Jon Gilbert

Bring your own kit, I travel the world with mine and wouldn't consider renting. If the country you're visiting is a Carnet country (and Germany is) then you'll need to sort a Carnet out, but that's productions responsibility, not yours. If you're visiting a non Carnet country, then a list of kit with replacement values will suffice. Carnets are time consuming at the airport, but not so much hassle that they're to be avoided.

It's not a new term, I've been aware of EVP for years, it dates back to whenever it was that people first started trying to pretend ghosts exist.

I worked on the UK show 'Most Haunted' for about 4 years and never encountered genuine EVP, never encountered much genuine to be honest, but that's another story.

EVP is for movies.

I wonder how many 10 or 15 year old Rode blimps there will be, still in service, regardless of how much gaffer tape is used.....

Work gets you work, I've been a UK freelancer for over 15 years and I still couldn't offer a sure fire way of getting work from anyone. All my work comes from word of mouth recommendations, no ads, no agency, just reputation.

I started using Sony 7506 cans recently after years of using Beyer DT150s, and I'm noticing I wind the level up more, due to the Sonys having less isolation.

Without Sennhesier there would not be any Rycote. Sennheiser designed and produced the first zeppelin-style windscreen for the original 8-series shotgun microphones. Rycote, and others, copied the original Sennhesier design and then went on to refine the design based on their own company's engineers (or marketing staff). When the Rycote windscreens first came out they were the only viable alternative to the then much more expensive windscreen from Sennheiser.

Lightwave, then LTM, K-Tek and Rode all went on to produce shockmounts and windscreens that either improved upon, or did not, the original zeppelin design, and pricing has been all over the place based on market factors, brand reputation and so forth.

I have a problem with ALL the zeppelin-style windscreens because I believe the original design concept was flawed. But hey, that's just me, golden ears (no longer given the opportunity to even experience these subtle frequency response, polar pattern issues).

You're right to put the original Sennheiser blimps ahead of Rycote Jeff, Rycote used a similar overall design, but developed their own products, but the current Rode blimps are a direct lift of the Rycotes, no thought or extra development, just copies. Rycote are currently at the forefront of windshield develpment, and are their own designs and concepts.

I really think there is nothing 'cheap' about it. As for a copy of a proven design, all cars have a wheel in each corner too. The design is as it is, because it works.

Yes it is cheaper, but it doesn't automatically follow that it is 'cheap'. One could equally ask why Rycote cost so much for what they are.

Rycote cost what they do because, as Vin says, they're handmade in England, they also do all the R&D that people like Rode then ride on the back of, without Rycote, there would be no Rode blimp, and without people buying the current Rycotes, there will never been any more development, Rode certainly don't innovate in that area, and despite what you say, they are a 'cheap' copy, mass produced, with no support and according to many people, sub standard components.

I'm proud to use Rycote, and I always will use them. If I felt like it, I could go and see them being made, and if I have a specific question about an odd or different use for a particular component, I can call the guy who designed it, or the woman who made it, and ask their advice.

There's certainly a market for Rode blimps, but is it amongst Pro Recordists and Mixers who use Sanken, Schoeps, Neumann and similar mics? They are a compromise, Rycote are the dogs dangles!

I first saw one of the Rode blimps a few weeks ago, having used Rycote products for 15 years now, I wasn't that surprised to see that it was just a cheap copy of a proven design. I'm surprised anyone using decent mics would compromise on the mount and wind protection for the sake of a few quid (or dollars or whatever your local currency is!)

The Rode mics are a different story, I'm aware of that, well worth the (small) price tag.

Never felt the need to look beyond Rycote, don't feel they're overpriced as the do exactly what I need of them, and never, ever fail or let me down, ever. How many bits of kit can we say that about.

There is a reason they're cheap you know..........

Good news! Glad you found the advice helpful.

I just need it to work with a UM400, not the newer ones John. I've looked at the Lectro site, but my tired eyes might not have been reading properly, I'll have another look in the morning with fresh eyes!

Vin, it's an easy 2 wire job if you don't need a resistor, if  you do, then it looks like a world of pain!

Anyone got any comments on wiring a B6 for use with a UM400?

The Countryman site suggests the use of a resistor in the TA5f, which if I have to do, takes it out of my limited soldering skill set, has anyone wired one without a resistor? Before I waste my time trying it, I'd appreciate anyones comments.

When I relied on UK channel 69 kit I struggled, mostly in Asia. Since I've been using block 21 as well, I've always found a space on 21, all over the world.

The JMFG are a good bunch of people, helpful to the last, but they have to be, they know they're fighting a losing battle, and the only way to get any revenue is to licence the few people who do call. Most radio mic users in the UK are pretty pissed off with the introduction of new frequencies which could render their old ones obsolete (happens everywhere I know but that doesn't make it easier to deal with) and consider the JMFG's (government led) policies a bit of a joke.

Bash, I'm glad that you found your 60 quid well spent, there's no guarantee that frequencies licensed by the JFMG on either a short or long term basis will work well on the day in question, there are too many unlicensed mini cab operators and other such radio users for that.

Yush,

I couldn't possibly comment on the legality of using block 21, all I can tell you is that it's commonly used with no problems, all over the UK.

I first became aware of it being used here about 12 years ago when a major US news network had equipped all their London crews with block 21 Lectro kits. I was working for them as a freelancer and noticed their Lectro kits outperformed my Audio 2020s considerably!

In my experience, block 21 works perfectly in London, I don't think you'll have problems with 28 either.

The first link shows PSS making a reduction, not Sennheiser themselves, More likely PSS have too many of them sat on the shelves than anything else!

Thanks for that Marc, I couldn't find that page on the Lectro site.

Anyone know of any problems using a UM100 TX with a UCR411 receiver? (Both block 21) The Lectro fact sheets aren't specific either way.

I run 2 lectros, an SQN and an HD-P2 from a home made Anton Bauer Gold Mount power distribution system, never had any problems like those being discussed.

Do you have a link that doesn't involve opening a .zip file?

I'm a big fan of the HD-P2, fantastic machine for not much money. If the DR680 had TC in I'd have one by now.

It doesn't look like a Rycote, nothing like one.

" if I were in a mood to upgrade then I'd certainly be considering them "

depends on exactly what you mean by "upgrade"; by design, the SR is an option, not necessarily and upgrade.

" I don't have the luxury of retuning everything everytime I get an RF hit. "

you are exaggerating, but I understand what you mean;  but then, the performance you get is a result of the operational protocols as well as the units' performance, and thus, the manufacturer has several options (400, 401, 411, VR, VR-field, and SR) available to suit different circumstances and needs.

They would be an upgrade for size/weight/age reasons, My 411's will need replacing sooner or later, but I'm still not sold on the SRa as a replacement.

I was exaggerating, of course, but I'm glad you understand my point. I don't want RF hits, and I got them a lot more during my month with the SRa's than with the 411's, using the same frequencies, and in the same or similar locations.