Hollyland Lark M1 Released – Wireless Audio On the Go

Wireless Audio

by Olaf von VossJuly 6^th, 2022

Hollyland has just unveiled its latest audio product: the Hollyland Lark M1 wireless audio system. It is available in two variants, the Solo (1x TX, 1x RX) and the Duo (2x TX, 1x RX). The transmitter unit sports a built-in lavalier microphone, and the Duo kit comes with a matching charging case.

If you’re familiar with the popular RØDE Wireless GO II audio system, you pretty much know what the Hollyland Lark M1 is all about. It’s a complete audio solution for semi-pros, hobbyists and entry-level professionals such as vloggers and YouTubers. Attaching an external lavalier mic isn’t possible, though, you have to use the built-in omnidirectional mic. That’s why I would call the whole thing rather semi-pro. It seems to be the successor of the Lark 150.

The Duo kit comes with a dedicated charging case that doubles as a carrying case, so you really have everything in one neat package (the Solo kit comes with a TX and a RX unit only, both can be charged via USB-C).

Hollyland Lark M1

According to Hollyland, the Lark M1 is a really small and lightweight system. The transmitter weighs only 11.8g, while the receiver tips the scales at 17.5g. The carrying/charging case is 80g. Size wise the numbers support the claim: 48×21.5×10 mm (TX), 48.3×27.6×11 mm (RX) and 83x60x30 mm (charging case).

The Hollyland Lark M1 wireless audio system uses the 2.4GHz band for communication between the transmitter and receiver (up to 48kHz / 16bit) and features what is known as Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH). In addition, Hollyland claims a range of 200m (650ft) and has implemented a so-called HearClear feature that filters out surrounding ambient noise for clear voice recordings. This can be switched off if needed.

Dialing in the correct volume is done by switching between three presets (low, medium, high).

What’s in the box

The Hollyland Lark M1 comes with one (Solo) or two (Duo) transmitter(s), a receiver, a furry windscreen (two with the Duo kit) and a set of cables: 3.5mm TRS – TRS for connecting the RX unit to cameras and 3.5mm TRS – TRRS for connecting the RX unit to phones. Also included is a basic storage case and, of course, for the Duo Kit, the aforementioned charging case.

Charging the case takes about 1.5 hours and can charge the TX and RX units about twice. Each unit can also be charged separately via USB-C. The TX and RX units run for about 8 hours on a single charge.

Pricing

The duo kit costs $149, the price for the Hollyland Lark M1 Solo has not yet been determined.

What’s really strange (at least to me) is that this new product, just like the aforementioned RØDE Wireless GO II or the DJI Mic, has a large logo of the manufacturer on the front. I just don’t get that, since it’s meant to be seen in the shot – the same applies to the blue status LED. I don’t really wear t-shirts with a big brand logo on the chest either, so maybe it’s just me, but I find this weird.

Link: Hollyland

What do you think? Would such a wireless audio kit be useful for your work? Share your experience in the comments below!