Why Is This Wireless Mic So Popular? Hollyland Lark M2

[@samuraiintellectual]

You might make note that using the lightning receiver does NOT give you the ability to split the track if using 2 transmitters , they are summed together as opposed to being on the left and right. Similar to the original Dji mic using the lightning connector. Dji fixed this issue with the mic 2

[@tombuck]

That's a good point!

[@DAD5447]

So should I use the camera receiver through an audio interface I could record two sperate audio tracks?

[@samuraiintellectual]

@@DAD5447 yes

[@hitcom-nl]

Great review! It touches all the pros and cons. However, when using the windscreen, you can see which side is up by the small arrow that is located on the back.

[@UnhandledExceptionShow]

Love the review. DJI Mic has been too complicated for me, so I decided to get this one for simplicity. Thanks for the helpful review. I really liked your noise cancellation demo :)

[@tombuck]

This is definitely super simple! Hope it works out well for you 🙏

[@UnhandledExceptionShow]

@@tombuck Ordered it tonight. Excited to try it out this week. Thanks again!

[@TransplantHelper]

I’ve had mine for over a year. I really like it. Particularly outside where there’s no room noise. I have the new DJI mic mini and I love it as well. I actually use it in a handle as a traditional handheld mic straight into my M4 Mac.

[@mattwruff]

They may be fine, but I have all the cheap wireless I could ever want. a comparison with the new DJI mini might be nice but I have the Rode Me that works with the RCP2 and I have my DJI2 set and one DJI mini that works with the Pocket 3 directly and that it no MORE! FYI they just announced Hollyland Lark M2S

[@tombuck]

That's definitely enough to cover all the bases!

[@BikerMomRideouts]

Great video, and enjoyed your play on words :)

[@kaitykimball1461]

I've been seeing so many people using these and have always wondered! Thank you for this!

[@fohx]

I have noticed a few streamers use this for their live streams and wondered what it was. Now I know! It sounds great. Also - lol at the windscreen haha

[@tombuck]

That windscreen is ridiculous 😅

[@santi_martorell]

Hi Tom, congratulations on the video. I own this Hollyland Combo and I'm very satisfied with the audio quality and how discreet the transmitters are, but I would like to bring to the community a very negative aspect for me, and that is that you can't adjust the gains of the microphones separately. At the time of purchase I assumed that the gains could be adjusted independently. If I had known, I wouldn't have bought them. When recording interviews, there is always one person who has more vocal power than another. Greetings, and again congratulations on your work!

[@InternetDoggo]

Ooh, these are tempting! Thanks for the review!

[@PawFromTheBroons]

12:40 There is an arrow pointing up, at the back of the mic, so you know how to point it up

[@talktothemicrophone5731]

T.B dropping the Gold once again. Thanks for your service. ❤

[@mattliller]

Great review! I know I must be onto something when I do a review of the same product (before yours completely blows mine out of the water). As a tip, there’s a small arrow on the backside, just under the magnet, that lets you see where the mic capsule is when the windscreen is on.

[@JeffryGonzalezHt]

Great stuff! Thanks - but did I somehow miss the video where you introduce your assistant? I want a review of the wacky waving inflatable arm tube man!

[@tombuck]

He has a pretty hefty contract.

[@Kingjay814]

I’ve been looking at this system for months now. I’m getting into the video space mainly just doing like talking head videos. I was originally thinking of going with something traditional like the Deity PR-2 or something more “professional” but these little simple solutions are really appealing. Also I guess as luck would have it Hollyland just released an even smaller version of this thing today called the M2S which look like little clip mics which is also really appealing for keeping a nice clean look.

[@tombuck]

The new one seems neat too! Personally I like that these transmitters aren't only clips so that they can be put anywhere, but totally I get why they wanted to make the visible part even smaller.

