Rycote is a company with a heritage of over forty years, specializing in developing state-of-the-art microphone windshields and shock resistance products for field audio productions. Our own Johnnie Behiri met John House at Inter BEE 2019 in Japan. They talked about the Rycote “hand-made” production process and facilities, their specialty tools, individual manufacturing requests, sound quality, and real-life onset product performances. Let’s take a closer look! Rycote selection – image credit: cinema5D The Rycote Brand Rycote is a brand is now owned by the Vitec Group that holds many of the well-known brands of our industry such as SmallHD, Teradek, Sachtler, Vinten, Manfrotto, and OConnor. They acquired Rycote just over a year ago. Rycote’s production line is still in Stroud, Gloucestershire in the UK and its products are created hand-made, 1-by-1 testing their products directly with the microphones and audio-equipment, which they are designed to fit. Their products range from categories such as production sound, through news & sports broadcasting, to live & studio applications as well as on-camera sound solutions. They create everything from mini windjammers, via lavalier mic solutions, to slip-on systems like their “Super-Softie” or “Classic-Softie”, to all sorts of windshields and basket systems like their “Cyclone” as well as PCS Range and specialized systems. Rycote- Solutions (Examples) (Credits: Rycote) Special Applications & Individual Requirements In the video, Johnnie (cinema5D) and John (Rycote) show several of the products mentioned above and describe profound use-cases. They especially linger with a sizeable specialized project for the Japanese TV broadcaster NHK. Rycote has been creating custom-made solutions for the NHK Golf Course coverage with hundreds of Sennheiser microphones placed to cover events such as the Japan Open Golf event in Yokohama. If you want to learn more about fabrication solutions, material options, color choices to blend in with the natural environment of your productions, John House offers a great set of explanations and real-life examples within the video. He also goes on to explain on-camera solutions for DSLR and DSLM cameras, meant to support “one-person production crews”. The BBG Windshield is such a small-sized solution that offers the properties for wind attenuation of a full-size windshield. Rycote – BBG Windshield (Credits: Rycote) Since Rycote’s efforts always focus on actual utilization, their website helps professionals to search their specific products by application, by product, and by category. If you have less connection to these types of sound and audio gear, it is worth taking a look, even for educational purposes. Which products did interest you the most? Let us know, and please subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notices for future publications.

RØDE just announced the latest addition to their lineup of on-camera microphones: The RØDE VideoMic NTG. Both terms sound somewhat familiar, VideoMic for small, on-the-go mics, NTG for RØDE’s professional line of shotgun microphones. Well, the new VideoMic NTG aims to unite both concepts in one sleek product. The new RØDE VideoMic NTG. (image credit: RØDE) I personally own one of these tiny RØDE VideoMicro on-camera mics. Its performance is OK (in relation to its size) and I use it mostly for recording better scratch audio when deploying a gimbal. However, I just recently had to attach this mic to a smartphone and here I ran into issues: You need to adapt the TRS connector of the VideoMicro to a somewhat weirdly wired up TRRS plug so that the smartphone recognizes the mic as an audio input. I soldered that cable on my own but as you can imagine the result didn’t look very professional. If only I had this new RØDE VideoMic NTG handy, I wouldn’t have had this kind of problem, since it really solves many issues you might have with currently available on-camera mics. Plus it offers greatly improved audio performance, obviously. RØDE VideoMic NTG So what is special about this new microphone? As RØDE founder and Chairman Peter Freedman AM puts it: It’s in the name. The VideoMic NTG is a hybrid microphone that brings the signature broadcast-quality sound of our NTG shotgun range to a compact, feature-packed VideoMic. Since it bears NTG in its name, this new mic offers the same annular tube technology as the NTG5 shotgun microphone. According to RØDE, this design offers natural, uncoloured sound and high transparency. Along with the new mic, RØDE offers a new shock mount with cable management and sliding rail to balance the mic on the camera. The new shock mount is included when purchasing the VideoMic NTG. Image credit: RØDE It features an auto-sensing 3.5mm output, so it works seamlessly with both, cameras and smartphones. No frankensteined (or purchased) TRS-TRRS adapter needed. Furthermore, it features a USB output for connecting the VideoMic NTG directly to a computer (or tablet). When using that USB output the freed-up 3.5mm port can be used to plug in a headphone for monitoring. With both analog and digital outputs, it becomes very clear that this VideoMic NTG is more than just a microphone. It sports a build-in ADC (analog to digital converter), a variable gain control for everything from mic level to line level, a built-in preamp with a dB peak warning light and, in order to power all this, a 350mAh lithium-ion battery which lasts for 30+ hours. Polar Pattern and Frequency Response This is a classic supercardioid on-camera microphone, since it is meant to be used as a on-the-go shotgun mic. It uses the pressure gradient electret condenser principle to translate acoustic waves into