide between several pistol grip /shock
mount combos ,to use with the ME66/K6 and Lightwave windscreen in the
field.
I was thinking that the Rycote Softie (medium size shockmount) with
pistol grip, would work well. I have heard good things on this group
and on various birding forums, about it. Looking at pictures on the
web, I am thinking that it will fold down for storage (by the angle
ajustment knob(?))so that I can carry it in my equipment backpack on
hikes, although the description of the Rycote does not specify this
on the websites that I've visited. I have also considered the
Reinhardt pistol grip/ shockmount that is more expensive, but has 3
shock mounts included for small, medium, and large diameter shotgun
mics, and a soft gel material built in the pistol grip for less hand
fatigue, while holding. Has anyone used one of these grips ? Either
one of these grips/mounts will beat what I have been using (a mini
ultrapod with the folded legs wrapped in foam pipe insulation).
Thanks in advance for any opinions.... that will certainly help me to
decide.
> I was thinking that the Rycote Softie (medium size shockmount) with
> pistol grip, would work well. I have heard good things on this group
> and on various birding forums, about it. Looking at pictures on the
> web, I am thinking that it will fold down for storage (by the angle
> ajustment knob(?))so that I can carry it in my equipment backpack on
> hikes, although the description of the Rycote does not specify this
> on the websites that I've visited.
I have used the Softie a little, since it only works with single mics
(Mono) it really does not fit my stereo recording. It works well for
mono. Yes, the handle will fold all the way against the mic.
What I prefer, and which will handle Stereo M/S is the Sennheiser
shockmount, zeppelin and furry cover. I've gotten mine off ebay so not
paying near the new price. The Sennheiser setup is more sturdy than the
Rycote and will hold the two mkh I use in M/S. It's fairly easy to break
a Rycote zeppelin. Also the Rycote modular suspension has lots of tiny
fiddly bits to loose. http://frogrecordist.home.mindspring.com/docs/ms_setups.html
I've not used the other windscreen/shockmounts you mention.
Not sure where these Indian made units fit into the whole scheme of
things, but they appear to be well designed (errr copied !) and are
certainly cheap by comparison with the leading brands.
An 18" model for under $150, the 12" for just over $100 - including
assorted mic mounts, suspension shock mount, sliding frame, zeppelin,
handle and furry windscreen.
18" : listed as "Long Blimp Windkorb Windscreen for . . . "
12" : listed as "Blimp Windkorb Windscreen for . . . "
I am waiting on a reply for two of them and will report back.
I will be able to compare it to my Rycote and possibly a genuine
Sennheiser MZS20 from which the design obviously originated.
I appreciate all the replys to my post !
Walt, I enjoyed your website. Your stereo setups and great sounding
recordings have got me thinking about how my Philippine toad chorus
and cicada recordings would have sounded in stereo. I am hoping to
get out and find some W Chorus Frogs (and other species) this early
spring here in NY. I'm wondering if the Iroquois NWR here would allow
me to record within the refuge after dark, and I'm going to give them
a call. I'll use my mono setup for this season, and probably order
the Rycote pistol grip/shockmount for the ME66, due to budget
restrictions. The Sennheiser stereo mount with the zeppelin cover is
something I'll think about in the future. As for the Lightwave EQ
windscreen, I'll try it out with the ME66 in the wind, and write a
review on my results. Thanks Phil, for the recommendation on the
Softie windscreen.
Rally, the shockmount/grip/windscreen with blimp looks good and has
lots of good feedback on Ebay, and the price is sure right. I guess
the test of time will show how this equipment holds up in field use.
Thanks for pointing out the link, and I'm interested to hear if the
India based company replies to your questions.
I'll certainly be experimenting with stereo recording in the future.
Many good portable homemade ideas I've seen from group members using
the AT3032 and Sure 183 omni mics.
Regards,
Bill
--- In naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com, Walter Knapp <wwknapp@...>
wrote:
>
> Posted by: "William Ruscher Jr."
