Hollyland Lark M2 review: Delivering a compact wireless audio solution for creators

The Hollyland Lark M2 wireless button microphone kit offers a versatile audio solution for small video productions. It’s not perfect, but at $160 for two microphone transmitters and a wireless receiver, the Hollyland Lark M2 is an affordable and easy-to-use audio upgrade for content creators. We tested this wireless mic system to see how it would perform in the real world. Read on to see if the Hollyland Lark M2 deserves a spot in your video production kit.

Getting to know the Hollyland Lark M2

In addition to its small size and easy setup, the Hollyland Lark M2 also promises to deliver high-quality 48 kHz, 24-bit audio at distances of up to 1,000 feet, or around 300 meters. While the mics do offer good sound quality, we weren’t impressed by the system’s transmission distance — more on that later. With an omnidirectional pick-up pattern, the Lark M2 mics also offers environmental noise cancellation.

For this review, we’ll focus on the Lark M2 Camera Version combo. This kit comes with two button-shaped wireless TX transmitters with built-in omnidirectional microphones. These pair with the Camera Version RX receiver, which connects to your camera via 3.5 mm cable. Other Lark M2 kit options include Mobile Versions for both Lightning and USB-C devices as well as a Combo Version, which include all of the available receiver types.

Each kit comes with a variety of accessories, including a convenient storage and charging case. Kits also include a selection of cables, clips and clip magnets, as well as lanyards and windscreens for each microphone. Hollyland even gives you a sheet of stickers to customize the appearance of the mic, though some users will find them more amusing than others.

Build and battery life

The main selling point for the Lark M2 wireless microphone system is the TX’s button-like form factor. The tiny transmitters attach to the wearer via magnets. These can sandwich a shirt or collar directly to hold the mic in place, but the kit also includes both lanyards and magnetic clips to attach the mic to the talent.

As for the Camera Version RX receiver, it offers camera-top or clip mounting and features both 3.5 mm and USB connectivity. That means you can connect the receiver to your computer or a camera. A large volume knob allows for easy levels control.

Each component of the Hollyland Lark M2 system features a built-in battery that provides up to 40 hours of battery life and allows for up to 10 hours of recording time. Both transmitters and the receiver are charged via the included Charging Case, which can provide the entire system with two full charges before need to be plugged in again. The system can be fully charged in less than an hour and a half.

The transmitters and receiver are also equipped with LED indicators that let you know the status of each different unit. This makes it easy to check connection status and volume levels at a glance.

LarkSound app control

For more precise control, users can turn to the system’s companion app, LarkSound. Available for free for both Android and iOS, the LarkSound app gives you more precise volume control and access to the noise cancellation settings. You’ll also use LarkSound when installing firmware updates for your Lark M2 system.

The good …

As we tested out the Hollyland Lark M2, we noticed a few big pros — and a few cons. First of all, this wireless mic system is compact and lightweight, making it a great choice for video producers who need to travel with minimum gear.

The Lark M2 system was also extremely easy to use. The TX and RX units come paired from the factory, so there’s practically no setup. Just plug in the receiver, clip on the mic and you’re ready to record.

We were also impressed with the system’s extended battery life. 10 working hours will be more than enough for most shoot days. Plus, if you do run out of power somehow, the Charging Case can charge the system back up to full power over the course of a lunch break.

Finally — and most important for an audio solution — the Lark M2 microphones sound good. We were quite happy with the quality of the sound captured with this system, even when we intentionally positioned the microphones incorrectly on our talent.

During our tests, we placed one of the mics about a foot below the mouth, and the other we placed at the bottom of their shirt. Outside of a little more environmental noise, they both sounded good.

… and the bad

Unfortunately, it’s not all positive. On the cons side, our first complaint is the big logo on the face of each of the mics. This makes it hard to find a discreet mic placement, despite the mics themselves being so small.

Another beef we have is with the magnetic attachment system. Though the system comes with clips and lanyards for more mounting options, the microphone itself is secured to these attachment points by magnetic force only. This makes it more likely for the microphone to be knocked off the talent accidently.

Our last gripe is around the Lark M2’s transmission distance. To test transmission distance and quality we walked from 0-300 feet with a direct line of sight. Then we walked and talked introducing cars between the transmitter and receiver to see how the signal was affected. Lastly, we walked to the other side of a building 300 feet away to see what significant obstacles would do to the signal. During the tests, we found that the Lark M2 system works well from up to 200 feet away — a far cry from Hollyland’s 1,000-foot range claims. Additionally, when past 130 feet away from the camera anything — including the subject’s body — interrupted the signal, making it unreliable. We suggest only using the system in line of sight.

Marketplace

Now, let’s take a look at a couple of competitors to the Hollyland Lark M2 wireless microphone system. First up is the Saramonic Blink 100 B2. This $100 portable two-person wireless mic system competes directly with the Hollyland offering on almost every point, which options for both camera-top and phone-compatible receivers.

You might also consider the DJI Mic. This system also comes with two microphone transmitters and a receiver and offers slightly longer battery life and a much larger transmission range, if DJI’s claims are true. However, this system comes in at a hefty $250.

Final thoughts

The Hollyland Lark M2 is a good value for its price, offering easy use, good audio quality and long battery life in a compact package. However, the advertised 1,000-foot transmission range is inaccurate, and the large logo and magnetic attachment system make it less ideal for professional use. If you’re a content creator who needs an easy, quick way to boost your audio quality, the Hollyland Lark M2 is worth a look.

Hollyland Lark M2 Camera Version combo

$106.00 at Amazon $106.00 at B&H Video

Strengths

• Compact and lightweight
• Easy to use
• Extended battery life
• Good sounding microphones

Weaknesses

• Big logo on the mic makes it hard for the mic to be discrete
• Magnet-only attachment

Tech specs