electrical impulses. image credit: RØDE Here’s a list of acoustic specifications: Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz Frequency Response: 35Hz – 18kHz ±3 dB Output Impedance: 10Ω Signal to Noise Ratio: 79 dBA Dynamic Range: 105dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651) Equivalent Noise: 15dB SPL (A-weighted, as per IEC651) Sensitivity: -26 dB re 1V/Pa (50mV @ 94dB SPL) ± 1dB @ 1kHz Input SPL at 1% THD: 120dB SPL High Pass Filter Frequency: 75Hz, 150Hz image credit: RØDE And a list of general specifications: Battery Life: 30+ hours Battery Capacity: 350mAh Output Connection: 3.5mm auto-sensing (TRS <-> TRRS), USB-C Bit Depth: 24-bit Sample Rate: 48kHz Weight: 94g Dimensions: 21.6mm (diameter), 171mm (length) image credit: RØDE The VideoMic NTG offers an auto-on mode in which it will automatically power on once the host camera is switched on. That way, you don’t need to worry about battery life since the mic will also automatically power-off once you switch off the camera. battery life is 30+ hours and you can recharge it within 2 hours using the USB-C port. The correct output level can be dialed in using the gain control on the rear of the microphone. Pricing and Availability At time of writing this article, there’s no intel about pricing, unfortunately. I’ll update this article once the information is available. Same goes for availability. UPDATE: The VideoMic NTG will cost $249 US and shipping should start very soon. image credit: RØDE This new VideoMic NTG seems to be much more than just a microphone. Use it with a camera, or a smartphone, or a computer using USB. Your choice. All the built-in tech is here to help but you really don’t need to worry about it, it just works. 3.5mm auto-sensing, automatic power-switching, built-in preamp, headphone out when using USB-C, variable gain control, high-pass filter, built-in ADC. When reading this, it could be the description of a dedicated audio breakout box, but it’s just a microphone. Pretty neat, I’d say. Link: RØDE website What do you think? Could this be your next on-camera mic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Sound Devices 888 is the third product within the 8-Series, filling the gap between the 833 model and their most advanced 36-track Scorpio mixer-recorder. The 888 sports 20 tracks, 16-channels and eight very low noise 8-Series mic preamplifiers. It ships with several powering options and offers control surface operation by USB connection (via MCU). Let’s take a look! Sound Devices 888 (Credits: Sound Devices) Sound Devices 888 – Feature Overview One of the features widely used in the industry – the Dugan algorithm for auto-mixing – is also what Sound Devices uses within their product. The idea behind this auto-mixing algorithm is that many microphones cannot be monitored and attenuated at the same time by a single person. Thus, unused channels – when not appropriately adjusted – will bring hiss, reverberation, rumble and other disturbances as noise into the mix. With Dugan’s auto-mixing algorithm or Sound Devices’ own “MixAssist” involved, the 888 can handle auto-mixing for up to 16-channels of audio inputs. Similar in size to the well-established 788T, the 888 has the following compact dimensions: 5.1 cm x 24.5 cm x 18.5 cm. At 1,83 kg (without batteries attached), this mixer is about 580g heavier than its smaller brother, the 833 (weight: 1,25 kg, without batteries). The 888 is usable in-bag/over the shoulder or within a professional sound cart. Features well-known from other Sound Devices products, such as Dante support for Ethernet-enabled sound-transmission capabilities, which came with the Scorpio (32 channels Dante I/O) are now coming to the 888, too. The 888 consequently has a notable 16 channels of Dante I/O. With this support, it is amongst the smallest devices featuring this characteristic. Sound Devices 888 – Right Side – Connectivity Options (Credits: Sounds Devices) To store all of the recorded data, the 888 comes with 256GB internal storage, just like the 833 and Scorpio, and provides 2 SD card slots. Since this is meant for audio recording – depending on the number of tracks recorded simultaneously, the bit-depth and sample rates chosen – 256 GB possibly store weeks of production recordings onto the device. Since the mixer-recorder can record to those three media simultaneously, SD cards can be turned over to production and for transcription services, while keeping a full backup stored within the device at the same time. Sound Devices 8-Series (Credits: Sound Devices) Features from the 8-Series Just like the other 8-Series mixer-recorders, the 888 has an in-built TC generator, AES support (in/out), separate faders and trim controls, dedicated coms, and returns and 2x L-Mount (NP-F series) battery slots with internal charging and device powering capabilities. Of course, other powering options like its TA4 DC input or a smart battery are also available. Additionally, there is another battery included with the TC generator, which will hold the accurate TC for up to 4 hours when power is off, and no other power-source is active. Sound Devices 888 – Left Side – Audio Inputs, Com Rtn and Headset (Credits: Sounds Devices) Not available with the MixPre Series by Sound Devices, for example, the 8-Series also has a distinctive and updated architecture and routing functionality. This design allows for every physical input to be fully-routable and sent to any bus, output or track. The Sound Devices 888 is currently available for pre-order. What do you think of this portable mixer-recorder? Is this a product you would work with during your productions? Let us know in the comment section beneath.

