Sanken COS-11: omnidirectional electret condenser lavalier microphone with 4mm capsule, 0.3g, 50Hz–20kHz response; industry standard for discreet body placement.
Technical Details
The COS-11 utilizes a 4 mm electret condenser capsule with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz and a sensitivity of -44 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa). The output impedance is 2.2 kΩ with a minimum load impedance of 1 kΩ. The microphone weighs 0.3 grams and is supplied as standard with a 1.6 mm thin, 150 cm long cable. Four color variants (black, white, beige, brown) and various connector variants for Sennheiser, Sony, Lectrosonics, and other wireless system manufacturers are available.
History & Development
Sanken Microphone Co. developed the COS-11 in 1994 as the successor to the COS-7, revolutionizing the field of miniature microphones for film and television. The Japanese company, founded in 1925 as a transformer manufacturer, specialized in professional microphone technology from the 1970s onwards. The COS-11 established itself in Hollywood productions from 1996 and remained virtually unchanged for over 25 years, a testament to its mature design.
Practical Application in Film
Sound recordists primarily use the COS-11 for invisible placement on the actor's body or costume, with its small size allowing for extreme discretion. On "The Social Network" (2010), Ren Klyce used the microphone for fast-paced dialogue scenes, as it delivers consistent recording quality even with body movements. Its omnidirectional characteristic significantly reduces handling noise, while the robust capsule functions reliably even under costumes or during stunts. Due to its low power consumption, it is ideally suited for long shooting days.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to the directional Sennheiser MKE 2, the COS-11 offers greater flexibility in placement due to its omnidirectional characteristic. The more modern DPA 4060 achieves similar dimensions but costs three times as much. Countryman B3 and B6 are American alternatives with comparable quality but are less common in European productions. For outdoor recordings with wind, sound recordists often prefer the directional Sanken COS-22, while the COS-11 remains the first choice for studio recordings and controlled environments.