Rycote vs. Rycote

Matthew Sonnenfeld of fourB Productions does a side by side comparison between the Rycote Cyclone and Rycote WS4 Windscreen, comparing handling noise, wind resistance, and acoustic transparency!

His conclusions begin at 3:48, if you're the impatient type.

Rycote Cyclone versus Rycote WS4 from Matthew Sonnenfeld on Vimeo.

Simon Davies from Rycote responds to the review:

1) Windjammer

We do have an optional Windjammer for the Cyclone, for use in high wind conditions. One of the key objectives of the Cyclone was to achieve equal wind performance to that of the WS4 + Windjammer, while improving the acoustic transparency. This goes not only when the kit is new, but after months & years of use. 

Fur is a fantastic material, which is exceptional at reducing wind noise. However, over time its acoustic transparency will reduce the dirtier and more matted it becomes and is particularly affected when wet. 3D-Tex is far more predictable over a longer period from new and will maintain its performance even when wet.

The magnetic idea for the low pile Windjammer is a very cool idea and something we'll certainly look at. We've got a ~couple~ of magnets in our inventory now :-)

2) Cable length 

The length of the Mogami star-quad cable used on the Cyclone has been set to ensure that the XLR is always in the right spot in the basket when the mic is fitted. There is some slack in the cable around the entry point to the lower basket suspension. This could be adjusted into the basket is slightly more length is needed.

3) XLR connector

We have considered a shorter XLR for the Cyclone, but opted instead at this time for the industry leading gold pin Neutrik XX-series, as it's a truly excellent connector. We do have protected designs for a short XLR connector (with Neutrik inners) that can be both right-angled & inline, however this will come down the track.

4) Lyre suspension

The Cyclone comes fitted with a pair of our Universal Lyres (72-shore), which are perfect for the likes of the Sennheiser MKH 416 or the Sanken CS-3e. It's also supplied with spare pair of softer Universal Lyres (62-shore) which give better handling isolation for lighter mics like the Schoeps CMIT-5U. The Lyres are all soft-grip on their internal surfaces for maximum grip, and to reduce twisting. They can be moved into multiple different positions along the suspension bar with use of the supplied hex key.

Now You're Playing with (100mW) Power!

We know we've been hitting the WisyCom a little hard lately, but we thought that you might be interested to know that the FCC has just approved a 100mW upgrade for the MTP40S-US transmitters!

Any MTP40S-US bought from this date forward will ship with the upgrade installed so users will have the full spectrum of selectable 10mW/50mW/100mW options. Any MTP40S-US transmitters purchased after 6/2/14 are eligible to have the firmware upgrade installed for free.

Units can be upgraded via USB using a WisyCom UPK 300E. We have several in the shop for use or loan and new FCC labels for your transmitter, so call, email, or drop by either our New York or Atlanta locations to level up your new wideband tx today!

CONSUMER ALERT: Most users do not need a license to operate these wireless microphone systems. Nevertheless, operating these microphone systems without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website atwww.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.

Sneak Peek: PortaBrace AO-1.5 Redesign

Check out the prototype pics for the slimmer, lighter PortaBrace AO-1.5 Bag

PortaBrace's Adam Butler had this to say:

PortaBrace's new audio department has been busy making significant improvements to its classic AO series of audio organizer bags. During the redesign, we paid special attention to modernizing in conjunction with the changing needs of audio professionals. Size, strength, weight (3.5lbs) and most importantly functionality, were all key focus points of the design.

Some of the new modifications include: multiple metal ring attachment points on each side of the bag for improved balance and stability; additional of a large access flap to the underside/rear of the miser compartment, allowing easy access to batteries or media slots; and fully removable/interchangeable modular sides, which feature NP1/BDS and transmitter pouches. Portabrace also made important minor changes to the bag such as a fully collapsible smaller front pocket, longer handles, and a double vinyl rain cover/pocket.

The organizer bags are currently in the final stages of the design process. Readers can expect all bags in the AO line to be available in the coming months. The first bag to be available will be the AO-1.5.

These modifications and improvements are just a taste of things to come from PortaBrace. Expect to see many more new designs and improvements throughout 2014.

More photos after the jump!

Slot Machines

Kevin "Practitioner of Wireless Black Magic" Parrish passes on this note regarding (revised) frequency selection and programming instructions for Lectrosonics SRb/5p Series Wireless Microphone Slot-Receivers:

There appears to be some confusion regarding the frequency separation requirements needed between RX-1 & RX-2.

The attached Technical Note will provide you with updated instructions that applies ONLY to SRB5P series slot-receivers… Please keep this information for future reference if by change you’re still using the old “A” series slot-receiver.

Download here:  SRb_FreqOffset_Notice.pdf

Zoom H6 Kits Now Available

Get the elegant and compact Zoom H6 recorder with the custom-made PortaBrace bag at a great price with either of our H6 kits:

  • H6 Kit- $439.89
    Includes Zoom H6 and PortaBrace ARZ-H6 Bag

  • H6 Deluxe Kit - $516.99
    Includes Zoom H6PortaBrace ARZ-H6 Bag, and EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo Input Capsule allowing six discrete inputs!

Order online for free 2-day shipping within the continental US!

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