Real-World Hollyland Lark M2 Review - From an Owner
- Telicia
- 16 minutes ago
- 4 min read
As a sailing YouTuber, capturing decent audio is one of the biggest challenges I have. Between the wind and waves while sailing, and the sound of the engines when motoring or out on the dinghy, the level of background noise was often too much for even AI noise-reduction software to tackle.
I knew we needed to improve our sound quality, but at the same time I wanted a wireless microphone system that wouldn't break the bank or require a degree in audio engineering to configure on a moving deck. A year and a half ago I decided to try the Hollyland Lark M2, and after putting it to the test, I haven't looked back.
CONTENTS:
Hollyland Lark M2 specifications
The Hollyland Lark M2 is a wireless lavalier microphone system, the second generation of the Hollyland Lark M1. To give you an idea of what it can do, here's a few of the specs compared to the DJI Mic 3.
Specification | Hollyland Lark M2 | DJI Mic 3 |
Price | $99.00 USD - Amazon | $259.00 USD - Amazon |
Connectivity technology | 2.4 gigahertz | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Connector type | Combo version: 3.5 mm Jack, Lightning/USB Type-C | 3.5 mm Jack, USB Type-C |
Polar pattern | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
Signal-to-Noise ratio | 70 db | 72 dB |
Transmission range | Up to 300 meters | Up to 400 meters |
Number of included mics | 2 | 2 |
I wanted something that was easy to use, cost-effective, had two mics and plug-n-play connections, which is why I chose the Hollyland Lark. That said I do love DJI products, with the latest purchase on our boat being the DJI Osmo Action 6.
What comes with the Hollyland Lark M2
I bought the Hollyland Lark M2 combo version, which supports plug-in use with iPhone, camera's and USB-C. It comes with:
2x Lark M2 TX microphones
Lark Camera RX
3.5mm TRS to TRS cable (for cameras)
Lark USB-C plug RX
Lark Lightning plug RX
Charging case for 2x Lark M2 TX and Camera RX
2x TX windscreen sock
4x clip magnets
2x silicon necklaces for the Lark M2 TX
Drawstring storage bag
I find I use the camera version the most, followed by the USB-C plug straight into my android phone. In the photo below I was filming using a TX on a clip magnet with the Camera RX on my Sony ZV-1.
Hollyland Lark M2 mic setup
Setting up the Hollyland Lark M2 couldn't be simpler; plug the receiver into a device, take the mic out of the case, put them near one another, and they'll automatically connect. If they disconnect, which I've personally not had happen, there is a Mode Switching and pairing button on the receiver.
On top of the camera RX there's a dial that can be used to adjust the volume level. I usually have mine set to the second level, as I find that's best when I go to edit the footage later.
Noise cancelling is controlled using the yellow button on the transmitter; a green LED light on the mic means noise cancelling is on. The camera version also has an LED indicator light that goes green when noise cancelling is on.
Stereo mode is available automatically on the camera RX, but if you're using a mobile phone it isn't. Instead, support for stereo mode is determined by your mobile phone's system.
Do you need the Larksound app?
You don'tt need to use the LarkSound app, but if you want to make use of the optimization tools then you can. This includes configuring the microphone parameters and updating firmware.
Hollyland Lark M2 recording quality
The best way to get an idea of the wireless audio quality is to hear it in action.
The video below was captured with a Sony ZV-1 with the Hollyland Lark connected. It's in a boat yard so there's lots of industrial noise and wind to put the noise cancelling to the test.
By comparison, here's a video shot on the same camera under similar conditions, without the Lark M2 microphone system.
During the video editing process, I
Longevity & battery life
The Lark M2 microphone is meant to work for up to 10 hours with ENC off, while the camera RX can last up to 40 hours. I've found this is quite accurate, and have noticed no drop in battery performance over the time I've owned the mics. The charging case can do two full charges with the power it stores, which each taking less than 2 hours.
Over a year and a half in, my Lark M2 mics are working flawlessly. If there's any issues I will update the article, but I suspect I'll accidentally lose one overboard before it breaks!
Final Hollyland Lark Review - Is is worth is?
So far I've been happy with the performance of the Hollyland Lark M2, and if I needed more microphones in future, I would consider the brand. For those looking for a budget microphone to improve the sound quality of their YouTube videos, it's an option I'd absolutely recommend considering.
Fast FAQ
What's the difference between the Hollyland Lark M2S and Hollyland Lark M2
The M2S is a smaller, more discreet version with a titanium clip, while the M2 has better battery life and uses the magnetic mounting system.
Which is the best wireless microphone
This really depends on what and where you're filming, the gear you're using, and your budget. For an entry-level or budget option, the Hollyland range is worth considering. For something better, look towards the DJI Mic 3 or RODE Wireless Pro.
Can you connect multiple microphones to one receiver
Depending on the system, it's possible to connect multiple mics to one receiver. In the case of the Lark 2, two mics connect to a single receiver straight out of the box.
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