GEAR MINI TESTS
HOLLYLAND LARK MAX £299/$299 hollyland-tech.com
SPECIFICATIONS Modes: Mono/stereo/noise reduction Range: 250m/820ft with line of sight Frequency: 2.4GHz SNR: 70dB Interfaces: 3.5mm TRS audio input/output, USB-C charging Built-in mic: Omnidirectional. 20Hz-20kHz Sample rate: 48kHz, 24-bit Battery life: 9 hours (7.5 hours receiver, 22 hours with charging case) Charging time: 2 hours Backup recording: 14 hours Internal memory: 8GB Receiver dimensions (wxhxd): 58x40.8x23.2mm/2.3x1.6x0.9in Receiver weight: 60g/0.13lb Transmitter dimensions (wxhxd): 48.5x30.3x19.4mm/ 1.9x1.2x0.8in Transmitter weight: 33g/0.07lb
Convergence so often rears its head as technology matures, with so many companies ending up at a strikingly similar solution. That’s definitely the case in wireless audio systems, where the specs and form factor of the new Hollyland Lark Max is strikingly similar to other rival brands’ products. Just a few years ago, Hollyland led the way with a simple solution to the problem of recording two subjects into a camera via a single wireless receiver. The Hollyland Lark 150 Wireless Dual Mic System came with a single receiver that fits into the camera’s hotshoe and plugs into the audio jack with an included cable to provide a mic-level signal. Then there are two separate transmitters, one for each interviewee. Each transmitter has a built-in omnidirectional mic, so you can just clip the small transmitter box to the subject’s clothing. The receiver and both transmitters fit inside a custom-made charging case, which you charge up via USB-C like Apple Airpods. So all three bits of kit are charged at the same time and the units are always paired. By default, they turn on when they are removed from the case. If you don’t want to use them straight away, you have to turn them off with a button on the side. The newest Lark Max keeps all those features, plus magnetic plates for an
“Like so many of the latest wireless kits, they also feature up to 14 hours of backup recording in 48kHz, 24-bit WAV” easy way to attach them to clothing. And like so many of the latest wireless kits, they also feature up to 14 hours of backup recording in 48kHz, 24-bit lossless WAV. But instead of being forced to use a smartphone app, you simply plug the transmitters into a computer or smart device. Both transmitters also have a 3.5mm input jack so you can plug in lav mics if you want. They aren’t included in the kit, though. But fluffy windjammers are for the built-in mics. Recording modes – mono, stereo or safety track – can be set using the screen and menu dial on the receiver. The menu button also allows you to set gain and EQ, as well as mute. The audio quality is improved thanks to new mic technology and is incredibly clear – while the range of 250m/820ft with a clear line of sight is very good.
WHAT A LARK Both TX units and the RX are small, and fit neatly in the cool charging case (right)
The system also has active noise cancelling, which cuts down unwanted background noise. It’s a useful feature, but slightly changes voices since it has obviously cut out certain frequencies. Other settings include Hi-Fi, Low Cut and Vocal Boost. With a lengthy battery life, compatibility and cables to work with USB-C and Apple Lightning devices, the Hollyland Lark Max is a wireless audio system that is a close match for many of its rivals. That is, until Rode launched the new Wireless Pro with 32-bit float. If you don’t need that, you can save £100/$100 and go with the Hollyland version. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 A small, portable and good-quality two-channel wireless audio system Pros: Good build quality and noise cancellation Cons: No 32-bit float recording
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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