Sanken is expanding its popular lavalier microphone lineup with the new COS-7D, a smaller alternative to the well-established COS-11D. Developed in response to feedback from sound professionals, the COS-7D features a shorter capsule, thinner cable, and a revised frequency response designed to suit a wider range of voices and instruments.
Rather than replacing the COS-11D, the COS-7D will complement it, giving location sound mixers, broadcast engineers, and recording professionals another option while maintaining the familiar Sanken design and accessory compatibility.
A Smaller Capsule and Thinner Cable
One of the most noticeable improvements is the reduced size. The COS-7D measures just 19.4 mm (0.76 inches) in length, compared to 25.1 mm (1 inch) for the COS-11D. Both microphones retain the same 4 mm capsule width and distinctive rectangular design.
Sanken has also reduced the cable diameter from 2.1 mm to 1.6 mm, making it easier to route through clothing and conceal during production.
These changes are particularly useful for film, television, theatre, and other applications where microphones need to remain hidden without compromising audio quality.
A New Frequency Response for Greater Versatility
The most significant difference between the COS-7D and COS-11D may be its sound.
The COS-11D has long been appreciated for its clear vocal reproduction, with a characteristic presence peak around 5 to 6 kHz. The COS-7D takes a different approach, replacing that pronounced peak with a smoother, more gradual rise through the upper frequencies.
This revised response is intended to provide a more natural balance across different vocal characteristics while expanding the microphone's usefulness beyond dialogue.
Sanken specifically designed the COS-7D for both speech and music, making it suitable for instrument recording, live performances, broadcast applications, and traditional location sound work.
The new microphone also extends the specified frequency range to 50 Hz–30 kHz, compared to 50 Hz–20 kHz on the COS-11D.
Familiar Sanken Technology and Accessories
Despite its smaller size, the COS-7D retains many of the technologies that helped establish the COS-11D as a popular choice among production sound professionals.
Its omnidirectional condenser design uses Sanken's proprietary vertical PPS diaphragm, offering stability in changing temperature and humidity conditions. A built-in three-layer windscreen helps reduce plosives, sibilance, and wind noise.
Importantly, the COS-7D maintains the same capsule width as the COS-11D, allowing it to work with a wide range of existing Sanken and third-party mounting accessories.
This means users with an established collection of COS-11D clips, mounts, and concealment accessories won't need to start over when adding the COS-7D to their microphone kits.
The COS-7D will also be available in the same four colours as the COS-11D, including black, grey, beige, and white, with connectivity options for wireless microphone systems.
COS-7D vs. COS-11D Specifications
Here is how the two microphones compare based on Sanken's preliminary specifications.
| Specification | COS-7D | COS-11D |
|---|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
| Microphone Type | Self-polarized condenser | Self-polarized condenser |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz–30 kHz | 50 Hz–20 kHz |
| Capsule Dimensions | 4 × 19.4 mm | 4 × 25.1 mm |
| Cable Diameter | 1.6 mm | 2.1 mm |
| Nominal Sensitivity | 17.8 mV/Pa (-35 dB) | 17.8 mV/Pa (-35 dB) |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 28 dB-A | 28 dB-A |
| Available Colours | Black, Grey, Beige, White | Black, Grey, Beige, White |
A Companion to the COS-11D
For professionals already using the COS-11D, the COS-7D offers some practical advantages without requiring a complete change in workflow.
Its smaller capsule and thinner cable make concealment easier, while the revised frequency response provides another tonal option when recording different voices or instruments.
The shared accessories are another welcome detail, especially for sound mixers who already have extensive mounting and concealment kits built around the COS-11D.
The COS-7D is not intended to replace its predecessor. Instead, Sanken is giving audio professionals two closely related microphones with different sonic characteristics and physical dimensions.
Availability
The Sanken COS-7D is currently listed as an upcoming product, with final shipping details still to be confirmed by the manufacturer.