There has been a surfeit of wireless mic systems of late and therefore we are spoiled for choice these days. So I thought I’d take a quick look and compare spec for spec the ones I have access to at the moment. These are:
- DJI Mic
- Hollyland Lark M1 Duo
- Sennheiser XSW Digital Lavalier
And for good measure and comparison, throw in the RØDE Wireless Go II (which I don’t have but the specs are easily obtainable).
Whilst there are many other options, these four should give a reasonable benchmark to work from and allow a choice to be made – depending on record quality of course!
DJI Mic | Sennheiser XSW Lav Set | Hollyland Lark M1 Duo | RØDE GO II (Twin set) | |
Transmitter | ||||
Dimensions | 47.32 x 30.43 x 20.1mm | 102 x 24 x 28 mm | 48 x 21.5 x10mm | 44 x 45.3 x 18.3mm |
Weight | 30g | Not given | 11.8g | 30g |
Battery Capacity | 320mAh | 850mAh | 140mAh | Not given |
Operating Time | 5.5 hrs | 5 hrs | 8 hrs | 7 hrs |
Charge Time | 70 mins | 3 Hrs | 1.5Hrs | Not given |
Receiver | ||||
Dimensions | 47.44 x 32.21 x 17.35mm | 109 x 24 x 28 mm | 48.3 x 27,6 x 11mm | 44 x 45.5 x 18.3mm |
Weight | 24.9g | Not given | 17.5g | 32g |
Operating Time | 5 Hrs | 5 Hrs | 8 hrs | 7 hrs |
Battery Capacity | 320mAh | 850mAh | 200mAh | Not given |
Charge Time | 70 mins | 3 Hrs | 1.5Hrs | Not given |
General | ||||
Audio Output | Not given | Max 12dBu | Not given | 100 dB SPL (1kHz @ 1m) dBu |
Frequency Range | 2400-2483.5MHz | 2400-2483.5MHz | Varies based on regulations of different countries | 50Hz – 20kHz |
Latency | Not given | <4 ms | Not given | Not given |
Max Range | Not given | 75m | 200m | 200 m |
Other |
|
|
|
|
Price | AUD$509 | AUD$499 | AUD$230 | AUD$429 |
In Use
There is no doubt having a twin mic and single receiver system is a distinct advantage and here the Sennheiser dips out initially although you can add extra transmitters / mics later if you wish.
The ability of the DJI mics to also record internally in addition to the receiver system recording to the host device is a ripper idea and a major selling point. Specification wise you can see the RØDE and DJI systems are almost identical so this one thing might give the DJI Mic an edge over RØDE to some buyers.
The price point of the Hollyland system is extremely attractive, and if you are on a budget, then this would definitely fit your needs.
Audio Quality
If you ignore technical specifications and go by your ears, well my ears anyway, the long experience of Sennheiser in the audio world has the distinct edge in recording quality with I’d suggest, the RØDE in second place. The DJI Mic comes in 3rd and the Hollyland Lark M1, whilst being very capable and eminently suitable for vlogging, YouTube and TikTok etc, doesn’t exhibit the quality of the Sennheiser and RØDE offerings that broadcast audio would demand.