At IBC 2023 in Amsterdam, Hollyland was showing its new LARK MAX wireless microphone system. The LARK MAX is an all-in-one wireless Lavalier microphone system that was designed for It is perfect for interviewing, vlogging, podcasting, electronic field production, online teaching, and any other audio recording applications.
Key features
- Extremely compact, portable design
- 2 TX + 1 RX and 1 TX + 1 RX modes
- Multiple LARK MAX systems working together in the same environment with frequency hopping technology
- Built-in lithium battery with ultra-long operating time
- Charging case for storage and charging
- Automatic switch to the external microphone
- Professional-level wireless audio specifications
- Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology on the transmitter to eliminate environmental noise
- 2.4GHz digital wireless transmission to deliver crystal-clear sound
- Transmitter capability of working as a standalone recorder, with 8GB of built-in storage
- AMOLED touchscreen on the receiver to display recording status, wireless information, and more
The system has a 48kHz sampling rate, 24-bit bit depth, 70dB signal-to-noise
ratio (SNR), and a maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 128dB
The transmitter features what Hollyland refers to as industry-first MaxTimbre Mic technology and a high-sensitivity omnidirectional microphone.
Hollyland also claims that the system features Advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology that can efficiently block environmental noise. You can turn this on or off from the transmitter or receiver.
Each transmitter features 8GB of built-in memory which allows it to record for up to 14-hour ultra-long direct audio recording. The files are captured as uncompressed and lossless WAV files. When the recording lasts for an extended period, the file will be split up automatically every 30 minutes. If the storage is full, newly recorded audio will overwrite the older recorded audio automatically.
The recording file can be exported by connecting the transmitter to a computer or mobile phone. The transmitter storage can be formatted via the receiver or other devices such as a computer or mobile phone.
We are now starting to see more and more wireless audio systems that are also capable of simultaneously recording.
The LARK MAX provides a claimed line-of-sight (LOS) range of up to 820ft (250m). It utilizes dual high-gain antennas, which are said to ensure reliable transmission even in crowded environments. It also utilizes advanced adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) wireless signal transmission technology to prevent signal drops.
The LARK MAX comes with a compact charging case. The transmitter’s operation time is claimed to be 7.5 hours. The receiver can be charged and used at the same time.
The 3.5mm output interface makes it compatible with DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, action cameras, camcorders, etc. You simply connect the receiver to a camera using the 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS cable.
You can also connect the receiver to a mobile phone with the included MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning cable or USB-C to USB-C cable or the optional 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRRS cable.
The LARK MAX also supports USB Audio Class (UAC) standards and can work as a sound card sending audio sources to your computer via a single USB cable.
The LARK MAX transmitter is designed with a magnetic back clip and
clip magnet and it weighs approximately 33g (1.16oz).
The LARK MAX features an AMOLED touchscreen that allows you to adjust transmitter settings and provide a real-time visual check of the power
supply, signal, audio level, connection status, etc.
Price & Availability
The LARK MAX Duo retails for $299 USD and the LARK MAX Solo is $199 USD.