Hollyland Lark Max 2 review – Better than DJI Mic 3 and Wireless Pro?
The first version of the Hollyland Lark Max already surprised us, so now we’re putting it to the test: Can the Lark Max 2 keep up with the competition?
Our Rating:
★★★★★
The transmitters sound really good, internal 32-bit recordings ensure good quality, and noise canceling is high quality.
★★★★★
The connectivity is excellent, only a proper Lightning connector is missing. Lightning can be connected to the camera receiver via cable.
★★★★☆
The devices themselves are well made, but the feel is not as good as the competition. The accessories are great!
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Hollyland Lark Max 2: First impressions and scope of delivery
There is a small surprise in the scope of delivery: there are not one, but two charging cases. Why? Because there are two extra headphones for listening (direct monitoring). Wireless and without latency.
Something else catches the eye: the transmitters have become more compact. Not quite as compact as the DJI Mic 3, but the Lark Max 2 transmitters have a decisive advantage: It is possible to connect an external microphone via a 3.5 mm jack. To achieve this, Hollyland has come up with a system that many would probably like to see on the Mic 3: an adapter is permanently attached to the bottom of the transmitter via USB-C, into which the jack can then be plugged. This keeps the transmitter small when no external microphone is used.
Otherwise, it should be noted that the plastic does not feel as high-quality as that of the competition. However, this is actually more of a haptic factor that is not decisive in terms of function. The workmanship still appears robust.
Technical features
The receiver offers a 3.5 mm TRS line-out jack and a 3.5 mm headphone output. There is a USB-C version for smartphones. The transmitters have clear status LEDs and easy-to-feel buttons. The magnetic clips hold very securely. Overall, everything seems robust and suitable for transport, and the cases and bag are also sturdy. The transmitters record internally at 48 kHz with 32-bit float or 24-bit. Each transmitter has 8 GB of storage, which is enough for about 14 hours, depending on the mode. The transmitters last 11 hours without charging, but charge very quickly in the case. Voices sound neutral with a slight presence. The safety track reliably prevents clipping. Noise reduction helps, but takes away some of the naturalness of the voice, so it’s best to use it sparingly.
There is a small catch for 32-bit float fans
This is because the camera receiver does not record in 32-bit float. However, you can easily start internal recording and get high resolution again.
We would always recommend internal recording anyway, as this prevents crackling if the signal should ever break off. However, the wireless connection is really stable, even if you stand between the transmitter and receiver. Using the 2.4 GHz band with adaptive frequency hopping, the Lark Max 2 always finds the best frequency to maintain the connection.
DJI Mic 3, Røde Wireless Pro or Hollyland Lark Max 2?
For us, there’s no question about which segment the Lark Max belongs in, because it’s very obvious that it wants to compete with the two “big players.” All of them have timecode, and all of them can handle 32-bit float. The DJI Mic 3 has the advantage of being more compact, but unfortunately it doesn’t allow external lavalier microphones. The Wireless Pro is really not compact and has no noise canceling and no smartphone adapter.
The Hollyland offers something of a compromise here. It’s somehow the most well-rounded overall package, as it has something for every situation and remains really compact.
Which combo is right for you? Do you need direct monitoring?
There are several combinations available for purchasing the microphone. For those who wish to record with more than two microphones, there is even an option that includes four microphones.
In addition, there is the option of direct monitoring headphones, which also work wirelessly and come with their own case. We found them to be acceptable; you can’t judge the sound 100% because they are not closed in-ear headphones, but if you want to hear what is being said, they are a good option for a few extra dollars.
However, if you always record nearby and can hear what is being said anyway, you don’t necessarily need this extra.
The last option is a Solo Bundle, which consists of the camera receiver and a microphone. This does not include a charging case and comes with far fewer accessories. However, it can still be worthwhile if you are recording alone, as the good recording quality and internal 32-bit float recordings remain the same.
Conclusion Hollyland Lark Max 2: Another recommendation!
The scope of delivery, range of functions, and price are simply a good fit. The DJI Mic 2 could still compete, but it is an outdated model. The Wireless Pro is too big and too bulky.
The choice of 4 transmitters and with or without headphones also makes the Lark Max a flexible solution. It impressed us in our practical test and we can highly recommend it.
You can find more wireless microphones from other brands here: Wireless Microphones.
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