Lavaliere Shootout: Sanken COS-11D Vs. Sennheiser ME-2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 พ.ย. 2010
- Head to head Lav action!
www.dvcreators.net/sanken-cos-...
I just bought the Sanken COS-11D lav mic from DVCreator's DVStore. I tested it against the Sennheiser ME-2 lav that comes with the G2 & G3 wireless packages. I found the COS-11D to be much more sensitive and open sounding.
I put both on simultaneously and used a G2 unit with the ME-2 and a G3 Unit wit the COS-11D. I adjusted the level so that they are at the same level. No processing on the audio.
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Right on, thanks. My new album drops in November, and "COS11D" will be my first single.
Thanks Chad! We bought a Rode SmartLav+ and we were so disappointed that we send it back and are now waiting on a COS-11D. Only drawback I seem to find that the XLR connector is a bit big... especially when I image in stickin'out of the Zoom H4N
Thanks for the review.
You sir are by far the best reviewer for two microphones hands down. I don't know why you're the only one who has thought of splitting the two mic tracks to seperate channels to monitor them as if mixing on-location.
CLEAR difference, with the Sanken being the winner by a large margin (to my ears, this is of course subjective I suppose!)
+Stéphan-André Guschewski Thanks a lot man! You're too kind. But yes, I got tired of lame mic reviews or shootouts that fail at giving you a good comparison. You have to have both samples be right next to each other and be at the same volume level, because more volume can read as better. Anyway, here's a much more comprehensive Lav shootout I did if you're interested. th-cam.com/video/1djyJxV3hV4/w-d-xo.html
+Chad Johnson already checked it out + Liked it! Cheers!
that's some good audio!
ooo yah rub those cables. Thanks for the video man really great!
good vid - Thx. I've been seriously thinking about getting a wireless lav for my fulte. I agree the COS 11 seems clearer across the spectrum to my ears. When you were singing/playing the ME2 seemed to drop some high end and be a little murky. Some might say warmer, but the COS sparkled by comparison. Glad you posted, give me something to think about. Have fun - BT
Very nice .. wish I didn't see this ... now I want for the COS for my me-2.
Thanks for the excellent comparison. Please do others in the future! BTW, there is a COS-11 red available, with lower sensitivity - very useful on the Sennheiser G2 with louder sources. I wish Sanken would offer a more durable cable, with less handling noise. I often use the Sennheiser MKE2 because it is so durable, although I may prefer the sound of other lavs..
Very helpful, thanks for doing this review. I was about to order a COS-11D but the handling noise on your video has made me rethink that. I bought two Countryman B3 lavs to replace my ME-2 last year and they (the B3s) had terrible handling noise. That was $300 wasted and they have been unused since. Don't want to make that mistake again. I shot indie shorts and my talent can move a lot so low handling noise is essential. Thanks again.
+Paul Fairchild Have you tried putting a loop in the cable? Lot's of people use the COS11D. That being said, I use the Rode Lav and PinMic almost exclusively now. I've got a much more comprehensive Lav Shootout with 4 lavs including these. th-cam.com/video/1djyJxV3hV4/w-d-xo.html I like the sound of the Rode over the Sanken, and the kevlar cables don't make much sound.
I'll look into that. Thanks Chad!
The ME2 was outside my shirt in the center of my chest, and the COS11D was under my shirt in the same place. My shirt had a thicker embroidered design you can see. The cos was under that, and I think it muffled the mic a bit. Under a regular shirt it cuts through nicely. It's a bright mic so that's good for hiding in clothes.
Hi Chad, thanks for the great video. Can I ask what your Sensitivity on your G3 transmitter is/was with the Sanken, and also the AF on the G3 receiver?
Your gain staging seems to provide a very nice signal/noise ratio. I seem to get a lot of hiss on mine. I'm using the SD 552 with the G3 and the Cos11D so I must be doing something wrong to create such a loud noise floor.
Thanks!
Hi Faizaidi, I cant say for sure because the video was made 4 years ago, but most likely the sensitivity was -12db, and the AF was anywhere between -12db to 0db. For less sensitive mics like the Que DA04, I put the sensitivity at 0db. I had the audio setting on my EX1 camera at around half (5 out of 10). That way I get a nice clean signal, and if I need to I can turn it up in post without adding nose.
I think the ME-2 sounds broken next to the Sanken.
LOVE THE VIDEO!
COS-11D Hands Down!!!
Here is an idea I just got from this video. I love the crispiness of the
Sanken Lav ... Expensive ... yes ! But one of my favorite Lav Mics
(sound quality, bass) is the Sony Wired ECM 55 (a 20 year old favorite).
