The Hollyland Lark Max represents an upgrade from the highly popular Hollyland Lark 150. This dual-channel wireless microphone system not only promises an enhanced working distance and superior audio quality but also incorporates all the features of the Lark 150 while further improving recording performance in challenging scenarios.
Designed to cater to both professionals and amateurs, this device is suitable for individuals who make a living through shooting as well as those who engage in casual photography. Regardless of your background, the Hollyland Lark Max provides a professional-grade solution for your audio recording needs. Hollyland provided a sample for review, and we extend our special thanks to them for their contribution.
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Unboxing
Inside the box, you will find a range of accessories. These include a Charging Case, Receiver, 2 x Transmitters, 2 x Furry Windshields, a 3.5mm TRS to TRS Cable, a 3.5mm TRS to TRRS Cable, 2 x Clip Magnets, a USB-C to USB-A Cable, a USB-C to USB-C Cable, and a USB-C to Lightning Cable.
Design and Build
The Hollyland Lark Max’s multilayer acoustic structure stands out as one of its finest features. By effectively eliminating unwanted resonances, this clever design not only enhances the sound quality but also reduces susceptibility to wind interference. Remarkably, it significantly minimizes the impact of wind gusts, enabling clear and crisp sound recording even in challenging outdoor conditions.
Furthermore, the LARK MAX distinguishes itself with its exceptional vibration-blocking capabilities. It effectively diminishes any vibrations or shaking that may occur during recording, ensuring a smooth and distortion-free final sound. Even when filming on a bumpy road or in bustling environments, the LARK MAX remains steady, delivering professional-quality recordings.
The LARK MAX comprises three distinct parts of varying sizes: the transmission unit, the reception unit, and the charging case. The transmission unit measures a compact 48.5 x 30.3 x 19.37 mm, providing a portable means to transmit audio signals. In contrast, the reception unit, slightly larger at 58 x 40.83 x 23.17 mm, offers excellent reception and impeccable audio clarity. Meanwhile, the charging case, with dimensions of 115 x 46 x 63 mm, offers ample space for storing and charging both the transmitter and receiver.
Despite their small size, the LARK MAX units boast remarkable durability. The transmission unit, weighing only 33g, is exceptionally lightweight and easy to transport. Similarly, the reception unit, although 60g heavier, remains lightweight and user-friendly during extended use. The charging case, weighing in at 193.5g, provides a robust and secure enclosure for all components, ensuring their safety while on the move.
Display
The large display EQ section significantly enhances the value and overall quality of the Hollyland Lark Max. Additionally, you can utilize it to check the storage space on both microphones and format as needed. Furthermore, the screen clearly displays the battery life and allows you to explore various recording modes and adjust microphone settings if necessary.
Moreover, the menu knob boasts a 360° design with Quick Control, enabling you to customize various settings at your convenience. Likewise, the Home Button on the touchscreen serves a similar purpose, aiding in swift settings adjustments. With just a single tap, you can seamlessly return to your previous interface.
Sound Quality
Firstly, as an avid user of audio recording devices, I immediately gravitated toward its most intriguing feature. The LARK MAX truly elevated the standards of audio recording from the moment I began using it.
To elaborate, what truly distinguishes the LARK MAX is its MaxTimbre Mic technology. This groundbreaking feature incorporates a multilayer membrane microphone, instantly capturing my attention. This design excels at capturing voices with unparalleled precision, ensuring that every word and sound is recorded with astonishing clarity. Consequently, the outcome is audio recordings that rival the crispness and clarity of those produced in professional studios.
Furthermore, one of the LARK MAX’s standout qualities is its ability to faithfully reproduce every sonic detail and subtlety. The device’s MaxTimbre Mic technology enables it to capture even the most delicate tonal variations and sound fluctuations. Whether it’s a soft whisper or a resounding voice, the LARK MAX captures the essence of the sound, delivering studio-quality audio unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
In addition, the LARK MAX doesn’t merely record exceptional sound; it surpasses expectations by ensuring flawless audio quality. The device’s impressive 48kHz sampling rate and 24-bit bit depth preserve the richness and depth of the recorded sound. These high sampling rates and bit depths contribute to overall audio clarity and realism that create a truly immersive listening experience.
Moreover, alongside its impressive technical specifications, the LARK MAX excels in performance, particularly in quiet environments. Its 70 dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) guarantees that even the faintest sounds are captured without any interference or distortion. This feature proved invaluable during my recordings in quiet surroundings, where the device showcased its ability to deliver outstanding results without compromising sound quality.
Accessories
The Hollyland Lark Max offers a wide range of accessories. In addition to the essential items such as the charging case, receiver, and transmitters, it includes 2 furry windshields and 2 clip magnets for attaching the transmitters.
