Hollyland LARK MAX Microphone Technology Explained

September 28^th, 2023

by Florian MilzSeptember 28^th, 2023

At IBC 2023 we had the chance to talk to Hollyland about the unique MaxTimbre Mic technology that is used in the LARK MAX wireless microphone system. A lot of research has gone into designing and creating the LARK MAX to make it perform and sound better than its competitor’s products.

Before creating the LARK MAX, Vivian Lu from Hollyland explained that a lot of time went into research, which ended up becoming their patent-pending MaxTimbre Mic technology. Basically, combining the best of both existing microphone technologies and using premium materials makes the LARK MAX sound better than most competitors in this price range.

MaxTimbre Mic Technology

The LARK MAX, which we already reviewed, comprises one receiver and two transmitters. Inside the transmitters, the special structure of the sound cavity is designed to optimize the sound being recorded. Hollyland also filed for a patent on this design.

There are two aspects that affect the quality of recording sound – the hardware structure and the signal processing. The biggest differentiating factor between cheap and expensive microphones is the quality of materials and the hardware structure.

HOLLYLAND LARK MAX wireless receiver and transmitters — LARK MAX receiver and transmitters. Image credit: CineD

In general, there are two types of microphones – Electret Condenser Microphones (ECM) and Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Both have pros and cons:

ECMs are cheap, easy to mass produce, and they can capture more sound details but, on the con side, they are also very big.
MEMS have a smaller design but cannot capture sufficient sound details.

Best of both microphone worlds

Hollyland set out to integrate the advantages of MEMS and the sound cavity of EMC to improve sound quality. What they achieved is an enhanced hardware structure with the help of a multi-layer design. There are six layers with special structures inside the LARK MAX transmitters that improve the sound quality.

HOLLYLAND LARK MAX wireless microphone system inside of charging case — The complete LARK MAX set inside of its charging case. Image credit: CineD

Further features of the LARK MAX are their waterproof design, enhanced wind resistance, and shock resistance. The transmitters also feature environmental noise cancellation technology.

For more details on how well all of this works, be sure to check out our review of the Hollyland LARK MAX.

Price and availability

The Hollyland LARK MAX wireless microphone system includes

1 receiver
2 transmitters
charging case
3.5mm TRS Cable
USB-C to Lightning Cable
USB-C to USB-C Cable
USB-C to USB-A Cable
2 x Furry Windscreen
2 x Magnetic Clips
Storage Bag

and is available for $299 USD.

More information about the Hollyland LARK MAX can be found on the manufacturer’s website.

Do you use the Hollyland LARK MAX wireless mic system or which other system do you use? Did you like this in-depth view of the technology behind the products? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!