Review of the RODE Blimp
Barely two years after releasing their extremely popular NTG series shotguns, RODE microphones has developed the RODE Blimp. RODE has studied the market, taken the best aspects of the competition, and melded it into a lower cost dependable wind protection solution.
Beginning with the mount, RODE incorporates a circular hoop design. Suspension and isolation are accomplished using silicone bands and flexible clips for mic attachment. Unlike Rycote’s similar mount, the hoops can adjust distance without full removal, which allows the use of multiple microphones. Once the mic is mounted and slid into the blimp, it is locked via ratchet type screws on the underside. This type of screw allows you to move the wing of the screw in line with the rail and blimp. The underneath of the suspension rail is also grooved enabling the pistol grip of the mount to slide back and forth on the rail. These adjustments are reminiscent of the now discontinued Lightwave Superscreen system, and are a fantastic way to adjust the balance of the windscreen and microphone on the end of your boom. The pistol grip also has a compression lever tension lock, which allows a sure non-slip lock once the angle of the microphone is set. An integrated XLR cable snakes though a rubber grommet and down into the pistol grip handle for isolation and clean, uncluttered access. Clips for multiple size microphones are included making this a very versatile windscreen capable of use with several mics in your arsenal. An adjustment tool and fur comb are also part of the package.
The blimp has a unique geodesic design allowing the housing to be molded as one piece. This solid construction provides increased strength and eliminates the chance of structural problems along seam lines. The design also creates acoustic transparency. The endcaps easily screw on the blimp for quick assembly. The blimp system’s suspension alone provides excellent shock absorption and audio clarity. In our tests, a windy November day was no match for the RODE Blimp. Using the RODE NTG-3 shotgun, we captured man on the street dialog, cars, splashing puddles, and leaves swirling in our parking lot. Even without the included Dead Wombat fur cover, the blimp provided a quiet recording environment where only the rustling of maple leaves interrupted our sample. Installing the Wombat fur covering added extra insurance against heavier gusts.
All in all, the RODE Blimp seems to be a very good value. While slightly heavier and possibly a little less refined in appearance than the most popular brand of zeppelin there are some good ideas at work here. Owners will be satisfied with the performance and the economics of this windscreen system.
RODE Blimp System Datasheet (200K PDF)
