NB Please note that this shop is in the earliest stage of development – I will be adding more shipping options etc., but currently it is for UK customers only. So please bear with me (not least with stock/lead-in times in the first few weeks) and, if in doubt, contact me direct: I am feeling my way! Thanks, Roland.
This webstore has been set up following much interest in my project where – in response to a challenge set by the good folks at Radius Windshields – I came up with an ORTF solution for their compact Mini-ALTO windshields. You can read more about the project here. The short version is that the compact windshield can fit ORTF pairs (and with the mic capsules properly located on the centre line, not pushed out to near the basket edge), but need some specialized parts and, of course, only some very short mics fit.
As a result Radius Windshields created a Mini-ALTO ORTF add-on kit, comprising an ultra-lightweight 2-part magnetic ‘pod’ windshield (with two 90mm pods, so symmetrical), a ‘smiley face adaptor’ that connects to the shock mount, a removable fur windcover, and a magnetic windshield stowage holder with carabiner clip.
I made all my 3d files available from the project for people to print themselves, but this has proved tricky for many and, also, I have refined the designs since to make use of professional Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printing and the new Mini-RAD hoops, which both allowed improved designs of the ORTF bars. The final part of the project was to create a replacement top part for the Radius Windshields RAD-2 and Mini-RAD mounts, allowing the windshield to tilt from side-to-side: this is essential for ORTF, as the windshield is placed side on to the sound source. And for those using Sennheiser MKH 8040 mics – doubtless the most popular of the mics that fit – a specialized side-exit custom stereo MZL cable is required, which Ed at ETK Cables makes up (Ed was formerly Rycote’s wireman).
Having had many requests (mostly forwarded from Simon Davies at Radius Windshields) from sound recordists around the world for parts, help and, ultimately, for all the pieces to be gathered together and assembled, Simon and I agreed that it might be simplest – and save everyone’s time – if I set up a small webstore here on my blog for the complete ORTF kits. The custom and specialized nature of the Mini-ALTO ORTF kits mean that it isn’t viable for Radius to sell these themselves: not least, given the low sales volumes, the custom parts – the ORTF mic mount and the rotated pivot – would not make injection-moulding cost-effective.
NB If I come across more mics that are short enough (and that means 47mm max, and with no cable or connector projecting rearwards) I will create mounts and kits for those too. I am conscious that all five of the mics currently identified are fairly high-end, and it would be nice to able to add more budget-friendly options. I have thought that it would be very easy to make a short and affordable cardioid mic using the very respectable Primo EM200 capsule, but nobody seems to be doing that commercially!
OK, after all that here is the shop itself!
Please note prices are ex VAT and shipping (Royal Mail Guaranteed Next Day Delivery), which will be added at checkout. And, as I said at the top, currently UK shipping only.
And for those wondering how the Mega-Blimp fits into this webstore, the short answer it doesn’t! The Mega-Blimp project continues to evolve and, along the way, we have made some for individual sound recordists and a few microphone companies, but these TIG-welded behemoths tend to be so customized that I think it only makes sense – for now at least – to contact me if seriously interested.