>
> > I was thinking that the Rycote Softie (medium size shockmount)
with
> > pistol grip, would work well. I have heard good things on this
group
> > and on various birding forums, about it. Looking at pictures on
the
> > web, I am thinking that it will fold down for storage (by the
angle
> > ajustment knob(?))so that I can carry it in my equipment backpack
on
> > hikes, although the description of the Rycote does not specify
this
> > on the websites that I've visited.
>
> I have used the Softie a little, since it only works with single
mics
> (Mono) it really does not fit my stereo recording. It works well
for
> mono. Yes, the handle will fold all the way against the mic.
>
> What I prefer, and which will handle Stereo M/S is the Sennheiser
> shockmount, zeppelin and furry cover. I've gotten mine off ebay so
not
> paying near the new price. The Sennheiser setup is more sturdy
than the
> Rycote and will hold the two mkh I use in M/S. It's fairly easy to
break
> a Rycote zeppelin. Also the Rycote modular suspension has lots of
tiny
> fiddly bits to loose.
> http://frogrecordist.home.mindspring.com/docs/ms_setups.html
>
> I've not used the other windscreen/shockmounts you mention.
>
> Walt
>
They were quite responsive and answered all my questions in almost
real time !
I placed an order for 2 Long and 2 Short "Blimps" inc freight (US$150)
to Australia - this totalled US$598.20, an enormous saving.
That included furry windscreens as well as the shockmount, pistol grip
& rail, mic clips, zeppelin/blimp windscreen and a selection of
different mic clips and mounting attachments.
I'll let you all know when they arrive and what I think of them.
But from reading the comments - it seems many people have preceded me
and are happy.
Regards Rally
> Rally, the shockmount/grip/windscreen with blimp looks good and has
> lots of good feedback on Ebay, and the price is sure right. I guess
> the test of time will show how this equipment holds up in field use.
> Thanks for pointing out the link, and I'm interested to hear if the
> India based company replies to your questions.
> I'll certainly be experimenting with stereo recording in the future.
> Many good portable homemade ideas I've seen from group members using
> the AT3032 and Sure 183 omni mics.
>
> Regards,
>
> Bill
>
Just a note to say that I received all my Blimps from India today.
So I guess the first thing I can say about the reseller is that their
service and delivery is first rate, and I personally would not
hesitate dealing with them again.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Long Blimps came supplied
as a Short Blimp with an extra modular section to make it into a Long
Blimp (so you can use it as both a short or a long unit) this is as
well as being supplied with both a short AND a long furry windscreen
(dead cat).
That makes them pretty handy and adds extra value considering the cost
of a large hairy cover is around $175-200.
I don't have access to perform a comparison against the genuine
Sennheiser at present (I only have a Rycote one handy)
I'll report further as I get chance to use them, but they seem well
made to me and more than adequate for my needs.
Rally
--- In naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com, "ozrall" <ozral@...> wrote:
>
> Bill
>
> They were quite responsive and answered all my questions in almost
> real time !
> I placed an order for 2 Long and 2 Short "Blimps" inc freight (US$150)
> to Australia - this totalled US$598.20, an enormous saving.
> That included furry windscreens as well as the shockmount, pistol grip
> & rail, mic clips, zeppelin/blimp windscreen and a selection of
> different mic clips and mounting attachments.
>
> I'll let you all know when they arrive and what I think of them.
> But from reading the comments - it seems many people have preceded me
> and are happy.
>
> Regards Rally
>
> > Rally, the shockmount/grip/windscreen with blimp looks good and has
> > lots of good feedback on Ebay, and the price is sure right. I guess
> > the test of time will show how this equipment holds up in field use.
> > Thanks for pointing out the link, and I'm interested to hear if the
> > India based company replies to your questions.
> > I'll certainly be experimenting with stereo recording in the future.
> > Many good portable homemade ideas I've seen from group members using
> > the AT3032 and Sure 183 omni mics.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Bill
> >
>
I use two ME66's both with Rycote Softie's on them.