RØDE just announced a new addition to their directional shotgun microphone NTG line – the NTG5. It is a lightweight (76g) and compact microphone (length is only 203mm), which features acoustic port design providing superior progressive wave interference, and broadcast-grade sound. New NTG5 microphone. Source: RØDE I believe the Australian audio company RØDE is quite familiar to most filmmakers. They have quite a few different lines of microphones and audio gear. One of them is the NTG – line of directional “shotgun” microphones. RØDE just announced the NTG5, which is the newest addition to the line. What are its features and specs? RØDE NTG5 Shotgun Microphone The first microphone in the NTG range, the NTG1 was released already in 2005. Since then RØDE kept innovating the mic and for instance, the NTG3 has gotten very popular. The NTG5 is the next step in the evolution of this range. The most noticeable innovation is the new body. The design has been completely overhauled, with circular acoustic ports replacing the linear slots found in other shotgun mics. New NTG5 microphone. Source: RØDE This new design is the result of acoustic testing during the development of the TF5 – RØDE’s new premium small diaphragm condenser mic. The TF5’s capsule features a unique perforated acoustic vent design. That’s why the NTG5 also has acoustic perforations employed along the length of the microphone. The result is acoustic transparency, and a natural, uncolored sound. That will sound superb in a wide variety of applications. The microphone offers tailored frequency response and very low self-noise of just 10dbA. It has a highly directional super-cardioid polar pattern and a smooth off-axis response. RF-bias technology and conformal coating ensure great performance in adverse weather conditions. The NTG5 is very lightweight at just 76g and quite short with 203mm. That makes it easier to handle on set than other shotgun mics, especially when used on a boom pole. It comes in a complete location recording kit with the new WS10 windshield, pistol grip, and other accessories. New NTG5 microphone with accessories. Source: RØDE Price and Availability RØDE NTG5 will be available soon. The retail price has been set to $499. We will update the article as soon as we get more information about the availability. What do you think about the new RØDE NTG5 microphone? Do you have experience with their other NTG microphones? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

Sound Devices released a new free firmware update V3.00 for their Scorpio and 833 recorders. It adds Sound Devices’ MixAssist algorithm, integration with the popular CL-12 linear fader controller, AAC recording for immediate handoff to transcription and more. Sound Devices Scorpio and 833 Firmware Update V3.00 Scorpio and 833, capable audio recorders from the US-based company Sound Devices, have both been released this year. Scorpio is Sound Devices’ flagship sound field mixer and recorder that can record up to 32 channel/36 tracks. 833 is a compact mixer and recorder with 6 mic/line preamplifiers, 8 channels, a 256 GB internal SSD, and dual L-Mount charging and powering. Both recorders just got a new firmware update version 3.00. Which new features and improvements does it bring? Sound Devices Scorpio and 833 V3.00 Update Firmware version 3.00 includes Sound Devices’ MixAssist algorithm, integration with the popular CL-12 linear fader controller, AAC recording for immediate handoff to transcription and more features. Sound Devices’ MixAssist algorithm intelligently attenuates unused microphones to reduce unwanted artifacts in multi-microphone applications. MixAssist has been available for both 7-Series recorders and 6-Series mixer/recorders and now has joined Dugan Automixing as an available algorithm on the Scorpio and 833. The Sound Devices CL-12 linear fader controller is now supported. The CL-12 is purpose-built for location sound recording needs and expands the flexibility of the Scorpio and 833 ecosystems. Sound Devices Scorpio Firmware version 3.00 also features recording of timecode-stamped compressed AAC files for easy handoff to transcription services. AAC files can be tracked separately to redundant media while maintaining a primary and backup record option. Additionally, Smart Battery telemetry has been added to the Scorpio and the 833. Both mixer-recorders will now display relevant Smart Battery information, such as battery time remaining, percentage remaining, cycle count, and temperature. Sound Devices 833 Scorpio and 833 users can upgrade to firmware v3.00 free of charge by visiting the Sound Devices Downloads page. Do you use Sound Devices recorders for your work? What do you think about the new features added in version 3.00? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

