Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Since I am starting to do outdoor field recordings a blimp was an essential accessory. This is a good quality blimp that will fit a variety of mic diameters. I now own two, one set up for a short shotgun (NTG3) and the other set up for the Rode NT4.

I recommend that you hunt up a link for the PDF version of the user manual. Rode doesn't make that available on line. And, the little "booklet" they supply does not cover all the capabilities.

The 5-pin XLR stereo cable Rode supplies, while amply long, will not fit through the handle of of the Rode blimp. I am hoping a short 5-pin "extender" cable will allow me to route it to avoid possible wind noise.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I got this today and assembly was fast and easy. All parts fit together well and the unit seems sturdy enough to last many years with reasonable care. I liked how it came with a number of rubber mic mounts in a variety of sizes. It should accommodate all the common brands of medium length shot gun mics. I'm using it with the AT 875r and seems like it could take a mic longer than this one if needed. The fit and finish was perfect and it looks very professional. I would buy it again especially compared to the cost of the rycote and zeppelin.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

This windscreen is very lightweight and comes with a thick dead wombat for use in any kind of wind condition. The adjustable pistol grip makes getting the right angle easy. If you're mounting to a mic stand, you have to order the 3/8" to 5/8" adapter separately. Soft plastic feels a little flimsy, but the weight is worth it. Easy to use shock mounts inside.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I was shooting in a little town called Hurricane in Utah. It came by its name honestly! The wind was a easy 20-30 mph, no kidding. This blimp with the dead cat save the day!

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I ordered the RODE Blimp for a low budget commercial that took place on a baseball field. Our original location fell through and we were forced to shoot on a field that had no protection from the wind. During the shoot the wind was consistantly 15-20mph with gusts up to 30. The blimp handled it wonderfully. This was an investment that for me, paid for itself on the first day.

The only minor drawbacks were the clip for the integrated cable which was dificult to keep in place when assembling the blimp. Also know that it is rather large and requires a sturdy boom, but for it's size and construction is realtively light. Great Product.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

great for outdoor recording!

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I love this Blimp! I went outside during an EXTREMELY windy day and tested it out. Then I played back the footage while the camera was connected to the flat screen TV (without editing). The sound was the exact same as this rooftop scene of a professional film. I'm anxious to do some more outdoor shooting.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

The only real complaints I have about this blimp is that the dead cat (the fuzz!) that came with it is a little too small for it. I had to make a few cuts in order to get it around the actual body of the zepplin.
But otherwise, an awesome tool.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Nice construction, machined well and sturdy. This I consider is a must for amateur to pros to have in their equipment bag.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

So far I have nothing but great things to say about the blimp. It has accomplished what i needed and much more. I shoot on location here south florida where wind is big factor and since I have used the blimp I continue to say "this the best best investment so far". The primary way I use the blimp is on a boom.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

TV, Film
It works well with wind
Its heavy. I use it with a graphite pole and can really feel the difference between this and the rycote.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Worth every penny and more. My old Sennheiser was great, but this thing is a tank. and comes with everything you need.

And for the price of my old one I could buy three.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Easy to setup and adjust. Good noise reduction and the dead wombat cuts significant amounts of wind niose. I'm using this with an ME66 and ME64, the pistol grip is great and mounts easily on a boom pole. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is a minor design flaw, the rubber mount that holds the XLR cable in place comes loose and has to be fiddled with, not a major flaw more an nuisance.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I have had very good results using this blimp. I have used the Rycote Softie outdoors and did not have favorable results. This blimp did the trick. In extreme wind I have used the Softie inside the blimp with the Dead Wombat cover on; tweaked my audio in post with good results.

The weight is average for Pro level equipment. The blimp cover comes off and it can be used indoors as a boom shotgun mic mount.

For pro video, this is the choice of products for me.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Absolutely the best quality and best value Zep that B&H carries. This Rode Blimp blows everything else out of the water priced at under $800. It is NOT heavy, rather you feel you are holding something substantial and well-crafted.Do yourself a favor, don't just get one -- get two, like we just did!

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I use this with the Rode NTG-3 and a cinema kit that includes a Tascam DR-100 and Canon 7D.

Functions perfectly. Little to no handling noise when the blimp and suspension mount are employed.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

I am an amateur boom operator and this is my first blimp. I love it! It isn't too heavy, it's sturdy, easy to use, and love the deadcat that comes with it! A great product and a much better deal than rycotes that cost twice as much.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Great sturdy setup, plenty of configuration options. A bit bulky, and definitely heavier than I would have hoped.
However, this works very well even with the blimp removed and using the shockmount alone with a boompole or handheld. I would reccomend it to anyone as the best product available under 500-600 dollars.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

It's a little big but works as advertised, no complaints.

Comments about Rode Blimp - Complete Windshield and Suspension System:

Using blimp with AT 4073a short shotgun. Connected to AG-DVX100b. Without the dead wombat cover picked up wind noise at 20 mph. Speeds below 15-20 were wind-free. Will try dead wombat later to see if it improves. A quality construction but somewhat heavy. Most of the weight concentrated in the very sturdy handle. The handle is plastic but an XLR connector inside accounts for most of the weight. This is my first blimp so, I have nothing to compare it with.