Seeking tips for using a ribbon outdoors?

[Brackish]

Was thinking of trying a riboon on an outdoor
vocal performance. Main concern is dealing with
wind. Are ribbons pretty sensitive to wind
rumble? Any tips on how to best
use the ribbon outdoors?

 

[soundchaser59]

Which ribbon?

 

[chance]

Beyer ribbons can handle wind pretty well because of their over/under ribbon config

 

[giraffe]

get a foam wind screen (the kind that actually go on the mic), not very expensive and they come in many sizes.

here's one for a biggin'
http://oktavausa.com/WindscreenLarge.htm
probably not the cheapest, but i just happened to stumble on it the other day.

 

[Brackish]

Could anyone point me to a windscreen that
fits the Apex 205? It's supposedly 2" diameter
but from the pics it looks like a longer-bodied mic
that needs covering. Does Apex have a suggested
windscreen?

 

[SRR]

My personal opinion on this situation, its not worth it. Ya ribbons can sound real nice, but for live outdoors, hmmmm, not with that ribbon, atleast that is just me. Also take into account its a figure 8 pickup pattern, which you may run into feedback sooner then oh say a 58.

 

[Innovations]

I agree with SSR, particularly if this is an expensive ribbon there is just so much that can go on outdoors. Ribbon mics are just 'succeptible to wind noise' they are prone to being destroyed (or at least having expensive repairs) by even slight winds. That is not to mention rough handling, having stands knocked over etc.

 

[AGCurry]

My personal opinion on this situation, its not worth it. Ya ribbons can sound real nice, but for live outdoors, hmmmm, not with that ribbon, atleast that is just me. Also take into account its a figure 8 pickup pattern, which you may run into feedback sooner then oh say a 58.

Feedback? Since when is that a problem with recording?

ANY microphone will pick up wind noise. If it doesn't, it's not doin' its job!

The real question is: Will it be harmed by wind? I wouldn't use a ribbon in a stiff or gusty wind. A slight breeze, okay.

About the only solution for ANY mic is to use a wind sock on it.

 

[SRR]

Feedback? Since when is that a problem with recording?

Ok he didn't say anything about sound reinforcement, but I just assumed outside=sound reinforcement system.

 

[AGCurry]

Ok he didn't say anything about sound reinforcement, but I just assumed outside=sound reinforcement system.

Okay. However, for live sound, figure-of-eight-pattern mics are actually be LESS susceptible to feedback - IF you keep the monitors to the sides. The null of a bidirectional mic is "nuller" than that of a cardioid or hypercardioid pattern..

There are two downsides - one is that you'll pick up crowd noise - but that shouldn't be an issue outside. The other is one I experienced on a recent gig: I had a Shure 300 set up for our clarinetist; a drunk came up and sang into the BACK of the mic, and it was loud!

 

[Soundmind??]

Tie a yellow one round the old oak tree....just kidding. I'd be sure it was protected from wind and weather. If blowing in one can damage it, could a gust of wind cause harm?

 

[Brackish]

Ok he didn't say anything about sound reinforcement, but I just assumed outside=sound reinforcement system.

It's for recording, not sound reinforcement.

 

[ittam]

You should propably make a zeppelin like windshield for it.
Didn`t find good pictures of ribbons in the field ( as used in the film industry as they were),but make kind of roomy basket to put it in and cover with the same material as with pop filters. ( ask your wife/girlfriend )
Matti