Hollyland Lark M1 vs C1

Elisabeth Christ

Updated November 2024

Wireless microphones have become indispensable for content creators but choosing the right one can be a challenge. Hollyland presents two impressive contenders, the Lark M1 and Lark C1, each designed to elevate your recording experience. Let's dive into how they compare across key aspects like design, audio quality, smart integrations, and battery performance.

On our list

#1 Design & Kit

#2 Audio Quality

#3 Smart Features on Companion App

#4 Battery Life & Connectivity

Key Takeaways

The Hollyland Lark M1 and C1 offer compact designs, professional-grade audio, and reliable battery life, with the M1 excelling in versatility and the C1 in smartphone-centric usability. Each mic is tailored to different user needs, making them both standout choices for creators.

Hollyland Lark M1

Compact Wireless Lavalier Microphone with Balanced Quality Features

✓ Zippered carrying case & furry windshields
✓ 20Hz~20KHz Frequency Range
✓ Hi-Fi Sound Quality
✓ 200m Transmission LOS

Buy on Amazon

Hollyland Lark C1

Versatile Wireless Microphone Designed Specifically for Mobile Devices

✓ Ultra-compact design
✓ Plug-and-play functionality
✓ Up to 32 hours of total recording time with the case
✓ 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response

Buy on Amazon

#1 Design & Kit

Hollyland Lark M1 vs C1

Stepping into the world of wireless mics, both models deliver compact, portable designs that cater to mobility and convenience. The Lark M1 boasts an ultra-mini form factor with a sleek, matte finish and a zippered carrying case, while its LED indicators provide intuitive feedback on charging and usage. The Lark C1 mirrors this lightweight ethos, but with a design fine-tuned for smartphone integration and a handy plug-and-play setup, its plastic build is robust enough for regular use yet hints at some fragility in its charging case.

Practicality takes center stage in both systems, with thoughtful inclusions like charging and storage cases. The M1’s storage doubles as a charger for seamless portability, while the C1 steps up with its dual-purpose charging case that also supports your phone's battery during recordings.

#2 Audio Quality

Hollyland Lark C1

Precision in sound capture defines these wireless solutions. The Lark M1’s omnidirectional microphones provide a crisp audio signature with a frequency range of 20Hz–20kHz, enhanced by HearClear noise cancellation and an impressive 110dB SPL. It shines in video recordings, especially with smartphones, though its performance with DSLR cameras may feel slightly muted. The Lark C1 competes with a 2.4 GHz frequency band and ANC that effectively isolates ambient noise for pristine audio.

Hollyland Lark M1

Both systems are excellent for a variety of use cases, offering stereo and mono options tailored to user needs. While the M1 leans on LC3 codec technology for detailed clarity, the C1 introduces a "Speaker Play" feature, enabling playback directly through your phone’s speakers without removing the receiver. Together, they prioritize delivering vibrant, noise-free sound but cater to slightly different audiences.

#3 Smart Features on Companion App

Hollyland Lark C1

Diving into their smart capabilities, both mics embrace user-friendly apps to enhance functionality. The Lark M1’s controls focus on simplicity, with three preset volume levels and mono/stereo switching accessible directly. On the other hand, the Lark C1 integrates its companion app for deeper adjustments, including input levels, ANC customization, and real-time monitoring. This gives users the power to fine-tune their recording environment.

Hollyland Lark M1

While the M1’s offerings are intuitive and practical, the C1 edges ahead in smart integrations, particularly with its exclusive “Speaker Play” feature. This innovation addresses playback limitations often faced by mobile users, demonstrating how thoughtful features can elevate usability.

#4 Battery Life & Connectivity

Hollyland Lark C1

Efficiency is a hallmark of these systems, with both delivering solid battery performance. The Lark M1 offers up to 8 hours of runtime for its transmitter and receiver, with an ultra-mini case capable of two full charges. Similarly, the C1 matches this endurance while boasting a 1400mAh charging case that recharges in 1.5 hours, allowing for extended recording sessions.

In terms of connectivity, both models embrace USB-C for rapid charging and offer versatile compatibility. The M1 supports various setups, including TRS, TRRS, and optional USB-C or Lightning cables, while the C1 focuses on smartphone ecosystems with Android and iPhone-specific variants. The ability to charge your phone during recordings gives the C1 an edge in on-the-go reliability, ensuring neither mic nor phone loses power mid-session.