Hollyland Lark M2 Review VS Rode Wireless Pro

Hollyland Lark M2 dual wireless microphone system review.
Hollyland Lark M2 is a brand new super-compact dual wireless microphone system - a successor to a very popular Hollyland Lark M1 system. Hollyland Lark M2 transmitter weight only 9 grams and is as small as button on your coat, has a lot of different magnetic attachment accessories like a pendant, a regular magnet and magnetic clamp. The whole kit of Hollyland Lark M2 Combo Version weight less than 250 grams, has a receiver that can be used with cameras and computers, but also a tiny USB-C receiver and Lightning receiver, so you can use the Hollyland Lark M2 with any smartphone. Hollyland Lark M2 has built-in noise cancellation feature, 9 hour battery life of the transmitters and up to 40 hours in total with a charging case. Hollyland Lark M2 is great for beginners, vloggers, bloggers, travelers and those who want to take interviews on a budget. Today I'll be making a comparison of Hollyland Lark M2 vs Rode Wireless Pro in terms of audio quality indoors and outdoors. Enjoy watching Hollyland Lark M2 wireless mic system review!
Official prices:
- Hollyland Lark M2 Combo Kit - 179$
- Hollyland Lark M2 Camera Kit - 159$
- Hollyland Lark M2 Mobile (USB-C) - 139$
- Hollyland Lark M2 Mobile (Lightning) - 149$
#larkm2 #hollylandlarkm2 #hollyland
00:00 - Hollyland Lark M2 Review
00:24 - Combo kit - what's inside?
01:00 - Battery life
01:28 - Charging case
01:40 - Transmitters overview
02:45 - Camera Receiver overview
04:00 - Phone receivers and other accessories
06:05 - Different sets prices
06:45 - Outdoors audio test vs Rode Wireless Pro
08:06 - Hollyland Lark M2 with iPhone 15 Pro Max
08:55 - Audio tests indoors vs Rode Wireless Pro
10:20 - Hollyland Lark M2 distance test
12:13 - Smartphone control with a transmitter!
12:58 - Conclusion. Who needs this system?
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• Hollyland Lark M2 Revi...
My gear kit.co/WOLVEY

[@NOlimitsON]

How did you like this tiny system? #larkm2 #hollylandlarkm2 #hollyland

[@gigihanmandarin]

Tiny but tinny.

[@HalfManHalfTech]

Hollyland is doing amazing stuff in the audio space. More competition is always welcome 🙏🏾 and these are pretty good.

[@tgt-by-altero]

Super cool review! Well done! I'm amazed that these 'buttons' can work so long. Magic batteries inside! Cheers!)

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks)

[@agelesspics4556]

Good review. I’ve got the Rode Pro and must say the Lark does sound better from your video.

[@GBImagecreation]

"1,2,3 Mic Check - 1,2,3 Mic Check" Thanks for the review Bro

[@NOlimitsON]

🤪😎

[@AidanAnthonypv]

Immediately ordered the M2 after hearing the comparison with the Rode. Thanks man!

[@NOlimitsON]

Welcome, bro))

[@soysmc2933]

Hello :) Im thinking about picking this mic set up. Would you share your thoughts :) Im having a hard time finding content that is not sponsered, so sadly i cannot be 100% confident it works for my use case.

[@AidanAnthonypv]

@soysmc2933 it's great! Audio quality is fantastic (step up from the Wireless Go II, DJI mic imo) and definitely better sounding than the new DJI Mic 2. Again no 3.5mm jack and no 32bit but a great option for budget filmmaking/content creation.

[@soysmc2933]

@@AidanAnthonypv Thank you :) Imma place my order now then!

[@GLu-qc6vn]

Thanks indeed. Your excellent video has greatly helped me in my decision process. Much appreciated!

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks mate) stay tuned!

[@TechieTard]

No lies man, that Lark M2 right there is looking nice enough for me not to wait until next week.

[@Walk4r]

you are the only product reviewer I actually listen too. Great stuff bud.