Sound Devices unveiled their new 833 Portable Compact Mixer-Recorder at IBC in Amsterdam. The recorder features 6 mic/line preamplifiers, 8 channels, a 256 GB internal SSD, and dual L-Mount charging and powering. The US-based company Sound Devices has been producing high quality audio equipment for years. They are mostly knowns for their audio recorders and mixers. This year, the company already announced the new MixPre II (which is already shipping since the end of August, watch our IBC hands-on news video here), the new premium portable mixer-recorder Scorpio, and now they are announcing an even more portable Sound Devices 833 compact mixer-recorder. Sound Devices 833 Portable Compact Mixer-Recorder 833 portable mixer-recorder. Source: Sound Devices Like the popular Sound Devices 633, the 833 is small, lightweight, and compact. Its dimensions are only 5.1 x 22 x 17cm (2.0″ x 8.7″ x 6″) and the weight is 1.25kg (2.75 lbs) – unpackaged and without batteries. Size somparison – Scorpio versus 833. Source: Sound Devices The Sound Devices 833 has 6 mic/line preamplifiers, 8 channels, 12 tracks, 6 analog outputs, and ultra-accurate timecode. Many features have carried over from the Sound Devices’ larger Scorpio, such as the new preamplifier design, 2 SD card slots, dual L-Mount charging and powering, and an internal 256 GB SSD. The 833 features industry-renowned Dugan Automixing for up to 8 channels. 833 portable mixer-recorder. Source: Sound Devices The 833 recorder features 320×240 transflective LCD display with good sunlight visibility to monitor all the important functions. Larger touchscreen display is available via USB-connected SD-Remote app. All the ports of the 833 portable mixer-recorder. Source: Sound Devices In addition, Sound Devices has recently partnered with Sony to add SuperSlot compatibility to the new Sony DWR-S03D Digital Wireless Receiver. The DWR-S03D joins other RF receivers from Audio Limited, Wisycom, Sennheiser, and Lectrosonics in implementing SuperSlot compatibility. SuperSlot receivers may be used with the Sound Devices Scorpio mixer-recorder and the SL-6 wireless distribution and powering system. The new Sony receiver is expected to ship later this year. 833 portable mixer-recorder in use. Source: Sound Devices The new Sound Devices 833 is now available for pre-order. The price has been set to $3,995. What do you think about the Sound Devices 833? Do you use any audio recorder from Sound Devices? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

During IBC 2019, we talked with Jennifer from Saramonic about their new wireless microphone system: the Saramonic Blink 500. The advantage of this compact wireless system is that it works with any camera but also with smartphones. Let’s take a closer look at it! Saramonic Blink 500 – Image credit: cinema5D Saramonic Blink 500 Features The Saramonic Blink 500 is a compact and versatile clip-on wireless system that you can use with a camera or a smartphone. This wireless system operates in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, and the Blink 500 can automatically choose the best channel to work in. You can use a wireless system that utilizes the 2.4 GHz bandwidth anywhere in the world without a problem. The maximum distance between the transmitter and receiver is 164 feet/50 meters. Also, the Saramonic Blink 500 systems utilize 24-bit / 48 kHz resolution to capture your audio. In total, depending on your needs, six packages are available, but they all share the same transmitter. The Saramonic Blink 500 TX features dedicated gain buttons so you can adjust the signal level and even mute it. The transmitter is small and has a built-in microphone with an Omni pickup pattern as well as a 3.5mm jack input. That way, you can choose if you want to put it in your pocket and use it with a lavalier (that is included), or directly clip it to your shirt if you are in a hurry. Also, like the RØDE Wireless Go, the built-in clip doubles as a cold-shoe adapter. On the receiver side, you have a couple of options to choose from: A “standard” dual-channel receiver that plugs into your camera via a 3.5mm jack output. Note that you can use two transmitters with only one receiver. A receiver with a Lightning connector that you can