Sennheiser MKE 40

The Sennheiser MKE 40 features a cardioid (unidirectional) polar pattern, which means it primarily captures sound from the front and rejects off-axis noise from the sides and rear. This makes it advantageous in noisy environments compared to omnidirectional lavaliers like the Sennheiser MKE 2. However, it requires more careful positioning, since the speaker's head must remain within the pickup pattern.

The MKE 40 is typically available with an EW connector designed for Sennheiser's Evolution Wireless series, including the EW G3, EW G4, and Digital 6000 bodypack transmitters. Sennheiser offers different connector versions to match specific bodypack models. If you are using a different wireless system like Shure or Sony, you may need an adapter or reterminated cable.

The Sanken COS-11D is an omnidirectional lavalier known for its extremely small capsule and natural sound, widely used in film and television production. The Sennheiser MKE 40's cardioid pattern makes it better suited for rejecting ambient noise in live sound or noisy environments, while the COS-11D excels in controlled dialogue capture with a wider pickup pattern. The MKE 40 also has a more robust zinc die-cast housing for durability.

Not directly without an adapter, since the MKE 40 terminates in a locking connector designed for wireless bodypack transmitters rather than a standard 3.5mm TRRS jack. You would need a dedicated adapter cable or wireless system to interface with a smartphone or DSLR's microphone input. For smartphone use, Sennheiser's clip-on digital mics like the MKE 200 with a TRRS cable are more straightforward.