With the new year, Hollyland has announced a follow-up to the Hollyland LARK M2: the Hollyland LARK M2S. This new version of Hollyland’s discreet M2 microphone remains compact but offers more features, including a longer range and extended battery life. In short, the Hollyland LARK M2S aims to improve on the LARK M2.
Let’s explore what’s new with the Hollyland LARK M2S.
A sleeker, more secure design
Inside the LARK M2S, its built-in microphone measures 1.3 centimeters by 0.63 centimeters — smaller than a fingernail. Additionally, the entire LARK M2S weighs only 7 grams, making it quick and easy to conceal. Its transmitter comes with a titanium alloy clip to hold it in place on clothing. The clip is designed to handle intense activity without slipping or falling off, and its titanium alloy construction delivers durability without adding extra weight.
Reduced noise capture
Next, let’s talk about the LARK M2S’s recording performance. It offers a sampling rate of up to 24-bit/48 kHz, a 70 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and 2.4 GHz transmission. A 24-bit/48 kHz rate is an industry standard that balances quality with file size, making it ideal for video production. A 70 dB SNR is also excellent — microphones above 41 dB are generally considered great, so 70 dB puts the LARK M2S near the level of a professional studio microphone.
As for the system’s 2.4 GHz transmission, it delivers high-quality wireless results but comes with a few limitations. You’ll likely need to keep the receiver close to your subject to avoid interference, and 2.4 GHz is often discouraged for professional use.
The LARK M2S also includes Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which automatically minimizes background noise. This feature should be particularly useful for on-the-go shoots or vloggers recording in busy environments, as it helps reduce unwanted noise across the board.
Long range capture
One of the most impressive features of the LARK M2S is its range. The LARK M2S supports up to a 984-foot (300-meter) connection. According to Hollyland, you can “move freely across large areas without losing the connection.” It’s an impressive feature, but it isn’t unique to the LARK M2S. Both the Godox Cube-C Wireless Microphone System and the Saramonic Ultra Wireless Lavalier Microphone boast similar recording ranges using 2.4 GHz transmission.
Battery life
Each LARK M2S transmitter can last up to nine hours on a single charge, and the charging case can power it for up to 30 hours total. That’s more than enough time for most shoots.
Additionally, there’s a new dial design in the Combo version of the LARK M2S. The dial design simplifies setting up the system and making adjustments. It gives you easy access to power, pairing, mute and volume controls, as well as options to switch between high, medium and low levels.
But what does it cost?
The LARK M2S comes in three versions: Combo (Duo), Mini Combo (Duo) and USB-C (Duo). The LARK M2S Combo comes with a Camera RX, USB-C RX and a USB-C to Lightning cable, priced at $149. The LARK M2S Mini Combo includes a Camera RX and USB-C RX at $139. As for the LARK M2S with a USB-C plug, it’s priced at $119.
A microphone for all kinds of creators
All in all, the Hollyland LARK M2S appears to offer a high level of versatility for a wide variety of video shooters. Its small size and strong performance could make it a great fit for many content creators’ gear lineups.