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks bro)) I really appreciate it!

[@Sebastian_Amsterdam]

Interesting compact button lavalier design! Thanks for detailed review. I see a future where all known brands will come up with some kind of ultra small microdesign lavalier-transmitter combinations… with limitations on wireless distance.

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks) stay tuned)

[@LiveProductionTips]

I am planning on getting this combo as a backup for the size and the Rode Wireless Pro with one white lavalier For weddings filming

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Looking forward for Rode’s answer to this great product

[@ntgnate]

I'm going for Lark M2 all day I've tested it out and bro it's fire the noise reduction is top notch love em ❤❤

[@DannyFyffe]

I thought the noise cancellation did nothing except make it sounds worse in that it was a tinny, echoing sound. The distance was a bit disappointing as well. Other than that, if you face the camera and don't go far, it sounds good.

[@1vegasdood]

What a "cool" backdrop in the forest....😂 The sound seems very adequate for vlogging....I like the unobtrusive look of the "button".

[@mohamedrefaathamed422]

Hi, thank you for the excellent review. I had a question about the mic being omnidirectional, any chance you can advise on the minimum range/distance between the speaker and the mic that maintains decent audio e.g can one mic be used to record an interview/conversation between 2 people sitting away from each other or doesn't it need to be very close to the speaker? Many thanks.

[@NOlimitsON]

Hi! Thanks! The optimal distance is about 20-40 cm from the speakers mouth (ideally on the chest), so I don’t suggest using 1 mic for 2 speakers

[@mohamedrefaathamed422]

​@@NOlimitsONthank you so much

[@doctorcosta]

In a nutshell: Buy it now

[@LarryL619]

Out of the box, the M2 sounds brighter than the Rode - which I actually like. The M2 looks like a TINY mic meant for simple or quick deployment. I JUST bought the Rode ME because I found more value in the dynamic gain adjustment. The M2 looks like a great quick deployment solution but the Rode ME might give me useable audio in weird or clip prone situations. As a one-man crew, I’m looking for “set it and forget it” but results I can trust. I’ll have a to see how it performs in the long run.

[@PeterAlanJohnson]

You mention a mono\stereo mode, but according to the manual the mobile receivers (and I THINK the USB out from the camera receiver?) are fixed in mono

[@NOlimitsON]

The mono/stereo is available for camera receiver (so it can either send both mics signals to both left and right audio channels of the camera, or separately - one mic to the left channel and one mic to the right). With mobile devices like smartphones it’s always stuck in mono

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

Im curious if its possible to plug the receiver in an iphone with a case? Or you must take off the case? Lets say a normal size case not too bulky?

[@NOlimitsON]

Depends on the case) but for most normal cases you should be fine

[@mahdijanlou7204]

Thanks for this amazing video bro ❤

[@NOlimitsON]

Welcome, stay tuned)

[@mole1596]

Is there anything else which comes close to this in terms of flexibility AND can record internally/independently? I want to have this as a backup option. I suppose a workaround could be to record on a separate phone (or something else?) and sync audio to video in post? I don’t mind spending an extra €100 for the DJI mic or Rode Wireless Go II if you think they are better? But I love how inconspicuous this one is! Doesn’t look like a mic at all.

[@NOlimitsON]

Not really… all the mics with built in recording are at least 3-4 times bigger 😅 yes, your backup plan should work) I think Hollyland lark Max or the Rode Wireless Pro is overall a much better choice)

[@mole1596]

@@NOlimitsONThanks. Would you say one of them is less prone to interference in longer range, and just in general? Is there a big difference between the Max and Wireless Pro? I can get the Max for €200 and the Wireless Pro for €300.

[@NR-rv8rz]

£129 in the Uk for the combo kit. Case + two transmitters and one usb receiver. I really like the small size and weight as the Rode mic sagging my Tshirt down is quite annoying.

