Why do all Sanken COS11 start to stink after a few years?

[RadoStefanov]

I have a bunch of unusable lavs. 10 to be exact. DPA had the hardening wire problem that got corrected. 

But long term COS11 seams like a bad investment. The wire become stinky and sticky!

Sanken should correct this somehow.

[Jason Nicholas]

Have you medical adhesive remover wipes (used to remove dermal tape in hospital)? I’ve found this remedies some of the sticky plastic/rubber issues on older gear. It might help with the cables as well. https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/62661/remove-wipes-single

[NathanWBS]

I find that the shield tends to oxidise quite badly in Sanken mics, usually going green and sticky. I try to advise where possible to add a silica gel pack with each mic during storage just to help with any moisture problems and hopefully prevent this. Perhaps the addition of an oxygen absorber might be helpful? works for my home made jerky. 

[RadoStefanov]

I think the solution is for sanken to use better wire and not create planned obsolescence. 

[Conor]

The rubber coating is the issue as it's porous. Clean your lavs more regularly and you won't have this issue. Sweat oxidizes everything and changing the shield material won't change this.
I'd advise against storing with silica as this dries out the rubber jacket and will cause it to start disintegrating.
Uni-solve adhesive remover wipes are amazing for keeping the rubber jacket in good condition, I highly recommend them.

[NathanWBS]

1 hour ago, Conor said:

The rubber coating is the issue as it's porous. Clean your lavs more regularly and you won't have this issue. Sweat oxidizes everything and changing the shield material won't change this.
I'd advise against storing with silica as this dries out the rubber jacket and will cause it to start disintegrating.
Uni-solve adhesive remover wipes are amazing for keeping the rubber jacket in good condition, I highly recommend them.

Have you experienced this happening first hand with the silica? I have a few dud Sankens here I might try and do a bit of a test with just for curiosity sake.

[RadoStefanov]

16 hours ago, Conor said:

The rubber coating is the issue as it's porous. Clean your lavs more regularly and you won't have this issue. Sweat oxidizes everything and changing the shield material won't change this.
I'd advise against storing with silica as this dries out the rubber jacket and will cause it to start disintegrating.
Uni-solve adhesive remover wipes are amazing for keeping the rubber jacket in good condition, I highly recommend them.

Uni-solve have isopropyl alcohol. 

[Mungo]

Try treating them with Ballistol. They will smell for a while, but after that there may be a little improvement.

[Conor]

20 hours ago, NathanWBS said:

Have you experienced this happening first hand with the silica? I have a few dud Sankens here I might try and do a bit of a test with just for curiosity sake.

Yes - the rubber coating will dry out and start cracking everywhere.

 

6 hours ago, RadoStefanov said:

Uni-solve have isopropyl alcohol. 

So? Isopropyl evaporates at room temperature. I can vouch for uni-solve as a good treatment. 

[RadoStefanov]

1 hour ago, Conor said:

Yes - the rubber coating will dry out and start cracking everywhere.

 

So? Isopropyl evaporates at room temperature. I can vouch for uni-solve as a good treatment. 

I was told not to use alcohol because it dries rubber. Also a friend of mine mics that he uses isopropyl alcohol are pretty dry. 

[Conor]

2 minutes ago, RadoStefanov said:

I was told not to use alcohol because it dries rubber. Also a friend of mine mics that he uses isopropyl alcohol are pretty dry. 

Yes I wouldn't use it alone. But as an ingredient in the solution they use it's a non issue.

[resonate]

We will see or hear about a new lavaliere from Sanken soon...

[RadoStefanov]

2 hours ago, resonate said:

We will see or hear about a new lavaliere from Sanken soon...

DO you have inside information?

 

[resonate]

No inside information, just the declaration from the Sanken representative at the latest NAMM, they said its in testing, to be released soon.....with a new thinner wire (very likely). You saw that video Rado, as you commented on it...

[Phillip C Dent]

Many of my Cos11s started falling part. The rubber just started cracking, exposing the bare wire.  I was disappointed how they deteriorated.  I’ve since replaced them with DPA 6060s and haven’t looked back. In my opinion they sound better, are easier to hide, and aren’t as sensitive to clothing rustle. I hope they last a lot longer than my cos11s.

[RadoStefanov]

22 minutes ago, Phillip C Dent said:

Many of my Cos11s started falling part. The rubber just started cracking, exposing the bare wire.  I was disappointed how they deteriorated.  I’ve since replaced them with DPA 6060s and haven’t looked back. In my opinion they sound better, are easier to hide, and aren’t as sensitive to clothing rustle. I hope they last a lot longer than my cos11s.

100% agree on the DPA 606X. 99% using right now

 

[Matt Radlauer]

On 7/11/2025 at 2:37 AM, Conor said:

Yes I wouldn't use it alone. But as an ingredient in the solution they use it's a non issue.

I've been using uni-solv for a few years now.. No issues.. But I have definitely experienced the oxidized wire. Wish that wasn't a thing but whatever! 

[RadoStefanov]

It's probably just save not to use sanken COS11. DPA is forever. Better sound and better wire.