Wind

Using the stock foamy windscreen, which really doesn't do anything other than sit there...

Or you can purchase a real windscreen from Rycote or Lightwave Systems so that you can work in windy conditions. However, the more wind protection your microphone has, the more affected your audio is. Of course, good windscreens don't muffle as much, which is important for dialogue. My Mini-Screen from Lightwave Systems is rated for up to 12mph winds, while the Mini-Sock add-on "upgrades" the system to 40mph winds.

But $500 is a little steep for those who are just starting out in videography... the $500 would probably cost more than your tripod, huh? Well, do not fear! The cheapie windscreen is here! Simply use a good wool sock. Doesn't matter if it's used or not, but I'm not the one complaining about the smell now, am I? Fit the wool sock over your microphone, and secure it to the microphone with a rubber band at the end. The sock will have a tendency to flop around, and that will cause it to rub up against the microphone, which will produce unpleasant and unwanted scruffing sounds. Try to keep the microphone as steady as possible.

 

 

Rain

Now that I got wind covered, here comes the rain...

Because the actual microphone element in a shotgun microphone is actually at the connector-end of the unit, some water on the microphone won't destroy it. Still, moisture and electronics don't mix.

I don't remember where I got this tip from, but it does work wonders...ready?



Condoms.

You heard me right, condoms. But make sure they're unscented and unlubricated.. the latter is more important. You REALLY don't want lubricant all over your microphone now, do you?

I'm sure you've learned how to unravel a condom from somewhere, so just place the tip onto the tip of the microphone, then roll the condom down onto the microphone.

Because the microphones are usually metal, don't force the condom on the microphone too hard, or you will rip it. So get some spares while you're at it. Just ignore the pharmicist's face when you buy a pack of 100.

Happy safer and high-quality sound acquisition!