When a journalist is working away from the newsroom, a good microphone can be an essential companion. It needs to be small, easy to use and capable of capturing clear audio even in noisy conditions, whether in the street, near a building site, at a political rally or during a concert.
The Hollyland LARK M3 appears well suited to these needs. Its first advantage is its size. The system can be used with two transmitters, the small microphones that clip on to a jacket. They can record, for example, the journalist and the interviewee at the same time. Each transmitter weighs about 9g and is only slightly larger than a button. Journalists should take care not to lose them. In its more advanced configurations, the system can support up to four transmitters and four receivers.
The more expensive Combo version works with smartphones as well as cameras and camcorders. The camera receiver has a 3.5mm audio connection and can work in either mono or stereo mode.
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The device is plug and play. It works as soon as it is connected to a smartphone or camera.
For a reporter in the field, voice quality matters most. The LARK M3 records at 48kHz and can provide 32-bit float audio, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. In practical terms, this means it can capture speech with a high level of precision while offering more room to cope with sudden changes in volume. The 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range covers almost the full range of sound that the human ear can hear, helping voices sound natural and complete.
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The system also gives reporters AI-based environmental noise reduction, controlled through the HollyAudio app. Hollyland says the technology can reduce sounds such as wind, traffic, car horns, running water and air conditioning. In very noisy surroundings, however, the transmitter should still be placed close to the interviewee’s mouth.
Discover the Price of the Microphone
Range is another important factor. Hollyland quotes a maximum distance of 300 metres with a clear line of sight, in an open area without obstacles or interference. That should be more than enough for most journalistic interviews, video reports and shoots where the subject is some distance from the camera.
Battery life is also good. Each transmitter can run for about eight hours. The charging case supplied with the two-transmitter, two-receiver version can provide two additional full charges, taking the total operating time of each transmitter to about 24 hours. By alternating between two transmitters, Hollyland says the system can provide up to 48 hours of operation. For a journalist spending a full day moving between press conferences, interviews and filming, this reduces the need to look constantly for a power socket.
One point needs to be made clear. 32-bit float audio is not available in every situation. Hollyland says 32-bit float output is supported on Apple devices when compatible third-party recording apps are used. On Android devices, output currently reaches 24-bit.
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