PIANO Windshield
2012 Release of the PIANO
Windshield for half-shotguns microphones
Historically, after ZEPHYX, PIANO is the second windshield that integrates a suspended cage (worldwide).
PIANO was developed to meet the need for wind and vibration protection for half-shotgun microphones.
In the Mono version, it is particularly suitable for the Schoeps CMIT, Super CMIT, Sennheiser MKH60, MKH416, Neumann KMR81 and any other microphone up to 28cm in length.
PIANO is also available in MS, Double MS or even totally dedicated versions for specific and large microphones (ambisonic, large diaphragm, etc…).
Unlike ZEPHYX, PIANO‘s cage is not removable. This choice of design allows to privilege of the cage suspension feature, to gain in simplicity, in lightness and in acoustic transparency. The result is the lightest windshield on the market for an equivalent size.
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PIANO Windshield
PIANO‘s suspension modules are basically interchangeable and can be positioned with a simple knob. The detachable XLRF connector is held by a simple strap.
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- Primary protection with high acoustic transparency (3D fabric: Same as Zephyx, unchanged since 2007).
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- Size comparison between PIANO and PIANISSIMO
The cross-isolator suspension modules, based on cradles 5 and 6, are suitable for use with CMIT, SuperCMIT, MKH60, CS3e, MKH416, KMR81…
For the sake of compatibility, the suspension modules with elliptical isolators, based on cradles 7, 8 and 9, normally intended for the E-OSIX and PIANISSIMO ranges, are adaptable to the PIANO. This allows the occasional use of shorter and/or different microphones.
For any other particular or different microphone, we also offer custom-made and dedicated suspension modules (preliminary study).
The ovoid cage has a slightly elliptical cross-section, which is favourable to good acoustic behaviour (softening of residual eigenmodes) and to the reduction of wind noise during lateral movements.
All PIANO windshields in the Mono version are equipped with a single axis of rotation swivel whose base is compatible with most PLUG-ON type transmitters.
The base of the single axis swivel (PIA-SW-BASE) is associated to the PIA-HILT1 bracket connecting the internal cross to the swivel base.
For the MS or double MS (DMS) version, there is an option with a double axis swivel
(References: PIA-2D-xxx, PIA-3D-xxx)
The double axis allows the operator to respect the horizontal axis of the L/R stereo, while allowing the operator to boom on the side if necessary.
The double axis swivel base (reference Z-SW-BASE) is associated to the PIA-HILT-2 ensuring the connection between the inside and the outside of the windshield.
The Z-SW-BASE reference is also shared with ZEPHYX and ALBERT windshields.
Standard output wiring:
- the mono version has an XLR3 male output (1: ground 2,3: +/- M)
- the MS stereo version has an XLR5 male output (1: ground 2,3: +/- M 4,5: +/- S)
- the DMS version has an XLR7 male output (1: ground 2,3: +/- M 4,5: +/- S 6,7: +/- R)
For mono use of a PIANO MS or DMS, the output connector (XLR5 or XLR7) must be shared in DMS, MS and mono. Channel 1 (M) is only provided by the splitter (breakout cable) between the windshield and the recorder.
Internal Wiring:
- in Mono, in the standard version, the internal cable is a direct one XLR3F to XLR3M.
- In MS or DMS, in the standard version, the output cables of the Side and Rear microphones are removable because connected to one or two Binder sockets attached to the internal cross. The Mid microphone cable is wired directly to a small circuit board which connects the three microphones M, S and R to a single output cable terminating in either XLR5M or XLR7M.
- Others (non-standard): the wiring depends on the microphones and can be customized (RSM191, BP4029, Ambeo, etc…)
Main references:
- PIA-1 : Mono PIANO windshield
- PIA-2S : MS stereo PIANO windshield, single axis swivel
- PIA-2D : MS stereo PIANO windshield, double axis swivel
- PIA-3S : Stereo PIANO windshield, double MS, single axis swivel
- PIA-3D : Stereo PIANO windshield, double MS, double axis swivel
When purchasing, whatever the version of PIANO chosen, it is essential to specify the exact make and model of microphone, and the choice of fur (Hair: Short or Long, Color: Black, Gray or Black/Gray)
The PIANO Mono can be upgraded to PIANO stereo MS or DMS (PIA-2S/D or PIA-3S/D)
The modification requires a complete disassembly of the cage. The upgrade includes a new internal cross and all the necessary elements (suspension module, wiring, fixing clips) according to the new configuration requested (upon prior feasibility request)
By its very nature, the unbreakable cage has a certain flexibility. It is therefore deformable (crushing, storage) but can easily be reshaped if necessary, without fear !
Alignment detail between the two parts of the cage (resonance damper). If necessary, don’t hesitate to untwist the material as much as necessary to find the initial alignment !
Please note: o-rings are not intended to be used as “clasps” between the two parts of the cage !
Adaptation for transmitters.
The PIA-SW-BASE is a single axis version of the PIANO swivel. Its center distance is generally sufficient for the attachment of most “Plug On” transmitters.
For the use of digital transmitters, we offer an option of a cable with enhanced protection. Simply order the additional reference “RF-OPT”, which is not an article in itself, but indicates a special cable construction:
- Full metal XLR plugs (machined parts)
- Braided and lubricated shielded cable (friction noise suppression)
- Filter (inductances) in series in the signal.
Mono PIANO cable in “RF-OPT” version, with its RED mark (shrink tubing or other).
Furs (synthetic)
Depending on the wind intensity and ambient noise conditions (masking effect), it is useful to have an additional fur, over the primary fabric. We offer two types of fur: Short pile (SP) and Long pile (LP). The wind efficiency increases as the protective layer becomes thicker and denser, at the expense of a naturally degrading transparency (filtering of low and high frequencies; loss of directivity in the lower frequency range).
To discover : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Em4RvvTfOs
Possible colors (depending on stock): Black, Gray or two-tone Black/Gray
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- Example of PIA-FUR-SP in Black/Gray
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- Example of PIA-FUR-LP in Black
Protective and transport shell
The PIA-SHELL is made of unbreakable polycarbonate. It perfectly fits PIANO with its primary fabric (without fur).
List of elements comprising complete windshield:
- Main structure (cage + internal cross)
- Suspension module chosen according to the microphone(s). It is essential to specify the microphone(s) when purchasing
- Single or double axis swivel (depending on reference)
- Integrated wiring (depending on configuration)
- Primary fabric usable alone in light wind or indoors.
- Fur to be specified: SP or LP, Black, Gray or Black/Gray.
- Protective and transport shell, unbreakable, in transparent polycarbonate
- Extension and splitter (breakout) are NOT provided.
Weight (mono version): 400 g with suspension module (without microphone) and primary fabric.
Long hair fur : 180 g
Average size without fur: 40 cm long, maximum diameter 16/17 cm (ovoid shape).
Cinéma Electronique Acoustique
19 Bd Jean Jaurès
78800 HOUILLES
FRANCE
+33 134 934 952
contact@cinela.fr
VAT: FR38488147497