Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone: Looks as pretty as it sounds
The brand new, newly launched Hollyland Lark M2 wireless lavalier microphone is set to be the smallest, most lightweight wireless microphone on the market. At just 9g this tiny magnetic button side mic is perfect for bloggers, filmmakers and podcasters. When you’re working with video, the sound can make or break it.
Please keep in mind when reading and watching the video, I am not an expert with audio (or video) and this is just a layman’s review for a photographer in a small home studio. I don’t have any fancy gear when it comes to recording and editing audio and video.
Please note: Hollyland sent me the Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone for review and keep, but all comments and opinions are my own.
I’ve put the Lark M2 through some trials and am extremely happy with the outcome. With my mirrorless camera and even my mobile phone, it worked well. Even my cheap little action camera seemed to do OK. I did have an issue with my PC. I could record voice-overs, but not record video and audio at the same time. I’m sure this is a system failure with me or my gear, not the mic, as it worked great.
Pros
Tiny button size and just 9g
Solid build quality
Sound quality
Matte black finish
Charging case
Built-in noise canceling
Magnetic attachments
Loads of accessories like clips and windsock
Up to 10 hours of uninterrupted use
Charging case means each battery can actually, be charged twice, once on power and once in case
For use with Smartphones (iOS and Android) and DSRL and Mirrorless cameras, action cameras and computers
Wireless
App Support
Cons
Magnets sometimes got a little fiddly (I have bad hands)
No display screen
No real-time monitoring
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone — Technical Specs
All technical specification details were taken from the Hollyland-supplied spec sheet.
Transmitter
Dimensions Approx. TX 26mm x 9.9mm (1.0″ x .04″),
Weight Approx. 9g (0.3oz)
LOS Transmission Range Up to 1,000ft (300m) High gain LDS antenna
Wireless technology — 2.4GHz AFh
Operating Frequency 20Hz — 20kHz
Sampling Rate/Bit Depth — 48 kHz/24-bit
Charging Time 1.5 hours
Operating Time Approx. 10 hours
Maximum SPL — 115dB SPL
Mic Polar Pattern Omnidirectional
Default Dynamic Range — 80dB (mobile version), 94dB (camera version)
Battery capacity — TX: 97 mAh, Camera Version RX: 145 mAh, Mobile Version Charging Case: 750 mAh, Camera Version Charging Case: 1950 mAh
Noise Cancellation — Yes (ENC)
Mono and Stereo Mode — Yes
Interface — TX: 3.5mm audio input interface, USB-C, RX: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C, 3.5mm audio output interface, Charging case: USB-C
Note: The transmission range is measured in an unobstructed outdoor environment free of interference.
Receiver
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”)
Weight — Mobile Version RX: Approx. 6g (0.2oz)
Weight — Camera Version RX: Approx. 14.8g (0.5oz)
Camera Version RX: About 1.5 hours
Operating Time Approx. 10 hours
Charging case
Camera Version Charging Case: Approx. 86mm x 54mm x 39mm (3.4” x 2.1” x 1.5”)
Mobile Version Charging Case: Approx. 75.8mm x 49.8mm x 35mm (3.0” x 2.0” x 1.4”)
Weight — Mobile Version Charging Case: Approx. 65.6g (2.3oz)
Weight — Camera Version Charging Case: Approx. 111g (3.9oz)
Mobile Version Charging Case: < 1.5 hours
Camera Version Charging Case: < 2 hours
Max Charging Times Approx. two times of charging for 2 TX and 1 RX
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
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone — What’s in the box
Jammed packed with everything you need, the Hollyland Lark M2 wireless lavalier microphone comes with the charging case, a transmitter for the camera, Android and iOS transmitters, two microphones, two magnetic clips, two lanyards, audio jack cable, power cable (for charging case) and two wind socks for noise reduction. All packs into a handy little carry pouch. Warranty and quick start guide and some fun stickers.
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone — In use
The controls are easy to set and see. The actual microphone is easy to wear and comfortable either with the magnetic or clip attachment. A great feature is the carrying case/docking station which acts as a charger. You can get a couple extra charges for the gear without having the unit plugged in. Very handy for location shooting. If you are only using one microphone the other can be staying fully charged. When you switch you have a freshly charged units ready to go. I have not had a chance to try two mics and to be honest I probably never will, as I don’t really interview people, but being able to switch them out is great. I was impressed when I went out in the rain and how clear my voice was against the background noise too. So this would be handy while shooting on location.
The Hollyland Lark M2 wireless Lavalier microphone is available from Amazon
Our verdict
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
★★★★★4.5/5
I found the Hollyland Lark M2 wireless Lavalier microphone easy to use in and out of the studio. It worked well with my Sony A7RV camera and my Samsung S21 smartphone. The fact that it’s wireless is a huge bonus. I previously had a wired Lavalier mic, which while it worked well, was a pain to use. Thank you Hollyland, the Lark M2 is fabulous!
