Sanken Cos-11D lavs - Normal Sensitivity or Reduced Sensitivity?

[Wil Wong]

Hi Folks,

Just trying to find out from those that own/use the Sanken Cos-11D lavs which of the two models you'd recommend? The Normal Sensitivity or the "Red Mark" Reduced Sensitivity (-9db) model?

I'd most likely be using it with Lectrosonics Transmitters (SMV) but wanna know which is best for fictional feature film work (hiding it underneath shirts and clothes - not mic clip).

Key things to avoid is clothing rub and unnatural voice.

Thoughts? Preference based on experience?

Thanks.

 

[Marc Wielage]

I'd go for normal, but if you get a screamer, the lower-sensitivity models are handy to have. I find the Countryman B6's overload much sooner than the Sankens (as a general rule).

Avoiding clothing noise is the responsibility of an experienced sound mixer -- or, more properly, the boom op, who is traditionally the person who wires up the talent on a scripted film set. There is a complex art to knowing how to do this well.

 

[Christopher Mills]

Just helped teach a lav mic use class. Mostly I use the standard COS11, but from time to time I also use OST mics, Countryman B3 and B6, and occasionally a TRAM and Sony 77.
The Sanken to Lectro SM combination is very reliable, provided you have ordered a 'servo' wired Sanken.
I used to have sennheiser ME2s, but have not used them in a couple or years..
Defeating clothing noise is a part of mounting technique, not a property of the lavalier microphone.
I suggest that you also buy a sanken RM11 and WS11 with your mic, as they will help you in placing it.
And for expendables, consider Garfield Hush Lavs, Vapon topstick, Dr Scholl's moleskin and a Bubble Bee for Cos11 with windscreen

All of these options can be seen at TREW AUDIO Toronto, along with friendly staff who can help you figure out what's going to best serve your needs.
They have a new tool called a LAV SNAKE that is extremely good.. I just tested it a couple days ago.. with Glen Trew... the CEO of Trew

 

[Wil Wong]

Wow thanks guys! That's awesome.

I would never had known about the servo cable versus the regular cable. Very cool!

 

[Marc Wielage]

The Servo connection will buy you a few dB better S/N ratio, but... it also locks you into using only the newest Lectrosonics transmitters. I've never found this to be a problem, but it is for some people still using the old gear.

 

[Wil Wong]

Hmm. Thanks Marc. Sanken's website is horrible (probably because it's merely a translation from Japan). I've been trying to find the right version to buy but my normal sources like B&H are truly a mess with their listings. They have so many variations and some don't even say the full details - like the fact that it comes in 2 lengths, Red Mark reduced sensitivity or normal; then add in all the colours and variations of ends (for Shure, Sennheisser, Lectrosonics etc.). It's a total mess. None of B&H even specifies servo or not.

Personally I won't be using any legacy products from Lectrosonics with the Sanken so it's really the best modern combo for me.

I'm gonna head to Trew shortly but they are small here in Toronto. Truly hope they know these details.

 

[Marc Wielage]

Hmm. Thanks Marc. Sanken's website is horrible (probably because it's merely a translation from Japan). I've been trying to find the right version to buy but my normal sources like B&H are truly a mess with their listings..

This is why it's very important to have a relationship with a top-quality pro audio dealer who knows what they sell. Trew Audio up in Canada is very, very good and will allow you to try out different microphones before purchase.

One important tip: I would always recommend that you rent expensive equipment first before buying it. And also don't overlook the possibility of hiring a professional sound mixer who already owns gear, since he or she could wind up saving you lots of money in the end. Owning great mics is only the beginning; knowing how to use them takes a lot longer. As an old pal of mine often reminds me, "it takes years of experience to get years of experience."