Geoff Tirrell Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 In the tradition of Batman vs. Superman and Star-Treck vs. Star-Wars...... Which one and why. It is about time to replace my old Rycote blimp and I just want to test the waters and see what others think of some of the competition that has come on the market over the past few years. I will preface this with the fact that I have never used the Rode product so I really have no idea what to expect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olle Sjostrom Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 The rode ghas a lot of good features. I like the fact that you can slide the suspensions on the bar, which makes a very flexible blimp, as opposed to the relatively fixed settings of the rycote. I also like that the cable is inside the blimp itself. But the rode is very heavy. And big. And the locking mechanism is inferior to the rycote. Sound wise I'd say the rode is just a bit better than the old style rycote.. Lyres are superior of course. I don't regret buying mine, but if I had purchased now, I wouldn't. By the time I bought it, an NTG3 also followed in the purchase, or the other way around.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundslikejustin Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Just to play devils advocate - but have you considered the Cinela Piano? Here it is at Trew Audio: http://www.trewaudio.com/store/Cinela-PIA-1-Piano-Windshield.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Denton Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Oh it irks me so when people spell Rode wrong... The Rode blimp is a lot bigger and a bit heavier but easier to reposition and strip down quickly with its quick release handle lock and spring loaded thumb screws. However it doesn't have the same build quality as Rycote. The quicklock handle joint on mine sometimes slips with sudden boom movements and the connector that goes into the mic is not a snug fit. It has some play in it which is heard as little clicks in the mic. I'd recommend changing the chunky cable that ships with the Rode blimp with a thinner cable and Neutrik connectors. You have to solder it in yourself though because the cable runs through a small gap in the handle and has connector on each end that won't fit through. I don't believe you'd hear a difference in the sound of the two blimps as they are meant to be acoustically transparent but the deadcat you put over the top might colour the sound a bit. I think you'd get more life out of a Rycote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Foy Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 In order of preference........... Rycote, Rycote, Rycote !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundslikejustin Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 You have to solder it in yourself though because the cable runs through a small gap in the handle and has connector on each end that won't fit through. The Rode cable is totally removeable/replaceable without cutting or having to solder the cable in place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Andrews Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 I bought a Rode, replaced it with a Rycote very quickly. The Rode now rarely gets used, it is big, heavy and has required glue to be added to both of the thumbscrews to keep them them in place. The Rycote with lyres is not only solid, but it's lighter and is a much quieter suspension. Honestly, I can't recommend the Rode. It's also worth looking at the Cinela and K-Tek Zeppelins. The Rode cable is totally removeable/replaceable without cutting or having to solder the cable in place. Yes it is, you just have to lever out the rubber element of the pistol grip so it can't be done in a rush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted September 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Oh it irks me so when people spell Rode wrong... oops my fault for posting at 2am when half awake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted September 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Ok so other question on the roycote's what can anybody tell me about the new s-series vs the traditional windshield. As I understand it the s series is basically a softie glued over a frame so it is not removable. In terms of actual use quality and what not I have never worked with anything other than the standard roycote blimps and the occasional softie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT Groove Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Like others mention, the Rode is HEAVY and bulky. Even after removing the conecting cable in the handle, it is still HEAVY. The material used is inferior to the Rycote. It feels cheap and flimsy. However, it is a good bag for the buck if you're on a budget. If you can afford the Rycote, you should go that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Gilbert Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Rycote last and last. My main windshield is about 15 years old now, I just bought a new windcover for it and it looks, and performs as good as new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPSharman Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 I bought the Rode as a spare. The little screw things broke before I even used it. It was big and heavy. Sold it for $100 with fair warning of poor build quality. Some cheaper stuff is just fine. This is not one of those cases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Perkins Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 I have both too. The Rode is a lot cheaper, works fine mount-wise and stops wind well. It feels bigger, is certainly heavier, and runs its cable through a pistol grip which adds to the weight and size. When I've used mine I can feel the diff in weight right away re my Rycote stuff. But it does the job, you'll just be sweating a little more while you do it. Great price for something that works as well as it does. I actually think it's pretty well made, esp when you consider how much more expensive Rycote gear is. phil p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RPSharman Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 I suppose, looking back, given the choice of working with or without a full windscreen on a budget, then the Rode would be fine. But I use my 50 outside a lot, and the appropriate size smaller Rycote would be very hard to give up for a very large Rode. It's even bigger than my CMIT Rycote, which can sure bend a pole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Spaeth Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 The S-series is my main zep for a CMIT. As long as you don't deal with gale force winds you'll be fine. It's cheaper, changes quickly for interiors and has lyres. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reillysoundworks Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Thanks for all the Zeppelin info. All very helpful. m. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toy Robot Posted September 9, 2012 Report Share Posted September 9, 2012 Rode blimps are very heavy. If for no other reason than that, go with Rycote or if you can afford it Cinela. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davideo Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 Oh it irks me so when people spell Rode wrong... How about them Cannon DSLRs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zack Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 I started with a rode blimp, but now using Rycote. Better shock mount system, lighter, smaller, but expensive. My Rode is now used for my M-S sfx stuff only. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewFreedAudio Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 Between Rycote and Rode... Rycote every time. Hands down. Not even a fair fight. I own two full blimp kits and a couple softies. I have never regretted spending the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Q Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 Does anyone use the Sennheiser zeppelins? ... I used Sennheiser zeps years ago. Very nice, but quite expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studiomprd Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 " Does anyone use the Sennheiser zeppelins? " even more $$ than Rycote... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zack Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 They seemed a lot heavier to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benr Posted September 10, 2012 Report Share Posted September 10, 2012 Another Rycote over Rode anyday vote here. Ive owned both and the Rode is def a clunkier solution. If money is an issue with the full Rycote kit, get the S series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Tirrell Posted September 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2012 Another Rycote over Rode anyday vote here. Ive owned both and the Rode is def a clunkier solution. If money is an issue with the full Rycote kit, get the S series. Wow there is actually much more consensus on this than I would have thought. And no money is not an issue in this case, I just don't know if there are any advantages to the S series that I don't know about. Rode has always struck me as an odd company and I always find myself a bit leery of them. It just seems like they make what would be really nice products but for a lack of refinement. The weight on the zeppelin, the lav mic that does not do well at all hidden, etc. Its really quite odd because I find myself wanting to like them but for these kinds of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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