Professional ENG Field Recording System
The RAD-3 ENG Combo 12cm provides broadcast professionals with a complete field recording solution designed specifically for news gathering and mobile audio applications. This integrated system combines proven shock isolation technology with practical field accessories, delivering consistent performance in demanding broadcast environments.
Complete Kit Configuration
Each eng combo 12cm windshield kit includes three essential components: the RAD-3 shock mount with integrated pistol grip handle, a 12cm Nimbus slide-on fur windshield, and a custom-length 3-pin XLR cable. This configuration eliminates the need to source individual components separately, providing immediate deployment capability for field recording teams.
The shock mount utilizes soft-coated universal mic clips engineered to accommodate microphones with diameters ranging from 19-25mm. This universal compatibility allows operators to work with various shotgun microphone models without requiring additional mounting hardware.
Advanced Isolation Technology
The RAD-3 shock mount employs 82D shore extra firm suspension hoops, providing superior isolation from handling noise and mechanical vibrations. These hoops maintain their elasticity across temperature ranges commonly encountered in field recording environments, ensuring consistent isolation performance regardless of environmental conditions.
An anti-sway top brace bar enhances the mounting system’s stability, particularly important when working with medium-length shotgun microphones. This design feature reduces unwanted movement during handheld operation and boom pole mounting, contributing to cleaner audio capture in dynamic recording situations.
Microphone Compatibility
The system accommodates a wide range of professional shotgun microphones including the Audio-Technica AT875R and BP4073 models, DPA 2017, 4017B, and 4017C configurations, Schoeps MiniCMIT, Sennheiser MKH8060, and Sony ECM-673, ECM-674, and ECM-VG1 microphones. This compatibility range covers the majority of shotgun microphones used in broadcast and field recording applications.
Wind Protection System
The included 12cm Nimbus windshield provides effective wind noise reduction while maintaining acoustic transparency. The slide-on design enables quick installation and removal, essential for rapidly changing field conditions. The windshield’s fur construction offers superior wind protection compared to foam alternatives, particularly in moderate to strong wind conditions.
Professional wind protection becomes critical in exterior recording environments where natural wind and air movement from vehicle operation can compromise audio quality. The Nimbus system addresses these challenges while preserving the directional characteristics of shotgun microphones.
Integrated Cable Management
The custom 3-pin XLR cable integrates directly with the pistol grip handle, providing strain relief and cable management in a compact configuration. The cable tucks neatly within the handle structure, reducing cable-related handling noise and preventing accidental disconnection during operation.
This integrated approach eliminates the loose cable connections that can introduce reliability issues in field recording scenarios. The strain relief design protects both the cable and microphone XLR connections from damage due to repeated handling.
Professional Field Applications
ENG recording teams require equipment capable of immediate deployment across diverse acoustic environments. The RAD-3 ENG Combo addresses these requirements through its ready-to-use configuration and proven reliability in professional broadcast applications.
Location sound recording often involves rapid setup and breakdown cycles where equipment durability and consistent performance become essential factors. The thermoplastic elastomer construction provides mechanical resilience while maintaining precise tolerances required for effective vibration isolation.
Manufacturing and Build Quality
All components undergo high-precision injection molding in an ISO-9000 certified manufacturing facility located in the United Kingdom. This manufacturing approach ensures consistent dimensional accuracy and material properties across production runs.
The thermoplastic elastomer materials resist degradation from UV exposure, temperature cycling, and chemical exposure commonly encountered in field recording environments. These materials maintain their mechanical properties over extended service periods, providing long-term reliability for professional applications.
Maintenance and Care Considerations
Regular inspection of the suspension hoops ensures continued isolation performance. The soft-coated mic clips should be examined for wear, particularly after extended use with heavier microphones. The windshield may require periodic cleaning to maintain acoustic performance, following standard fur windshield maintenance procedures.
Storage in controlled temperature environments helps preserve the elasticity of suspension components. When transporting the system, securing the windshield separately prevents compression that could affect its wind protection characteristics.
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