Go Behind The Scenes At Røde Microphones

From the very beginning RØDE was created to be a company of difference.

At a time when the only recording solutions available to artists and engineers were either incredibly expensive or generally poor quality, RØDE set out to change the status quo, offering world class recording tools for everyone.

Almost 20 years later and still here in Sydney, Australia, RØDE manufactures some of the world's very best microphones, regardless of price.

And for the first time, you can see how this is done

Home made stereo Hydrophone for less than $10

Last weekend I decided to build my first hydrophone. I live on a lake and there are always interesting things going on around and in the water. Having been invited to also work on several art installations themed towards water, rivers and nature, I figured that something missing from my kit was an underwater microphone.

Not wishing to part with too much cash I decided to build my own. This was also because I wanted a stereo mic, and one built to my own specs. One built cheaply would also allow me the luxury of experimenting with several differing versions.
The microphone I decided to build was based on some Panasonic capsules hosted inside a set of stereo headphones, and then smothered in silicone. I also tied a fishing sinker to the mic so that it would submerge and be steadier in the water. I have to say I am extremely happy with my 1 hour build! The sound is so clear... and for only a few $$$.

I also used cable ties to keep both sides locked together so as not to have them hit each other in the water. The sinker is behind, and also held tight so as not to hit the microphones. The advantage of using the cable ties also allows flexibility in adjusting the angle on the microphones.

Cheap stereo location recording

Lately I have been doing a lot of sound effects and atmosphere recording in country NSW. The locations are quiet, free from traffic and abundant in birds. 

Over the years I have generally borrowed high end microphones and location mixers from colleagues whenever I have needed to record in stereo in the field. Not wanting to spend big money or always depend on borrowing high end schoep microphones off friends, I generally use my Rode NT5 matched pair. These are setup on a T-Bar and allow for the recording of stereo atmospheres. The problem with the NT5's is that wind is very difficult to control due to the mic set up and the lack of any windshields (except for my home made stereo pair wind socks). 

- Lately I have been on a bit of a mission to find a good quality and economic outdoor field recording solution.

With much testing, my new low cost combination of choice is to use the Rode NT4 stereo mic inside the new Rode blimps. With this combination connected to a good field mixer and recorder, the audio quality is excellent!  ... no more wind buffets and quite affordable. 

However one downside is that you can't change the stereo spread of the microphone, but the portability and wind rejection qualities make up for this downfall.

New Rode microphone blimps

To compliment the Rode range of shotgun microphones, the release of the Rode Blimp is something to get quite excited about. Retailing for a fraction of the cost of other alternative blimps, this makes for a very handy addition to your recording kit.

Included with the blimp is:
- The windshield. (Including a quick release pistol grip and internal cable from the mounts to the pistol grip)
- Spare rubber shock bands for the mounts
- The "Dead Wombat" (The furry windsock)
- The "Dead Wombat" brush