Great sound is essential for conveying your stories, and it's great to see a versatile amount of options on the market right now.
While Hollyland began making wireless video and focus tools, it has recently stepped into the audio game with the LARK series, which includes the Hollyland LARK M1. Now, the company has unveiled a new product—the Hollyland LARK MAX, an all-in-one wireless Lavalier microphone system with a heavier feature set than previous generations.
But is it the upgrade content creators and documentary filmmakers have been needing? Let's dive into the updated feature set.
The Hollyland LARK MAX
The one thing that makes the LARK MAX stand out from previous options in the line is the MaxTimbre Mic technology. This aims to give creatives studio-quality audio in a small package.
Consisting of a multilayer membrane microphone design, the MaxTimbre claims to optimize voice recording. Unwanted resonances are effectively eliminated, while wind-proof and vibration-isolation features further enhance performance. With a high-sensitivity omnidirectional microphone recording at a 48kHz/24-bit sampling rate, the LARK MAX seems to jump onto the audio scene on the right foot.
Two transmitter with mics and one receiver.Credit: Hollyland
The unit also incorporates advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, which allows the system to detect and minimize surrounding noise, giving filmmakers distortion-free audio, even in loud recording environments.
This would be great for capturing interviews, vlogs, podcasts, or whatever trouble documentary filmmakers find themselves in these days.
The LARK MAX also employs Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which is said to significantly enhance audio signal quality while reducing unwanted noise and interference.
Not Just a Mic
But the LARK MAX isn’t just a regular wireless Lavalier microphone system. It also incorporates convenient backup recording capabilities, with 8GB of built-in memory in the transmitter that can record up to 14 hours of uncompressed and lossless WAV files. Additionally, the LARK MAX provides a claimed 22-hour battery life when used with its compact charging case. If you’re out on assignment and don’t have access to a charging port, having this type of longevity in your audio tools is a nice touch.
Get real-time audio playback on your phone speaker.Credit: Hollyland
With its 3.5 mm output interface, the LARK MAX also offers compatibility with various camera types, including DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and camcorders. Connecting the receiver to your camera only requires a 3.5 mm TRS to 3.5 mm TRS cable. You can find the complete compatibility list here.
Furthermore, the LARK MAX offers multiple recording modes, including mono, stereo, and safety track options, which are great for recording security and flexibility during post-production.
Is This Audio Tool For You?
If we take what’s written on the tin at face value, the Hollyland LARK MAX is a solid addition to any content creator or documentary filmmaker who needs great audio quality. It has a robust feature set and redundancies that will support long-term or spur-of-the-moment projects.
Hollyland LARK MAX
- For Mobile Journalism, Content Creation
- 2 x Transmitters with Built-In Omni Mics
- Dual-Channel Receiver
- Environmental Noise Cancellation
- Dual-Signal Processing Technology
- 14-Hour Backup Recording
- Up to 820' Transmission Distance
- 7.5-Hour Transmitter Battery Life
- OLED Receiver Touchscreen
- Charging Case with Built-In Battery
However, much like the LARK M1, the design is very front and center. It doesn’t really have the same stealthy aesthetics as traditional LAV mics. If that’s something you don’t mind, or you can work around it, then the LARK MAX might be something to consider for your next project.
But what do you think? Is this a tool you want in your kit? Let us know in the comments!
