Freesound Forums

I have a Tascam DR-100 and was thinking of getting the Rycote portable recorder kit - basically a nice fluffy windshield and hand grip with shock mount. Looks ideal for most outdoor uses where wind and handling noise would be an issue.

Anyone any direct experience of these?

No, but comparable windjammer from Rode is more hairy and should be better.

I've been under the impression that most products by Rycote will be well made, last long and basically WORK. I own two of their shockmounts for studio microphones and have been really happy with them. I'd say you can't go wrong with Rycote. However, the downside...they tend to be comparatively expensive.

And while we're on the topic... If you're looking for just a windscreen, take a look at www.redheadwindscreens.com I've bought a couple based on recommendations in the audio community. I needed them for a stereo mic. He typically sells them for recorders, but set me up with a couple windscreens that fit my mic. Not sure if they were custom made, but possible. (oh, and they have a good selection of colors!)

Funny thing is, I've had them for over a month and have yet to try them out! Been too darn busy with recording work! If anyone's interested, I'll post back how well/bad they work after I've given them a shot.

Thanks for the info. I had looked at the redhead windshields but was thinking about the rycote because of addition of the handle and shockmount.

Might have to check my finances first. If I do get the Rycote, I'll put a review on here

I think that Rode windshield, like deadcat or deadkitten, are quite better than other commercial products, but they are made for microphones and sometimes they can't fit very well on portable recorders.
I got a Tascam Dr-40 and if I put on the Rode deadcat I can't use the microphone of the recorder in the open position, AB position, but just in XY, because the deadcat is too tight.
For me this is a very big gap, otherwise the result of the Rode deadcat is definitely better than the other cheaper windshield.

I can use it (Rode) with both - Zoom H2 (which is small unit) and Sony PCM-D50 (which is large unit). It has elastic band that solves the problem, and because it's so furry - it covers well also from back. And yes - Rode has various windsheilds, so for handy field recorders - select proper one (was deadcat or deadkitten or something like that).

buddhabeats wrote:
I've been under the impression that most products by Rycote will be well made, last long and basically WORK.

You're absolutely right!

Nothing compares to the sheer brilliance of the Rycote A5 telescopic boom pole with section locking mechanisms. I've rescued many stranded cats with that, and it never fails to deliver superior performance with durability, reliability and most importantly; pleasurability (yes that is a made up word).

I might also add, it's a great tool for stealing your neighbours' barbecue chicken wings!

+1m for Rycote

I don't know what your budget is for a sound pole but i used 3+meter professional decoraters pole from our local traders paint shop. It is good quality, extends nicely, nice and light and I have put a good strong bolt at the end to hold my Mike. I then went to a fishing pole shop and got some... I don't know what the name of it is... but it is like a rubber sleeve which you roll on and then pour boiling hot water over it so it shrinks tightly. This gives a really really good grip on the important part of the base.
The whole thing cost me lest than 50 GBP and works extremely well. Looks kinda cool too.