Hollyland LARK M2 Camera Receiver and Transmitters
Hollyland introduced a new wireless microphone system, the Lark M2 that is shockingly small and lightweight, yet has a very competitive sound quality and feature set. I had the chance to review the Combo version of this system and will share my findings in this post (Read also our Hollyland Lark MAX Duo Wireless Mic System Review).
LARK M2 TX and RX in-hand
The review sample I received from Hollyland is the Combo version which includes three different receiver units, one is for camera use, and the other two are for smartphone use.
USB-C and Lightning Type Phone Receivers
The only distinguisher between these two phone type receiver units are the connection type: One is the lighting type which is compatible with pre-iPhone 15 Apple phones, and the other one USB-C type which is compatible with most recent Android phones and iPhone 15 series phones.
What is in the box of the Combo version
What is in the box
- TX x2
- Camera Version RX x1
- USB-C Plug RX x1
- Lightning Plug RX x1
- Camera Version Charging Case x1
- TX Windscreen x2
- USB-A to USB-C Cable x1
- USB-C to USB-C Cable * 1
- 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS Cable (Camera) x1
- Back Clip x2
- Clip Magnet x4
- LARK M2 Necklace Silicone case x2
- TX Sticker x1
- Drawstring Bag x1
Everything in the box fits inside the included Drawstring bag if needed. It is not protective but shouldn’t be a problem because the camera receiver and two transmitters already have a hard case (which also serves as a charger) so this is a safe and convenient way to carry this set.
Essentials
The transmitters are incredibly small and lightweight, Hollyland rates it at 9g each. Each has a built-in magnet and that is the only way you can attach them to included back clips or the necklace. The magnets are very strong for their sizes, it felt safe in use.
The transmitters are tiny!
Due to its small size, the Lark M2 TXs don’t have a 3.5mm jack to connect lav mics. With other wireless mic systems, I tend to use lav mics attached to the transmitter, not because of sound quality concerns, but because the TXs were large and heavy so I didn't like the look and the feel when attached to my shirt. On the other hand, the M2 TXs are so small and lightweight, it is hardly visible and doesn't cause sagging, so the omittance of the 3.5mm jack is not a biggie for me.
LARK M2 vs LARK Max
In order to conceal the M2 transmitters, you can use one of the included stickers to cover the logo.
Included Stickers
The transmitters feature the ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) feature that filters the low frequency noise in the recording environment, eliminating the post processing process. It can only be activated by the button on the transmitter microphone.
Transmitter Button
The button on the transmitters can also be used (when double clicked) to start and stop video recording when used with your smart device which I found very useful in self recording scenarios where you are away from the device.
Charging Case for the Camera Version
The transmitters have a battery life of 10 hours according to Hollyland, I haven’t had the chance to test this but I can tell it is easily going to cover a full day of shooting if you start with a fully charged battery. The built-in battery in the included charging case can charge the transmitters twice before running out of juice, each charging cycle takes close to 1.5hours.
Camera receiver
Camera receiver on Sony A7R V
The camera receiver has a dial that is used to adjust the gain levels of each transmitter mics. The TX1 and XT2 gain levels coded by green and blue colors. Two LEDs on the receiver indicates the connection status of each transmitter.
Camera receiver connected to PC
The USB-C port is used to connect the receiver to a PC.
Beside the On/off button, there is another button to pair the transmitters, and also change between stereo and mono modes.
Phone Type Receiver
The mobile device transmitters are plug-and-play, it worked without any issues as soon as I connected it to my iPhone 13 Pro Max. The unit gets power from your smartphone so it doesn't have its own battery.
Phone Receiver is plug-and-play
The Lark M2 claims to provide reliable audio transmission at distances of up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) when there is a clear line of sight, and 40 to 60 meters (131 to 197 feet) without a direct line of sight. During my test indoors and outdoors, I haven’t experienced any connection problems with this set
TX attached to the clip with magnets
The Lark M2 delivers 24-bit depth and 48 kHz sample rate recordings. The frequency response range is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The recording from the mic was clean and crisp, I felt like I can easily use this in the field, or in a studio environment without hesitation. The small form factor and lightweight gives such a freedom that you forget you had the mics on you after a few minutes.