[@SR-mm2wz]

Where from? Currently £169 Amazon for combo

[@dumpbig4114]

What about Lark M2 transmitter's self background noise? Does Lark M2 has less noise than Dji Mic? Where is the sound more cleaner (i mean voice sound + noiseless) - Lark M2 or Saramonic Blink 500 Pro B2?

[@NOlimitsON]

As far as I'm concerned - it's comparable to DJI Mic and batter than the Blink

[@thirdrockjul2224]

Nice presentation! 👍

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks! Stay tuned)

[@THFFChannel]

Hi! Does it work with gopro 11 without the media mode. Thank you!

[@NOlimitsON]

Didn’t test it, but I guess it should

[@GLu-qc6vn]

The weight of the charger is greater than the rest of the system combined. For my use case of hiking and trekking videography, I'd prefer an optional ultralight charging case without its own battery -- but only the connections to the devices, and to a USB C for external charging. I'd charge the devices from a power bank I'd carry anyway, or from my ultralight solar panel when possible. Or from mains power in some hostels/teahouses. But for short trips I wouldn't need to carry the charger. For that the weights are miniscule indeed. Alternatively, perhaps adding wireless charging to each device wouldn't add much weight, in a Mark 3 version?

[@NOlimitsON]

If you need the lightest setup possible pay attention to this system (for smartphone only though) - Best Dual Wireless Mic for iPhone 14 Pro Max | Comica Vimo S Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJeveKShhrd9ptU

[@SandyToesDetecting]

So there are 3 receivers ? (lightening / USB C & block ?) Bit confused at this.

[@NOlimitsON]

Yes, exactly.

[@SandyToesDetecting]

@@NOlimitsON ok, thanks, I just returned the Mk1 as it's a messy setup with cables having to be purchased separately . Just replaced it with the neewer 28

[@FaizurRahman-xx9zc]

Hi, thanks for the review.. can i use this in meetings to record minutes with approx 40-50 people sitting in U shape arrangement? Also is it compatible with zoom h8 voice recorder? Please advise.. thanks 😊🙏

[@NOlimitsON]

You can, but don’t expect crazy good audio in such conditions)

[@NOlimitsON]

It is compatible

[@FaizurRahman-xx9zc]

@@NOlimitsON thanks alot! Im planning to use multiple mics as i can connect multiple mics on zoom h8.. hope it works

[@kimsanov]

What shotgun mic do you use for recording?

[@NOlimitsON]

Perfect Audio at Home with Sennheiser MKE 600 and DBX 286s kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3vaeYmwn9yggac

[@markshirley01]

I actually preferred it to the Rode mic, thanks for the comparison. Seems a very neat little system, Im glad they have the black stickers with it. Have you tried it behind your t-shirt say with the magnet at the front.

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks) I did try, if you don’t move a lot - sounds fine))

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

Can you compare this one to the comica Vimo c

[@NOlimitsON]

I don’t have one))

[@pendonje]

Does the Hollyland Lark M2 (USB-C or Camera 3.5mm TRS version) work with the DJI Osmo Action 3 ?

[@NOlimitsON]

Why not?) it should)

[@JMTZS]

Yes I saw a video and it works

[@pendonje]

Can you link the video?@@JMTZS

[@andrehugomedia]

Size is great but lack of 32bit float is a deal breaker for me personally as a one man band filmmaker.

[@NOlimitsON]

There is no room for it) I don't think there will ever be a system this small and with internal recording)

[@LiveProductionTips]

I am planning on getting this combo as a backup for the size and the Rode Wireless Pro with one white lavalier For weddings filming

[@sudharsanvj8531]

Wondering how these mics would perform if we move around a lot?! I am fitness trainer, so i will have to be moving a lot while recording. Will the mic keep dangling against my shirt, creating lot of noises?

[@NOlimitsON]

Depending on the type of movement and the shirt you wear… I think in most cases it should be fine

[@sudharsanvj8531]

@@NOlimitsON Great. I am a yoga teacher. So I will be moving while teaching yogasanas (postures) and movements. I will also have to move around all the time while I am taking class which is normal walking. So I guess that shouldn't be a problem. But we sometimes do dynamic stuff like spot jogging... Thank you for your reply

[@lachlanharmer985]

Not bad, but without the option to use a lav mic it's a no go for me. Really like the design and features though!

