DJI Mic vs. RØDE Wireless PRO vs. Hollyland LARK M2

This is my in-depth review and comparison of the RØDE Wireless PRO vs. DJI Mic vs. Hollyland Lark M2. I run lots of tests including an audio comparison, both inside my studio and outside with background wind noise, a far range test, pros and cons to each wireless mic system. Each of these are pretty awesome, but depending on your budget, let's find out which one is the best fit for you. (This video is not sponsored by anyone. Big thanks to Hollyland, RODE, and DJI for the sample review units.)
Hollyland Lark M2: amzn.to/48MPLWv
RØDE Wireless PRO: amzn.to/4aHtNGk
RØDE Wireless Go II: amzn.to/41J8gsA
DJI Mic: amzn.to/4aLFN9C
RØDE VideoMic NTG: amzn.to/3RJxpyL
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (Creator Combo): amzn.to/4aLigpp
Moment MagSafe Tripod Mount: amzn.to/3voFkKq
Instagram: / schmanke
TikTok: / schmanke
My Camera Gear: www.amazon.com/shop/bschmanke
Chapters:
0:00 Which one is best?
0:29 Lark M2 is tiny
1:45 Audio comparison
3:17 Unique Lark M2 features
5:01 Range test
7:09 Lark M2 + DJI Pocket 3
7:56 De-brand the TX
9:00 Magnetic accessories
9:25 RØDE
9:49 DJI Mic
10:48 Most bang for the buck?
Disclosure: some of the links I use are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

[@TechieTard]

The Lark sounds just like the first Rhode that you demo at the beginning, and the DJI sounds like the NTG. I'd go with the DJI, very crisp.

[@bryguyworktag]

Excellent info and review! Thank you for taking the time to make this and share!

[@timbrowntown]

Wow! For the price and convenience, the Lark M2 is "sounding" pretty good. I think the Rode sounds better than the others, but the DJI and the Lark M2 sound evenly matched. I do know that after DJI's latest firmware update, the Mic 2 sounds better with my DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

[@AuthenTech]

Interesting! I’ll have check out that new firmware. Thanks for sharing

[@karolykrausz5534]

I'm thinking the same. The Rode offers by far the best sound, however for the price the Lark M2 is awesome.

[@AlbertoPirrotta]

Thanks so much for the review !!

[@MichalCilekAI]

Thank you so much for this review, it is very valuable to make a direct comparison. Thank you. Michal

[@doktorsaab]

Fantastic review. Enjoyed each second. Thanks Ben!

[@AuthenTech]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you

[@EstebanAraque]

Wow that was awesome. Thanks bro. I need those M2.

[@jeremymosteller1833]

Bro, you do such great videos. I really appreciate you, man. I am helping my Dad get started on doing youtube and IG videos/shorts and this Hollyland Lark M2 looks to be a perfect fit!

[@romanhern5903]

This is a fantastic review every question I had was answered 🎉

[@AuthenTech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pruost]

​@@AuthenTech​ guys I've been trying to figure out a technical problem with the lavalier mics maybe you could help? How to use both lark m2 and an Bluetooth earbuds together 😭 ​I been researching this lark m2 for a week now, one thing I'm trying to solve is that how to also connect to a Bluetooth/ wireless earbuds (only for hearing the other side) WHILE using the lark m2 as the sound input. What I've found is that when u connect the lark m2 receiver through the charging port, then you connect the Bluetooth earbuds which also always come with inbuilt mics, it'll consider it as both sound input and output so it'll cancel the lark m2.. I've been trying to make it sense how to maybe split the charging port through a splitter and connect the Lark receiver to one and use a random Bluetooth receiver to connect to my earbuds on the other female end of the splitter.. Did I make sense? That way it could possibly be forced to understand one is charging the phone (lark receiver) And the other is "cable headset" (Bluetooth receiver for the jbl earbuds which I wanna only hear the other side from) But then will it to be too damm heavy hanging a whole computer system thru one little charging port??😂😂

[@belleyouuu2637]

Wasn't expecting to see you try the lark with the dji pocket 3. A very nice surprise as I am looking at both times to purchase in the future! Good to know it works together

[@fdersf1]

Great vid! Very informative! Can you use the mic on a Zoom call with the iphone and still hear the audio from Zoom? Having to unplug a wirelesss mic to hear audio makes Zoom calls impractical on an iPhone

[@irvinJoelBanta]

Dude… you’re at half a mill subs!!! Gaining some momentum!!