[@Makon94]

Nice video as always, loving the puns.😁 I suppose the stereo mode might be useful, if you're editing the audio in postproduction. Therefore each audio clip can be edited separately. :) If the Lark M2 had 32bit float, it would be a no brainer purchase. I like the slightly more treble heavy outcome, that way you can put it even under your shirt and get acceptable audio from it. Thanks for the comparison. Keep it on 🖖

[@tombuck]

These things are just so small I don’t see how they could fit a recorder in there. Maybe the receiver could record? But then I guess it wouldn’t mean recording could be used as a backup option since it’s still be prone to any interference 🤔

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

i picked one of these up a while back and i would say it does sound better than almost all of the other wireless lavs out there except maybe the 500 dollar shure move mic system

[@Scorpion_007]

Good detailed video ❤

[@rogeriogomesosorio4755]

11:52 I just bought my kit and I hate the windscreen… it’s hard to put on and just so big… makes it lose the purpose of having a small mic

[@tombuck]

It's weirdly difficult to put on- glad to know that's not just me!

[@carolinaattorneys]

LOVE your latest content! We're still working with the "old school" (2 years ago) DJI wireless mic system. Works great. I've gone a few rounds now with buying the latest and greatest gear. Admittedly, I'm a tech nerd. Do you ever get worn out with the hyped "best new mike" and/or "best new camera" releases from different companies? Based on your commendations, we use a Sony a7 IV and love it. Do you see the future of video/audio tech defined by a drop in cost and slight, minimal improvements or truly innovative changes/upgrades in offerings?

[@tombuck]

Oh I 100% get burnt out by the hype train! Sometimes there are things I'm genuinely excited for when they're released, like the Rodecaster Video or something I've really been looking forward to. But for the most part I prefer to just follow what I'm personally excited about. I happened to release this video on a year old product the same day they announced an upgraded version, but I'm way more interested in this "old" version than the new one 😁

[@carolinaattorneys]

I'm a Rodecaster guy and also use ECAMM, which seems like the newest Rode product might make it superfluous. The problem is what I infer as a STEEP learning curve on the new Rode device. ECAMM is easy. . .and already set up and working. Thoughts? Hey, also, since you're the guru for all things tech, any recommendations for MAKE experts?

[@AWAShowme]

14:49 Jesus that's good footage. Did you color grade that?

[@InternetDoggo]

24:45 Wow I love this shot

[@Treborray]

You was killing me with the punchlines!! Got me cracking up in the grocery store lol!!

[@tombuck]

Haha thanks- this made me laugh in line at the pharmacy 😅

[@Treborray]

@ haha!!!

[@NKhurrami]

Hi Tom, Is it possible to connect the Rodecaster Pro 2 to Rode Streamer X or vice versa?

[@tombuck]

You can connect the receiver to one of the XLR inputs either with a 3.5 to 1/4" adapter or a 2.5 to XLR cable, but only Rode wireless mics can pair natively with the Duo/Streamer X.

[@NKhurrami]

@@tombuck Thanks Tom. You are such an inspiration. I figured out how to connect my Rode Wireless Pro into Streamer X / RCP II (using Rode VXLR adapter). But my question was more related to connecting the RCP II to Streamer X, just like you did in your other video with RCP II going into the Rodecaster Video. I believe I asked you this under that video, but simply cannot find my comment anymore for some reason. I really hope you can answer me, since nobody (Rode including) has replied to me yet. I have my ZV-E10 II going into Streamer X. Shotgun Mic (AT897) going into Streamer X. And Streamer X connected to MBP M2 via USB1. Then I have my RCP II going into my MBP M2 via USB1, Rode NT1A-5th Gen connected to XLR 1, Digital Piano connected to XLR 2+3 (as a stereo pair) and my monitoring headsets into Headphone Port 1 of the RCP II. All I want is to be able to use both mics while recording videos, while singing and playing the piano without having to plug / unplug cables. Sorry for the long comment, you're my ONLY shot :) Without the blue color, I'm almost following your lead here, so big fan ;)

[@scottsmithstuff]

Hey Tom, fantastic video -- as always! And hey, quick question for you (or anyone reading this), I believe I've been misunderstanding stereo vs mono this whole time: so if I plug the Lark M2 into my iPhone and record a video in *mono*, and then play the video back on my macBook, will I still hear the audio equally from both the left _and_ right speakers? If so, that's great! I was always thinking mono meant I would only hear the playback out of one single speaker. I understand this is like audio 101, but hey, we all learn somewhere haha

[@JoshRazauskas]

It does sound surprisingly good! Great review as always, Tom!

