About the Azden SWS-15 Furry Windshield
The Azden SWS-15 is a professional, large-diameter furry windshield engineered to provide maximum wind protection for full-sized shotgun microphones, particularly those with barrels approximately 15 inches in length. This accessory is a critical tool for location sound recordists, documentary filmmakers, and broadcast ENG crews who operate in challenging outdoor environments. Its design employs a two-layer acoustic defense system: a dense, open-cell acoustic foam inner core that absorbs and decelerates wind energy, and a long-pile synthetic fur exterior that acts as the primary barrier, disrupting and diffusing wind gusts before they can strike the microphone's diaphragm. This combination is highly effective at eliminating the low-frequency rumble and distortion caused by wind, which can otherwise render recorded audio unusable.
The windshield is constructed with a sturdy internal frame that maintains its shape and ensures a secure, snug fit over compatible large-diameter microphone grilles. The synthetic fur material is selected for its superior wind-breaking properties and is often treated to be water-resistant, allowing for reliable performance in damp or misty conditions. The large size of the SWS-15 is specifically calibrated to provide adequate air volume around the microphone for optimal acoustic performance without creating undesired reflections or muffling the high-frequency response. Its robust build is designed to withstand the physical demands of field production, including being packed, transported, and exposed to the elements.
The acoustic transparency of the SWS-15 is carefully balanced to offer near-total wind noise suppression with minimal impact on the microphone's frequency response and directional characteristics. By preserving the microphone's sonic integrity while neutralizing its greatest environmental vulnerability, this windshield empowers audio professionals to capture clean, intelligible dialogue and detailed ambient sound in exterior shooting situations. It is an indispensable accessory for achieving broadcast-quality audio in the field, directly enhancing production value and reducing the need for costly audio repair in post-production.