Necklace with Silican case
Price and Availability
The Hollyland Lark M2 wireless mic system comes in a number of kits starting at $139 and goes up to $179. All the versions are available to order here.
- Mobile kit with USB-C Connection: 139 USD
- Mobile kit with Lightning Connection: 149 USD
- Camera Version: 159 USD
- Combo Version: 179 USD
Considering the small price difference, I would personally go for the Combo version. It comes with a camera receiver, a usb-c receiver and a lightning receiver which makes the set almost universally compatible with all cameras, recent smartphones and computers that you can think of.
LarkSoundApp
Pros
- Works right out of the box without any hassle
- The transmitters are incredibly small and lightweight
- Good sound quality
- Built-in optional noise cancellation feature
- Combo version comes with everything you need to create audio using multiple different devices
- Excellent battery life
- More than enough range and reliable connection
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- The camera receiver protrudes from the top plate of smaller cameras, partially obstructing the viewfinder and limiting proximity to the eyecup.
- Windscreen / deadcat covers the button on the transmitter (which is expected considering the small size)
Small inconvenience on the Canon EOS R8
And these are the limitations that come with the small size of the overall system (which I am happy to accept).
- No 3.5mm plug on the transmitters
- Some settings can only be changed on the app
- Transmitters don’t have internal recording option
Official Product Page: https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-m2
Shop Link: AMAZON
Additional Read: Hollyland Lark MAX Duo Wireless Mic System Review: Seamless Wireless Audio for your Camera
Specifications
-
Mic Sensitivity
-37 dBV ± 2dB @ 1 KHz, 94dB SPL
-
Wireless Modulation Mode
GFSK 2 Mbps
-
Wireless Transmission
2.4 GHz Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH)
-
Transmission Range
Mobile Version: Up to 1000ft (300m) for LOS/200ft (60m) for NLOS
Camera Version: Up to 1000ft (300m) for LOS/130ft (40m) for NLOS
-
Mic Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
-
Frequency Response
20 Hz–20 kHz
-
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
> 70dB
-
Sound Pressure Level
115dB SPL
-
Bit Depth
24-bit
-
Sample Rate
48 kHz
-
Battery Voltage
TX: 3.87V
Camera Version RX: 3.87V
Mobile Version Charging Case: 3.8V
Camera Version Charging Case: 3.8V
-
Battery Capacity
TX: 97 mAh
Camera Version RX: 145 mAh
Mobile Version Charging Case: 750 mAh
Camera Version Charging Case: 1950 mAh
-
Operating Time
TX: About 10 hours
Camera Version RX: About 9 hours
Mobile Version Charging Case: > 2 times charging for 2 TX at the same time
Camera Version Charging Case: > 3 times charging for all TX and RX at the same time
-
Charging Time
TX: About 1.5 hours
Camera Version RX: About 1.5 hours
Mobile Version Charging Case: < 1.5 hours
Camera Version Charging Case: < 2 hours
-
Charging Temperature
0° C to 45° C
-
Operating Temperature
–10° C to 45° C
-
Dimensions
TX: Approx. D26mm x 9.9mm (1.0” x 0.4”)
Mobile Version RX: Approx. 40mm x 16.5mm x 9mm (1.6” x 0.6” x 0.4”)
Camera Version RX: Approx. 40mm x 25.7mm x 20.5mm (1.6” x 1.0” x 0.8”)
Mobile Version Charging Case: Approx. 75.8mm x 49.8mm x 35mm (3.0” x 2.0” x 1.4”)
Camera Version Charging Case: Approx. 86mm x 54mm x 39mm (3.4” x 2.1” x 1.5”)
-
Weight
TX: Approx. 9g (0.3oz)
Mobile Version RX: Approx. 6g (0.2oz)
Camera Version RX: Approx. 14.8g (0.5oz)
Mobile Version Charging Case: Approx. 65.6g (2.3oz)
Camera Version Charging Case: Approx. 111g (3.9oz)
