Cinela PIANISSIMO Double MS Windshield

For double MS recording, the Cinela PIANISSIMO Double MS holds three microphones (Mid, Side, and Rear) in one windshield with a suspended cage.

Cinela released the PIANISSIMO in 2014 as the smaller sister of their PIANO, for microphones shorter than 21 cm. Its egg-shaped cage is slightly elliptical in cross-section, a shape that behaves well acoustically and keeps wind noise down when the boom swings sideways. The cage is isolated from the microphones’ own suspension module, as on every Cinela windshield.

Microphones and Wiring

Each version’s suspension module is made for its three microphones, and Cinela prefers crossed isolators for double MS, since they handle vibration better. The microphones plug into Binder sockets inside the windshield with detachable cables, and the 7-pin male XLR output carries Mid, Side, and Rear. The two MiniCMIT + 2 CCM versions differ only in that wiring. V1 has one Binder holder with two sockets and a 3-pin female XLR cable for the MiniCMIT. V2 has two Binder holders with three sockets.

Schoeps KMIT Versions

One KMIT version holds three microphones: a Schoeps KMIT on a CMC 1 U, a CMC 1 U with MK 8 at the side, and a CMC 1 L at the rear. The other holds the KMIT and two more capsules on three CMC 1 L bodies. Cinela can also combine one CMC 1 U and two CMC 1 L on request, but three XLR bodies are hard to combine.

Good to Know

On the DPA 4017B + 2 CMC 1 U version, the pair of CMC 1 U bodies is heavy and unbalanced, so it uses elliptical isolators. These give the figure-8 microphone less isolation and a more flexible mounting. Cinela advises the DPA 4017B + 2 CCM version instead.

On the MKH 8030 + 2 MKH 8040 version, the coincident layout, the reversed rear microphone, and the uneven weights leave no room for MZF filters. Cinela advises a steep analog input filter on the recorder (18 or 24 dB per octave, between 50 and 80 Hz), and filtering in post-production.

Fur, Swivel, and Shell

A 3D primary fabric covers the cage, and a synthetic fur goes over it for stronger wind, in short or long pile and in black, gray, or black and gray. The windshield mounts on the pole with the two-axis SW-2AX swivel, and the PIANI-SHELL, a polycarbonate case, holds it with its fabric fitted. An extension cable and splitter are sold separately, and the microphones are not included.

Features

• Windshield for three microphones in double MS
• Suspended egg-shaped cage with an elliptical section
• Suspension module made for each microphone set
• Binder sockets with detachable microphone cables
• 7-pin male XLR output for Mid, Side, and Rear
• 3D primary fabric and a fur in short or long pile
• Two-axis SW-2AX swivel
• PIANI-SHELL polycarbonate case

Available Options