For mobile-first creators, capturing good audio could be difficult, typically being dearer and sophisticated than the point-and-capture nature of cell video. Hollyland is aiming to unravel that drawback with its new Lark A1, a dual-channel wi-fi microphone system designed particularly for cell units that prioritizes simplicity whereas conserving prices impressively low.
The Lark A1 system is tailor-made for anybody seeking to seize higher audio for vlogs, social media content material, reside streams, and entry-level video manufacturing on cell. It’s constructed round a plug-and-play design, taking design cues from the AirPods many cell video creators are absolutely accustomed to.
Ease of Use
Arguably the system’s largest enchantment is its easy operation. The Lark A1 Combo equipment contains two compact transmitter microphones and one or two separate receivers: one with a Lightning connector for older iOS units and one with a USB-C connector for contemporary iPhones and Android units. There is no such thing as a complicated pairing course of. You merely plug the suitable receiver into your cellphone, clip the transmitter onto your self or your expertise, and you’re able to document.
Regardless of its simplicity of setup, the Lark A1 nonetheless presents a decent function set. It captures 48 kHz/24-bit audio, a really respectable customary for this type of gadget (32-bit float recording, whereas more and more widespread, could be overkill for this section).
The system features a 3-level clever noise-cancellation function. That is designed to cut back widespread background distractions like visitors, wind, or air-conditioning hum, serving to to isolate the speaker’s voice. To additional streamline the recording course of, Hollyland has included an auto-limit perform. This function helps forestall audio from clipping or distorting if there are sudden loud noises, smoothing out quantity spikes in actual time. The mics are rated for 120 dB, so even in very loud environments, they need to have the ability to sustain.
For customers who need extra inventive management, the companion LarkSound app permits for changes to a 6-level achieve management, EQ presets, and reverb results.
Design and Battery
Some of the spectacular features of the Lark A1 is the bodily design of the transmitters. They’re exceptionally small and light-weight, weighing simply 0.3 ounces and measuring lower than half an inch thick. This enables them to be clipped onto clothes with a minimal footprint through an included, sturdy magnetic clip. They just about disappear on digital camera, notably when in comparison with the bigger transmitters of higher-end wi-fi lav setups.
Battery life can be a nice shock. Every transmitter holds a cost for as much as 9 hours of steady use, regardless of the diminutive dimension. The included charging case can recharge each transmitters a number of occasions, offering a complete operational lifetime of as much as 54 hours when swapping between the 2 models. The receiver incorporates a pass-through charging port, so you possibly can energy your cellphone whereas the mic is linked.
For beneath $50, the Hollyland Lark A1 Combo presents a compelling worth proposition. Whereas it’s restricted to cell units, it presents a whole, two-person wi-fi audio answer that’s extremely straightforward to make use of and unobtrusive on digital camera. It’s additionally full of clever options that assist novices seize nice audio with out having to the touch a setting.
For much more budget-conscious customers, you possibly can choose up simply the transmitters and receiver—whilst you lose a few of the comfort of the charging case, at simply $34 it’s an much more cost-effective entry level to cell audio seize.
The Lark A1 Combo is on the market now, in each white and black, with assist for USB-C, Lightning, or each connectors. The Lark A1 transmitter/receiver setup can be accessible now.