Mini-ALTO 115 Add-On Kit, Grey Fur

Compact Professional Wind Protection System

The Mini-ALTO 115 Add-On Kit represents a specialized windshield solution engineered for existing RAD shock mount systems. This magnetic pod windshield transforms any RAD-1, RAD-2, or RAD-3 shock mount into a complete wind protection system suitable for demanding field recording applications.

Magnetic Pod Technology

The core of this system utilizes a two-part magnetic windshield design that enables rapid deployment transitions. The magnetic pods secure firmly while allowing instant removal when recording conditions change. This approach eliminates the threading delays common with traditional windshield systems, particularly valuable during dynamic recording scenarios where environmental conditions shift rapidly.

At 85mm diameter, the Mini-ALTO achieves full microphone coverage while maintaining minimal bulk. This compact profile suits handheld recording rigs and confined recording environments where larger windshields prove impractical.

Wind Reduction Performance

The included grey fur windcover delivers up to 40dB of wind noise reduction when properly fitted. This performance level matches many larger professional windshields despite the compact form factor. The fur material provides effective turbulence disruption while maintaining acoustic transparency for the underlying microphone capsule.

The windshield body itself provides initial wind protection, with the fur cover serving as the primary defense against stronger wind conditions. This layered approach allows operators to adapt protection levels based on environmental requirements.

Professional Microphone Compatibility

This kit accommodates a range of professional small condenser microphones including DPA 2011, 2012, and 2015 models, Schoeps CCM and CMC1 series microphones, and Sennheiser MKH8020, MKH8030, MKH8040, and MKH8050 capsules. The system also supports specialized microphones such as the Lom basicUcho and various Rycote capsules.

The Smiley Face Adaptor provides the mechanical interface between the windshield system and RAD shock mounts. This component ensures proper alignment and secure attachment while maintaining the shock mount’s isolation characteristics. The adaptor design accommodates the suspension geometry of all three RAD shock mount variants.

Complete Kit Components

Each kit includes the Mini-ALTO 115 windshield body, removable grey fur windcover, Smiley Face Adaptor, magnetic windshield stowage holder with carabiner clip, and a pair of RAD cable straps. The magnetic stowage holder provides secure windshield retention when not in use, with the carabiner enabling attachment to recording bags or belt systems.

The cable straps assist with microphone cable management within the shock mount assembly. Proper cable routing prevents mechanical noise transmission and maintains the system’s isolation performance during handheld operation.

Field Recording Integration

This system suits various professional recording applications including broadcast journalism, documentary production, and location sound recording. The magnetic attachment system proves particularly valuable for news gathering where rapid equipment deployment is essential. Production crews can transition between interior and exterior recording locations without extensive equipment reconfiguration.

The compact windshield profile reduces visual obstruction in video applications while providing necessary wind protection. This balance serves broadcast applications where microphone visibility must be minimized without compromising audio quality.

Workflow Considerations

The magnetic pod design enables one-handed windshield attachment and removal, important when operating handheld recording setups or working in confined spaces. The system integrates with existing RAD shock mount workflows, requiring no additional mounting hardware or adapters beyond the included Smiley Face component.

For sound recordists using multiple microphones, the standardized Mini-ALTO interface allows windshield sharing across compatible microphone types. This flexibility reduces equipment inventory requirements while maintaining consistent wind protection performance across different microphone models. Professional audio equipment specialists at Rycote developed this system to address the specific requirements of modern field recording workflows.

Care and Storage

The fur windcover requires periodic cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Gentle brushing removes accumulated debris while preserving the fur’s wind-disrupting characteristics. The magnetic stowage holder protects the windshield during transport while ensuring quick access when needed.

Regular inspection of the magnetic connection points ensures reliable pod attachment. The magnetic elements maintain their holding strength through normal field use but should be kept clean of metallic debris that could interfere with proper seating.