DIY Microphone Blimp - ~20.00$

[drapeama]

Here's the last project I'm working on at the moment: DIY Blimp.
Total cost so far, less than 20.00$.
1x 3" x 3' PVC pipe. (can make 2 with it) = 6.95$
1x Mic holder (basic one) = 2.95$
4x "O-Rings" = 0.25 x 4...1.00$
1x Plastic Mesh = 2.00$

Here's some pictures:


I'm still looking for some fur to put over that. Actually, I don't even think I'll need the mesh all over the blimp. With the shape of the PVC pipe, I think just the fur all over would be enough. I'll see. I still have to do proper tests.
I'll keep you updated.

[MrMicah]

Impressive.

[Janke]

Nice! Now you just need some fluff-stuff to wrap around it...

[red5]

I like it. I've seen someone use tea strainers to make domed ends

[Steve_Karl]

Very impressive.
I also don't think you'll need any mesh. Just cover with fur.

[drapeama]

Impressive.

Thanks!
It's actually only a rough version, I need to work on it a little more.

Nice! Now you just need some fluff-stuff to wrap around it...

Yeah, I'm in process to get some from a "frugal" user!

I like it. I've seen someone use tea strainers to make domed ends

I don't think it's even needed, I plan to (probably) simply add an extended ring of PVC at the front end to make sure the mic won't touch the fur, but other than that, it should be all right as it is.

Very impressive.
I also don't think you'll need any mesh. Just cover with fur.

Thanks Steve!
That's were my thoughts. I bought it as the roll was only 2$ (never lost!) but it would make things more complicated for nothing in the end. And I like the look of the whole thing, like a DSLR cage for mic: adds protection in case the mic would be dropped accidentally.

[Almohada]

Can you cover it in fiberglass? I think that's what it's called.

[drapeama]

Can you cover it in fiberglass? I think that's what it's called.

Why would I cover it with fiberglass, I don't get that part?

[cgbier]

I'd assume Almo means this mesh thingie:

blimp-web500.jpg

That's a great project you're building there! Cool.

Can you do me a favor though and downsize your images a bit (file size I mean)? With our third-world-internet speed it takes a long while to load....

[drapeama]

I'd assume Almo means this mesh thingie: [..] That's a great project you're building there! Cool.
Can you do me a favor though and downsize your images a bit (file size I mean)? With our third-world-internet speed it takes a long while to load....

1) Oh, would make sense. So if I'd spread some fiberglass all over the mesh (to solidify it I assume) it would be better? As I said, with the holes I've cut off the pipe, the fur should cover it without interfering or touching the mic. The pipe should be solid enough to hold the fur without the necessity of the additional mesh. But that would be an idea though.
2) Thanks. I wanted that RØDE pistol grip, but charlie kind of convinced me that it wasn't really worth it...so I though I could try that...and as it's pretty simple, I've managed to get something done that could work.
3) Ok, I can see what I can do for the next ones!

[cgbier]

I think Almo simply mixed up terms.

You don't want to spread out fiberglass mats to get your holes. That's gonna be a very itchy undertaking (literally!).

That honeycomb thing is only there for good looks (and a bit of solidity). Your guerrilla look is stylish enough - add the tea strainers though. If you cover that thing with fur, no-one will give a rat's behind how it looks inside.

[drapeama]

Your guerrilla look is stylish enough - add the tea strainers though. If you cover that thing with fur, no-one will give a rat's behind how it looks inside.

1) Thanks! I like it so far.
2) Why the tea strainers are so important? I don't get the importance of them.
3) Of course, once covered, no one will even dare to think it's DIY, as long as it looks professional.

[cgbier]

You answered 2) with 3).

Rounded ends simply look better.

[drapeama]

No one will be able to tell if there's something under or not! Doesn't matter to me then!
I thought of adding an extra PVC "ring" on the front end, for proper length to keep the mic safe from contact with the fur. Other than that, I'll simply have to finish working on it as it is (sanding mostly).

[Janke]

The pro "zeppelins" have the fur inside the mesh, but you put yours on the outside. Therefore, no mesh is needed.

[Almohada]

The pro "zeppelins" have the fur inside the mesh, but you put yours on the outside. Therefore, no mesh is needed.

True!

I suppose you can use the mesh one for indoors, just for looks...

[drapeama]

I suppose you can use the mesh one for indoors, just for looks...

I'd rather use the mic with the foam on my other shockmount then. Or simply use the foam on that one, without anything else...

[cgbier]

If you need a zeppelin indoors, you should check your doors and windows before the next winter comes

[drapeama]

If you need a zeppelin indoors, you should check your doors and windows before the next winter comes

That starts a day in such a good way! Had me laugh a lot!
More seriously, as I said in the first post: the only negative is that it's not much user friendly to install the mic. That being said, I wouldn't "play" as to install/remove the mic from the blimp. So, I'd simply put the foam inside of the blimp (as there's enough space to do it) and I would simply let the mic "installed" unless I'd need to remove it from there: to install it on another shockmount.

[drapeama]

Just bought something yesterday that would do at least one fur cover for the blimp:



I've simply cut the rubber fabric under it:


Here's what it'll look like:



...there were several colors, black or white included, but I thought it would be funny to have a Pink one!

[Janke]

It takes a real man to own, use and flaunt something pink!

[Playing]

Now I know what happened to my cat.

[drapeama]

It takes a real man to own, use and flaunt something pink!

Thanks!

[Almohada]

Cool, lookin good

[Janke]

Now I know what happened to my cat.

Of course, it's now a Dead Cat !