Hollyland has launched the fourth generation of its Lark series of microphones. The Hollyland LARK MAX is a wireless microphone system aimed at content creators. Hollyland also says that the new microphones deliver higher sound quality, noise cancellation and convenience both indoors and outside than previous generations.
Transmitters and receivers
The LARK MAX is available in two configurations. The LARK MAX Duo comes with two transmitters (TX) and one receiver (RX). Alternatively, the LARK MAX Solo has only one transmitter and receiver. The system also has a line of sight range of up to 820 feet (250 meters). In addition, you don’t have to worry about connecting the transmitters and receiver. The LARK MAX system boots when you open the case. The transmitters and the receiver then pair with each other as soon as you take them out.
Transmitters
Each LARK MAX transmitter unit has a built-in high-sensitivity omnidirectional microphone. In addition, the LARK MAX system includes dead kitten-type windshields for recording outside. However, there is also a 3.5 mm jack socket if you want to use an external lavalier microphone instead. The lightweight transmitter units only weigh 1.16 ounces (33 g). You can attach them to your subjects using the built-in back clip or a clip magnet.
Receiver
The LARK MAX receiver has a 1.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen. This shows you power, signal, audio levels, connection status and more. You can also adjust the settings on the system using the receiver’s control knob and on-screen home button. In addition, there is a shortcut menu that can turn on or off noise reduction, record and mute with one touch. You can also connect the receiver to cameras or mobile devices using 3.5 mm cables, Lightning cables or USB-C. It even supports USB Audio Class (UAC) standards for connecting to a computer via a single USC cable.
MaxTimbre Mic Technology
Hollyland’s LARK MAX uses Hollyland’s MaxTimbre Mic Technology, which the company says incorporates the industry’s first microphone air film technology. This uses a multilayer membrane microphone design that optimizes audio recording for crisp results. In addition, the LARK MAX has advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology which delivers extra sound clarity in noisy environments at the press of a button.
Recording
The LARK MAX has a 48 kHz sampling rate, 24-bit bit depth, 70 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and 128 dB max sound pressure level (SPL). The system has three recording modes: Stereo, Mono and Safety Track. In Stereo mode, one transmitter is recorded on the left audio channel and one on the right. Alternatively, in Mono mode, the transmitter outputs are merged and are both recorded on each audio channel. Safety Track mode merges the signal as in Mono mode but records one audio channel at a lower setting to avoid clipping loud noises. In addition, the transmitter units also each have 8 GB of internal memory, giving you up to 14 hours of backup recording in uncompressed and lossless WAV files.
Battery life
Hollyland’s LARK MAX transmitter and receiver units are supplied in a charging case with a battery capacity of 2800 mAh. This is enough power to charge both transmitters and a receiver twice over. The transmitters have a 300mAh battery which lasts around seven and a half 7.5 hours and fully charges in two hours. The receiver has a larger battery of 490mAh which lasts a little longer at nine hours but still only takes two hours to recharge.
What we think
The LARK MAX looks like a great microphone system. Although Hollyland says it is aimed at content creators, it would be just as useful for any solo video shooters who need a quick and reliable wireless microphone solution. However, the LARK MAX is also in direct competition with the DJI Mic and Rode Wireless Go II microphone systems, which are similar in design and have near identical feature sets. If you are looking for a new wireless microphone, then it’s worth checking out all three to see which system suits your workflow best.
Pricing and availability
The Hollyland LARK MAX is available now. The LARK MAX Duo, with two transmitters and one receiver, costs $299. Alternatively, the LARK MAX Solo, with one transmitter and receiver, is $199.
