MINI TESTS
SPECIFICATIONS Audio functions: Mono, stereo, safety track, mute Range: 100m/328ft Frequency: 2.4GHz Interfaces: TX 3.5mmaudio input port, RX 3.5mmTRS output, 3.5mmheadphone jack Built-in and lavmics: Polar pattern–omnidirectional, 20Hz-20kHz Dynamic range: 100dBA Latency: 5ms Battery life: TX 4 hrs; RX 7.5 hrs Charging time: TX 45mins, RX 65mins, case 2.5hrs Transmitter dimensions (WxHxD): 37x37x17.5mm/ 1.5x1.5x0.7in Transmitter weight: 21g/0.05lb
HOLLYLAND LARK 150 WIRELESS DUAL MIC SYSTEM £312/$329 hollyland-tech.com
paired. You just turn them on and they communicate instantly. The charging station provides this auto-pairing technology, as well as allowing for firmware upgrades, in addition to being a convenient case. And all the cables you need are also included in the kit, plus wind muffs for the TX unit’s built-in mics and a storage bag. The receiver has a headphone jack for monitoring and uses an OLED display, so you can see the settings as you cycle through the main functions of mono, stereo or safety. The first two are pretty obvious. There are two dials on the RX unit to adjust audio levels from -10dB to +10dB in single dB clicks. A push of one of these dials mutes that channel. The safety track means the left channel is mixed audio from both TX units, while the right is a -6dB version of this, so if there’s a sudden increase in volume, you have a lower-volume audio signal to use. The safety track mode is labelled ST, so be careful not to confuse this with stereo track. The plastic hotshoe mount for the TX unit is tough to fit on to the camera, and the crocodile clips on the
Innovative firmHollyland has resolved the common problem of recording two subjects into a DSLR or mirrorless camera via a single wireless receiver with its Lark 150 wireless dual mic system. The kit comes with a single receiver that fits into the camera’s hotshoe and plugs into the audio jack with an included cable. There are two separate transmitters, one for each interviewee. Each has a built-in omnidirectional mic, so you can clip the small transmitter (TX) box simply to the subject’s clothing. Also included are a pair of high- quality lav mics. If you want to hide the TX unit, you can plug one of the lav mics in and simply clip it to a belt, or tuck it away inside a jacket or shirt. And with the TX unit only being a compact 37x37x17.5mm/1.5x1.5x0.7in and weighing just 21g/0.05lb, it’s very easy to hide. The clever bit is that the receiver (RX) and both transmitters fit inside a custom charging case, which you charge via USB-C – just like the popular Apple AirPods. This way, all three bits of kit are charged at the same time and the units are always
ABOVE The RX unit sits on the camera hotshoe and is ideal for recording two interviewees RIGHT The TX units are tiny, and the RX is pretty small, too. They all fit inside a case for charging
lav mics are very powerful – unlike the fit of the lav mic foam covers, which are very easy to knock off. In use, the audio quality is excellent and clear, with the lav mic having a slight edge over the built-in mic. The quoted range is 100m/328ft, but once walls are involved, this does tend to reduce to an extent. But these are small gripes, as the Lark 150 is a light, compact, easy-to- use and affordable system that solves the issue of recording two subjects. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 Hollyland continues to innovate with its wireless products and the new Lark 150 is an effective audio solution. Pros: A neat solution for two mics Cons: Lav mic foam covers aren’t very secure
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