Hollyland Launches the Lark A1: Affordable Wireless Mic for Mobile Creators

Hollyland Launches the Lark A1: Affordable Wireless Mic for Mobile Creators

For mobile-first creators, capturing good audio can be challenging, often being more expensive and complicated than the point-and-capture nature of mobile video. Hollyland is aiming to solve that problem with its new Lark A1, a dual-channel wireless microphone system designed specifically for mobile devices that prioritizes simplicity while keeping costs impressively low.

The Lark A1 system is tailored for anyone looking to capture better audio for vlogs, social media content, live streams, and entry-level video production on mobile. It is built around a plug-and-play design, taking design cues from the AirPods many mobile video creators are surely familiar with.

Ease of Use

Arguably the system's biggest appeal is its straightforward operation. The Lark A1 Combo kit includes two compact transmitter microphones and one or two separate receivers: one with a Lightning connector for older iOS devices and one with a USB-C connector for modern iPhones and Android devices. There is no complex pairing process. You simply plug the appropriate receiver into your phone, clip the transmitter onto yourself or your talent, and you are ready to record.

Despite its simplicity of setup, the Lark A1 still offers a respectable feature set. It captures 48 kHz/24-bit audio, a very respectable standard for this style of device (32-bit float recording, while increasingly common, would be overkill for this segment).

The system includes a 3-level intelligent noise-cancellation feature. This is designed to reduce common background distractions like traffic, wind, or air-conditioning hum, helping to isolate the speaker's voice. To further streamline the recording process, Hollyland has included an auto-limit function. This feature helps prevent audio from clipping or distorting if there are sudden loud noises, smoothing out volume spikes in real time. The mics are rated for 120 dB, so even in very loud environments, they should be able to keep up.

For users who want more creative control, the companion LarkSound app allows for adjustments to a 6-level gain control, EQ presets, and reverb effects.

Design and Battery

One of the most impressive aspects of the Lark A1 is the physical design of the transmitters. They are exceptionally small and lightweight, weighing just 0.3 ounces and measuring less than half an inch thick. This allows them to be clipped onto clothing with a minimal footprint via an included, strong magnetic clip. They virtually disappear on camera, particularly when compared to the larger transmitters of higher-end wireless lav setups.

Battery life is also a pleasant surprise. Each transmitter holds a charge for up to 9 hours of continuous use, despite the diminutive size. The included charging case can recharge both transmitters multiple times, providing a total operational life of up to 54 hours when swapping between the two units. The receiver features a pass-through charging port, so you can power your phone while the mic is connected.

For under $50, the Hollyland Lark A1 Combo presents a compelling value proposition. While it is limited to mobile devices, it offers a complete, two-person wireless audio solution that is incredibly easy to use and unobtrusive on camera. It’s also packed with intelligent features that help beginners capture great audio without having to touch a setting.

For even more budget-conscious users, you can pick up just the transmitters and receiver—while you lose some of the convenience of the charging case, at just $34 it’s an even more cost-effective entry point to mobile audio capture.

The Lark A1 Combo is available now, in both white and black, with support for USB-C, Lightning, or both connectors. The Lark A1 transmitter/receiver setup is also available now.

Alex Coleman's picture

Alex Coleman is a travel and landscape photographer. He teaches workshops in the American Southwest, with an emphasis on blending the artistic and technical sides of photography.

Log in or register to post comments