Radius windshield vs Rycote

[humbuk]

I have a Rycote MKH 8050 mount. In this mount, the 8050 is quite sensitive to handling noise. Most people use Cinela for this reason. But I really like the new Radius MiniAlto. I'm not really in a position to throw money away :), but if the Radius brings a major improvement in handling noise, I'd be happy to switch. Does anyone have experience with the Rycote and the Radius MiniAlto, is it better? Thanks

[Derek H]

There’s two things to talk about here. Shock mount and wind protection. I’ve used both brands quite a bit (though never with an 8050 which I understand is pretty sensitive to handling noise). 
 

The Radius Shock mounts are good. I’d say they are at least as good as Rycote in this regard if not better. I still think Cinela is superior in terms of pure shock handling performance but of course at 4x the price and with less compatibility and/or modularity. The Radius will do the job for you once setup with the correct hoops for your mic which they provide in the box when you buy a RAD mount. 
 

Regarding wind protection, I think a traditional Rycote blimp still has the edge but it’s close. The comparison is not fair since the miniAlto has a smaller diameter basket than a standard Rycote modular zeppelin and by laws of physics will not perform as well with a reduced diameter. I understand Radius is working on a full size zeppelin so whenever that comes to market then we’ll have something to really compare to a traditional Rycote or Cinela piano. The mini Alto definitely can withstand a good amount of breeze but it just won’t stand up to big gusts as well as a full size zeppelin will. The miniAlto definitely does much better than a slip on softie type fur cover but not as wind proof as the full size zeppelins we’re used to. 
 

Where the mini Alto shines is in is quick attachment design using magnets. You can add or remove the basket in 2 seconds. Radius’ build quality is very high. On par with Rycote and Cinela for sure. The basket in particular seems very strong compared to other brands. I know they’ve spent a lot of time on getting it right. 
 

Not sure if any of that helps or confuses but it’s not a straightforward comparison. If you don’t have Cinela money or need something a little more rugged and less fiddly I wouldn’t hesitate to give Radius a try. There’s a lot to like. 
 

 

[Roland Harris]

I did some testing of the Radius shockmounts when they came out a couple of years ago against the Rycote lyres: https://drbadphil.com/radius-windshields-rad-1-and-rad-2-shock-mounts

Since then, at my suggestion, they have produced a 55D-shore hoop, which is really useful for lighter mics, especially if static: I certainly use it for my MKH 8050, but, like all these things, it will depend on how much movement the mic is getting as to whether you need to step up to the light-blue hoops.

In terms of comparison to Cinela OSIX mounts, Tim White did a really interesting write-up recently where he set-up the Radius mounts for use on a drama set. It's on the 'closed' Radius FB site, but it is easy to join (his post is dated 12 May 2025): https://www.facebook.com/groups/459549082916131/

And in my tests of the Mini-ALTO, I did look at handling noise: https://drbadphil.com/radius-mini-alto-windshield

But Derek is right, of course, the Mini-ALTO, with its 80mm diameter basket, is designed for modest wind performance: its forte is the compact size and speed of taking the basket on and off. It's slightly better engineered than the alternatives, but has less wind protection than the Rycotes (Modular or Cyclone), and less wind-protection and, also, less transparency than the Cinela Pianissimo and Zephyx.

You could always get the Radius RAD-2 mount only to test for yourself at modest cost: the system is modular, so you can buy the Mini-ALTO basket and fur later if you liked it.

Cheers,

Roland

[fieldsound]

I have been rocking the mini alto with an MKH50 on some run and gun doc stuff and recently on some narrative. Wind protection is more than adequate for my region, if I were on a super windy beach or in the mountains I’d probably reach for a different mic. So far I’m really happy with this rig and as others have mentioned it’s incredibly convenient. You can store the fur inside the blimp when not using it, and deploy it very quickly because of the magnets. Very space and time efficient. 

[RadoStefanov]

Radius like anything else is 10 times better. 
to be honest I use incision 5 and 7 for interviews. 

[Jason Nicholas]

Just to note, we are finishing up the edit on a mini-documentary for the Apple and Biscuit Show on the history of wind protection for production audio. It's an extensive interview with Simon Davies at Radius about the inception and ethos of the company; @Dr Neil Hillman MPSE went on site at Radius and their production facilities at Elbmar in the UK to get the inside story. We also hear from Simon Hayes on-set about his experiences over the past year with Radius in about every kind of situation one is likely to encounter whilst filming. We'll post up here when the episode is live. 

