Hollyland have simply launched their most superior All-In-One wi-fi Lavalier Microphone system, the LARK MAX. We had been fortunate sufficient to place it by way of its paces. In any case, we filmmakers and content material creators are always in search of dependable cost-effective audio gadgets to accompany our visible masterpieces. Is that this new wi-fi Lavalier mic as much as the duty? Let’s evaluate the Hollyland LARK MAX and discover out.

Hollyland is a Chinese language firm specializing in manufacturing wireless video transmissions options just like the Cosmo, Syscom, and Mars households, Intercom systems (Solidcam, Mars, Syscom), cameras (Arocam/Dwell Streaming Digicam), and Wireless Microphone Systems, the place the brand new LARK MAX suits in completely.

Hollyland LARK MAX. Picture credit score: CineD

The LARK MAX will probably be offered in two configurations – the “LARK MAX duo” consists of a receiver and twin mic/recorders (priced at $299), and the “LARK MAX solo”, which is able to come, because the title suggests, with a single mic/recorder subsequent to the receiver and will probably be priced at $199. these costs, it appears as in the event that they had been designed to fight the favored DJI Mic, and at an much more inexpensive worth.

Hollyland LARK MAX. A single receiver and two mic/recorders. Picture credit score: CineD

All-In-One Wi-fi Lavalier Microphone System’s foremost promoting factors

In such a saturated market, you would possibly effectively ask what the primary promoting factors for any firm with this sort of product may be. Effectively, not less than for Hollyland, the reply is obvious, and that is what they got here up with of their newest gadget:

Audio high quality: That is an important level to start out with. I’m joyful to report that the sound popping out of the brand new LARX MAX when utilizing the mic/recorder could be very good! It’s wealthy, lifelike, and really nice to take heed to.

Exterior microphone enter. Picture credit score: CineD

Exterior microphone enter: The choice to reinforce recording high quality by connecting exterior lavaliers of your selection is an important characteristic. I might dare say that if this characteristic was not accessible, I’d skip the gadget altogether.

Inner Recording. Picture credit score: CineD

Inner Recording: I can’t stress sufficient how essential this characteristic really is. When you’ve been uncovered to it, there is no such thing as a going again. This characteristic makes a lot sense for a variety of movie initiatives, like weddings and documentaries simply to call a couple of. With inner audio recording applied in your gadget, you now not want to fret about interruptions, audio cuts, or sudden digicam recording stops. Even in such situations, the audio is securely saved throughout the gadget itself, so the audio will not be misplaced.

Security Observe Recording choice. Picture credit score: CineD

Security Observe Recording: So long as firms don’t implement a 32-bit float recording choice of their gadgets, this is among the most well-liked methods to keep away from “sound recording disasters” like audio clipping.

The true that means of a “security recording observe” is a duplication of the recorded foremost observe however at a decrease stage. With the LARK MAX, at present, it isn’t attainable to concurrently file two audio channels on the mic/recorder itself, (like foremost and sub with decrease dB), so the way in which it’s working now, it’s the receiver that’s sending two separate mono channels to the digicam itself with one being -6dB decrease.

From the microphones to the receiver after which, output to the digicam. Completely different recording modes end in completely different audio ranges recorded within the digicam. Credit score: Hollyland

I actually hope that Hollyland can look into this and allow Security Observe recording throughout the mic/recorder itself.

Auto Report turned “ON”. Picture credit score: CineDAuto Report settings (On/Off). Picture credit score: CineD

(Inner) Auto Report Begin choice: Personally, I’ve adopted to ALWAYS work with such a characteristic if the product permits it. For instance, when engaged on an interview set-up or following an interviewee, there’s at all times a sure component of stress, particularly when working in a “one-man band” fashion. Which means filming, lighting, and audio recording are all being executed by a single individual, and if there’s a characteristic that may assist to scale back the chance of one thing going unsuitable, I’ll snag it. Auto Report Begin is doing simply that. It ensures that one other audio file will at all times be recorded as quickly as you are taking the mic out of the charging field.

environmental noise cancellation (ENC). Picture credit score: CineD

environmental noise cancellation (ENC): To not be confused with Energetic Noise Cancelation (ANC), this sound processing approach is used to scale back or get rid of undesirable sounds from the encircling setting extra naturally.

I’ve blended feelings about this characteristic and let me reduce proper to my conclusion. This ENC factor will work effectively so long as you are attempting to fight fan, hiss, or air-conditioning noise. For those who had been to position it in a extra demanding and noisy setting, comparable to inside a prepare or close to a working engine, you’ll severely jeopardize the standard of your voice recordings.

With 8GB, storage capability, loads of audio will not be a difficulty. Picture credit score: CineD

Compact in measurement, lengthy capability storage and battery life, simple management, and file administration: The very last thing I need to do whereas filming and recording audio is to dive into the menu of my audio gadget and spend an excessive amount of time “digging round”. I need it to be “easy, simple to make use of, and capable of monitor adjustments in audio in “real-time”. I don’t need to always verify the cost on the gadget and be involved in regards to the audio storage capability.

