Using 'dead cat' or softie on gun mic

7 replies [Last post]
Richard_Ferryman
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Joined: Aug 18 2006

I have purchased a second-hand shotgun mic. This came with a tubular foam windshield and a furry 'dead cat' type wind noise reducer that seems to fit over the foam windshield. I feel that the combination may severely affect frequency response and have considered making a light frame out of piano wire to support the outer furry shield clear of the mic without the foam. Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.
The rear of the mic tube sits in a crossed rubber band type support.
Richard

Alan Roberts
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Joined: May 3 1999

I don't think it will make a significant difference to frequency response. The only reason for separating the furry from the mic is to further suppress wind noise. Unless John tells us otherwise.

Since you've now got the kit, you can do the tests, a piano is a pretty good wideband sound source.

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caryjoy
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Joined: May 10 2005

I use my softie most of the time. Works well indoors & because it's already fitted I can go outside without having to stop the procession whilst I fit it!! I'm advised these are virtually transparent across the frequency range ( Mr Willett will come along in a minute & tell me off!!)

Richard_Ferryman
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Joined: Aug 18 2006

Thanks Alan and Cary. It appears the mic I have has been used with the foam windshield in place *and* the softie on top. I felt that the response would suffer with the combined effect of the foam and softie. Definitely there is an HF loss with both in place but as I don't have the test gear or anechoic chamber to quantify it. Also the I feel the effect of the interference slots must be altered. The softy (not a genuine softy) would need a support frame to keep it clear of the mic barrel in the absense on the foam shield. I have purchased some lengths of 'piano wire' and will fabricate a frame today.
Unfortunately this mic is not as quiet electrically as the Sennheiser but beggers can't be choosers.
Richard

caryjoy
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Joined: May 10 2005

Richard, if you are not bothered about the foam windshield & can easily replace it later, why don't you cut the foam shield in such a way that it supports the "softie" but has holes cut in it! I would have thought that would be easier than trying to make up a frame to support the softie & to install it!

DAVE M
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Joined: May 17 1999

My softie has an inner shell made from the open mesh plastic "brillo" type material. The closest thing I've seen to it is the very coarse pads used on floor cleaning machines. (or pan scourers)

A friend used galvanised mesh from a rabit hutch to make a large version but it wasn't for on camera use.

Dave R Smith
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Joined: May 10 2005

Sometimes referred to (and advertised on likes of TV-bay) as a birdcage... you could adapt a bird's nut feeder wotsit..cyclindrical and firm wire mesh..depending on mike size.

paulears
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Joined: Jul 8 2008
Re: Using 'dead cat' or softie on gun mic

I made a wire mesh version a few years ago, slid in a mount, covered it with long haired fur material. It worked fine from the wind noise perspective but had VERY annoying drawbacks. Too heavy by far, and worst of all it creaked. Just the mesh being very sturdy and rubbing together. The fur soon became tatty and clogged, and in the end - I stamped on it in anger, and now have a zepplin style Sennheiser which is quieter, lighter and works better.