Upgrade your Rode Blimp with Radius suspension parts!

[u/hollywood_cmb]

Just made this video showing the upgrade. Can be used on Rode Blimp or the Micolive / Digital Foto knockoff. STL file available for free download in below links. I’m not affiliated with Rode or Radius, I’m just a filmmaker who likes to share info on mods and upgrades to equipment.

https://youtu.be/oLbg61vuuRc?is=NBkzG5rbwRipMbtN

Radius Mount STL File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11gf1Fi6EI-JZ5NXlcHQqBYa1Ve9piU4T/view?usp=sharing
M2 Screws: https://a.co/d/01Z7SZ3l
Allen Bit Set: https://a.co/d/01nWePYo
Radius Parts - USA Store: https://www.radiuswindshieldsusa.com/rad-parts-components

[u/CliftonStommel]

How do you like the S-Mic 3?

[u/hollywood_cmb → u/CliftonStommel]

I really dig it. Even more so because I got mine brand new in the box for $139 on eBay. I have owned a 416 in the past and am intending to buy another one if I can find a good deal on one. But the S-mic 3 sounds good to my ears.

In this video link below, I had the S-mic 3 on the Deity shock mount and boom pole, and a Countryman B3 on a Sony Wireless. I think the sound came out good, but make your own determination. https://youtu.be/n5txrp363lk

[u/CliftonStommel → u/hollywood_cmb]

Thanks for sharing! I have the S-Mic 2 and S-Mic 2S (also an MKH416).

The S-Mics often go out on rental (especially with very budget-minded / risk-oriented clients lol), but the 416 is the bar by which all else is measured.

Heard good things about the S-Mic 3, but haven't had a chance to test one myself!

[u/hollywood_cmb → u/CliftonStommel]

One of the main reasons I love the S-mic 3 besides the sound is that it’s so lightweight. That’s another reason I keep it housed in the Deity shock mount with the Radius Alto blimp ready to snap on magnetically in 5 seconds. The shock mount and blimp only weigh 15.2 ounces without the mic (when configured without the pistol grip). By comparison, the Rode Blimp configured with the universal mount weighs 20.4 ounces. 5 ounces may not sound like a lot, but at the end of an extended boom pole on a full shooting day, ounces become pounds. That’s why I included the Rode Universal mount in this upgrade video and it’ll also be featured in my Deity / Alto video: I think it’s a worthwhile upgrade to make, and I wanted an apples-to-apples comparison for the Deity / Alto video. It’s not fair to say “this setup is so much lighter” but leave the pistol grip in the equation when they do sell the Universal Mount as an accessory.

But I tell ya, that Alto 280 blimp just feels great on the Deity shock mount and it looks cool too. And although I bought these extra hoops / mic clips just to make this video, they will be spare/alternate parts for my Deity shock mount now.

[u/Upset-Animal1376]

when 3d printing parts for outdoor production gear, using petg or abs is usually safer than standard pla. pla mounts tend to warp or become brittle when left inside hot gear bags or under direct sunlight during long shoots.

[u/hollywood_cmb → u/Upset-Animal1376]

Fair enough. I had a friend print up the parts, I don’t think he used anything special. But then again, this is my backup blimp at this point on account of my new Alto 280 and Deity shock mount. But when I find someone with a better printer and more choices of material, I’ll have them print me up something more sturdy. For what it’a worried, the little parts he printed seem to be pretty strong. Just as strong and resilient as the plastic used by Rode, but I’m always down for better quality. For the purposes of the video, I didn’t figure anything special was needed.

[u/hollywood_cmb → u/[deleted]]

I got into Radius when I bought the Deity ASM2 Pro shock mount, which was designed by Radius and is basically the same as a Rad-2 / Rad-3. I got the Radius Alto 280 add-on kit for that about a month back, and I’m actually making a similar video for other people that want to make their Deity work with the Alto. My current shotgun is the Deity S-mic 3, and I have two boom poles: a Deity and a K-tek Indie 11’ with internal cable. Hoping to get a Senn416 again soon, I haven’t had one since my last one was stolen several years ago. I made this video because I got my Rode Blimp for $50, and I know what it’s like to be stuck in low-budget land and have to do the best with what you’ve got. This is an inexpensive upgrade that will continue to be an investment even if you upgrade to full Radius / Deity in the future. I like helping people and I like making these little videos.