Solely two buttons to take care of. Picture credit score: CineD

On this regard, there are solely two buttons to fiddle with. One is “contact” and the opposite is a bodily push button. Taking a couple of minutes to know how they function will prevent A LOT of time on location and it’s very easy.

If you’re fearful about “recording cupboard space”, or “battery life”, relaxation assured that with its 8GB of inner reminiscence and a comparatively high-capacity battery, the LARK MAX received’t “simply cease recording”.

Not like some gadgets available on the market, there is no such thing as a want for a further App to discover the recorder and verify for the audio recordsdata. After connecting it to the pc, it will likely be acknowledged as an “exterior gadget” so recordsdata might be retrieved simply and instantly.

As you possibly can see, I’m joyful to report that the brand new Hollyland LARK MAX ticks all of the promoting factors and, in lots of instances, exceeds expectations admirably. Whereas there’s at all times room for enchancment, it’s a nice start line and extra for anybody contemplating such a tool.

Left: DJI Mic / Proper: Comica. Picture credit score: CineD

The competitors

As talked about earlier, the marketplace for wi-fi Lavalier microphone audio programs has skilled important progress in recent times and has develop into extremely saturated. There are (so) many firms on the market, however it’s protected to say that at a sure worth vary, DJI Mic (our most well-liked gadget up to now) and RØDE with their Wi-fi GO II are most likely those to take the lead. Talking of which, I’m actually questioning what RØDE’s subsequent transfer will probably be as their GO gadgets lack inner recording. (Within the above picture we added a Comica mic for measurement illustration).

Every of these programs has its uniqueness, however Hollyland and its LARK MAX system are doing an excellent job of mixing most of the helpful options present in each gadgets and delivering them in a single, cost-effective package deal.

Hollyland LARK MAX contained in the charging case. Picture credit score: CineD

Hollyland LARK MAX

Packaging:

As a rule, I’m astonished by the exceptional efforts made by many Chinese language firms in our trade in terms of packaging their merchandise. In at present’s aggressive market, it’s virtually a should (or ought to I say a “given”), however when you recall, not so way back this was not the scenario. On this regard, Hollyland is not any completely different. Holding the field of this new All-In-One Wi-fi Lavalier Microphone system feels as when you simply obtained your self a brand new iPhone. While you open the (magnetic) field, you will see that a sturdy case inside – one that may accommodate EVERYTHING that you must take with you on the go. Inside this case, you will see that the charging case that homes a single receiver and two microphones/recorders, together with an assortment of cables (which we’ll talk about in additional element later) and two windshields. These match completely effectively with every of the microphones/recorders due to a intelligent design. (Be sure that the 2 rubber components are positioned within the mic devoted house).

Intelligent windshield attachment design! Picture credit score: CineD

One comment on packaging: In my view, Hollyland is utilizing an excessive amount of plastic to guard the gadgets and their charging connectors. I hope that the corporate can discover extra environmentally-friendly packaging choices sooner or later, decreasing the usage of small plastic foils every time attainable.

Hollyland LARK MAX mic setting menu. Picture credit score: CineDOutput stage management. Picture credit score: CineD

Setup:

As a common guideline, when recording audio on to the digicam, it’s advisable to set the digicam enter ranges on the decrease finish. Some mirrorless cameras have higher audio preamps than others, however to make sure higher audio recording high quality, this can be a good tip! (In my take a look at, I lowered the digicam enter on the FUJIFILM X-S20 to -22db)

Assuming that you’ve got already charged the case, upon opening it, the only receiver (RX) and two mic/recorders will “smile at you” indicating they’re prepared for use. The receiver will present all three elements’ battery charging ranges subsequent to the charging stage of the case itself.

Recording modes. Stereo/Mono/Security Observe. Picture credit score: CineD

Take away the receiver from the charging case and there will probably be a sign for:

• Audio recording mode (S for stereo, M for mono, and ST for security observe).

• Connection to the mic/recorders indication

• Microphone recording ranges

On the mic/recorders, search for a strong blue mild to point that they’re paired with the receiver and are prepared for use (with out Noise Discount utilized).

From that time onwards, it turns into a matter of mix-and-match settings, relying in your particular objectives and what you need to obtain.

REC indicator on each, Mic/recorder and receiver. Picture credit score: CineD

Within the subject

I not too long ago shot a mini-documentary testing a brand new set of lenses (tune in for the announcement date on July third). Subsequent to the “easy” foremost interview, I used to be recording a number of stay music. The energetic Brazilian band consisted of 4 proficient folks utilizing devices that sounded stunning collectively, however very loud! Once I first heard them singing and drumming, I had considerations about potential audio clipping or the system’s capacity to stage the audio successfully. I opted to pick out the 2 lead singers and hooked up the microphones/recorders to them, after which took additional care in controlling the receiver output to the digicam, guaranteeing optimum audio high quality. I additionally made certain that the mic ranges weren’t too excessive to keep away from clipping at the start of the recording chain. In the long run, and to my reduction, the brand new Hollyland All-In-One wi-fi Lavalier mic coped very effectively.

