DJI Mic Mini vs Hollyland Lark M2: Let's Pick the Winner!
Naila Syifa
Updated December 2024
Looking for a wireless microphone system that delivers great audio without breaking the bank? The DJI Mic Mini and Hollyland Lark M2 are two popular options that have been making waves in the content creation community.
Both offer impressive features at competitive price points, but they each shine in different areas. Let's dive deep into these compact powerhouses to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
Hollyland Lark M2 is smaller and more fashion-conscious, while DJI Mic Mini offers superior audio features, more connectivity options, longer range, and longer battery life. Go with the Lark M2 if you prioritize a discreet and stylish look, but choose the DJI Mic Mini if you want a more feature-rich and versatile wireless microphone system.
DJI Mic Mini
Small but Powerful
✓ Two-Level Noise Canceling
✓ Automatic Limiting
✓ DJI OsmoAudio
✓ 48-Hour Battery
Hollyland Lark M2
Discreet and Reliable
✓ Button-Like Design
✓ Environmental Noise Cancellation
✓ Universal Compatibility
✓ 40-Hour Battery
Design
Hollyland Lark M2
In terms of size and portability, the Hollyland Lark M2 is leading. Its button-like transmitter is slightly smaller and lighter than the DJI Mic Mini's rectangular design, giving the Lark M2 a more discreet appearance when attached to clothing.
Hollyland even includes a free sticker set with the package, which allows users to customize and personalize their transmitters. A necklace attachment is also provided to wear the transmitter like a pendant.
These make the transmitter look less like a mic and more like a fashion accessory, further enhancing its discreet appeal. For people who want a low-profile recording setup, the Lark M2 is the better choice.
Moving on from the transmitter, the receiver design is also different between the two. DJI Mic Mini has one receiver, which features a 3.5mm audio output jack and a USB-C port.
The receiver connects to cameras by using the 3.5mm TRS to TRS camera audio cable, to Android phones/action cams/computers by using a USB-C to USB-C adapter, and to iPhones with USB-C to Lightning adapters. In sum, one receiver connects to various devices using a connection cable or adapters.
In contrast, the Hollyland Lark M2 has 3 types of receivers. The first receiver has a 3.5mm audio output port for connecting to cameras via the 3.5mm TRS to TRS cable. The second receiver has an integrated USB-C plug to connect to phones, action cameras, and computers. The third receiver has a Lightning plug to connect to iPhones. In other words, each receiver is designed specifically for a certain device, eliminating the need for additional adapters.
Apart from connection differences, both microphones have similar controls on their receivers. There are buttons for power, pairing, and mode switching. The DJI Mic Mini integrates a dial for 5-level gain adjustment, while the Hollyland Lark M2 features a knob for volume adjustment.
Winner: Hollyland Lark M2
Audio Features
DJI Mic Mini
Hollyland Lark M2 only offers 2 modes, Mono and Stereo, while DJI Mic Mini provides Mono, Stereo, and an additional Mono with Safety Track mode for recording a backup track at a lower volume in case the main track gets distorted.
On top of that, the DJI Mic Mini also offers an exclusive Automatic Limiting feature, which automatically adjusts the volume levels when the audio input is too high to prevent audio clipping and distortion.
These two extra features — Safety Track and Auto Limiting — give the DJI an edge in terms of audio safety, allowing us to record with more confidence.
For noise reduction capabilities, both systems equally offer windscreens and digital noise cancellation. However, noise cancellation on the DJI Mic Mini is adjustable to two levels.
We can choose between Basic and Strong, which respectively offer standard noise filtering for quieter, indoor recording environments and enhanced suppression for challenging outdoor situations. It gives us more control than the Lark M2's fixed noise cancellation setting.
Winner: DJI Mic Mini
Connectivity & Range
DJI Mic Mini
DJI Mic Mini and Hollyland Lark M2 are equally compatible with smartphones, cameras, action cameras, and computers using their respective adapters and connection ports. However, they support different range distances, with DJI offering 400m and Hollyland reaching 300m in optimal conditions.
Both microphones also offer different additional features when connected to specific devices. For example, Hollyland Lark M2 offers voice recording control when connected to a smartphone. That means, double-pressing the transmitter button can start or stop the recording on the phone.
Meanwhile, DJI Mic Mini offers a power synchronization feature when connected to a camera. Powering on or off the camera will automatically power on or off the DJI Mic Mini system, which is a convenient feature for streamlining your workflow.
One advantage that the DJI Mic Mini has over the Lark M2 is Bluetooth connectivity, allowing the mic to directly connect to a smartphone without the receiver via Bluetooth.
Thanks to the DJI OsmoAudio ecosystem support, the Mic Mini can also directly connect to compatible DJI action cameras, including the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3, without a receiver.
If you have a DJI Neo Drone, the DJI Mic Mini can also wirelessly connect to it via the DJI Fly app on your smartphone. which will eliminate propeller noise and integrate audio into your aerial footage.
In sum, the DJI Mic Mini offers more versatile connectivity options through its Bluetooth capability and integration with the DJI ecosystem.
Winner: DJI Mic Mini
Battery
Hollyland Lark M2
The transmitter of the DJI Mic Mini is rated for up to 11.5 hours of runtime, while the receiver can last for up to 10.5 hours. The charging case offers 3.6 additional charges for both transmitter and receiver, extending the total runtime to up to 48 hours.
Hollyland Lark M2 has a shorter battery life, but the gap is not too big. The transmitter provides up to 10 hours of continuous use, while the camera version receiver lasts for approximately 9 hours. The camera version charging case extends the total runtime to up to 40 hours with 3 additional charges, while the mobile version charging case provides 2 additional charges for up to 30 hours of total runtime.
Winner: DJI Mic Mini
DJI Mic Mini vs Hollyland Lark M2
Final Thoughts
DJI Mic Mini
DJI Mic Mini is the overall winner, taking the lead in audio features, connectivity options, range, and battery life. It is the more advanced and versatile choice for content creators who want professional audio quality and seamless integration with various devices.
The only aspect that the Hollyland Lark M2 excels in is its compact, discreet design and more fashion-forward aesthetic. This makes the Lark M2 a better choice for creators who prioritize a low-profile setup and style over advanced features and connectivity.
If you like to read more about Wireless Microphone, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Mic Mini vs DJI Mic
DJI Mic Mini vs DJI Mic 2
DJI Mic Mini vs Rode Wireless Micro
DJI Mic Mini vs Rode Wireless Go 2
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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