[@PeterAlanJohnson]

They are so small, I'm not sure that matters to me

[@lsmith77]

is it possible to attach a charger to the iPhone when the adapter is attached?

[@NOlimitsON]

Sure) and I said about it in the video))

[@antoinecolin892]

Can you test with one insta one X2 direct usb c or bluetooth ?

[@NOlimitsON]

I don’t own this camera…

[@annoholics]

I think that if you make a comparing video that you should actually compare the two systems because I had the feeling that the rode system has some very nice features that are not really mentioned. The Rode Wireless Pro system e.g. has two lavalier microphones included, which are for sale for around 100 Euro / US Dollar per piece. These microphones give better sound quality and can be hidden even easier then the Lark M2. The Wireless pro also has internal recording, which means you never lose audio because your connection is broken. It also has 32 bit float, which means that you can never clip the sound. Sinds you are not monitoring the gain levels when you use such a microphone this is a fantastic feature. Your entire video seems almost like an advertisement. So my question is if you get paid for making this video and if you did not get paid, did you have to send the set back or could you keep it?

[@TheRealBarkinMadd]

And don't forget timecode on the Wireless Pro - that's a game changer if you already use timecode in your multi-cam shoot.

[@annoholics]

@@TheRealBarkinMadd Indeed. The Wireless pro is a much more professional system and if you compensate for the two lavalier microphones that you get with this system then the prices are not so far from each other as you might think. For roughly 70 - 80 Euro / USD extra you get all these features. Also, for the people who use a Rodecaster pro 2 or duo, you can wireless connect to that system with the Wireless Pro.

[@NOlimitsON]

I compared those only in terms of sound)) they are not straight competitors 100%

[@L5Nlcommunicatie-design]

I think this video was OK to me because it just shows the comfort, the sound quality and possibilities. And indeed it shows also the better quality of the Rode Wireless Pro. When you have less budget, the conclusion is fare enough. It delivers you a fine wireless system.

[@annoholics]

@@L5Nlcommunicatie-design People compare products always with the price of that product in mind. If people see two wireless recording system and one of them cost $180 and the other $450 then it is obvious that people will choose the system for $180 if they don't know what the differences are and they think that both systems are roughly the same. The price difference is simply to high to justify the sound quality. If you know however that the more expensive system has 2 extra lavalier microphones included, that give way better sound quality and cost $200 and that sound quality is not even shown in the test then the comparison is totally different. If you also add 32 bit internal recording and all the other features in the comparison then the Rode system becomes suddenly verry attractive to a lot of people. One of the big advantages of the Hollyland is the small size, so it is not that obvious in the frame. With the rode system you saw a big Rode logo in the frame. However the lavalier microphones make it even less visible. The rode system is something that you usually would put in your pocket and the lavalier would go under your clothes and get clipped on your shirt. It is hardly visible on darker clothes. You could even tape it on your chest with some special tape. That is a lot harder with the Hollyland. IMHO you should compare all the features if you mention the price. Not just the audio. Especially not if you use the least sounding microphone that is included in the package. That is simply not a fair comparing.

[@KanomtomTH]

wow like your review

[@NOlimitsON]

Thanks mate)) stay tuned)

[@tyokoboy4061]

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

[@NOlimitsON]

I didn’t test it; but I’m 99% sure that yes)

[@tyokoboy4061]

@@NOlimitsON if you have chance, please test it, and let me know result !! Thank you☺

[@TheCoeliacCyclist]

The Rode clearly sounded better to me with a much deeper bass sound. It is a lot cheaper but for me audio is really important and I don't think these are really good enough.

[@Heimdall-hb5it]

Well the Wireless Pro should be compared to the Lark Max. There you have not so much of a difference tbh. The point with the M2 is imho that its amazingly small.

