Shure MV88+ Review (Updated 2025

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 7 minutes

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit is a compact, portable recording solution designed for mobile content creators who need professional audio quality on the go. As the successor to the original MV88, this enhanced package aims to be a complete mobile recording studio. After extensive testing across various environments and use cases, I’ve compiled this comprehensive review to help you determine if the MV88+ deserves a place in your content creation toolkit.

Key Specifications

  • Microphone Type: Digital condenser microphone
  • Polar Patterns: Cardioid, bidirectional, stereo, Mid-Side, adjustable width
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Bit Depth: 16-bit/24-bit
  • Sample Rate: 44.1kHz/48kHz
  • Connectivity: Direct Lightning or USB-C connection
  • Compatible Devices: iOS (Lightning), Android (USB-C), Mac/PC (USB-C)
  • Mounting: Included phone clamp and small tripod
  • Additional Accessories: Phone mount, Manfrotto PIXI tripod, carrying case, USB-C and Lightning cables
  • Companion App: ShurePlus MOTIV audio/video recording app
  • Price: $249 (typical retail price, may vary)

Design and Build Quality

The Shure MV88+ exudes quality from the moment you unbox it. The microphone itself is constructed from durable all-metal components with Shure’s signature build quality that professionals have trusted for decades. The microphone is compact—just under 2.5 inches long—making it highly portable while maintaining a solid feel that inspires confidence.

The kit comes with a thoughtfully designed carrying case that holds all components securely without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear bag. Everything about the physical design suggests Shure’s understanding that mobile creators need equipment that can withstand frequent travel and quick setup situations.

The microphone’s hinge allows for 90-degree rotation, providing flexibility in microphone positioning regardless of whether you’re recording landscape or portrait video. This adjustability, combined with the included Manfrotto PIXI tripod (a quality miniature tripod in its own right), offers significant versatility for different recording scenarios.

The phone mount is sturdy and accommodates devices even with cases attached—a practical consideration often overlooked by competitors. The included USB-C and Lightning cables are of appropriate length without being unwieldy, though I would have appreciated slightly more reinforcement at the connection points for long-term durability.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the MV88+ is remarkably straightforward. The components assemble intuitively, with the microphone connecting directly to your device via the appropriate cable. For first-time users, the entire setup process typically takes less than a minute, and subsequent setups become even quicker.

The microphone is plug-and-play in its basic functionality—connect it to your phone, and it immediately becomes the active audio input device. However, to access the full range of features and customization options, you’ll want to download Shure’s MOTIV app, which is available for both iOS and Android.

One minor inconvenience is that while recording with the microphone connected, you cannot simultaneously charge your phone. This limitation becomes relevant during longer recording sessions where battery life might be a concern.

The MOTIV App Experience

The ShurePlus MOTIV app significantly enhances the MV88+ experience. Unlike many manufacturer companion apps that feel like afterthoughts, MOTIV is polished, intuitive, and genuinely useful. The app offers both audio and video recording capabilities, though you can certainly use the microphone with third-party applications if preferred.

The app provides access to:

  • Polar pattern selection: Choose between stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, and raw mid-side
  • Gain control: Easily adjustable with a visual meter showing input levels
  • EQ adjustments: Five presets (Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic, Loud) plus a manual EQ option
  • Compression and limiting: Options to control dynamics
  • Wind reduction filter: Helpful for outdoor recording
  • Left-right channel swap: Useful for certain video configurations
  • Record quality options: Bit depth and sample rate selection

What I particularly appreciate about the app is its real-time visual feedback on audio levels, making it easy to ensure you’re capturing optimal sound without clipping or recording too quietly. The interface is responsive and logically organized, with recording controls that remain accessible even when you’ve adjusted advanced settings.

The app also includes basic editing functionality, allowing you to trim recordings and share them directly to various platforms—convenient for quick content publishing without transferring files between devices.

Audio Performance

Audio quality is where the MV88+ truly shines, delivering performance that exceeds expectations for a microphone of this size and price point. The sound captured is clear, full-bodied, and remarkably free from the tinny character often associated with portable microphones.

Voice Recording

For podcasting, voiceovers, and interviews, the MV88+ delivers excellent clarity with natural-sounding midrange reproduction. With the cardioid pattern selected and speech preset applied, vocal recordings exhibit professional qualities with minimal room noise and excellent rejection of off-axis sound.

The bidirectional setting works well for interview situations, capturing clean audio from both sides of the microphone. The stereo capability provides natural spatial representation for multi-person conversations, though you’ll want to be mindful of proper positioning.

Music Recording

Musicians will find the MV88+ surprisingly capable for capturing performances. Acoustic instruments sound natural and detailed, with the stereo mode providing an authentic spatial representation. The microphone handles dynamic range admirably, capturing both delicate fingerpicking and more aggressive strumming without distortion when gain levels are properly set.

