In today’s fast-paced world, smartphones have become more than just communication devices. They have turned into an object of work for many, and also the main camera, given the high-quality features of some of the devices on the market. However, in addition to the visual aspect, audio quality is as important, if not more, when it comes to recording videos or conducting interviews on the go. To cater to this need for quality audio recording, various products have flooded the market. One such product that has recently gained attention is the Hollyland Lark C1. This ultra-compact wireless microphone is seen as the ideal solution for recording audio from your smartphone without any limitations.
The Hollyland Lark C1 is a small, lightweight microphone that can be attached to clothing, making it easy to carry around. Its wireless feature allows for unrestricted movement, making it a great option for vloggers, content creators, journalists, or anyone who needs to record audio on the go.
One of the standout features of the Hollyland Lark C1 is its ease of use. Simply connect it to your smartphone, and it’s ready to use. It also comes with a dedicated app that allows for easy adjustments of audio levels and settings.
But what sets the Hollyland Lark C1 apart is its audio quality. The microphone is designed to capture clear and crisp audio, even in noisy environments. The audio is also well-balanced, ensuring that there are no distortions or muffled sounds. This makes it an excellent choice for recording interviews, podcasts, or even music.
I recently had the opportunity to test the Hollyland Lark C1, and I must say, I was impressed. The microphone was easy to set up and use, and the audio quality was outstanding. I tested it in various environments, from busy streets to quiet rooms, and it delivered excellent results every time.
Unboxing 
Not only does this microphone deliver crisp and clear audio, but it also comes with everything you need to get started right away. Inside the Hollyland Lark C1 box, you’ll find a charging case for the receiver and transmitters, a charging cable, and two “dead cats” – accessories that help minimize wind noise while recording.
But that’s not all – the experience is made even more complete by the addition of a rigid transport bag. This means that you can keep your Hollyland Lark C1 microphone safe and secure, whether you’re traveling to a new location or simply storing it at home. The transport bag provides extra protection against accidental drops and bumps, ensuring that your investment remains in top condition for years to come.
Design
The Hollyland Lark C1 is a unique piece of technology that is sure to turn heads. When compared to other similar devices such as the Saramonic Blink B500 or the Godox MoveLink UC, the Lark C1 stands out for its eye-catching design. The case itself is a combination of black and yellow plastic, which provides a strong contrast that gives the device a “gaudy” appearance.
One feature of the Lark C1 that adds to its overall aesthetic appeal is the manufacturer’s logo, which is prominently displayed on the front of the case. The logo looks pretty cool and adds to the overall appeal of the device. Another cool feature of the Lark C1 is the four status LEDs located above the manufacturer’s logo. These LEDs indicate the battery level in 25% increments when you open the case, providing you with a clear indication of how much battery life you have left.
Another great feature of the Lark C1 is the USB-C port for charging, which is conveniently located on the bottom of the case. This makes it easy to charge the device, even when it’s in use. The two transmitters and the receiver can be inserted into the inside of the case and a magnet keeps them in place. The case for two transmitters measures 83 x 60 x 30 millimeters and weighs 86 grams, making it a convenient size for carrying around with you. If you need to stow it away in your pocket, you can do so without any trouble.
In addition to the two-transmitter version, there is also a single version of the Lark C1, which is supplied without a case. This makes it an even more versatile device, as you can use it in a variety of different situations depending on your needs. Overall, the Hollyland Lark C1 is a unique and eye-catching device that is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
Sound Quality
The Lark C1 system is a compact and versatile audio recording device that packs a punch with its high-quality omnidirectional microphone. With a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, this system is capable of capturing audio with crystal-clear precision, making it ideal for recording music, interviews, and podcasts.
One of the most impressive features of the Lark C1 is its low latency. According to the manufacturer, the system has a latency of just 20 milliseconds, which is barely noticeable during video recordings. Our testing confirmed this claim, as we experienced no annoying delays while using the device.
However, it is worth noting that the Lark C1 records audio on a mono track. While this is perfectly fine for many applications, it would have been nice if the device could record separate tracks in stereo, especially for more complex recordings.