[@joshadams8761]

That noise cancellation does remove the fan noise pretty well.

[@tombuck]

I was honestly pretty surprised!

[@ww1www]

The Saramonic had quite hissy noise. Now a question about the Holyland: if you record a wired mics and the Holyland at the same time, what latency is there?

[@troymoney31tm]

I have the new hollyland M2s it's really good! 👍🏿

[@cultogeek5129]

They literally just released the Lark M2S today😂, and i bought these during black Friday, you should try and get the new ones for testing😅😅

[@AlexandrePenot]

Hi Tom! I am a podcaster who records only 2 to 3 hours talks between two people. I wonder if such a system would be used for that, connected to my Sony ZVE10 for video, when I am far from my home studio. Have you tried to record 2 people speaking with these via a stereo track ?

[@tombuck]

It's designed for 2 people, so definitely no problem there. The biggest thing would be the audio quality. It's definitely good, but not quite the same as what you'd get from a "traditional" podcast setup (although you can add EQ of course). If you're looking for simple/portable, the Rode Interview Pro might be a better option. You can pair them with Rode wireless systems, or just record internally and mix the audio in editing.

[@AlexandrePenot]

@tombuck the fact that I have never seen it used by 2 people "worries" me a bit. My opinion is that the audio quality for 1 person is very good so I would have liked to hear it with 2 people talking to each other. About the rode interview pro, it is an handheld device so really not made for an off location 2h+ recording. I guess I'll try a small and inexpensive 2 emitters wireless mic someday as the risk is not that big. Thank you Tom for your great videos that I regularly watch since a few years back. Cheers from France!

[@LouisLuzuka]

U gonna try the lark m2s😮

[@tombuck]

I don't think so. It looks neat, but I actually don't like that the transmitters are only clips. I like that these ones can be put anywhere.

[@MikeMena]

Hmm... wow. I don't need this at all... but, I want it... lol (just bought THE prompter! life changing dude)

[@tombuck]

YES! The prompter is the best.

[@AJTrucker]

I guess you didn’t get the memo about the new one 🤔 It would be awesome if you could review the M2S

[@tombuck]

I prefer the older design, but I'm interested in seeing what they've done with the new one. I’m not really into the clips.

[@DoronBond]

😂😂😂 the puns yo are hilarious

[@m1kel]

tom, did it come with the white sticker? i think they did. i wished they had the white when i first got set. the audio quality is really good

[@m1kel]

id still prefer this over the rode or the dji mini. this is so sleek and great. i got the dji mini and form factor is big, this one, i can quickly stick on a microphone on events when im on a pinch and it looks fine

[@tombuck]

Yeah, it did. 👍 Absolutely wild how tiny they are!

[@MatthewMartinez77]

Regarding sound quality, I rank them as DJI > Rode > Hollyland. And for being simple and portable to use, it's DJI > Hollyland > Rode.

[@AnalogFlava]

so you mean dji is the better then rode then holly land or the other way around?

[@salah5441]

dose it work with Rodecaster duo

[@tombuck]

You can connect the receiver to one of the XLR inputs either with a 3.5 to 1/4" adapter or a 2.5 to XLR cable, but only Rode wireless mics can pair natively with the Duo.

[@osmosisdaily]

They just released another one. But I have always had good use with these

[@JorgeLG]

Hi Tom… could you do a comparison with the cheap ones from Amazon that cost under $10? I sent you the mics for you to test them if you want. Arriving on 01/13

[@JorgeLG]

Arriving today by 9 PM

[@tombuck]

I've done a few videos on super cheap mics, but the only one under $10 that I've found to be decent is the little "Tiny Mic" (the lavalier that looks like a little handheld mic). It's kind of a gimmick but sounds surprisingly good! And it's really fun to use. I've also used the Pyle SM57 clone, which was about $15 but works very well. Beyond that, I've found the $35-$50 range to be where you start getting some really decent performing mics.

