Compact windshield kit targets outside broadcast and production sound markets with measurable size, weight, and freight advantages
Radius Windshields announce performance and dimensional data for its Mini-ALTO 280 Windshield Kit, demonstrating substantial reductions in size and weight compared to existing tubular windshield kits.
Measurements show the Mini-ALTO 280 occupies 62% less internal volume than the Røde Blimp and 52% less than the Rycote WS4 — while providing a similar 40dB of wind noise attenuation needed for professional broadcast and production sound workflows.
By the Numbers
The Mini-ALTO 280 kit measures 363mm in total length, with an internal volume of approximately 1.7 litres and a weight of around 334 grams (kit and cable, without fur cover). Against the leading alternatives:
The Røde Blimp: ~4.4 litres, 595g, 490mm
The Rycote WS4 : ~3.5 litres, 512g, 440mm
In practical terms, the Mini-ALTO 280 is 44% lighter than the Røde Blimp, 35% lighter than the WS4, and between 18% and 26% shorter in its overall length than either competitor.
A Rethink for Outside Broadcast Logistics
While production sound recordists benefit directly from reduced weight at the end of a boom pole, Radius Windshields says the implications for outside broadcast operations are equally significant — particularly for companies managing large inventories of microphone equipment across multiple locations and tours.
John House, Head of Global Market Development at Radius Windshields, commented: "When you're shipping dozens of windshield kits for a major outside broadcast production, the cumulative savings in case space and freight weight are not trivial. The Mini-ALTO 280 doesn't ask engineers to compromise on wind noise performance. It simply does the job in a fraction of the footprint. For OB companies looking to optimise how they pack, ship, and load their audio kit, that's a meaningful operational advantage."
Development of the Mini-ALTO began in 2023 with a primary engineering target of 40dB wind noise attenuation. Radius says this performance is on par with larger conventional basket systems, and a modern design with new materials has achieved this noise reduction in the smallest and lightest possible form factor.
The result, Radius says, allows audio departments to fit significantly more units into a standard hard shell case, or to transition to materially smaller cases altogether. The knock-on benefits include savings for airline freight limits, vehicle load capacities, and equipment storage on location.
About Radius Windshields
Radius Windshields is a UK-based manufacturer of professional windshield systems for broadcast, production sound, and location recording. The company designs its products for the demands of outside broadcast, ENG, and film and television production environments.
Discover more about Mini-ALTO: Click here