[@affandih]

Received Mic 2 TX only with white pearl yesterday. I tested with Action 4, I really love it. Just turn on the power both devices, instantly connect. I prefer DJI Mic 2 TX only than other Mic.

[@Joe-GMY]

You're absolutely right, handsome guy! I've have just bought the Hollyland LARK M2 too. It's just awesome!

[@MrFredsDIY]

Great review as always. what is the battery life like or the lark?

[@DavidWinstead]

Great comparisons man, it really helped me to decide on the LARK M2! Thanks for sharing!!

[@thehumblesouthpaw]

Great Review - the Hollyland caught my eye. I am somewhat new to doing KZbin videos and have been using internal mics on my computer or camera. My audio definitely needs improvement. Does each type of microphone address different scenarios? Or is there one that encompasses everything?

[@MarS-dc2qx]

Dji is releasing the mic 2 with 2 mics and 2 options, transparent or the pearl white tomorrow January 15th😉

[@CITYEXPLORER74]

I think somebody dont like logo it can be just painted black. great video. good to see new companies coming up in market with great ideas that helps in making videos easier.

[@dronyland]

You don't have to paint anything actually. The company already includes some stickers with this microphone set, to hide the logo if you like.

[@OscarsPlaces]

Great video, I will get one of those.

[@ItsAadom]

Much needed video

[@ddvantandar-kw7kl]

Enjoyed watching your video

[@AdamKozak100]

great vid, thanks

[@tontongasy]

Fantastic review! And how is the Lark M2 in background people talking? And did you experience the Godox wec kit 2 which was release recently?

[@AuthenTech]

I brought the M2 to CES in Vegas, with a ton of background noise & people talking, and the noise removal worked fairly good! If you want to hear how it sounds, stay tuned to my upcoming Shorts where I use the mic

[@ejasackey]

Best review on this

[@RyanKorea]

Gonna pick up the Lark M2 to replace the DJI Mic 2 that I got with my Pocket. Love the tiny form factor, the way you can black them out with stickers, and I can use them on my mirrorless camera and phone as well as the Pocket. The sound quality is fantastic for that price!

[@TukundaneYonna]

You have made the best review so far. Thank you. I am subscribing.

[@ShervinShares]

Now I want one

[@BassManStrikes]

The Mic 2 doesn't need a receiver with the OA 4 or Pocket 3 so that's a big advantage.

[@AuthenTech]

True, I love the wireless efficiency! How’s the audio quality on the Action, I haven’t tried that sync up yet

[@BassManStrikes]

​@AuthenTech don't know can't get a stand alone mic 2 transmitter yet, apparently next week they are announcing it.

[@NR-rv8rz]

The small form factor and weight of the transmitter is attractive.

[@justingarnell8355]

Thanks for the video. You might wanna do in very windy conditions. This is where the Rode Wireless Pro tops. Also the Rode Wireless Pro & DJI Mic 2 records 32 bit float on the transmitter. It doesn’t matter even if it drops out of range. It’s not a good comparison at all. This is where the Lark M2 lacks.

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

Does the Hollyland have a gain adjust button? I find I need +6DB on both the Transmitter & Receiver for the DJI. Curious if Hollyland has that functionality on the USB-C version? Also, how long does the battery last on those small button Transmitters?

[@MuddyBootz]

Hollyland has a rotary dial 3 stage gain adjuster

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

@@MuddyBootzThat's only on the camera Receiver. If it's being used with the Lightning or USB-C Receivers, it needs to be adjusted in the app.

[@user-jo8xq6wc4j]

do you think the hollyland lark m2 is durable enough to do mic’ed up sports with it?

[@jg_barfi]

The iPhone footage you added.. is it in HDR Or SDR ? Because HDR video Can’t be edited correctly in premiere pro ! Colors are usually washed out Thanks alot for the efforts🙏🏻

[@Twin.motors]

I bought the Hollyland, the ease of use and quality is incredible. Worth every penny and the sound is very high quality

[@dronyland]

I own the DJI wireless mike already and very happy with it, but tempted to get this one just because of its smaller size, to use instead of the DJI when traveling. That noise canceling function seems to work OK, but in same time, the audio sounds a bit "robotic" though.

[@AuthenTech]

It's probably not truly as top audio quality as the DJI/RODE, but for many people, it's more than sufficient

[@gayshrink3190]

Thanks for the review. Question: Do you think the lightning receiver would work with a Freewell case on the phone? Thanks in advance.