On the bright side, the Lark C1 excels in its reception capabilities. The manufacturer claims a range of up to 200 meters outdoors, which is quite impressive for a device of this size. We put this claim to the test and found that the system performed flawlessly at a distance of 100 meters, with no interference or dropouts. What’s more, we were able to turn our bodies away from the receiver without any loss of signal.
APP
Hollyland offers its users a great option to enhance their recording experience. Even though it is not mandatory to use their Lark C1, the company has developed the LarkSound app for both Android and iOS users. This app is available for free and provides advanced usage options to its users.
One of the key features of this app is the ability to check the battery level of the transmitters. This feature allows users to stay on top of the battery life of their equipment and make sure that they have enough charge to complete their recordings. Additionally, the app also allows users to adjust the noise cancellation between strong and weak, ensuring that they capture the highest quality audio possible.
Moreover, the app provides users with the ability to control the input volume or gain. This feature is essential for users who want to fine-tune their audio levels and ensure that they record at optimal levels. Users can also make updates to their equipment through the app, making it easier to keep their devices up-to-date with the latest firmware.
Another excellent feature of the LarkSound app is the ability to activate or deactivate the possibility of playing audio through the speakers while the receiver is connected. This feature allows users to switch between monitoring their audio through headphones or speakers, depending on their preference and the recording environment.
Transmitter
The ease and simplicity of this audio setup is truly remarkable. Gone are the days of complicated audio setups, with this device, all you need to do is plug the receiver into your smartphone, and voila, you’re ready to go! Say goodbye to the hassle of finicky audio cables and complex audio mixers.
Once you’ve plugged in the receiver, all you have to do is clip on the microphone to your lapel, and you can start recording high-quality audio without worrying about being too close to the camera. This means you can move around freely while recording and still have clear and crisp audio.
It’s worth noting, however, that if you plan on using both transmitters, the audio cannot be recorded separately. The signals in the app will appear as a single track, resulting in a unified audio output. This could be a drawback for those who require separate audio tracks for editing purposes, such as for conducting interviews.
However, for those who prefer a streamlined editing process and have no need for separate audio tracks, this feature may even be viewed as a positive point. It eliminates the need for time-consuming and complex audio editing, making it a great option for those who value simplicity and convenience.
Battery
One of the biggest frustrations when using wireless transmitters is the constant need to recharge the batteries. But with the latest offering from this brand, you can enjoy uninterrupted audio transmission for a full 32 hours on a single charge.
The brand promises a total autonomy of 32 hours for the two transmitters, each of which can operate for 8 hours at a time without needing to be recharged. This means that you can rely on the transmitters to keep your audio flowing all day long without any interruptions due to low battery levels.
Whether you are a professional broadcaster, musician, or just a casual user who wants to enjoy the freedom of wireless audio transmission, this product is the perfect solution. You can trust it to provide you with a reliable and uninterrupted audio experience for hours on end.
So say goodbye to the hassle of constantly recharging your wireless transmitters and hello to a more seamless and hassle-free audio experience. With this product, you can focus on what matters most – creating and enjoying great audio without any interruptions.
Verdict
During our testing of the Hollyland Lark C1 system, we were able to thoroughly analyze its performance and identify its distinct strengths and weaknesses. Even though we did find areas of improvement, it is important to highlight the manufacturer’s dedication to delivering innovative features that set it apart from its competitors.
One of the standout features of the Lark C1 is its app connection, which works seamlessly and instantly enhances the user experience. Additionally, the speaker mode is a small yet valuable detail that makes listening to recordings a more comfortable experience. Furthermore, the pass-through charging function is another innovative feature that we have yet to see in any other similar product. The sleek design and impressive range also add to the overall appeal of the product.
While there were some areas of criticism during our testing, the most notable one was the sound quality. Although functional, the sound recording did not meet our expectations in terms of high-quality audio. This issue could have been addressed by incorporating a connection for Lavalier microphones, which unfortunately was not available in this product. Lastly, we would have appreciated the option to deactivate the LED lighting through the app.
Overall, the Hollyland Lark C1 is a well-developed product that excels in several areas. Despite its sound quality being a shortcoming, the Lark C1 still manages to deliver the most advanced overall package compared to its competitors. The manufacturer’s commitment to innovation and unique features make the Lark C1 a strong contender in its market. We look forward to seeing what future developments they will bring to the table.