The Hollyland Lark M2S is a wireless microphone system designed for professionals and creators on the go. This in-depth review explores its performance, features, and overall value, examining whether it lives up to the hype as a top choice for mobile journalism and content creation. We'll delve into the audio quality, range, connectivity options, battery life, and ease of use, providing a comprehensive assessment of this compact and powerful system.From its surprisingly compact packaging to its impressive feature set, the Lark M2S offers a compelling combination of portability, performance, and practicality. This review will detail its impressive audio capabilities, including noise cancellation and extended range, along with its versatile compatibility across various devices. We’ll also assess its build quality, battery life, and the convenience of its accompanying app, ultimately determining if the Hollyland Lark M2S is a worthy investment for your next project.
Pros And Cons
- Compact and discreet design
- Secure titanium clip-on design
- Small camera mount receiver attachable directly to the camera
- Includes USB-C plugin receiver with Lightning adapter for mobile devices
- 24-bit 48kHz audio quality
- 1000ft transmission range
- 70dB signal-to-noise ratio and 116dB SPL
- Environmental noise cancellation (ENC) feature
- Dual receiver system (USB-C and 3.5mm TRS)
- LED indicators for modes and status
- Lark Sound app for customization and real-time audio monitoring
- Up to 9 hours battery life for transmitters, 8.5 hours for receiver
- Charging case provides multiple charges (total 30 hours battery life)
- Fast charging (1.5 hours or 1 hour with USB-C charger)
Read more: SM Professional XR50 Wireless Microphone: Unboxing, Features & Review
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Hollyland Lark M2S arrived in surprisingly compact packaging. Inside, I found two ultra-compact transmitters with built-in microphones, a USB-C plug-in receiver, a camera mount receiver, a USB-C to Lightning adapter, a 3.5mm TRS cable, and a charging case. Hollyland included a nice pouch to keep everything organized, a thoughtful touch.
The transmitters are incredibly small and discreet, easily attachable to clothing. The camera mount receiver is equally compact and convenient for direct attachment to cameras. The overall design is sleek and professional, lacking any obtrusive branding.
Audio Quality and Range
The Hollyland Lark M2S boasts impressive audio quality with 24-bit/48kHz resolution. The RF interface resistance circuits ensure crystal-clear sound even in challenging environments. I tested the range extensively, finding that the 1000ft claim was accurate, with minimal audio drop-off even at considerable distances.
The microphone's 70dB signal-to-noise ratio and 116dB SPL effectively minimize environmental noise. The integrated ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) further enhances clarity, especially in loud settings. Even at a distance of 10 feet, the audio remained remarkably clear.
Connectivity and Features
The Lark M2S offers versatile connectivity options. The USB-C plug-in receiver works seamlessly with Android devices, while the included Lightning adapter ensures compatibility with iPhones. The 3.5mm TRS output enables connection to cameras for direct audio recording.
The Hollyland Lark Sound app provides further customization, allowing adjustments to volume, noise cancellation, and real-time audio monitoring. The app also enables playback of recordings directly, eliminating the need to unplug the receiver.
Battery Life and Charging
The Lark M2S transmitters offer an impressive nine hours of battery life, while the camera mount receiver lasts around eight and a half hours. The included 1300mAh charging case extends this significantly, providing multiple charges for the entire system.
The charging case fully charges the entire system in just 1.5 hours using a USB-C charger. Fast charging capabilities with a USB-C charger allow for a full charge in just one hour for added convenience.
Overall Conclusion and Verdict
The Hollyland Lark M2S is a compelling wireless microphone system, particularly for mobile journalists and content creators. Its small size, long battery life, and excellent audio quality make it a convenient and reliable option. The included noise cancellation and versatile connectivity options further enhance its appeal.
While the price point might be slightly higher than some competitors, the overall performance, build quality, and ease of use justify the cost. If you value superior audio quality, a compact design, and long battery life, the Hollyland Lark M2S is a strong contender for your next microphone purchase.