[@AuthenTech]

Sorry, I'm not sure how thick of a case it would work with

[@foodieinlagos]

This just sealed it for me - getting the M2!

[@peter360adventures9]

Awesome.

[@g13jon]

🥳Great video. Thanks. Do you know if the USB-C version will work when plugged into a MacBook / Mac Studio USB-C? Or does it have to be a mobile? Thanks,

[@AuthenTech]

Did I forget to show this in my review?! It was one of my favorite features, plugs right into my Mac, and instantly works as wireless input mic, it’s awesome!

[@g13jon]

@@AuthenTech ah really? That seems like a really awesome feature. But if there’s no mobile app running when the usb-c version is connected to your Mac, how do you control the settings? Thnx again 😉

[@HenrySanchez99]

Hi! The Lark M2 sounds and work better than 7Ryms iRay DW30?

[@StrongbyLee]

Any experience with connection dropping during recording? With no onboard recording, bit hesitant.

[@pcoussa]

Can you connect the Hollyland receiver to an external recorder?

[@mcubaynes]

Do you have a record button on the lark2 or you have to press record on the receiver, I want something like that that clips just like a button and when I want to record a click on tat button

[@FBombBaggers]

He hears rumors while the new Dji mic 2 is already chilling by him for review lol.

[@Docfly62]

Where do you see the DJI Mic 2 near him?

[@AidanAnthonypv]

@@Docfly62 in the thumbnail and at 2:38. Was sent out to reviewers as part of the Pocket 3 release I believe but its launch was delayed. Quite a few reviewers breaking their NDA and testing it lol

[@Docfly62]

@@AidanAnthonypv how'd miss that. Thanks

[@mirrorlessmemory]

It’s just the transmitter microphone that comes with the pocket 3. It’s very likely the stand alone model will look exactly the same but no one knows what the case or the receiver will look like when it officially releases.

[@MrKing1990]

Forget everything else you're talking about. Where did you get that crewneck!?

[@Eric-lh6wp]

Hi! Hollyland M2 has version with a volume adjustment in the receiver and a version with USB C without volume adjustment. I red both versions work with the Hollyland app on your phone which features volume adjustment as well. So what's the advantage of the receiver version with volume adjustment?

[@sheryltupa4289]

I’d like to know if this transmitter for M2 can be plugged into mixer’s mic jack.

[@PhilRushworth]

Any word on how long these will last? We have a Saramomic Blink 500 and after a couple years it's become unreliable. I also have a couple non mic DJI products that are still going strong after 4-5 years of dedicated service.

[@RebelMotovlog]

can you do comparison between DJI mic 2 and Lark M2 using Osmo Action 4? and turn off the noise cancelation to get the ambient sounds, me and others motovloggers are waiting these simple set up that works. So we will really appreciate it if you do it

[@orionsbelt0]

Calling the Rode transmitter large cracks me up. When I first started the Sennheiser packs were considered small. 🤣

[@cayman2010]

How do you do a 2 person interview if the interviewer is also manning the camera but you have 2 persons in front? These mics need to allow for at last 3-4 person interview setup.

[@Slipsch]

I like everything about the DJI mic 2 except for the sound quality. It's abit too bright and abit too detailed for spoken words, and most people use these mics for spoken word application. Nothing unfixable in post but I would prefer for it to be more on the darker side.

[@joshorfo]

I love this thing. On the recever is there a USB-C port for charging/SSD out? I am looking into getting one of these, but I still want to shoot footage onto my external SSD

[@AuthenTech]

I know the USB pass through works for charging (I tested this), but not sure about external SSD connectivity, didn't test this yet

[@joshorfo]

@@AuthenTech if you do try, let me know. I can’t find anything online 😭

[@JulianPardenilla]

I would also like to know!

[@dwmspace]

Is there a way to monitor/listen to the audio while recording?

[@justingarnell8355]

Also if I’m not mistaken, the Lark M2 doesn’t do 2 independent channels for both the mics. That’s a downer for me. The noise cancellations takes out most of the low end frequencies as well. You get what you pay for at this low price range.

[@KonstantinSachkov]

Can I connect the Lark M2 camera version to a phone using USB-C? Does double tap work?

[@quangexi1996]

yes, it works

[@EbenPajanconi]

Can the Lark m2 do internal recording in case the signal drops?

[@williamgates2409]

no

[@NickDowner]

The noise canceling is awesome!

[@AuthenTech]

Works really well here on the CES show floor

[@roninr8199]

​@@AuthenTechlark m1 noise cancelation was not good and doesn't work. Are you satisfied with m2 nosie cancellation like in heavy traffic?

