Since February 2024, most of my video content, whether for TikTok or YouTube or personal – audio is recorded using the Hollyland LARK M2. Now after 11 months of using it, I am trying to replace the LARK M2 with their latest model, the LARK M2S.
Is this the microphone for you? Should you stick with the LARK M2 or wait for the LARK M3 to arrive?
SPECIFICATIONS AND DESIGN
Microphone TYPE Omnidirectional
Plug & Play
QUALITY 24-bit High Fidelity
SENSITIVITY 37 dBV ± 2 dBV
1 kHz, 94 dB SPL
ENC > 70dB
CLIP SYSTEM Titanium Clip
No Magnet
WEIGHT 7g
LOGO Surface, none
Rear, yes
CONNECTIVITY 2.4GHz
Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH)
Bluetooth
(Microphone to Receiver)
USB Adapter
(USB-C)
Camera Receiver
(3.5mm TRS Cable)
Range 300 meters
Microphone BATTERY
> 9 hours
Charging Pod
> 30 hours
Charging Time
< 1.5 hours
Total Charges
~ 2.5 times
APP Android/iOS – LARK Sound
PRICE RM499 – LARK M2S USB-C
RM599 – LARK M2S MINI COMBO
RM659 – LARK M2S COMBO
Hollyland LARK M2S offers an almost perfect design for my daily use. First of all, the charging pod can now store the USB receiver and no longer need to be kept in a bag to always worry about it being lost. This large charging pod can also accommodate a larger battery capacity.
For the microphone, I like the small and compact design that it brings. It looks simple, modern, has a premium matte finish and most importantly the weight of each microphone is 7 grams which is very light.
What I don't like about the LARK M2S is that there is no longer the use of magnets because it has switched to the use of titanium clips. After years of using DJI Mic and Lark M2, I have gotten used to hiding the microphone in the folds of my shirt. The magnetic clip system makes the process of storing the microphone on my shirt easier than the clip system.
AUDIO QUALITY IS NOT MINI
Despite the small size of the microphone, it does not sacrifice audio quality. Every recording result made, the audio sounds deeper, clearer and more real. My own voice sounds bassier than the LARK M2. The audio also doesn't pick up much ambient noise and can focus on the individual wearing the microphone.
Speaking of ambient noise, the ENC mode on the LARK M2S is also cleaner and more pleasant to listen to than the ENC on the LARK M2. The digital sound effect is still there, but it's not too obvious and distracting from the final video.
The ENC mode can be controlled by pressing a physical button on the microphone. Another control is in the LARK Sound app, which also allows users to switch between mono and stereo recording modes. Using a USB receiver will limit the audio quality compared to using it with a camera receiver.
The high-fidelity 24-bit audio quality is more clearly heard when pairing the camera receiver with a 3.5mm TRS cable. The control wheel on the camera receiver can control the ENC level and voice level but is limited to 3 levels only. Hollyland LARK M2S is said to be an alternative portable microphone for simpler use and lighter recording work.
RECORDING RESULTS WITH LARK M2S
Audio File
A sample of voice recording using a professional camera with the Hollyland LARK M2S connected using a 3.5mm TRS cable for 24-bit stereo audio.
YouTube
Also recorded from inside the studio using the camera.
TikTok
Recorded in the studio using a USB-C receiver on a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.
NO MAGNET – A BIG CHANGE
I was angry and disappointed when my favorite button microphone with a magnetic clip system was not continued on this new microphone. According to Hollyland, changing the button design to a smaller clip design and without magnets allows it to weigh 7 grams which is very light.
The clip is constructed of titanium for the best grip and on its surface there is a rubber with a rough texture for additional grip on various types of clothing. Because it is titanium, it is hard, tight and strong – it was quite difficult for me to change the position of the microphone on the clothing without leaving creases.
BATTERY THAT YOU DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT
Since using the LARK M2, I have never worried about the battery, except if I use it all day without recharging. Thanks to the LARK M2S, recording all day can be completed. This new microphone can be used continuously for almost 9 hours, or in my use it was around 8 hours.
The charging pod can charge the microphone and receiver almost 2 times and the charging time is around 1.5 hours. With a full battery, it is no problem to use it for almost 4 days in a row.
CONTROLS, APPLICATIONS AND EDITING
The Hollyland LARK series is a microphone designed for plug and play use. So there are no physical controls to worry about. Make sure the microphone has a battery, the power button for ENC or off and the receiver is connected to the phone or camera – you’re done to start recording.
The LARK Sound app gives users additional control. They can see the volume control, can activate ENC mode with a strong or weak setting, and can also set mono or stereo audio recording controls. The app also provides a device speaker bypass mode for easy listening without unplugging the USB receiver.
Hollyland doesn’t forget to include a deadcat feather with every purchase. This feather is recommended for use with ENC mode for cleaner and clearer audio. Then, the LARK M2S camera receiver can also be connected to a computer via USB-C for charging or for higher quality audio recording. Unfortunately, this version still doesn’t support internal storage and backup recording.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
This review is based on the LARK M2S Combo, which is the complete set currently on offer.
1x Charging Pod
2x Wireless Microphone
1x Camera Receiver
1x USB-C Receiver
2x Deadcat Fur
1x 3.5mm TRS Cable
1x C-Lightning Cable
1x A-C Cable
Set of instructions and warranty card.
CONCLUSION
After using this microphone for almost a month, I can say that the audio quality on the LARK M2S is slightly better than the LARK M2. Only on the LARK M2, long-term use promises a more stable and satisfying experience. I really like the deeper, clearer and louder sound results. Not to mention the longer-lasting battery, as well as the microphone without a logo to look more professional.
The Hollyland LARK M2S does not use the magnetic system that I really like. I can forgive it because of the strong clip system and great grip. Using this clip takes some time to get used to, such as ensuring that the shirt does not wrinkle and keeps the clip in the best position. The LARK M2S is not a replacement for the LARK M2, but an alternative microphone for various uses and lighter tasks. It is the best microphone as a starter kit for content creators.
PROS AND BENEFITS
Deep, loud, bassy and clearer audio.
More stable and high-quality ENC.
Long-lasting battery life without worry.
The charging pod can now store the camera receiver.
Strong, strong and durable titanium clip system.
Supports recording distance up to 30 meters.
CONS AND CONS
Audio may not be stable for long-term use.
ENC mode still has digital noise effects.
No more magnetic clip system.
No IP protection which may be useful for individuals who sweat easily.