I might hook up the Sony Lav (has a AA battery in-line for power), hook
it up to my Sennheiser EW SK Wireless SK transmitter, and I bet you
I get the best of both worlds (I'm more interested in sound quality, not
necessarily invisibility of the Mic) .. What do you think Chad ?
Obviously the Sanken is a much more detailed mic, the guitar stands out really nice.
However, this might also not be a good thing in certain situations with noisy surroundings. I am trying to decide on a possible upgrade to my ME2which can somewhat be EQ’d in post to have a clearer profile. I watched the other demo with the Rode and the Tram, did not like the Rode. Tough call for the extra amount charged over the ME2. Good to have one of each. No one trick pony, perhaps the tram?
@ChadWork1 @phototristan The Sanken has a similar quality to the Sennheiser
MD 46 Eng hand mic you reviewed. So I'm sure you're in agreement with me as
to the sound quality of the Sanken.
thank you for reply, I wish i could afford the Sanken.... sadly have to get the ME-2
Yes the COS11D cable is terribly noisy! Search, "Lav Shootout! Sennheiser Me-2 / Tram TR50 / Sanken COS11D / RØDE Lavalier" for my larger comparison of lavs. Lately I like the Rode PinMic and very recently the Que DA04 lav, which indeed comes standard with a less sensitive mic, though you can get a more sensitive one. I have the -45db and dig it. I need to turn up my Sennheiser G3 a bit more. I'll be making a video for that soon. Sub up and get notification of my new videos!
The Sennheiser sounds a bit scooped compared to the cos11. The Cos has a more full-bodied sound that probably gives post more to work with. I vote Sanken
OMG that song is the best song I have ever heard
I'm using terrible laptop speakers, and at first I couldn't tell much of a difference in just the intro standard speaking voice, but holy crud when you sang and had the guitar it was truly a night and day difference, the sennheiser sounded like it was a generic mic from Amazon in comparison; I've never liked the terrible ME-2 and am looking for the best lav alternative, but sadly this will be primarily for live sound speeches and the handling noise of the Sanken is making me think it won't be viable, but the sound is definitely moreso what I'm looking for.
With the sanken if you put a loop in the cable and tape it it cuts off the transmission of rubbing to the capsule. I've hidden these under clothes and it was quiet.
Is it possible that Sanken COS-11d have boosted in high-end to give astonishing transparent sound but Sennheiser couldn't handle it? Have you connect to some Interface and test it out. I think it should sound better.
where did you place the mic...while singing and playing guitar??????
Good comparison Chad! I tried the Sanken in B&H mic room, and I yhink is fantastic. The problem is that I dont have the g3 wireless system, so I have to buy the XLR version...my question is this : in your opinion could it be a big problem? i mean, you know, if you step into the cable and all these kind of things...
What do you mean "Step into the cable"? If you mean step "on" to the cable, that's not a problem, unless it pulls your camera over. The problem with the sunken is that you are locked into one connection type. With the Rode, you can use different connectors for hard wired XLR, 3.5mm, or you can switch to a wireless system. The only way I would use hard wired lava is in a sit down situation. I think you should just invest the 600.00 into a good Sennheiser G3 system. It's something you will use your whole career, and it's the most bang for your buck on wireless. And for another 200.00 you can get the plug-on transmitter for interviews with a hand held mic. Every kit should have a shotgun for outdoor dialog, a hypercardioid for indoor dialog, and a wireless lav. That will cover 99% of what you shoot. Do not skimp on audio! Audio is more important that the video, and with good mice you will keep them when you replace your cameras every few years. Cheers.
Chad, dont you think that maybe is more cheaper and conveniente have a portable recorder as the zoom h5 and a cannon series of sanken cos11d? Besides with the g3 I can connect only one microphone right? Yes you right, "step on the cable" :), but my worry is not for the camera (I dont plug in the camera) but for the cable itself. if I bracke the cable I have to say goodby to the microphone..
A&V PROJECT If you are using a hear wired connection, the cable on the sunken is only maybe 3 feet long, so the mic cable won't reach the ground. You will need an extension cable to go from the mic to the recorder. So you would only step on the extension. Anyway, cables are strong enough to step on. If you want to deal with hard wiring your audio every time do what you want. I'm just saying that a wireless G3 system is much more convenient. You can always buy a 2nd hard wired mic if you want to plug in 2 mics into a recorder. It's rare that I need 2 lavs on a job. The Zoom H5 looks like a nice recorder that is very versatile. Search "Sam Mallery Zoom H5" to see a good review from one of my friends.