[@SneakyCaleb]

Ok I’m sold the holly land is very nice

[@samirjha1919]

Does Hollyland LARK M2 has a 3.5 mm output? I want to connect it to the speakers during the live conference to amplify my voice.

[@101realtor]

They have a 3.5 mm option.

[@kalyndahaaf7395]

can you lock the double click record. I don't want people I'm filming to stop my recordings by pushing stuff.....

[@abrahamcheong2119]

Can the hollyland lark m2 receiver able to pair through bluetooth to the phone ?

[@Robert-mc9os]

Do any of these wireless microphones work with an auditorium PA system?

[@jayshinmusic]

Yes

[@iiSup3rior]

Woah that voice cancellation for sounds very digitized. I guess its fine for point and shoot and upload straight to tiktok. Although i REALLY would have liked to see you wearing them as they should be used to really get that "bone" sound.

[@walkwithyan]

the hollyland m2 sounds great and is priced well. btw, does it have internal recording? thanks 😊

[@AuthenTech]

Unfortunately I don't think so. This is one of the major benefits of RODE or DJI. Some people really need that, and others never use it

[@antoinecolin892]

Can i use M2 with insta 360 one x2 with usbc or bluetooth ?

[@mikeyama7277]

Have you treid the dji mic 2 on a room full of people and about 30 metters from the receiver? Does the audio drops like crazy like the old dji mic? They were garbage.

[@affandih]

Oh, you can use DJI Mic 2 Remote Shutter for DJI Action 4

[@walterc8984]

Hello Ben! It works really good with the pocket 3. BUT once used, the pocket 3 speaker doesn't work any more...do have an idea why?

[@AuthenTech]

I just tested this for you, and the Pocket 3 playback speaker works perfectly fine with the RX still plugged in

[@walterc8984]

Thank you so much for testing...I am desperate 😢

[@T_Armstrong]

Anyone know if either the 'phone usb-c receiver' or the 'camera receiver' for the Lark M2 can be used to send a split stereo (dual mono) signal to a recording app on an android? So far, all I'm seeing is that this only works when plugged into a camera with the TRS jack. But I simply can't believe they would force us to glue the two mic channels into a single mono file without any chance to adjust them independently in post. Has anyone tried this?

[@TylertheThompson]

What tripod do you were you using with your moment magnetic mount?

[@AuthenTech]

Here you go, I like it: amzn.to/3S2FWNv

[@aglaiais]

Hello 🌞..Sorry, I dont know your name.. Thank you very much for this video 🙏 I don't understand English very well..) Could you clarify for me again: if I plan to record acting materials in open spaces while moving and it is important for me to have the best noise cancellation, then in this case, would it be better to purchase a DJI microphone or a HolyLand M2? Thank you 🕊

[@nabisyed640]

Have been looking at the M2.. if you wanted to send them my way when you are done.. lid appreciate it.

[@theoaklandpanda9129]

Can the Osmo 3 pair with more than two DJI Mic's?

[@BryanPaulPosada]

Why you dont have a DJI Pocket 3 review?

[@pk525]

I do notice a phasing sound with the noise reduction on.

[@nohasslediscgolf]

I recently bought the Lark M1 and haven't been able to record in Stereo with just 1 microphone, which has been annoying, I believe you aren't able to with the M1's or am I not doing something correctly? Can you record in Stereo with the new M2's while only using 1 microphone? Thanks so much! (I'm using the Lark M1's with my panasonic HC-V785 camcorder by the way)

[@nurlanzhanrn]

Yes, the Lark M2 has a stereo mode, combining them together.

[@nohasslediscgolf]

@@nurlanzhanrn Thanks, I figured out how to get my M1's working in stereo

[@nurlanzhanrn]

@@nohasslediscgolf Unfortunately due to M1 I don’t know

[@JR-cp9mb]

What's the light at the back at 7:54

[@moneyboys2010]

The DJI just came across more naturally. If the version 2 is cleaner it’s a wrap for me 😅

[@danielcalderon5342]

Seems a little tini to me compared to the others definitely limited on range the other mics have a much fuller range

[@foodieinlagos]

Just realised I have to get the lightning one for the iPhone 14 Pro since 15 pro have usb c

[@rahuravi5186]

No DJI pocket 3 ?😢

[@jorgevelasquez9955]

Lark 2...Can you run 2 seperate mics into Android phone recording in seperate left and right channels?