[Martin67]

Didn't you interview Phillipe Chenevez from Cinela ? The real revolution in wind protection and microphone handling noise come from him !

[RadoStefanov]

3 minutes ago, Martin67 said:

Didn't you interview Phillipe Chenevez from Cinela ? The real revolution in wind protection and microphone handling noise come from him !

Philippe is the GOAT. 

[Spin360]

I'd definitely go with radius if I were you.

 

For one rycote really has dropped the ball. The nano shield is an atrocity in terms of handling noise and the support has ghosted me twice on issues so I just decided not to buy anything rycote anymore.

 

Luckily radius picked up the ball that rycote dropped for sure.

 

As for cinela, I haven't used much of their stuff, but I specifically remember being shocked how much handling noise the pianissimo caused when I boomed for a day for somebody else. But their stuff is solid.

 

Still, radius would be my choice.

[RadoStefanov]

Radius is big and bulky. 
also the one I am using translates the boom handling noise in to the mic. 
I get so spoiled with loon boom and Cinela everything else is billion miles away. 

[Izen Ears]

2 hours ago, Spin360 said:

As for cinela, I haven't used much of their stuff, but I specifically remember being shocked how much handling noise the pianissimo caused when I boomed for a day for somebody else.

It wasn't set up properly, or something was out of wack. (Looking at you, single solitary hex screw that holds everything on!) There are many small parts to Cinela Pianos but it's not that hard to figure out. With my Pianos, I can slam the boom hard on the ground and fly it quickly in all directions with zero (and yes, I mean zero) handling noise. The only drawback is how long it takes to take the mic in and out.

[RadoStefanov]

On 5/23/2025 at 6:47 AM, humbuk said:

I have a Rycote MKH 8050 mount. In this mount, the 8050 is quite sensitive to handling noise. Most people use Cinela for this reason. But I really like the new Radius MiniAlto. I'm not really in a position to throw money away :), but if the Radius brings a major improvement in handling noise, I'd be happy to switch. Does anyone have experience with the Rycote and the Radius MiniAlto, is it better? Thanks

I use to own 2 MKH8050. The handling noise on them was too much to my liking. Only cinela was able to isolate the noise.

[Jason Nicholas]

We’ve posted up our mini-documentary piece on the history of wind protection in production sound with a profile and tour of Radius in the UK as well as on-set commentary from Simon Hayes about his switch over to Radius (and, noted @Martin67 comment above about the omission of Cinela; perhaps that’s something we can remedy in a future episode). Have a listen here: https://soundproducer.com.au/the-apple-biscuit-show-episode-15-dead-cats-and-fish-poles-the-story-of-the-basket-windshield/ or on your podcast platform. 

 

Also, just to note on the side, please do message myself or @Dr Neil Hillman MPSE with comments on the podcast; we are still getting our feet and remain un-sponsored so we are really looking for feedback from the community about what is worthwhile to cover and how the episodes are received. We’ve not put out any paid promotion or properly ‘launched’ the podcast but hope to do so later this year as we continue to refine the content and format. 

[rmac]

6 hours ago, Jason Nicholas said:

We’ve posted up our mini-documentary piece on the history of wind protection in production sound with a profile and tour of Radius in the UK as well as on-set commentary from Simon Hayes about his switch over to Radius (and, noted @Martin67 comment above about the omission of Cinela; perhaps that’s something we can remedy in a future episode). Have a listen here: https://soundproducer.com.au/the-apple-biscuit-show-episode-15-dead-cats-and-fish-poles-the-story-of-the-basket-windshield/ or on your podcast platform. 

 

Also, just to note on the side, please do message myself or @Dr Neil Hillman MPSE with comments on the podcast; we are still getting our feet and remain un-sponsored so we are really looking for feedback from the community about what is worthwhile to cover and how the episodes are received. We’ve not put out any paid promotion or properly ‘launched’ the podcast but hope to do so later this year as we continue to refine the content and format. 

Congratulations on an excellent podcast with very helpful comments from Simon Davies about Radius’s history and approach to engineering, and from Simon Hayes about his decision to use Radius shock mounts and windshields.

 

For others, the whole podcast is informative, but the Radius focus starts at 12:00 minutes.

