Rycote Mono Modular Windshield 4 Professional Windscreen for Field Microphones, Body Length 330mm

The design of the rings is critical to the whole "modular" concept and a number of other key objectives. On the previous windshield range ABS rigid plastic in three rings ("H", female & male) were used. In the Modular system they have just male & female and they are on each end.

This allows each end of the windshield to be opened, so easy replacement of crushed end caps. The design also allows to have extension sections - hence the modular system. The ring joints are self-aligning, secure and tactile.

This gives a positive "click" when fitting; this means the ring will not rotate past the stop, as with the current design. The rings are made from the same plastic as used in the clips on the modular suspension, a material called Hytrel.

This will make it almost impossible to break the arms off the ring or break the ring itself. Another advantage to use this material is, its "very dead" acoustic properties - therefore very little ringing as with the current rings.

As the rings are more flexible, the spine takes on the main role of holding the whole windshield straight & rigid. Hence chose to injection, mold the spines from a Nylon 66, with slot & end joints included in the parts. This has resulted in extremely strong & clean joints, plus an exact parallel slot, which simplifies production and reduces stress points in the material.

The spine will also be used for the extension pieces, instead of the current weld technique. This means the longer windshields will be stronger & straighter as a result, with only a minor increase in overall weight. The spine is a molded piece, with the slot molded not machined.

The fit of the suspension with filler strip now is far smoother to slide in and slide out. In the past the spines have cracked at the front of the slot and at the joint between spine & ring. As the spine is now molded, the stress weaknesses no longer exist; therefore the spine is strengthened hugely.