[@JorgeLG]

@@tombuck Great

[@luke_1234]

I tried setting up the receiver to the cold shoe mount, no matter what I do it doesn’t work even with another boom mic. Maybe bad auto input connector?!?!

[@tombuck]

Could be defective. There shouldn't be any trick or anything, so if it's not just working easily, something might be wrong.

[@programmer-network]

Hi Tom, I wonder, did you record this video using Hollyland Lark M2? Thanks!

[@tombuck]

Yep 100%

[@programmer-network]

@@tombuck Damn man, it sounded amazing. How much post-processing did you do, if any?

[@SirCookie-monster]

hey tom .. did you have to speak loader then usual? is it the mic or volume setting ?! i can see it from your neck lol

[@tombuck]

I just have a weird neck I think 😬

[@johnkelly219]

I just checked their website. The cheapest package for the Hollyland lark m2 is $118.50, while the dji mic mini package (1RX+1TX) is $89.

[@blackjohnny0]

It has pretty good sound.

[@curtishustace]

was this review going out on a lark for you? :P

[@tombuck]

You know it! 😁

[@TaiishaBradleyPR]

I tried to use my mic with Snapchat and it didn’t record the sound. Any tips?

[@atlasbesikniyo8753]

I've been waiting for you to review this and it's interesting since you released this when Lark M2s just came out. Regardless, they are excellent products and I'm glad to know you liked them.

[@tombuck]

Haha, total coincidence 🫠

[@BoReynolds]

Tom, humor me and tell me you saw MY video of the Lark M2

[@tombuck]

I just did watch it and it's a fantastic review!

[@BoReynolds]

@@tombuck You're AWESOME Tom! Thank you!

[@zephanmoses]

Punny! love it ha

[@donbullock-techihound]

As others have said, I’ve been seeing the Hollyland microphones a lot of places and wondered what they are like. You covered it very well. I’d love to use one but I can’t. My problem with all these small microphones is somewhat unique. I have a pacemaker and magnets can affect it. I have to be very careful around any strong magnets and can’t go through metal detectors. I agree with you that the Rode wireless microphones do have better sound. I’ve noticed that in all the comparisons you’ve used it in. For now my original Rode Go (the original one) still works. The batteries have held up well. I usually use it with a lavalier microphone. Since it’s Rode’s “old” wireless technology it doesn’t pair with my Rodecaster Duo but I have a dongle from Rode that allows it to plug into the second XLR input. It works great.

[@kalapahar]

I bought combo set last august. Used without the app on my iPhone 11. Out of the box it worked really great and I did little editing with the audio. It's a great addition in my audio video equipment.

[@tombuck]

Yep, simple and reliable. I've been super impressed!

[@TC_Conner]

I have that system, but unfortunately I can’t recommend it for one seemingly stupid reason: THE WIND MUFF IS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET ON! Other than that, it’s a great product. I am replacing it with RODE’s Wireless GO (Gen 3), expected delivery Saturday. (I contacted Hollyland and voiced my "stupid" little complaint, they asked for a video of me trying to put the wind muff on, I obliged and sent it in but have not heard anything back yet.)

[@tombuck]

The wind muff is VERY frustrating!

[@StevenScott12153]

Rode said they will make new version that are user repairable and that is what I am interested in

[@PvtDamion]

I was actually leaning towards the Lark Max for better audio to my PC without being tethered to it. Eventually went for the beacn mic, which I love! But for outside recording, this one always caught my eye, being so small, easy to use and cheaper than it's bigger brother. Edit: never heard about the Saramonic Ultra, going to look into that one too

[@tombuck]

Glad you found a mic that works well for you! I personally prefer this over the Saramonic by quite a bit.

