At Thecekodok, although we focus on article-based content – video content is still important to us. Because of that, in the our lab we have tested various types of microphones for the purpose of recording audio for various content. We have tested Rode, Boya, Saramonic and most recently Hollyland. More specifically the LARK M2.
SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN
Type Lavalier
Wireless, portable
Omnidirectional
Wireless Modulation Mode Gaussian frequency-shift keying, 2Mbps
Data Transmission Distance USB-C/Lightning Combo:
Up to 300m, LOS
Up to 60m, NLOS
Camera Combo:
Up to 300m, LOS
Up to 40m, NLOS
Studio Grade Audio Quality:
24-bit, kHz
Size/Weight Transmitter: 26mm x 9.9mm, 9g
Receiver: 40mm x 25.7mm x 20.5mm, 14.8g
Charging Pod: 86mm x 54mm x 39mm, 111g
Transmitter Battery: 97mAh, 10 hours
Receiver: 145mAh, 9 hours
Charging Pod: 1950mAh, 3x charging full
Charging time: Under 2 hours
Camera Combo Price, Black/White
Original – RM699
Now – RM549
Hollyland LARK M2 is a portable wireless lavalier microphone. It is also a microphone designed in a very small and compact size that is also called a button microphone (button mic). The set we tested is a camera combo where it comes with 1x receiver with an easy clip design, can be attached with magnets and can also be connected to professional cameras.
Then also available are 2x button-sized transmitters, also with a magnetic or clip option. Then Hollyland also provides USB-C and Lightning adapters (receivers). For charging, a not-so-large charging pod is also provided.
Two things I don't like about this microphone are the first, the USB-C adapter has no storage space and has to rely on the pouch provided. Next is the Hollyland brand logo that is everywhere, but this can be forgiven because of the availability of a cheerful colorful sticker set. It can be used for various video themes or choose a black/white sticker for a more formal look.
The use of a clip is not very attractive to me despite its small size and light weight. This is because if I am not wearing a jacket or hat, I have to clip it to the collar which is very close to the neck. This makes the audio less clear. Because of that, I use magnets a lot. However, when I am outside and I have individuals who sweat easily – I will wear a chain + magnet provided so that the microphone does not stick to the skin of the body.
USAGE EXPERIENCE – RECORDING QUALITY
I started buying this microphone myself to facilitate voice recording work while working outside the office. After being convinced of its amazing quality, we also got another set to facilitate other editorial teams.
For audio quality, the LARK M2 offers surprisingly good sound quality for its size. It supports studio-grade audio recording of 24-bit, 48kHz. Since February to December of this year, I realized that using it with a camera receiver is much better quality than using a USB-C receiver. On camera, the voice will sound loud, have optimal clarity, still have good bass and most importantly support stereo recording.
No matter the male editor like me with a loud voice, or my chief editor Mr. Effi with a bass-heavy voice or Ms. Amy with a high-pitched voice – the LARK M2 can record them all well. However, this is for recording in the studio. With the default environmental noise cancellation mode (low ENC).
When recording outside and using the high ENC mode (need to press a small button or from within the app), it does not have consistent performance. Most of our recording sessions, the recording results make the sound seem AI-generated or have artifacts. Because of this, we often use the default mode and if there is noise interference, the Adobe Premiere Pro application can purify the audio recording.
There are many problems when using the USB-C receiver. This is because it does not have the same performance as the camera receiver. Moreover, when connected to a Chinese-made Android flagship device, the audio will sometimes be too slow. Sometimes the algorithm from within the device's camera app is also the cause. Tested on Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and iPhone 16 there were no serious problems other than the audio volume.
An important thing to remember is the distance between the microphone user and the camera, it doesn't matter if it's 300 meters away. Even if there are people passing by, it doesn't cause any interference.
The most serious issue I have faced is that the microphone cannot be used in the hot sun. A few months ago, there was an incident, where I was working in Dubai when the weather reached 35 degrees. My LARK M2 kept slowly dying its battery and until today one microphone is no longer usable. Thankfully, there is an additional set and a one-year warranty that allows my set to be repaired or replaced.
BATTERY
In terms of battery life, the LARK M2 officially supports up to 10 hours for the receiver on the camera and up to 9 hours for the microphone. Then the charging pod is promised to last up to 3x full charges. Over the months of use, the battery life that I got was on par with what Hollyland promised.
The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't support fast charging. Each unit needs to be charged for a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes to be fully charged. If it's half charged, the battery life is very unguaranteed.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
2x Transmitter units (magnets are included on each)
1x Camera receiver unit
1x USB-C receiver unit
1x Lightning receiver unit
1x Charging pod
1x USB-C cable
1x 3.5mm audio jack cable
2x Dead cat hair
2x Magnetic necklace
2x Magnetic clips
1x Storage pouch
CONCLUSION
For a compact portable wireless lavalier microphone set like this, it is undoubtedly one of the best on the market for 2024. Moreover, with the camera combo selling price of RM699 (available for purchase for RM549 in most stores), it is difficult for me to recommend any other microphone in the same class. After using it as the main microphone for videos for almost a year, the LARK M2 has opened our ears to hear that a brand that may be less well-known than Rode, Saramonic or DJI – is reliable.
If you are looking to get started in the content creation industry, the Hollyland LARK M2 is a must-have starter kit. I can't wait for the next version, who knows if the problem with ENC will be fixed?
PROS AND ADVANTAGES
Interesting audio quality for its size.
Supports stereo audio recording.
Small and compact size that is easy to carry anywhere.
Very long battery life.
Flexible use either with a clip or magnet.
Affordable price but complete with various accessories
CONS AND DISADVANTAGES
ENC mode does not have good audio.
Charging pod cannot store USB-C/Lightning receiver
No feature to save audio as a backup.
No fast charging.
Storage pouch does not give confidence, small accessories are safe to store.