About the Azden AZDEN-SWS-15 Furry Windshield for SMX-15 Microphone
The Azden AZDEN-SWS-15 is a professional furry windshield, commonly known as a "windjammer" or "dead cat," designed specifically to fit the Azden SMX-15 series of shotgun microphones. Its primary function is to provide superior protection against wind noise when recording outdoors, a critical challenge for field audio production. The windshield consists of a synthetic fur material stretched over a lightweight, open-cell foam frame that slips over the microphone's existing foam windscreen or directly onto the microphone body. The long, dense fibers of the fur effectively dissipate wind energy before it can strike the microphone's diaphragm, dramatically reducing low-frequency rumbling and buffeting sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect audio take. This allows for clear dialogue and ambient sound capture even in moderate to breezy conditions.
The design of the SWS-15 is tailored for a secure and precise fit on the SMX-15 microphone, ensuring that it does not slip off during movement and that it does not contact or rub against the microphone grille, which could create its own unwanted noise. The furry windshield is highly effective while maintaining acoustic transparency, meaning it minimally affects the microphone's frequency response and does not muffle high-frequency details. It is an essential accessory for outdoor videography, news gathering, documentary filmmaking, and location sound recording where controlling environmental noise is paramount. The windshield is typically lightweight and adds minimal bulk, preserving the microphone's balance and handling characteristics.
Constructed for durability and ease of use, the SWS-15 is often hand-washable to remove dust and dirt accumulated from field use. It is designed to be quickly installed or removed as conditions change. When used in conjunction with the microphone's internal high-pass filter (low-cut), it provides a comprehensive defense against wind noise. For audio professionals and videographers relying on the Azden SMX-15 microphone in unpredictable outdoor environments, the SWS-15 furry windshield is an indispensable tool that enables the capture of clean, usable audio, ensuring that wind interference does not compromise the production value of their work.