[@lhimhuh]

If I use two microphones at the same time instead of one, they can sometimes interfere with each other, is the M2 okay?

[@AuthenTech]

I don't have any friends so I'm not sure 🤷‍♂️

[@drinkinslim]

@AuthenTech -> I've noticed that some tech channels (like this one) have some BIG subscriber numbers. Is this a good niche to get into? Or is it a fight to the top? 😅

[@jaitotheay3474]

heyy can i use the Lark M2 mobile version also for calls and meetings? or only for recording?

[@dinobrown8835]

Yes, you can. I've plug it into my Macbook Pro Usb-c

[@ThouShaltNotBlink]

Wow so many hope u make a giveaway worldwide

[@NomadRiderExpeditions]

Would be great to know if you can hook up the M2 receiver to an DJI action 4 via USB-C

[@AuthenTech]

I’ll try that when I get home from CES

[@NomadRiderExpeditions]

@@AuthenTechno hurry enjoy your time!!!

[@ramblin_reardons]

This was my question as well.

[@AuthenTech]

It works! Here's my video testing it: kzbin.infosT1QzphMTSQ

[@NomadRiderExpeditions]

@@AuthenTech what a legend 🙏🏼

[@damirsencar3038]

Can you share real battery life on receivers, this is the only thing I am worried about

[@abigailhollis3916]

Do I need to sync the lark M2 to the zoom podtrak with an xlr cord or can I just record from the lark M2? I’m looking for a wireless mic option that can be connected to the zoom pod track… Just wondering if you know anything about that? I really interested in purchasing the Lark M2 if it is compatible with the podtrack.

[@DEAR_DALA_LIU]

Need to purchase a camera version and require a 3.5 TRS to XLR cable for connectivity.

[@abigailhollis3916]

@@DEAR_DALA_LIUthank you! Yes that is very correct! I thought I wasn’t going to be able to get the lark M2 because it didn’t have the 3.5mm jack for aux plug.. But now I’m wondering if I should get the lark M2 since it doesn’t have a built in recorder… ???

[@DEAR_DALA_LIU]

The camera version of the LARK M2 comes with a 3.5mm jack, so you don't have to worry about that issue. As for the built-in recording feature you mentioned, the LARK Max does have this functionality. If you prefer a wireless microphone with built-in recording capability, you may also consider the LARK Max. However, personally, I believe the LARK M2 is sufficient for regular vlog recordings and such. Moreover, the LARK M2 is compact in size, making it highly suitable for everyday use. If you can provide more details about the specific scenarios where you typically use a wireless microphone, I might be able to offer better recommendations.@@abigailhollis3916

[@abigailhollis3916]

@@DEAR_DALA_LIU I’m using it for a video podcast, besides I would love to know if the mics audio is good enough to have standalone audio only podcast?…

[@DEAR_DALA_LIU]

"No problem, if your podcast is purely audio with human voices, it should be more than sufficient. But if your podcast involves live instrumental performances, you might consider Lark Max.@@abigailhollis3916

[@contigo4006]

bro you havn't reviewed mark1 . plz COMPARE it too

[@pendonje]

Does the Hollyland Lark M2 work with the DJI Osmo Action 3 as well?

[@yuhhuei1976]

Mobile Version Type-C work with Action camera Mic Adapter?

[@DEAR_DALA_LIU]

yes

[@tyokoboy4061]

Lark 2, is that possible to use with GoPro with type C ??

[@junlihuang7161]

Gopro needs gopro audio adapter. can't directly use type-c receiver to connect your gopro need adapter

[@tyokoboy4061]

@@junlihuang7161. Oh ok, thank you

[@hassanalroz9881]

"Need help with noise cancellation, please! I tried the new Lark M2 mic on my Note 22 Ultra Samsung. Even with noise cancellation set to 'Strong' and volume at 6, TV sound still gets in my recordings. How can I fix this?"

[@remektekmedia6641]

The internal recording is missing. That’s a deal breaker for me.

[@MarS-dc2qx]

Version 2 comes out tomorrow the 15th of January 2024 they will let us know.

[@manicmods]

Thank you, love the channel name!

[@deddyenjoylife3472]

Is it working with insta360 ace pro? Lark M2 usb c

[@walterc8984]

No its doesn't work, only when using the adapter and 'camera' RX with trs-cable

[@MrOkiparker]

For me doing motovlog nonsense the lark will fit in my helmet so much better than a ride or dji. Best get to shopping. Be a big change from my purple panda and gopro media mod.