 

 

[Roland Harris]

Thanks Jason. Good to hear some familiar voices (both Simon Davies and Kevin Rich). Swindon sounds a long way from Australia!

Cheers,

Roland

[Jason Nicholas]

10 hours ago, Roland Harris said:

Thanks Jason. Good to hear some familiar voices (both Simon Davies and Kevin Rich). Swindon sounds a long way from Australia!

Cheers,

Roland

I must say that the seat of all innovation in the UK seems to be the garage; every story of industry begins with something like ‘my brother Sam and me used to tinker around in the garage with old parts from dad’s shop. Then, before long, we’d built our first nuclear reactor—enough to power the whole village and the new lights on the pitch.’

 

Roland I’m quite interested in the variety of ways you are using and modifying the Radius system; I’m quite tempted to explore an ORTF setup for ambient field recording. I have a pair of CEntrance pivot mics which already have an angle built into them which could fit nicely within a Mini ALTO.

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

4 minutes ago, Jason Nicholas said:

I must say that the seat of all innovation in the UK seems to be the garage; every story of industry begins with something like ‘my brother Sam and me used to tinker around in the garage with old parts from dad’s shop. Then, before long, we’d built our first nuclear reactor—enough to power the whole village and the new lights on the pitch.’

 

Success stories in industry perhaps. But let's not forget we are generally a nation who prefers to invent and build something perfect then give it to our nearest enemy as a diplomatic gift. Or ally as part of a trade deal. Many of England's greatest contraptions were born in the Shed. (A little further from the house and therefore less of a danger when things go wrong). 

[Roland Harris]

12 hours ago, Jason Nicholas said:

Roland I’m quite interested in the variety of ways you are using and modifying the Radius system; I’m quite tempted to explore an ORTF setup for ambient field recording. I have a pair of CEntrance pivot mics which already have an angle built into them which could fit nicely within a Mini ALTO.

Looking at the CEntrance pivot mics isn't their angle fixed at 45 degrees? Obviously the XLR part could toe-in to get the capsules at 110 degrees for ORTF, so will be interested to see what you come up with. I guess they use Primo capsules (I always think it odd - indeed, off-putting - when most of these small companies using Primo capsules are so coy about what they use: Nick Roast at Micbooster - who make the Clippy mics - being a notable exception), so if going down that route I would use the better performing Primo EM200 capsule, which could make for a very short cardioid (could be as little as 10mm long) and easier to use in ORTF in a Mini-ALTO.

 

Cheers,

 

Roland

[rmac]

On 5/23/2025 at 12:37 PM, Derek H said:

Regarding wind protection, I think a traditional Rycote blimp still has the edge but it’s close. The comparison is not fair since the miniAlto has a smaller diameter basket than a standard Rycote modular zeppelin and by laws of physics will not perform as well with a reduced diameter. I understand Radius is working on a full size zeppelin so whenever that comes to market then we’ll have something to really compare to a traditional Rycote or Cinela piano. The mini Alto definitely can withstand a good amount of breeze but it just won’t stand up to big gusts as well as a full size zeppelin will. The miniAlto definitely does much better than a slip on softie type fur cover but not as wind proof as the full size zeppelins we’re used to. 

Have you been able to compare the wind protection performance of any of the current Radius Mini-Altos to the performance of a Rycote blimp/zeppelin?

 

Radius says that the diameter of a current Mini-Alto is 85mm/3.35”.* It would be interesting to know how Rycote diameters compare. However, except for the Cyclone, which has a unique shape, Rycote does not state the diameter of any of its blimps/zeppelins on its website or in its literature. This info is also missing from B&H Specifications for Rycote products.

 

I note that Simon Davies is the designer of Radius Mini-Alto blimps and would have been the designer, or design manager, of the Rycote blimps. As far as I know, he has not commented on differences in wind protection performance between the two lines.

 

* Current Mini-Altos: 115mm, 180mm, 210mm. Upcoming: 250mm, 280mm, 300mm.

[Ontariosound]

Been using Rycote products for 30 years and own many many kits.   The rig I use for documentary is an MKH 8060 with the Collette ConnBox, Zeppelin, Lyres, Hi Wind Cover and Windjammer fur.  Must say that it disappoints me 

when the wind picks up.  The Windjammers and maybe the basket material from the 90's is higher quality and works better.