[@PvtDamion]

@@tombuck that's very good to know! I think I like its subtlety the most and it sounds great too (but you make pretty much any mic sound great)

[@TransplantHelper]

The wind screens are clunky but I always put the mic under my shirt with magnet on the outside. It’s ultra small and works great even in windy conditions

[@tombuck]

I think that's the best way to go. Definitely the least-slick part of the setup.

[@gaips]

Hollyland announced the M2S (Mission Invisible) this morning. All it is missing is 32-bit float recording.

[@LouisLuzuka]

😮

[@tombuck]

I just saw that- seems neat and they kept the price low. But I actually don’t like the new transmitter design since it HAS to be clipped (I think). I like that these can be placed anywhere.

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@tombuck good point

[@DustinFrancis]

@@tombuck That’s actually what I thought too. I really like my Lark M2 and it has surprised me with its distance capabilities at times. I think the stickers they come with is so basic, but so valuable…I immediately covers mine with the black ones and it’s worked well with all my cameras and phones and tablets.

[@gaips]

@@tombuck I wish it had 32-bit float recording. I also wish it had an alternate, smaller footprint in terms of visibility.

[@Ranger7Studios]

The Lark is the most discrete mic of the bunch. And the 2S just came out which has a mic that clips on to the shirt, while the transmitter is under your shirt. It's also the one that doesn't have an obnoxious logo constantly in your face. So no wonder it's popular. No one wants to advertise other companies in their corporate videos.

[@tombuck]

Yeah, I love this one. Definitely appreciate that they let you cover the logo too.

[@ItsRyukin]

i don’t know if Bluebird’s gonna like this one. I’m pretty sure if i have one of these sets i would’ve name them like what I did with every accessories that i have so far. 😅

[@tombuck]

"Larky" 😎

[@ItsRyukin]

@@tombuck Larky sounds like something out of a Cartoon Network character name. 🙂

[@ClintsGrievances]

I guess these went on sale because the Lark *M2S* came out...

[@WillFlynn-f8z]

I love that you do not consider yourself to be normal :)

[@tombuck]

I’ve been accused of being a lot of things, but normal has never been one of them 😅

[@blakepace]

❤Looking more and more like your fellow genius Reed Richards❤ Better casting than Pedro Pascal in my book.🎉

[@tombuck]

I'll take it! haha

[@AnthonyMorales71]

I Love the Lark M2. Very discreet and they sound great. Pack them up in the cinch sack and go.

[@TorchHacker]

I lost one of the M2 magnets 😢

[@johnheiser2604]

Wow, lightning and USBC. RODE take note.

[@skeennah1927]

Now you have to review the Lark M2s............................

[@tombuck]

It seems neat, but I think I'd still prefer this one because I actually DON'T like the clip design on the new mics. I like that it's an option with this one, but the magnets are what really make it versatile!

[@GilbertTV]

I hate watching a video for a product I nearly bought & didn't haha.. I just bought the Neewer CM28 instead 😁

[@tombuck]

I haven't used the Neewer, but I'm sure it's great too! Most of these systems are pretty solid now 👍

[@GilbertTV]

@@tombuck I got it on offer for a ridiculously low price & all the reviews seemed very good & im looking fwd to using it . keep up the great work Tom

[@HoopNuke]

I have been seeing these everywhere but since most people that use them aren't audio nerds, I could never find the name of them. I was really shocked when you said the battery life is around 10 hours, and I was even more shocked when I saw the price was only around 130$. Man, good and portable audio is getting so cheap, what a time to be a content creator !!

[@dankelly]

And, it comes with TWO mics.

[@tombuck]

Right?! There are so many options out there that it's easy to become jaded, but this is all insane! Just a few years ago decent wireless audio required at least $500-$800 for a system with a steep learning curve.

[@TorchHacker]

I have the DJI Mic 2 but I bought Lark M2 because: 1) Less editing. Good to go. 2) Smaller receiver with pass-through charging. 3) Discrete transmitter (flip it under a shirt with the magnet on the outside for an impromptu windshield). That said, I still use DJI Mic 2 with lavs as a backup in case it's raining and water causes the USB-C port to disconnect the receiver.

