How to Mount Sennheiser MKH60 and MKH30 in Rode Blimp(v1)

This is just a quick summary of how to mount the Sennheiser MKH60 and MKH30 in an Mid-Side recording setup inside the Rode Blimp.
I forgot to mention in the video that I had to coil the suspension bands on the top and bottom to help level-out the mikes, otherwise the mikes wouldn't have fit into the blimp. I can only imagine that the suspension bands might need to get replaced since they are under a lot of tension, but only time will tell.
Sorry for the pops/clicks at the first 30 seconds of the video, they must have been the result of my impromptu lav mic setup.
**UPDATE**
This is the early version of the Rode Blimp that uses the elastic bands for suspending the mounts. The new version of the blimp uses a lyre mount.

[@joeknockane8831]

I use the same microphone combo for birdsong. Swap in the MKH 40 for ambiance. I had the Sennheiser blimp/holder+windscreen but the blimp's plastic end-covers turned to goo after a few years, making a horrible mess. I found that setup cumbersome though. I got Gutmann windscreens that fit the MKH range, then an Oyaide D + XLR Class B 1.0 m cable pair, and just hand-hold the mics for any occasional, brief projects. Compact, and does the trick. Nice video.

[@stix153]

Thanks for posting this video! I just outfitted my old Rode Blimp with my MKH30/50 and soldered a (2)XLR --->5 pole XLR connector for quick disconnect. Much cheaper than the $600 Rycote setup I was looking at! Also thanks to Reuben for the tip below on the Rycote back-to-back clips!

[@bradlii]

Michael... thanks for posting this.Been wanting to improve my ambient/nature recordings for sometime, and while I don't have the budget/priority to purchase these mics right now, it's nice seeing how they can be contained in a blimp like this. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@mwosound]

I'm happy this video helped you out! If you already own the mkh60 then the mkh30 will be a great addition. If you haven't bought either mic yet, I would suggest purchasing the mkh40 instead of the mkh60 if you are focusing on ambient recordings as the results (in my experience) yield more natural results. It's honestly a small difference, but one that is worth mentioning. Best of luck with your recording endeavors!

[@bradlii]

+Michael O'Connor well, I currently own a Schoeps CMC6-41, so I thought about just getting their figure 8 mic with another CMC6 body eventually. But just the same, can't afford it for now. Of course, for mid-side, strict cardioid and figure of 8 are probably best/most natural, but pretty much any mid-side system would likely be better than the Zoom H1n I've been bongo tying to the rail in my Rycote. Although even this cheap x/y setup has provided some usable results with a bit of post processing (eq'ing / widening) in ProTools.

[@mwosound]

+yrlk Right on. If it sounds good, it is good! And if it can sound better, recordists will spend all their money to do so!

[@Snipersounds]

Thanks so much Michael! I wish I had found your video earlier! I have been surfing around for about 90mins!

[@BinauralBrisbane]

Thanks, that's great- I've been looking at the Rode blimp for housing an MS rig and was hoping it would be a possibility, your video answers that and more- very helpful

[@MrMikkiFunk]

Love the mkh60! So good for production sound and location recording! Nice work on the customisation and very good idea on the use of the 5 pin!

[@mwosound]

Awesome! Glad this video is being utilized by fellow sound gatherers! Noise on!

[@mwosound]

@Snipersoundsstudio Right on, glad it helped out! Let me know if you have any suggestions for keywording to make it easier to find and I'll add them. Happy recording!

[@DesertSongFestival]

Thank you

[@mwosound]

Aw man wish I did more research, thanks for that info Reuben!

[@ErrigalCam]

Great video, I use mkh70 what benefits would there be if I add mkh30 and record in Stereo.

[@mwosound]

Hey Errigal, thanks for the kind words. It really depends what you want to achieve. I wanted to recorded spotted sound effects with a stereo image with this setup while also maintaining the level of detail and low noise floor these mics are known for, versus just mono. The problem is that MS doesn't work the best with a supercardiod as the mid mic, as you can get odd phasey comb filtering issues especially if the sound source is too near to the microphones. I've since replaced my mid mic with an MKH8040 and it sounds much better to my ears; more natural. It is also worth mentioning the MKH30 is pretty expensive, so you have to ask yourself if the cost is worth whatever you are looking to achieve. For ambiences, the MKH60 + MKH30 is rather narrow sounding when it comes to the stereo image, which I don't like. For ambiences, I prefer an ORTF setup and absolutely love the wide sound it captures ( I happen to use the MKH8040s for this, but you could use any similar mics like the Line Audio CM4s).

[@ErrigalCam]

@@mwosound Hi Michael ,thanks great to know,the mkh30 is very expensive. I will go with the MKH8040.Thanks for guiding me in the right direction.Big Thanks Sean

[@mwosound]

@mrbibio I indeed used the elastics with the rode blimp, and I didn't mention in the video that I had to re-wrap the elastic loops on the shorter sides so that the mikes would still be firmly suspended. Do you have a figure-8 Okatava that you'll be rigging in the blimp for M/S recording? Or are you trying to achieve an X/Y configuration? Either way, you should post a video online to show others in your situation! (That is, if you find a solution :) Back to the mix! Mike

[@rastAsia]

You're right. That MZD30 piggy back clip gotta be me the most ridiculously priced microphone clip in audio history.. moulded plastic for $70. You'd think it comes standard with the MKH30 for MS use.

[@mwosound]

snap it's been awhile since I've soldered any cables so I don't remember. I'm sure you can find a site online where all that info can be spelled out.

[@noreaction1]

what kind of stuff do you record that requires this setup?

[@mwosound]

+noreaction As Jimbo stated, this setup records stereo sound for multiple applications. I use the m/s setup when I'm out in the field recording, since I never know what I'll end up recording. That way, if I want to record some foley in mono, and then some ambiences in stereo, I can use this same setup, and decode the audio signal differently in post for the desired results. It's my favorite stereo format to record in these days unless I'm doing special recordings (vehicles/contact mics/etc.).

[@bitetoeatbass]

What kind of cable do you recommend for diy 5 pin cables?

[@mwosound]

I just went with a mogami cable since I've heard their cables are very reliable, and when you buy it without connectors it is rather affordable. Best of luck with making the cable!

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

will the mkh-416 fit in it?

[@riftaudio]

Is that not an MKH-70? Looks a little long to be a 60. Thanks for the video, either way :)

[@mwosound]

It does look super long, but I assure you that is an MKH60.

[@mwosound]

I don't see why not. If anything you might need to wrap a tad more electrical tape around the mic.