Thank you Chad....I am very tempted by sanken.... :) your tips are always very useful.
Chad Johnson so appearantly you can not buy the Sennheiser EW112 G3 system by itself. It has to include the ME2 mic??
Trying to see if I can save money by dropping the ME2 from the G3 wireless kit and then picking up the Cos 11d seperately. Possible or no?
your video made the difference !!
No, I was talking to @phototristan. He did an excellent review on the Sennheiser MD46 Eng mic, but when I went to the account today to view it again, youtube has closed the account. Too bad, excellent review. Sorry phototristan
Top !!! Thank you Chad ! :)
who can put dislike for such a cool video ????
Wow, that's tough. COS-11D sounds way better to me, but that handling noise... tough decision. Also can't decide if XLR is necessary. I have a Zoom F3, so might as well use XLR... right?
Also didn't realize lavs only work with specific transmitters.... though I'm also wondering if I should go wired.
Yes the connectors vary from brand to brand. Normally you buy the connector for your brand, but the Rode lets you buy one Lav and choose from a number of different connectors, including XLR or 1/8" Stereo jack.I use the Rodes most.
@@ChadWork1 Cool thanks! Seems like a good way to avoid getting boxed into one brand/config. Though I don't know if Rode will satisfy my craving for top of the line sound quality... heh. Still a great suggestion, may actually go that route.
Don't you get the ME-2 for free when you buy the Sennheiser G3 wireless kit?
Hi Chad, great videos, very informative. Chad do you consider Sennheiser AVX with the Sanken COS-11D a very good "run n' gun" combo for video shooting? I would really appreciate your opinion, thank you.
Hi BELTENEBROSGR, I don't think it matters what wireless you use as long as it is of a good quality. You can't adjust the sensitivity of the AVX system, so you need to consider that in general, but that doesn't affect the lav.
I know I can not adjust the sensitivity and that the AVX system for good or worse "tunes" itself, this plug n' play seems good, especially if you know nothing about sound, but to you... is this something good. Many say that the sanken is better than sannheiser lav... Sorry if I sound stupis, lack of knowledge. But I will appreciate your opinion, is it good for you, this combo. And really thank you for taking the time to answer.
I consider the COS11D to be more bright than I like. That's good if you are always hiding the lav under clothes. I personally prefer the sound of the Rode Lavaliere. Search my old video "Lav Shootout! Sennheiser Me-2 / Tram TR50 / Sanken COS11D / RØDE Lavalier" which compares 4 lavs. I mostly use the Sennheiser G3 wireless. I also have the RodeLink wireless which is a great value package. The RodeLink is a little larger, but it works great, very simple to use, and you don't need Phantom power to run it (so you can use it with DSLRs) AND for 400.00 you get the RodeLink with the Rode Lavaliere, which normally costs 250.00 on it's own. So the Rode Lavaliere is my fave out of all of them. Also with Rode lavs you can buy any connector you need for other wireless units (sony, lectro, as well as XLR and 3.5 mil for portable recorders). The Sanken comes hard wired for one type of unit. With the RodeLink you get a lot for 400.00. If your camera is XLR input, then you just need a 3.5mm female to XLR to go into your camera. Rode also sells those for reasonable prices. If you are set on the AVX, then the Rode Lav is still better value than the Snaken, as the Rode cost 250.00(ish) and the Sanken is 400.00. I also love the Rode PinMic, which sounds the same as the Rode Lavaliere, but you can pin it onto T-Shirts and hide the wire. I would suggest a traditional style lav as your first/only lav though. Only get a PinMic as an add-on. Hope that's not too much confusing info!
No, Chad, honestly thank you... this is wonderful information because you are clear about what you prefer and most importantly why. That is what I needed.
My camera is the Fuji Xt-2. I know it is more for photography but I honestly loooooove this camera.
Chad, I have one last question and please consider that I know almost nothing about sound. Right now I use a Rode Videomicro (which for me is great), I just plug it and no batteries, no nothing else... and definitely better than internal Fuji mic (which is surprisingly not bad at all, I think...). I also have a Zoom H1 recorder, just as a (second separate recording) back up.
My question is, if I invest on a recorder like Tascam DR-40, can I RECORD SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH A WIRELESS LAV MIC (USING SOMETHING LIKE THE SENNHEISER) AND TASCAM (OR A MIC CONNECTED TO TASCAM BY WIRE) AND THEN TO CAMERA? I really hope that this is not a stupid question and if it is please forgive me. But I think that to be able to easily use in edit one of the two "sources" of the sound, either from the person with the wireless lavalier, or the Tascam or another mic attached by wire to the camera (or to Tascam and then camera!!!) there (probably) must be a simultaneus recording on camera and to lavalier! I have no idea if I am confusing you right now, hopefully not (that much)... Chad, I would really appreciate your opinion and experience (if any) on something like that. Thank you.
