Unboxing
Immediately upon opening the package it is clear the amount of quality that is beneath the cardboard container. As you can see the packaging is a thick material with a nice padded inside to ensure that nothing was jostled or damaged. Inside the box you find a hard shell case with a full zipper around the top. The material of the case is a mesh type in a dark black/grey color that adds to the sleekness and design appeal. One you open the protective case inside is a solid black charging case that contains all the goods. Included in the protective case are your cables that connect the receiver to whatever device you’re using. Also included in the protective case are a couple different lavalier microphones with the puffy piece on the end.
Functionality
For those of you who are unaware, I am the Creator and Producer of the highly loved and coveted podcasts, Cerebral Overload Podcast and The DILFS Podcast available on all streaming platforms. Over the years we have used multiple different recording devices to ensure the highest quality and sound. The Lark Max has been far superior to any other device I have ever used. When we record our podcast we are across the globe. Andrew, my main co-host is in Canada, Ben Sr. is in Pennsylvania, and Ben Jr. is in Michigan. We have had a slew of guest hosts as well from across the world. This being said, we have had episodes where we have been lucky enough to be in the same room together and record. The Lark Max having 2 microphones on separate channels is a godsend.
The Lark Max as I said above has two microphones and a receiver. The microphones, or transmitters, are compact and easy to hold. They both have two options for securing to the subject who will be recorded. There is a clip on the back to use for pockets, shirts or anywhere you want to clip it. There is also a magnet that you can use to secure through a shirt when there isn’t an easy clipping spot. These securing features are perfect for in home podcasts, on the go interviews, or anything in between.
With the on the go use, and even in studio, distance is important especially with Covid and other communicable diseases. The Lark Max boasts a wildly impressive range on the transmitter to receiver. With an 820ft ultra long wireless LOS (line of sight) you can expect the ability to record in almost any environment with so much room to roam. In my case we are generally in one room or a large room. My gorgeous Wife likes to jump on the podcast as well sometimes so she will wear the second microphone. She also will roam around and we still have a clear connection.
You are able to see all of your stats and settings on the stunning 1.1 inch touch screen display on the receiver. This is great to show how well the microphones are picking up the audio you are speaking. It also allows you to adjust any settings on the receiver itself. This is also where you are able to set the receiver to record directly to itself as a back up or if you aren’t connected to a computer or phone. There is a built in 8GB of storage available for up to 14 hours of audio files. You can turn this feature on and off very easily to help record as a back up to ensure your audio is recorded and not going to somehow disappear which has happened to myself before.
Sound
The 3 recording modes available on the Lark Max are Mono, Stereo, or Safety Track. The Safety Track splits your left and right up into separate audio to allow for more customizable editing in post production later on. This coupled with their EQ settings give you the most clear and precise audio available.
The Hi-Fi function provides high-quality audio recording with utmost precision and accuracy. The Low Cut function removes low frequencies of the audio signal, eliminating low-end rumble. The Vocal Boost function reduces environmental noise and improves voice intelligibility, making a more pleasant and crystal-clear recording experience.
The Lark Max utilizes advanced ENC technology to detect and minimize surrounding noise, ensuring the audio quality remains crystal clear and distortion-free, even in loud recording environments. The ENC technology has been a fantastic addition and feature for recording. Sometimes the environment that we record in can have some background noise. The ENC technology filters out the noise perfectly and is extremely user-friendly, allowing you to easily turn the ENC mode on or off from the transmitter or receiver.
Battery Life
The Lark Max has a rechargeable battery built in that can operate for approximately 9 hours and can operate and charge at the same time whether plugged in or in the charging case. The charging case can charge the transmitter and receiver together. The transmitter or microphone can operate for about 7.5 hours and up to 22 hours with a fully charge case. I can’t think of many operations or situations you will need this much battery life but it is there for you. The total charge time is less than 2 hours for a full charge.
Overall
As I said above, this is the best microphone system I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The protective case is a welcomed addition for me as I generally take my equipment on the go in my bag. Knowing that it is safe and secure bouncing around helps my peace of mind. The charging case to hold the main equipment is so strong and solid. It has such a sleek and futuristic design that adds to the quality and love for it.
The functionality to record as a stand alone, plug into a phone, computer, tablet or camera gives you complete freedom to record whenever and where ever you need to. This coupled with the insane distance the receiver and transmitter can have between them gives you range and power that is unmatched by any competitor I have seen.
The touchscreen and knob allowing you to control settings right on the receiver gives you even more control when recording and on the go. This gives you options to control your audio during production and makes editing easier later on. The sound quality is crisp and clear like the air on a wonderful fall evening.
Lastly, the battery life and included charging case gives you freedom to record on the go and not have to worry about staying plugged in and central. This gives you the ability to record literally anywhere and for almost as long as possible without the stress of running out of power. Plus taking less then 2 hours to full charge the entire set up is wonderful when time is important to you.
If you have any type of project or audio situation that you need people to know you mean business then this is the device for you. Not only does it look stunning, the audio results are next level. Head over to Hollyland HERE and check out this plus their other incredible products. You can also head HERE to purchase yours for $249.99 today!