use with your iPhone and iPad. A USB-C version for Android smartphones/tablets. The transmitter and receiver run on an internal battery that lasts up to five hours, according to Saramonic. You can recharge the internal battery via the USB Type-C port on the side of the receiver/transmitter. The smartphone receivers are powered via the Lightning/USB-C port and don’t have an internal battery. Saramonic Blink 500 Mobile Phone solution – Image Credit: cinema5D Pricing and Availability The Saramonic Blink 500 is available now, and the camera kit with a transmitter and receiver starts at $179.00. Various packages are available depending on your needs. Also, you can buy additional emitters/receivers later down the road to expand your kit. What do you think about the Saramonic Blink 500? Do you think it can be a versatile alternative to the RØDE Wireless Go? Let us know in the comments!

The Sound Devices MixPre II are second generation audio field recorders, now sampling in 32-bit float for high dynamic range audio. Learn more about what that means by reading on. Sound Devices have introduced the next line of audio field recorders that are targeted at a wide range of users from one man band type videographers to professional sound recordists in broadcast and film. There are three new models available, from the MixPre-3 II with 3 XLR inputs up to the MixPre-10 II that features 8 x XLR/TRS combination inputs. Sound Devices MixPre II. Image credit: cinema5D The field recorders now include ultra-low noise preamps with analogue limiters, that can reduce sudden peaking before the audio is digitized. Moreover, 32-bit float bit depth recording at 192kHz sampling is included as standard across all three devices. In the circumstance you might miss the first few seconds as dialogue, the MixPre II devices have 10 seconds of pre-roll running too. “RAW” Audio With 32-bit Float Bit Depth 32-bit float recording means clipped audio can be rescued. Image credit: cinema5D One of the greatest advancements included in this device is the 32-bit float bit depth, enabling a dynamic range of 700dB+ to be captured. What does that mean? It means that with the ultra-low noise preamps included in the MixPre II series, you are able to record the loudest or quietest of noises without the audio clipping or distorting due to the noise floor. The gain of clipped audio can be reduced in post to reveal the regular (and audible) peaks and troughs of a standard waveform. This feature will be particularly useful in scenarios where setting the gain is unpredictable, or there are large changes in audio loudness. This is a real technological advancement in audio recording; clipped or audio recorded too loud can be recovered in post. Previously this feature has been held back by the hardware, but now this is possible in the latest MixPre II series. In regards to file sizes, sampling at 192KHz in 32-bit float results in 33% larger file sizes, that record onto SD card. A backup is also recorded onto a USB drive to immediately hand off for editing. Timecode and Trigger via HDMI and BNC For professional applications, timecode can now be generated in the device, as well as sent to all of the MixPre II devices. In the 3/6 channel models this is via HDMI and 3.5mm aux inputs. Start/stop recording can be triggered via HDMI too. The larger MixPre-10 II accepts timecode in and out via BNC, all of the devices can output timecode via 3.5mm stereo output too. The Sound Devices MixPre II field recorders are available in 3 different models; MixPre-3 II, MixPre-5 II and MixPre-10 II. The comparison chart below denotes their differences. USB Interface and App Control The Sound Devices MixPre II series can be used as a USB interface for capturing audio in Pro Tools, Audition and other computer based audio applications. Useful for ADR or podcasting applications. The devices can also be controlled via bluetooth to Apple and Android devices as well. Sound Devices App. Image credit: cinema5D We always report about developments in camera sensor dynamic range, but the introduction of 32-bit float bit depth (Especially in this price category) is a very impressive leap forward in audio recording, that enables every detail of audio to be captured and recovered if needed. Could this be the new game changing audio development we will see in audio recording across the board? Does the ability to record 32-bit audio excite you too? Are you after an audio recorder capable of handling many different production scenarios? Let us know in the comments.