“The WindCutter Microphone Windscreen… Improves Video Quality for Under $25”

By: Tyge Floyd

With the rising popularity of video cameras of all types in the field these days, hunters, fisherman and outdoor enthusiasts have never had a better selection of quality video gear to choose from. Though some of today’s equipment requires a moderate investment, there are a lot of ways to improve your video that will not break the bank. 

I review a lot of both amateur and professional video footage in my role as a video producer and videographer. One aspect of videos I see that can almost always stand to be improved upon is audio. Great footage can be ruined by poor audio, including high wind noises which are not only annoying but cancel out good ambient sounds such as voices and natural background sounds. The easiest and best way to improve audio quality is to reduce wind noise that is being picked up by the microphone with the aid of a microphone windscreen. Unfortunately, most of the video cameras available today are shipped without a windscreen for the microphone, such as the Canon GL2 shown below.

Canon GL2 with WindCutter installed on microphone

There are several manufactures of synthetic fur windscreens that offer a solution to this common problem. I’ve used windscreens on my video equipment for many years from several manufactures with great success to improve my audio. Recently, I found a new manufacture to this sector that you should consider.

The WindCutter’s lower than average price is what first caught my eye while searching for windscreens for a new backup camera I had purchased, a Canon GL2, one of the most popular video cameras on the market today. I’ve paid three times the list price of their offerings for similar products and I’m usually leery of lower than average prices on my equipment but decided to order one to see for myself if their product had merit. It does. 

My WindCutter GL2 model ($18.95 plus $5.95 s & h) arrived within business 3 days after I ordered it, which was impressive to say the least.  Before installing it I filmed some tests outside with gusts of wind from the NE measuring between 12-18mph. I then installed the WindCutter and filmed some more tests to show just how much you can improve your audio with a proper windscreen. The video clearly shows a vast reduction in wind noise with the windscreen installed with little to no effect on the ambient sounds you want to pick up with your microphone. (Watch the 4.5mb video file located with the pictures at the bottom of this article to see the results of my test.) 

Canon GL2 with WindCutter installed on microphone

The WindCutter model for the GL2 slips over the onboard microphone and is held in place with an elastic strip at the opening. For most applications it should stay in place without any modifications. However, for my use and other hunters/outdoor enthusiasts, I recommend securing the back of the windscreen with a Zip Tie to prevent it from hanging on brush and accidentally slipping off while traveling through heavy vegetation. I’ve lost more than one windscreen over the years that were not secured this way so the added security is well warranted in my case.  (It should be noted that the fit of this model was perfect before I added my modification. My work is very demanding on equipment with over 90% of my assignments being in the woods, thus the extra precaution taken to prevent loosing the windscreen.)

Improving your audio is one of the best ways to improve your video and this product does the job at a price that to my knowledge is unbeaten. If you’re serious about improving your video footage, I encourage you to consider this very affordable upgrade to your video camera.

WindCutter Customer Comments:

“The WindCutter is quiet (no rubbing noise) and helps eliminate any squeaks caused by the foam screens, when they are not brand new. Excellent at reducing wind noise. Both the natural type and what's generated from fast cueing. Finally the freedom to move the pole almost as fast as I'd like.”
Dennis Maitland, Jr., Sound Department, Sophie's Choice, Silence of the Lambs, Die Hard 

“I was standing in the middle of a wind blown field for 3 hours filming snowmobile drag races. The wind was howling past me! Not one sound pertaining to wind was recorded during that time! Awesome product!”
Matt Harper, http://www.sledjunkies.ca/

"I received the windscreen for my gl2 very fast. I tried it the same day I got it. It was fairly windy, perhaps 20-25 MPH gust and the screen worked very well. I don't think it could be improved on. Thank you!”
Steven Mull, Omaha, NE

The WindCutter is available for all prosumer and professional video cameras as well as shotgun, lavilier and handheld microphones. Custom orders are also available upon request. Visit The WindCutter web site for more information and online ordering.

Contact Information:

Rebekah Stamp
The WindCutter
questions@thewindcutter.com

406-899-2095
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday through Saturday

Mailing Address:
TheWindCutter.com
400 6th Avenue N.
Great Falls, MT 59401

www.TheWindCutter.com

Images and Files: View all 3 photos / videos here.