[@hellounclesim]

They have a new one that is a clip! (So this one is last gen already. Just kidding ;) )

[@tombuck]

I’m hoping they keep both option! I actually prefer the magnet style over the clips since it’s a bit more versatile AND still includes a clip option.

[@hellounclesim]

@tombuck Yeah. I do like the look of the new one on shirts but the magnet ones are a better grab and go solution. There are so many great mics now! 🙂

[@escapingdeception5799]

They just dropped the M2S

[@tombuck]

I hope it didn't break!

[@escapingdeception5799]

@ lmao

[@joerama]

im”port”ant … ouch!-) @28min

[@sirwillemgaming9686]

Lark M2S is out

[@tombuck]

I hope they keep selling this one because I actually prefer this transmitter design over the clip design on the new one.

[@sirwillemgaming9686]

@@tombuck And you can surely put this one anywhere on the cloth. It's also hidden when you don't actively seek the m2 mic.

[@Kevinmagendans]

I believer its a verry good package for its price point. The DJI mic is verry good and the rode as well but this is good wireless audio for an affordable price.

[@tombuck]

It's awesome that there are so many legitimately good options out there now.

[@ryanharper-brown]

That windscreen looks like a Tribble...

[@tombuck]

They cause a lot of trouble.

[@ryanharper-brown]

@@tombuck just keep 'em away from the grain. And Klingons.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

I use the Lark Max for the weekly update videos I make for my church videos from different locations on our campus, but this has really got me wanting to get these anyway for the simplicity and the fact that it can be used on the fly for videos you want or need to capture on phone. That sale price is amazing too

[@tombuck]

They're so small! Even though I have some of the other systems, there's definitely a place for these too.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Sounds great!! I'm assuming you're referring to me as the pro who used this mic.

[@tombuck]

Of course! Jokes aside, you were my deciding factor in buying it.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@tombuck I'm going to change my channel name to Tom Buck Influencer

[@tombuck]

You did make this Buck spend bucks 🤷‍♂️

[@TransplantHelper]

The lark sounds better than them all in studio. Thanks for a great review

[@tombuck]

It's a great sounding system overall, and for the price, it's VERY tough to beat.

[@Zack-Hates-Youtube]

To answer the question in the thumbnail.. why is it so popular? Because the company paid for reviews of their products to come out today according to my subscription feed lol 1 hour ago 3 in a row came out

[@tombuck]

I dunno- I bought mine on Amazon in November and made the video several weeks ago and scheduled it for today.

[@Zack-Hates-Youtube]

@tombuck very weird! 👍

[@arnoldsnodgrass2953]

You’re thinking of the new M2S version which is different.

[@JohnScottB]

The Lark M2 mics are better than they have any right to be. I got them to mic up my young kiddos for family/travel videos. The fun stickers make them want to wear their "smiley face button" and I can easily pair them with my Sony camera, my Osmo Pocket 3 (using USB-C adapter) or my phone. Genius stuff and legitimately great audio quality. I take the mics out of their case and just carry them in a small sling bag with the USB-C adapter when we are out for the day and just charge them back up at night. All day battery life and so tiny. Big ups to Hollyland!

[@tombuck]

Oh that's so smart! It didn't even occur to me that the silly stickers would be good for kids- of course!

[@HomesickMac]

Great walkthrough Tom, I'm looking at my old Film Maker Kit by Røde that's still fully functioning... but so good to know there are upgrading options like Lark, so the future don't look ..dark ;-)

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Thanks for the video. Fair review. The Lark is fine in my experience. It's inexpensive, super-discreet, and good enough soundwise, although it needs an EQ tweak in post for acceptable results, imo - most mics do to some degree! The only real drawback, as you hinted, is that it'll probably be landfill within a few years of use because of the non-replaceable batteries. Again, that's the case with many such mic systems costing quite a lot more. I've only had mine for a few weeks, so we'll see just how robust it is as time goes on. P.S. Avoid the inbuilt noise cancellation. It's not good enough in ANY of these systems, imo. Instead, do it in post, folks. Thanks again. 🙂