A range of non-modular windshields based upon Rycote's wind-noise reduction system, for use with shotgun and rifle microphones as used by film and TV professionals. Unlike the familiar Rycote Modular Windshields, these designs slip onto the body of the microphone and may be used alone on handheld or camera mounted microphones or together with Softie Lyre Mounts, a universally sized shock-mount for microphones. See Rycote Microphone Suspensions - Softie Lyre Mount below, for details.
Softie Windshield and Lyre Mount Suspension Kit
Available separately or together in a kit with a Softie Lyre Mount Suspension on a pistol-grip handle, these systems provide a quick, simple, robust and cost effective solution for modern day ENG and location recording environments.
Softie Windshield
The Softie windshield is a 'slip-on' design, consisting of an open-cell acoustic foam base fitted with an integral synthetic fur (25mm) fabric cover. A robust and practical windshield, 70mm in diameter, it performs as well as a standard Rycote windshield (without Windjammer). Both the acoustic foam and synthetic fur are made from materials which are specially designed and manufactured for the purpose, which offer up to 36dB of wind-noise reduction without any adverse effect on high frequency. In addition the foam is not susceptible to UV or moisture damage, giving this product great longevity. The Softie provides a fast, flexible solution for ENG on-camera microphones. (See Camera Mounted Softies below, where there is a reference table for Softies).
The system is available to suit two nominal microphone diameters; standard hole fits 19-22mm and a large hole fits 24-25mm. Each of these are offered in various internal depths. It is essential for correct operation that the Softie front section covers all the slots along the length of the microphone. The price lines below show the length of the internal hole, not the overall length, so that a suitable model can be chosen to suit a particular microphone. The following table shows compatibility with a range of microphones. If a microphone is not listed here, please check with Technical Support, as a Softie is probably available for it.
The Softie Lyre Mount Suspension is a shock mount, using two W-shaped plastic lyres which grip a variety of shotgun and rifle microphones. It has a bracket to which is fitted either a pistol-grip handle or CCA (camcorder clamp adaptor) to allow handheld or camera mounted use.
The main component of the Softie lyre mount consists of two plastic, lyre shock-mount suspensions, connected by a flexible, rubber-lined, tubular clip. This unit is extremely robust, and has been tested in all environment conditions to ensure it performs. The shape of the Lyre provides the exact amount of compliance required to isolate the microphone capsule from vibrations and handling noise. Unlike other elastic and rubber suspensions, the Softie Lyre Mount is more resistant to extremes of temperature, operating unhindered at lows of -35ºC and highs of 100ºC. The mount has a 70mm diameter and lyres are 70mm apart, suit a microphone diameter of 19-25mm and support short to medium length shotgun microphones, whether cylindrical, tapered or flat-sided (e.g. MKH series) in shape. For longer microphones the Rycote Modular Suspension should be used.
The Softie handle is a pistol grip with adjustable angle. An XLR cable may be anchored to the under-side of the mount using three integral cable clamps, providing isolation from cable-borne noise and an aperture in the handle grips an XLR connector in the base, to provide further strain relief for a lightweight microphone 'tail' (included in the Softie Kit only). It may be attached to a boom-pole, using the 3/8” thread in the base, or used hand-held. See Rycote Microphone Suspensions - Softie Lyre Mount for details of the CCA and Multimount.
Camera Mounted Softies
Softies can be used on camera mounted microphones, however care must be taken to avoid the 25mm fur length from appearing in shot. For details regarding choice of an appropriate model to suit a microphone please see Softie Windshields above, or see the table below for microphone/camera sizing.
Note: Sony camcorder microphones vary depending on viewfinder assembly; softie sizes stated are for standard assemblies. If the Softie is to be used with a custom viewfinder assembly, please contact Technical Support for guidance.