Hollyland has launched the second generation of its LARK MAX wireless microphone systems. The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 offers low-latency wireless monitoring and 32-bit float recording.
LARK MAX 2
The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 wireless microphone system can pair up to four microphone transmitters with a single receiver. It also comes with two receivers. The camera receiver has a 3.5 mm output for connecting to your camera’s mic input or an audio recorder. The other receiver has a USB-C connector for use with a smartphone. The LARK MAX 2 offers wireless monitoring via rechargeable OWS earphones.
Transmitters
The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 transmitters are tiny, weighing less than half an ounce (14 g). They also feature an innovative hover clip to attach them to your talent’s clothing, or you can use a magnet.
Each transmitter has a built-in microphone, but you can also attach an adapter to the base to add a 3.5 mm input. This means that you can use external microphones with the transmitters. Also, Hollyland supplies a furry windshield and magnetic silicone sleeve for each transmitter.
32-bit float
The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 transmitters offer internal 32-bit float recording. This is great as a backup in case the signal to the receiver ever drops out. 32-bit float also has such a large dynamic range that you don’t need to set a recording level. The signal won’t clip. In addition, the LARK MAX 2 features 32-bit full-chain audio transmission technology. Put simply, this means that the signal from the transmitters to the receiver, and from the receiver to your device, is also 32-bit.
Receivers
Hollyland’s LARK MAX 2 camera receiver has a display on the front and a dial to switch through settings. It also offers dynamic gain adjustment with three levels (High, Medium, Low) to ensure your audio remains balanced and stable. The LARK MAX 2 has integrated AI noise reduction technology. This effectively eliminates unwanted sounds such as wind noise, traffic, and room reverb with a distortion level of less than 1%.
Additionally, the receiver features a built-in frame-level timecode system. You can use this to synchronize your camera footage with internal audio recording through both the 3.5 mm and UAC outputs.
OWS earphones
You can monitor your audio via the headphone socket on the camera receiver. However, you can also use Holyland’s OWS wireless monitor earphones. These come in their own charging case.
In use
Hollyland’s LARK MAX 2 has a range of up to 1,115 feet (340 meters) in open, unobstructed environments without interference. It also uses advanced 2.4 GHz frequency hopping technology, giving you pure and pristine sound quality. Plus, the system features ultra-low latency of 20 ms between the transmitters and receiver. Hollyland promises this performance level even in signal-dense environments like office buildings, event venues, and busy city streets.
Battery life
The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 transmitters have a battery life of over 11 hours with noise cancellation switched off. You can also recharge them more than twice with the charging case, giving you a total run time of up to 36 hours.
The camera receiver has a battery life of up to 12 hours and can again be recharged around 2.5 times with the charging case. The OWS monitor earphones will last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and their case will recharge them around 1.8 times.
What we think
The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 is an impressive wireless microphone solution. Its super lightweight transmitters won’t cause your talent’s clothing to droop. The option for running up to four transmitters into one receiver is ideal for larger interviews or productions. Also, the option to start with a two-mic system, then add extra transmitters in the future, means the system can grow with your needs. If you are looking to get your first wireless microphone system or to upgrade your existing setup, the Hollyland LARK MAX 2 is a tempting option.
Pricing and availability
You can pick up the Hollyland LARK MAX 2 in a variety of configurations. The standard Combo kit comes with a charging case, two transmitters, the camera receiver, and the USB-C receiver. You also get two USB-C to 3.5mm adaptors for the transmitters, furry windshields, silicone shields, magnets for mounting the transmitters, and several cables. There’s also a Combo 4-Person Version for $319. This adds an additional two transmitters and associated accessories.
At $279, the LARK MAX 2 Ultimate Combo comes with everything in the two person Combo. However, you also get two OWS monitor earphones in a charging case and two omnidirectional lavalier microphones.
The Hollyland LARK MAX 2 systems are available for pre-order now.
