Key Facts
- ✓ Shure is updating its MV88 microphone with a USB-C connector.
- ✓ The original MV88 was released in 2015 with a Lightning connector.
- ✓ The MV88+ relied on a cable and did not mount directly to a phone.
- ✓ The MV88 USB-C is a condenser microphone with four polar pattern options.
- ✓ The microphone is supported by MOTIV Video, MOTIV Audio, and MOTIV Mix apps.
Quick Summary
Shure is updating its MV88 microphone for the modern age by adding a USB-C connector for mounting directly to your smartphone. The original MV88, released in 2015, had a Lightning connector, but obviously that's not practically useful anymore. The MV88+ added USB, but relied on a cable and didn't mount directly to a phone or tablet. The MV88 USB-C brings back the original form factor with a modern connector.
The MV88 USB-C is a condenser microphone with four polar pattern options: stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, and raw mid-side. There are also apps (MOTIV Video and MOTIV Audio on mobile, and MOTIV Mix on desktop) that offer pres.
Design Evolution and Connectivity
The MV88 USB-C represents a return to the original design philosophy of the 2015 release. By integrating a USB-C port directly into the microphone body, Shure eliminates the need for external cables or adapters that were required by the MV88+ model. This allows the device to mount directly onto a smartphone or tablet, creating a compact and portable recording setup.
The transition from the Lightning connector reflects the industry-wide shift toward USB-C standards. While the original MV88 was tailored for Apple devices of that era, the new version is compatible with a broader range of modern Android and iOS devices that utilize the USB-C interface. This direct-mount capability is a significant distinction from the MV88+, which required a cable connection to the device.
Audio Specifications
At its core, the MV88 USB-C functions as a condenser microphone, a standard choice for capturing detailed audio in studio or field environments. The device is designed to offer versatility through its internal capsule configuration, allowing users to adapt the microphone's capture characteristics to different recording scenarios.
The microphone supports four distinct polar patterns:
- Stereo: For immersive sound capture
- Mono Cardioid: For directional recording of a single source
- Mono Bidirectional: For capturing audio from the front and rear
- Raw Mid-Side: For adjustable width processing during post-production
This range of options allows the MV88 USB-C to handle everything from interviews to ambient environmental recording.
Software Integration
Hardware functionality is supported by the MOTIV ecosystem of applications. Shure provides specific software to control the microphone's features and process audio signals. These applications offer presets and manual controls that are not available through the hardware alone.
The software suite includes:
- MOTIV Video (Mobile)
- MOTIV Audio (Mobile)
- MOTIV Mix (Desktop)
These apps allow users to adjust gain, EQ, and other audio parameters, ensuring that the MV88 USB-C integrates seamlessly into existing production workflows across mobile and desktop platforms.
Market Position
The MV88 USB-C fills a specific gap left by the rapid obsolescence of proprietary connectors. By restoring the direct-mount form factor, Shure addresses the needs of mobile content creators who prioritize speed and simplicity. The device effectively replaces the utility of the original Lightning model while offering the connectivity required by current hardware standards.
Disclaimer: Microphone does not emit green lasers.