Microphones ranges indication on the receiver. Picture credit score: CineD

Observe: the audio ranges seen on the receiver AMOLED touchscreen signify the degrees of the mic/recorders. While you get these proper, you possibly can proceed additional down the chain and make the most of the primary rotating knob to regulate the sign output stage to the digicam. (Each mic/recorders might be managed individually). Then, if the audio ranges in your digicam are too excessive, slowly lower the digicam mic quantity till you get good, clear audio.

Spot the magnet on the shirt. Picture credit score: CineDThe strongest mic magnets I’ve ever labored with. Picture credit score: CineD

One other small however essential plus for the system is the energy of the provided magnets. These are really spectacular and price writing residence about. In my mini-documentary, I handled enthusiastic Capoeira instructors, and they’re actually like small children always on the transfer (in a constructive manner after all). Backside line, I ended the 2 days of filming with out shedding both of the 2 magnets and I do know from expertise that this isn’t at all times the case…

Hollyland LARK MAX menu management assortment. Picture credit score: CineD

Issues to love

• Audio high quality. Very convincing sound high quality for the value! Everyone knows how dangerous the letter “S” can sound on some programs. On this one, it’s surprisingly good!

• Fast setting lock/unlock is feasible with a brief button press.

• Very sturdy magnets made for attaching the mics inside a shirt for a smaller “mic footprint”.

• Noise discount high quality: Surprisingly sufficient (or not), my comment right here is on the constructive facet, but it surely belongs beneath within the “what might be enhanced” paragraph, too. Please permit me to elucidate:

As talked about earlier on this evaluate, when coping with “fixed” noise, the noise discount performance performs very effectively. Nonetheless, I’ve but to see a noise discount resolution that works flawlessly in all conditions. Evidently all these NR chips have a particular “sound stamp” constructed into them to scale back particular noise with out the power to “be taught the noise” and isolate it correctly.

• The assortment of cables included within the package deal supplies every thing that you must get began. These embody a 3.5mm to three.5mm cable (for connecting the receiver to the digicam), USB-C to USB-A cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, and USB-C to Lightning cable. It’s price noting that this audio system might be linked to your cellphone and even managed by way of the Hollyland App. Nonetheless, on the time of penning this evaluate, the App didn’t assist the brand new LARK MAX, and subsequently, it was not examined.

• Transmission energy is strong so long as you retain your eyesight with the digicam (receiver). I used to be about 100 meters away from the digicam and so long as I noticed it, the recording high quality was superb.

Max brightness will not be sufficient in full daylight. Picture credit score: CineDMic Indication LED on the mic is simply too small. Picture credit score: CineD

What might be enhanced?

• When filming outside in shiny daylight, the small blue/inexperienced indicator and the separate crimson indicator on the mic/recorder are ineffective. It’s merely very troublesome to see if these are activated or not. Virtually the identical might be stated in regards to the receiver itself though to not the identical diploma. The AMOLED contact display screen stays seen, however efforts needs to be made to enhance the readability of the data displayed on it.

• Both when urgent the REC button or when beginning to file robotically, I might have appreciated a “bodily signal” that recording had really begun. With DJI Mic you have got that brief vibration as a sign. It’s not accessible on this gadget.

• Like with DJI Mic, to my style, the inner audio recording ranges of the mic/recorder itself are too low. I want there was a approach to file internally a bit on greater ranges.

• Again to noise cancellation, this may be utilized to each mic/recorders solely. There isn’t any manner to decide on just one gadget and go away the opposite with out this setting.

EQ Setting menu. Picture credit score: CineDEQ Settings choices choice. Picture credit score: CineD

Conclusion

The brand new LARK MAX confidently goes head-to-head with the DJI Mic, with none sense of inferiority, matching it eye to eye by way of efficiency and capabilities. Its general sound high quality could be very good and “rounded”. Between DJI Mic, RØDE Wi-fi GO II, and LARK MAX, the Hollyland is my winner. The package appears to be full with two mic/recorders and a wide range of helpful options. Working the mics, normally, is simple. On the draw back, it will be preferable if each the primary and security tracks might be recorded as separate channels throughout the mic/recorder itself, reasonably than the present setup the place the protection observe is recorded within the mic/recorder whereas the primary observe is outputted to an exterior digicam for recording.

Do you have got expertise working with Hollyland audio gadgets? Does this new LARK MAX sound like an excellent choice to your productions? Please share your ideas with us within the remark part beneath.