[@MarioCastillion]

I got to have this: it is a very clever design!!! Wowww!!! The noise cancelation is an absolute no-no, because it distorts the sound (and it's ugly).

[@NOlimitsON]

Agreed) stay tuned bro)

[@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?"

[@NOlimitsON]

Noise cancellation is no magic, bro) the best way is to reduce the noise around you as much as possible and to clean audio in post

[@hassanalroz9881]

@@NOlimitsON "After watching a video where someone activated the noise cancellation feature on the Lark M2 microphone near a TV without picking up its sound, I became curious and decided to ask this question."

[@ikm-san]

Rode clearly sounds fuller and rich, unfortunately. Thank you for your great comparison video, bro!

[@NOlimitsON]

🤗🤗🤗

[@demetriusmrt9513]

Can you use this in a 🎤 for Mobile content ??

[@NOlimitsON]

Didn’t get your question mate 😅 it’s great for mobile content

[@Bo_Hazem]

Wow! They sound good! But no 3.5 jack and no internal recording is a no no.

[@NOlimitsON]

Yes) the audio quality is great) considering the size and weight - the internal recording and a 3.5 jack is physically impossible)

[@Bo_Hazem]

@@NOlimitsON Well understood. More suitable for vloggers and non-professional works.

[@redesignedlife777]

@@NOlimitsONit’s not impossible. They could have allowed for a micro so card insert. That could have fit. I’m pretty sure the next version will have on board recording. And that is when i will want it

[@markshirley01]

@@Bo_Hazem it depends what you mean by professional - I have rode filmmaker units with lav mics, but at events when I need quick interviews they can take to long to apply and can kill the moment. So this system is quick and the sound for my work would be fine - my customer would pay for the clips.

[@Bo_Hazem]

@@markshirley01 Well, all tools are professional to some degree if the bring you money. Meaning on set when you are filming a documentary maybe you miss something or someone hits the cords accidently, the internal recording would help you + 24/32-bit.

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

Can the Gain be adjusted with iPhone?

[@NOlimitsON]

Through a 3rd party app - yes

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

@@NOlimitsON Which 3rd party app?

[@alessandrogentile718]

can it be standalone or you need a camera or a phone

[@NOlimitsON]

Need a camera or a phone

[@dathofilms]

does it record internally? I suppose no right?

[@NOlimitsON]

Bro, are you kidding?) did you see the size?) it’s physically impossible)

[@dathofilms]

@@NOlimitsON Yea yea I was almost sure, but hope dies last you know :DD

[@Karthik-The-Photographer]

Does the M2 have audio quality like Dji wireless (I mean Rode is way better than DJI's OG wireless but with the M2 i still have my doubt 😅) Thanks in advance

[@NOlimitsON]

I think the quality is pretty comparable)

[@Slipsch]

I want Rode to make something like this. I prefer the sound quality of the Rode more.

[@NOlimitsON]

Yes, me too)

[@daprincehwc]

the Noise Cancelation is a bit agressive for my liking.

[@NOlimitsON]

Agreed

[@BRNDNSLVRA]

How is it that Rode has been doing this for ages and it sounds worse

[@ospray911]

wind noise?

[@NOlimitsON]

It’s fine with the wind protective cover

[@JWS1968]

So you identify a lorry making a loud high pitch sound and instead of waiting for it to pass you go ahead with an 'audio test'. Mind blown. Other than that good video.

[@TOUCHASMR]

🙄

[@GLu-qc6vn]

For me, continuing while the lorry sounded was good to test the noise cancellation. I could still hear the lorry with noise cancellation, at about 25% of it's non-cancelled volume. On the other hand, in another KZbin video test at the noisy CES exhibition (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmXZfqJvfLiAbcU) by FlytPath -- the Hollyland noise cancellation was more effective. It seems to cancel ambient conversations better than a fairly high frequency single tone.

