Hi All,
I thought I would share my findings with anyone interested, or
considering this windscreen. The Lightwave Equalizer EQ-106 windscreen
came included in the Ebay auction with my Sennheiser ME66/K6 mic combo.
It has the same design and look as Rycote Softie, and fits over the mic
end with a rubber diaphragm seal. It is slimmer and shorter haired than
a Softie. No goatee comb included. I put it to the test out in the
yard, and in the field. Unfortunately, none of the tests in the wind
faired very well. Wind gusts at 15-20 MPH were picked up by the mic. I
was thinking that it Should surpress this amount of wind, for $10 more
retail than a similar size Rycote Softie.
I could find no user reviews or comments on this windscreen, or claims
of it's performance. I decided to contact the people directly at
Lightwave Audio and the USA distributer , Redding Audio.
The people at Lightwave responded promptly. I was referred to a tech,
who asked me to perform some simple tests to make sure that the noise
was not induced by wind leakage (around the windscreen) into the mic
ports, and another test to make sure the noise was not due to my
handling of the Rycote pistol grip during the gusts (I borrowed a
friend's boom stand). Both of these tests I performed, and were not the
wind noise problem. I am quoting the tech in his kind response to my
email:
"Windscreen diameter is everything - the further the margins of the
screen are away from the microphone capsule the more efficient the
screen - straight physics. And the increase is roughly by a cube law so
a little more distance makes a lot of difference. Hence the fatter
Softie will always beat a thinner EQ106 in a like-for-like contest.
However many people want a slimmer screen to go on a camera and are
prepared to accept a compromise on windnoise reduction. Hence the
availability of slender windscreens"
This was the info I wanted to hear. I appreciated the honesty of the
tech at Lightwave and their prompt and courteous response.
The response from Redding Audio also told me that the Rycote Softie was
an "exceptional product at a great price". They offered me an
alternative product from Lightwave Audio. A MS-106 mini zeppelin used
with a MWM106 (windjammer type) cover. This sounds interesting , as
well as the other zeppelin options and products discussed on this
group. I'm aware that completely encasing the mic with more dead air
space, and surrounding a zeppelin with a high quality fur cover would
be my best solution. However, for portability and my budget's sake,
I'll be looking for a medium hole Rycote Softie for my next windscreen.
It should fit nicely into my backpack with the folded pistol grip and
mount. I don't plan on recording in alot of wind, but would like to be
prepared to record in 10-25 MPH winds, should an opportunity arise.
I hope this info and my conclusion has been helpful to others.
Regards,
Bill
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