I'm not sure how good the Fuji's audio is, but with my GH5 or Sony FS5 cameras I just go in direct from my wireless and don't bother with an external audio recorder. The DR40 isn't very great. It's al little noisy. I would suggest the Tascam DR-70D if you want to get a bit more pro. It has XLR inputs as well as a 3.5mm. It also fits between the camera and the tripod. If you want to record to both the camera and the audio recorder, you could just get a splitter cable that's one 3.5mm female you plug the wireless into, and two 3.5mm males and go into the camera with one and the recorder with the other. I suggest checking out the forum DVXUser to ask specific questions about specific cameras or audio. It's a great resource.
Sanken is a versatile lav mic.
I dig the Sanken but wow, the price...
Wouldn't comparing the Sanken Cos-11D to the Sennheiser MKE-2 make more sense?
Patrick Harris Did they even have the MKE-2 8 years ago?
@@ChadWork1 Good point - I didn't realise this video was so old.
They sound exactly the same !
wtf no
I actually, or at least for your voice, love the Sanken ....Didn't like the Rode or pin/mic
Hi first of all thanks for the video really help full , well can you suggest me which mike system to go for in my case , i am going to open PRANK channel where ill prank total strangers and cameras will be far away ( hidden) , well my option sennheiser G3 or rode SMARTLAV+ , i want to have best sound for my video, my concern is will RODE SMART LAV+ able to pick voice FROM other person whom i prank who is stranger and mike will be only on me , or will G3 make better job in this case , i can even buy shaken cos11 if its good along with sennheiser G3,all i want to is good Audio which i don't want to compromise please suggest me , Thanks in Advance for all
It will be the same whether you use the smartLav or a wireless unit as far as the mic being on you and not the prankee. I would get the Sennheiser G3. It's a great wireless and reasonably priced. It comes with a lab that is so so. You may want to check out the rode PinMic, because it hides in plain sight with no cables showing. Search PinMic on my channel. I have a review of it, and a silly song as well. The COS11D is a nice mic too, but you'll have to hide that under your clothes. I can't say which would be better because they are all designed to have the voice 12" away from the mic, so you'll have to stand close to get the other persons voice.
hey Chad Johnson thanks for the reply was very useful will pick up sennheiser G3, cab you suggest which range , A,B or G as all three has different frequency, as want to traveling round the world for pranks
RagZ R You'll have to talk to a sales person about the ranges, or customer service at Sennheiser to choose the best ranges. I haven't thought of that since I bought mine years ago. I think they will work anywhere, but you should get yours in the aerie range you'll be in the most.
thanks for the reply ,will check that
They absolutely do not sound the same. Maybe you need some better monitors?
I'm listening on small computer speakers and I hear a CLEAR difference. About the same percentage of the colour grading he chose to differentiate.
Once this gets to post, any pro engineer would prefer the first by a large margin.
Time to hire sound professionals.
@nycpickupguy My channel is back. I recently did a video in the Electro Voice RE50, check it out.
I still want this Sanken lav but it's a price issue.
hahhaah good one omg i am buying a sanken dude you rock omg
I actually prefer Rode Lavs. Full sound, very versatile with the connectors.
What you recommend for me bud for my car stuff - I like your Voice. Clearly not as good as mine, but for an American, you know :)
Like I said, I recommend the Rode Lav and the Rode PinMic. They have a better overall sound IMO. You can get a sennheiser connector, and you can also get an XLR connector, or any kind of wireless. Also you can get a 3.5mm connector to plug directly into cameras / recorders. The connectors are called "Micon" connectors. Also the cables are silent.
Ill look for a sond demo on a pin man and you love the rode lav... did some googling on what the bbc use and dont mind paying. but as you say it has to actually sound full and right.
I use both the PinMic and the Rode Lav. If you are buying only one, then the Lav would be better because you don't always want to, or aren't able to use a PinMic on every type of clothing. Both mics sound exactly the same. I'm sure there are better lavs out there. Maybe an expensive DPA? I'm just saying that I prefer the 250.00 Rode Lav over the 400.00 COS11D, and I own both. Here's a PinMic review I did a few years ago: th-cam.com/video/AGhJvC66kDA/w-d-xo.html