Hollyland Lark C1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone Review in 2023

If you are looking for a wireless microphone system that works seamlessly with your smartphone, you might want to check out the Hollyland Lark C1. This compact and affordable solution offers high-quality audio recording for vloggers, live streamers, YouTubers, and anyone who wants to capture crisp sound with their phone. In this blog post, I will give you a detailed review of the Hollyland Lark C1 and share my experience using it.

The Hollyland Lark C1 consists of two transmitters (TX) with built-in omnidirectional microphones, one receiver (RX) with either a Lightning or a USB-C connector, depending on whether you have an iOS or an Android device, a hard plastic charging case, and a USB-C charging cable. The whole system is very lightweight and portable, and it comes in a sleek black design with yellow accents.

The transmitters and the receiver are magnetically attached to the charging case, which also serves as a storage and pairing device. The case has an LED display that shows the battery level of each unit and the pairing status. The case can be charged via the USB-C port on the back, and it can also charge the transmitters and the receiver while they are in use. The case has a built-in 2600mAh battery that can provide up to 32 hours of continuous use for the system.

The transmitters have a power button on the side and a mute button on the front. They also have a clip on the back that allows you to attach them to your clothing or accessories. The transmitters have a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and a sample rate of 48kHz/16bit. They also feature active noise cancellation technology that can reduce background noises and enhance your voice. The transmitters have a transmission range of up to 650ft (200m) in line of sight, which is impressive for such a small device.

The receiver has a power button on the side and a volume button on the front. It also has an LED indicator that shows the signal strength and the battery level. The receiver plugs directly into your smartphone via the Lightning or USB-C port, depending on which version you have. The receiver supports simultaneous recording and charging, which means you can connect it to a power source while using it. The receiver also supports speaker play mode, which allows you to hear your audio playback on your phone speaker without unplugging the receiver. You can enable this mode in the LarkSound app.

The LarkSound app is free to download from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app allows you to adjust some settings of the Lark C1 system, such as the microphone gain, the noise reduction level, the low cut filter, and the speaker play mode. The app also shows you each unit’s battery level and signal strength. The app is very easy to use and intuitive.

The Lark C1 system is compatible with the most popular video recording apps on your smartphone, such as Camera, Recorder, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. You can also use it with third-party apps that support external microphones. The Lark C1 system is plug-and-play, which means you don’t need to pair it manually or set it up every time you use it. You just need to take out the transmitters and the receiver from the case and plug them into your phone and you are good to go.

I tested the Lark C1 system with my iPhone 12 Pro Max and I was very impressed by its performance. The sound quality was crisp and clear, with no noticeable hiss or distortion. The noise cancellation worked well in reducing ambient noises such as traffic or wind. The transmission range was also very reliable and stable, even when I moved around or had obstacles between me and my phone. The battery life was also very good, as I was able to use it for several hours without needing to recharge it.

The only minor drawback I found was that the transmitters do not have a 3.5mm input for external lav mics. This means you have to rely on the built-in mics, which are good but not great for some situations where you need more directional or discreet audio capture. However, this is not a deal-breaker for me, as I think the built-in mics are sufficient for most scenarios.

Here are the technical specifications for the Hollyland Lark C1 wireless microphone system:

Frequency range: 520MHz-526MHz
Modulation mode: GFSK
Audio frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Audio distortion: <0.1%
Dynamic range: 110dB
Transmission power: 10mW
Audio input level: -30dBu ~ +12dBu
Latency: <5ms
Operating range: Up to 100m (open space)
Battery life: Up to 8 hours (transmitter), up to 6 hours (receiver)
Charging time: 2 hours
Battery type: Built-in lithium-ion battery
Dimensions: Transmitter – 89mm x 63mm x 21mm; Receiver – 86mm x 63mm x 21mm
Weight: Transmitter – 98g; Receiver – 100g
Audio output: 3.5mm headphone jack
Compatibility: Smartphones, cameras, recorders, and other audio recording devices with 3.5mm audio input jack
Package contents: 2 wireless microphones, 1 receiver, 1 charging cable, 1 user manual, and a carrying case.

Overall, I think the Hollyland Lark C1 is an excellent wireless microphone system for smartphone users who want to improve their audio quality without breaking the bank. It is easy to use, versatile, durable, and affordable. You can discover more wireless microphones for your needs and budget by reading our expert reviews and comparisons.