Furthermore, the package contains various connector cables. These include a 3.5mm TRS to TRS Cable, a 3.5mm TRS to TRRS Cable, a USB-C to USB-A Cable, a USB-C to USB-C Cable, and a USB-C to Lightning Cable.
MaxTimbre Technology
The LARK MAX has one of its standout features: its ability to accurately reproduce every sound detail and nuance. Thanks to the MaxTimbre Mic technology, this device excels in capturing even the most subtle tones and sound variations. Whether it’s a soft whisper or a loud voice, the LARK MAX masterfully captures the essence of the sound, delivering studio-quality audio like never before.
Furthermore, the Hollyland Lark Max doesn’t stop at merely recording excellent sound; it goes the extra mile to ensure sonic perfection. With its 48kHz sampling rate and 24-bit bit depth, it preserves the richness and depth of recorded sound. This high sampling rate and bit depth significantly contribute to the overall clarity and realism of the audio, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
Moreover, beyond its impressive technical specifications, the LARK MAX excels in performance, particularly in quiet settings. Its 70 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) guarantees the capture of even the faintest sounds without any interference or distortion. This feature proved invaluable during my recordings in quiet environments, showcasing the device’s remarkable ability to deliver exceptional results without compromising sound quality.
Noise Cancellation
The LARK MAX’s Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology truly transforms the way I perceive sound in various recording environments. One remarkable aspect that sets the ENC system apart is its extraordinary ability to detect and reduce environmental noise. It’s akin to having a virtual assistant actively working to ensure that the desired audio remains prominent and unblemished by the surroundings.
I’ve put the Hollyland Lark Max to the test in numerous challenging recording scenarios. When the din of traffic and blaring car horns threaten to overwhelm any sound in a bustling city, the ENC feature comes to the rescue. It adeptly discerns the desired sound amidst the noise and diminishes the unwanted racket, preserving the integrity and clarity of the recording.
Similarly, ENC technology excels in crowded events filled with enthusiastic attendees. It excels at distinguishing between the desired sound and background noise, effectively isolating and minimizing extraneous sounds. This ensures that my recordings maintain their professional quality and enables listeners to concentrate on the desired sound without interference from other noises.
Moreover, the user-friendly design of the LARK MAX enhances my recording experience. I can easily activate or deactivate the ENC mode with a simple toggle, both on the transmitter and receiver. This grants me the freedom to promptly respond to changing situations during recording sessions and affords complete control over how my audio is recorded.
Stable Transmission
The LARK MAX offers stable transmission thanks to its dual high-gain antennas, providing a clear line-of-sight range of up to 250m (820ft). Moreover, it allows me the freedom to move around without concerns about signal loss. What’s even more impressive is that it incorporates advanced adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) technology. This technology excels at maintaining a steady signal, ensuring uninterrupted audio recording. Gone are the days of dealing with frustrating recording failures or distorted sound.
Battery
When it comes to these kinds of devices, people always worry about battery life. However, the LARK MAX eliminated that concern. I used the transmitter for a solid 7.5 hours, which exceeded my needs. I was surprised to discover that the fully charged charging case actually doubled the transmitter’s battery life, providing an impressive 22 hours.
But the Hollyland Lark Max didn’t stop there. The receiver’s battery life was also impressive, offering up to 9 hours of use. What’s even better? I could charge it and use it simultaneously, which proved to be extremely helpful. This feature ensured that I never had to interrupt my recording or worry about running out of power at an inconvenient moment.
Verdict
We conducted tests on the Hollyland Lark Max over two days, beginning with indoor testing and then moving outdoors to assess its ambient noise cancellation and range performance. While testing on the terrace, we encountered only two sources of loud noise: vehicular traffic from a busy nearby street and construction sounds from a nearby building. The Lark Max impressively suppressed both of these noise sources, and we are satisfied with its performance.
However, the terrace’s limited space prevented us from fully testing the product’s documented range of 250 meters as stated in the manual. We observed a significant drop in range when obstructions, such as a large pillar and walls in the flat we were testing in, were present.
In situations with a clear line of sight, the Lark Max performed admirably, and its audio quality was fantastic. Nevertheless, there are a few issues worth noting. For instance, the Speaker Play option, a valuable feature of the Lark Max, is only compatible with a UAC cable. This means it is accessible when you have connected your USB device with the RX. Conversely, if you use a 3.5mm jack to connect your phone, the Speaker Play option is disabled.
Fortunately, there are workarounds available. You can connect a 3.5mm TRS to TRRS wire to the USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or directly use a USB-C to USB-C connector cable. All the necessary cables and adapters are included in the package, ensuring you’re well-equipped regardless of your phone type or preferred connection method.
In conclusion, we are pleased with the Lark Max and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in need of a professional wireless microphone system for vlogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, or professional video setups. Its extensive fine-tuning options alone make it an excellent choice for those seeking a product that meets their most essential requirements.
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