[@catz-media]

what about distance? you left that

[@NOlimitsON]

As usual - about 30-40 meters with line of sight

[@madoppozitman3181]

Сударь, да вы истинный британец оказывается))

[@NOlimitsON]

Почти 😅

[@sg2.096]

How to use det cat with that mic

[@NOlimitsON]

Simply pull it over the whole transmitter as I did during the outdoors tests)

[@infiveg]

Алиса переводит тебя как - Проверьте сто двадцать три микрофона!)))) Нет спасибо! Я на такое не подписывался))) Это же куча работы))

[@NOlimitsON]

??)

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Holly what sup pandas

[@storiestellr]

this thing will sell like hotcakes 💵

[@user-ym8ii8dy7p]

I bought lark m1 recently 😅😅😅😅

[@NOlimitsON]

It’s still great)

[@joshrosales]

This is good for close distance vloger. not for Wedding.

[@NOlimitsON]

100%

[@allout_fun]

The noise cancellation is not great. the voice doesn't feel natural

[@NOlimitsON]

Agree

[@user-de1lk8jq2m]

Очень хороший Английский. Как вы его изучали?

[@NOlimitsON]

Спасибо)) вот даже ролик на эту тему делал - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHTlZZ6eqyBgq8

[@user-de1lk8jq2m]

@@NOlimitsON о спасибо) вроде бы давно вас смотрю но такой ролик не видел. Хотя давно это года 2 но не больше 3. А ролик уже как три года вышел)

[@alice10888]

The audio quality of the rode is obviously better.

[@NOlimitsON]

Sure) but it’s 4 times the price)

[@fabricioface]

What a dark video!

[@NOlimitsON]

😅😅you’re the first one to mention)

[@techno.travel]

Купил RODE WIRELESS ME звук хороший, но попался брак, сдал обратно! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4jQdKKPmN1-rMUsi=q43X1-VM584QgL7o Стоит ли покупать Hollyland M2? Как звук, по сравнению с RODE? Напишите, кто знает.

[@bentomlin]

It seems like a cool system for quick setups, but for anything serious I'd want 32-bit internal recording, ideally timecode, and a lav input. Clearly this is for a different market than me. P.S That noise cancellation sounds like a dodgy video call, no thanks!

[@LWT633]

You really do t need 32 bit … it’s just tech chasing … if you pro audio you won’t be using Bluetooth ,it’s to begin with

[@ChadPrime69]

Maybe you don’t… if your doing professional work like weddings 32 bit is almost essential to make sure your audio is usable at all times

[@annoholics]

@@LWT633 Well, you don't have to use Bluetooth if you record internally.

[@S2keyz]

Rode still kings

[@user-kf3ix2kd1o]

Am I wrong to think that M2 actually sounds better than Rode Pro? Should I go see a doctor for my ears?

[@NOlimitsON]

It sounds really nice) but not better than Rode)

[@user-rz2gq3mr6f]

You are right M2 is best

[@AlbowaSinema]

No. 😂 You are not wrong.

[@PHUKU]

Bruh the transmitter is a mic you don’t mention anything about whether an external mic can be connected. If mic can not be connected it’s not a transmitter it’s a wireless mic only.

[@NOlimitsON]

I did say that due to the size it’s impossible to connect any external mics) this is really obvious) it is still a transmitter technically because it transmits the signal as a wireless mic to the receiver

[@PHUKU]

@@NOlimitsON calling it a transmitter would suggest it’s primary purpose is to transmit like the DJI and Rode ones, yes they have internal Mics attached but they are bulky for a reason because most people don’t use them as mics but only as transmitters. This is just a wireless mic bro without any third party mic transmission capability.

[@Makta972]

In 2024 no 32bit no buy.

[@NOlimitsON]

Some people simply don't need it)

[@katyasins2.0]

Когда будут запущены продажи в рф и в мире?

[@NOlimitsON]

Уже)

[@alexandrzatonsky]

русский чтоли?

[@NOlimitsON]

да

[@AccelyReviews]

По акценту не слышно что ли ? 😂