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MINI TESTS
“Auto level mode adjusts gain on the fly so your audio stays consistent”
SHURE MV88 USB-C £145/$159 shure.com Smartphone filmmaking has come a long way, but its audio still lags woefully behind, relying on internal mics that clip, wash out or simply lack the presence and clarity of a real microphone. The Shure MV88 USB-C stereo microphone fills this exact gap. Whether using a phone to record the whole video or just audio, the new Shure is a portable, plug-and-play upgrade that offers vastly improved audio capture straight into your tablet or phone, great for content creation, interviews, field work or live streams. At its core, the MV88 is a stereo condenser microphone that plugs into any device with a USB-C port – including modern iPhones, Androids, tablets and even laptops. This direct- dock form factor eliminates the need for cables, adapters or battery worries. It’s exactly the simplicity that mobile filmmakers crave: no set-up fuss, no syncing rigs, just connect and record. Shure has updated the original MV88 concept for today’s universal USB-C standard. The old Lightning- only version is replaced by a modern revision that works across platforms. The microphone is compact, but Shure still packed in four selectable polar patterns. There’s stereo for wide ambient capture, mono cardioid for focused voice or dialogue, mono bidirectional for interviews and raw mid-side for post- production flexibility. The versatility means one mic can handle a surprising range of real-world scenarios – from a group conversation and live performance to environmental ambience or voice-overs. Standout features include an auto level mode and a real- time denoiser. Auto level adjusts gain on the fly so that audio is consistent even if your subject’s volume changes. The denoiser suppresses background noise in real time – from traffic to noisy air conditioning – giving you cleaner, professional results straight away. Shure doesn’t force you into automation, though, as you can dig deeper and tailor your sound using the Motiv Video and Motiv Audio
apps on your mobile or Motiv Mix on your desktop. Here, you get access to presets and manual controls such as mic gain, five-band EQ, compression, limiter and a high-pass filter. In practical use, the MV88 is a noticeable step up over built-in mics. It consistently captures warm, clear and articulate audio with good stereo imaging in wider scenes and focused pickup in cardioid mode – a marked improvement over built-in captures, which often suffer from hiss, lack of detail and compression artefacts. For dialogue, interviews and in especially uncontrolled environments, the combination of cardioid pickup and auto gain control makes life far easier. The integrated denoiser, in particular, helps dampen persistent background noise without making voices sound unnatural – a crucial balance for live streams. The mic has a solid, compact build that feels like it can withstand the knocks of field use. It comes with a foam windscreen to reduce wind noise during outdoor shoots and a protective carry case for travel. The articulating hinge – a hallmark of the original MV88 design – lets you angle the mic towards your subject or scene. It’s a small detail, but makes a big difference when capturing consistent audio across a handheld or mounted shoot. One noticeable omission is a headphone output, which means you can’t monitor audio live unless using your device’s output separately. For vlogging and everyday shoots, this won’t be a deal-breaker, but for more complicated productions or multi- mic set-ups it is worth noting. Additionally, the mic’s reliance on whatever it’s plugged into means performance can vary depending on the phone or tablet’s processing capabilities,
MOBILE STUDIO
The MV88 mic comes with a foam cover to combat wind noise and a soft case for safe travel
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 2x condenser USB-C mic Polar pattern: Cardioid/figure of eight Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Sensitivity: -32.75dBFA/Pa mid, -33.75dBFA/Pa side Maximum SPL: 120dB A/D conversion: 24-bit Sample rate: 48kHz Analogue output: None USB/digital output: 1x USB-C Male Signal processing/FX: Auto level mode, compressor, EQ, gain, noise reduction, sound preset, stereo width adjustment App compatibility: Android 12 or later, iOS 17 or later
JACK ATTACK The mic plugs into the USB-C port and a free app gives lots of control
Power: Bus power Weight: 40g/0.88lb Dimensions (wxhxd): 26.4x67.8x35.4mm
PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 A simple and easy-to-use mic to improve smartphone audio that makes a massive difference Pros: Plug and play, great app Cons: Not a replacement for a full shotgun mic or lavalier kit although the overall sound quality remains strong across platforms. At £145/$159, the Shure MV88 USB-C doesn’t replace a full shotgun or lavalier kit for every situation, but it hugely upgrades built-in mics and is a highly effective tool for ambient sound, interviews, run-and-gun shoots and on-the-move content.
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