The Softies seem to be very good in quite strong wind and I would have no
problem in
recommending them.
I use the Rode shock-mounts myself rather than a pistol grip, with a short
extension
screwed into the mount to act as a handle. (It was the cheapest and I think most
versatile
option). Or as I now have two ME66's I use a stereo-bar with two of the Rode
shock-
mounts, one each end, and a short extension in the middle to act a s a handle.
Some foam
can be used to make the grip more comfortable if you like. The beauty of this
set up is it
can be taken apart into its components and packed in a rucksack or shoulder bag
for easy
transportation. It takes no time to attach the two shock-mounts and the short
extension
when you want to start recording.
Phil
--- In naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com, "William Ruscher Jr." <imonacan@...>
wrote:
>
> I was recently able to pick up a used Sennheiser ME66/K6 package that
> included a Lightwave EQ 106 windscreen, that I plan to use this
> spring, in the field.
> First, I would like to please ask opinions on the performance of the
> Lightwave EQ windscreen, by any members that have used it, or have
> any info on it.
> I've also been trying to decide between several pistol grip /shock
> mount combos ,to use with the ME66/K6 and Lightwave windscreen in the
> field.
> I was thinking that the Rycote Softie (medium size shockmount) with
> pistol grip, would work well. I have heard good things on this group
> and on various birding forums, about it. Looking at pictures on the
> web, I am thinking that it will fold down for storage (by the angle
> ajustment knob(?))so that I can carry it in my equipment backpack on
> hikes, although the description of the Rycote does not specify this
> on the websites that I've visited. I have also considered the
> Reinhardt pistol grip/ shockmount that is more expensive, but has 3
> shock mounts included for small, medium, and large diameter shotgun
> mics, and a soft gel material built in the pistol grip for less hand
> fatigue, while holding. Has anyone used one of these grips ? Either
> one of these grips/mounts will beat what I have been using (a mini
> ultrapod with the folded legs wrapped in foam pipe insulation).
> Thanks in advance for any opinions.... that will certainly help me to
> decide.
>
> Best Regards to All,
>
> Bill
>
> Walt, I enjoyed your website. Your stereo setups and great sounding
> recordings have got me thinking about how my Philippine toad chorus
> and cicada recordings would have sounded in stereo. I am hoping to
> get out and find some W Chorus Frogs (and other species) this early
> spring here in NY. I'm wondering if the Iroquois NWR here would allow
> me to record within the refuge after dark, and I'm going to give them
> a call. I'll use my mono setup for this season, and probably order
> the Rycote pistol grip/shockmount for the ME66, due to budget
> restrictions. The Sennheiser stereo mount with the zeppelin cover is
> something I'll think about in the future.
Note the Sennheiser mounts on my M/S page are not stereo ones, but just
the regular mono setup with the two mics mounted inside. Note that won't
work with the Rycote modular system, can't get the two mics to suspend
properly inside the rings. Only stereo mount on that page is the
MKH-80s in the Rycote. That's the size of a small watermelon.
Eventually I'll make a new setup for those.
Stereo has huge advantages with the frogs here. There can be as many as
eight species calling in different locations in a wetland here. Stereo
allows you to localize them. It also gives a different location for that
unwanted noise than your callers. With mono everything is jumbled in
one spot together when you listen.
----- Original Message ----
From: ozrall <ozral@...>
To: naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:13:37 PM
Subject: [Nature Recordists] Re: Pistol grip , shock mount , and windscreen
opinions
Hi Group,
Just a note to say that I received all my Blimps from India today.
So I guess the first thing I can say about the reseller is that their
service and delivery is first rate, and I personally would not
hesitate dealing with them again.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Long Blimps came supplied
as a Short Blimp with an extra modular section to make it into a Long
Blimp (so you can use it as both a short or a long unit) this is as
well as being supplied with both a short AND a long furry windscreen
(dead cat).
That makes them pretty handy and adds extra value considering the cost
of a large hairy cover is around $175-200.
I don't have access to perform a comparison against the genuine
Sennheiser at present (I only have a Rycote one handy)
I'll report further as I get chance to use them, but they seem well
made to me and more than adequate for my needs.
Rally
--- In naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com, "ozrall" <ozral@...> wrote:
>
> Bill
>
> They were quite responsive and answered all my questions in almost
> real time !
> I placed an order for 2 Long and 2 Short "Blimps" inc freight (US$150)
> to Australia - this totalled US$598.20, an enormous saving.
> That included furry windscreens as well as the shockmount, pistol grip
> & rail, mic clips, zeppelin/blimp windscreen and a selection of
> different mic clips and mounting attachments.
>
> I'll let you all know when they arrive and what I think of them.
> But from reading the comments - it seems many people have preceded me
> and are happy.
>
> Regards Rally
>
> > Rally, the shockmount/grip/windscreen with blimp looks good and has
> > lots of good feedback on Ebay, and the price is sure right. I guess
> > the test of time will show how this equipment holds up in field use.
> > Thanks for pointing out the link, and I'm interested to hear if the
> > India based company replies to your questions.
> > I'll certainly be experimenting with stereo recording in the future.
> > Many good portable homemade ideas I've seen from group members using
> > the AT3032 and Sure 183 omni mics.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Bill
> >
>
------------------------------------
"While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause
Yahoo! Groups Links
Note : they have two or three different sized "Blimps" - One is called
"Long Blimp" the other is just "Blimp"
Cheers
Rally
PS - I am not affiliated with them - just a satisfied customer as of
today.
--- In naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com, umashankar <umashanks@...> wrote:
>
> where exactly did you buy these blimps?
>
> umashankar
>
>
>
> i have published my poems. you can read (or buy) at http://stores.lulu.com/umashankar
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: ozrall <ozral@...>
> To: naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:13:37 PM
> Subject: [Nature Recordists] Re: Pistol grip , shock mount , and
windscreen opinions
>
> Hi Group,
>
> Just a note to say that I received all my Blimps from India today.
>
> So I guess the first thing I can say about the reseller is that their
> service and delivery is first rate, and I personally would not
> hesitate dealing with them again.
>
> I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Long Blimps came supplied
> as a Short Blimp with an extra modular section to make it into a Long
> Blimp (so you can use it as both a short or a long unit) this is as
> well as being supplied with both a short AND a long furry windscreen
> (dead cat).
> That makes them pretty handy and adds extra value considering the cost
> of a large hairy cover is around $175-200.
>
> I don't have access to perform a comparison against the genuine
> Sennheiser at present (I only have a Rycote one handy)
>
> I'll report further as I get chance to use them, but they seem well
> made to me and more than adequate for my needs.
>
> Rally
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- In naturerecordists@yahoogroups.com, "ozrall" <ozral@> wrote:
> >
> > Bill
> >
> > They were quite responsive and answered all my questions in almost
> > real time !
> > I placed an order for 2 Long and 2 Short "Blimps" inc freight (US$150)
> > to Australia - this totalled US$598.20, an enormous saving.
> > That included furry windscreens as well as the shockmount, pistol grip
> > & rail, mic clips, zeppelin/blimp windscreen and a selection of
> > different mic clips and mounting attachments.
> >
> > I'll let you all know when they arrive and what I think of them.
> > But from reading the comments - it seems many people have preceded me
> > and are happy.
> >
> > Regards Rally
> >
> > > Rally, the shockmount/grip/windscreen with blimp looks good and has
> > > lots of good feedback on Ebay, and the price is sure right. I guess
> > > the test of time will show how this equipment holds up in field
use.
> > > Thanks for pointing out the link, and I'm interested to hear if the
> > > India based company replies to your questions.
> > > I'll certainly be experimenting with stereo recording in the
future.
> > > Many good portable homemade ideas I've seen from group members
using
> > > the AT3032 and Sure 183 omni mics.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Bill
> > >
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> "While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
> sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
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____
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> know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
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> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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