For louder sources like amplified instruments or drums, the limiter function prevents clipping while preserving the energy of the performance. While it won’t replace studio microphones for critical recordings, the quality is certainly high enough for demos, social media content, and even certain finished productions.

Field Recording and Ambient Sound

The adjustable stereo width makes the MV88+ versatile for capturing environmental sounds. At its widest setting, the microphone creates an immersive stereo field that works beautifully for nature recordings, crowd scenes, or ambient backgrounds. The wind reduction filter, while not a replacement for a proper windscreen in challenging conditions, effectively reduces moderate wind noise.

Practical Applications

Vlogging and Mobile Filmmaking

The MV88+ excels in mobile video production. The included phone mount and tripod create a complete rig for vlogging, with audio quality that far surpasses built-in phone microphones. The monitor mix feature allows you to hear yourself through headphones while recording, helping ensure audio levels remain consistent.

For filmmakers, the ability to position the microphone independently of the camera angle provides creative flexibility. The kit’s compact nature makes it ideal for guerrilla filmmaking or travel documentation where minimizing gear is essential.

Podcasting on the Go

Mobile podcasters will appreciate the broadcast-quality results achievable with minimal setup. The MV88+ captures interview audio with clarity and presence that rivals much more expensive portable recording setups. The adjustable polar patterns allow adaptation to different interview configurations, whether one-on-one or group discussions.

Live Streaming

For creators who live stream from mobile devices, the MV88+ represents a significant upgrade from built-in microphones. The improved audio quality can help retain viewers who might otherwise tune out due to poor sound. The microphone works well with popular streaming platforms, though you’ll want to test your specific setup as some apps may have unique audio handling characteristics.

Music Performance and Practice

Musicians can use the MV88+ to record rehearsals, capture song ideas, or create content for social media. The ability to record directly to your device eliminates the need for transferring files between equipment, streamlining the creative process. The included tripod also allows for hands-free operation, ideal for instrumentalists.

Limitations and Considerations

While the MV88+ delivers impressive performance overall, it does have some limitations worth noting:

  • No XLR option: This is strictly a digital microphone connecting via USB-C or Lightning, meaning it won’t integrate with traditional audio interfaces or mixers.
  • Power consumption: The microphone draws power from your device, which can accelerate battery drain during extended recording sessions.
  • Limited isolation: As with any microphone of this type, it will capture some ambient noise—perfect for certain applications but potentially challenging in very noisy environments.
  • No internal monitoring: While you can monitor through the app, the microphone itself doesn’t have a headphone jack built in.
  • Price point: At around $249, it represents a significant investment compared to entry-level mobile microphones, though the quality justifies the cost.

Value Proposition

The Shure MV88+ sits in a premium position within the mobile microphone market. While less expensive options exist, few offer the combination of audio quality, build durability, and accessory package found here. When considering the inclusion of the Manfrotto tripod alone (which sells for $25-30 separately), the value proposition becomes clearer.

For casual content creators, the price may seem steep. However, for professionals or dedicated enthusiasts who understand how audio quality impacts audience retention, the investment is justified. The versatility of the kit also means it can serve multiple purposes, potentially replacing several cheaper, single-purpose solutions.

Competitor Comparison

When compared to similar portable microphones:

  • The Rode VideoMic Me-L is less expensive but offers fewer polar pattern options and no included tripod.
  • The Zoom iQ6/iQ7 provides good stereo recording but lacks the mounting versatility and build quality of the MV88+.
  • The Apogee MiC Plus offers excellent sound but at a higher price point and without the complete mobile video kit setup.

Conclusion

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit stands out as a premium mobile recording solution that delivers professional-quality audio in a remarkably compact package. Its thoughtful design, excellent sound capture capabilities, and comprehensive accessory bundle make it an ideal choice for content creators who refuse to compromise on audio quality while working in the field.

What makes the MV88+ particularly compelling is its versatility—serving equally well for interviews, vlogging, musical performance, field recording, and more. The build quality suggests it will withstand years of use, making the initial investment more palatable when considered over the product’s likely lifespan.

For content creators serious about audio quality who need a portable, all-in-one solution, the Shure MV88+ represents one of the best options currently available. While not inexpensive, it delivers performance that significantly exceeds what built-in device microphones can achieve and rivals much larger, less portable recording setups.

Pros:

  • Exceptional sound quality for its size
  • Premium, durable construction
  • Multiple polar patterns for different recording scenarios
  • Complete kit with quality accessories included
  • Excellent companion app with useful features
  • Works across iOS, Android, and desktop platforms

Cons:

  • Higher price point than some competitors
  • Draws power from connected device
  • No simultaneous charging while recording
  • No XLR connectivity option for traditional audio equipment

Final Verdict: 4.5/5

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit earns an enthusiastic recommendation for mobile content creators who prioritize audio quality and versatility. Its combination of professional sound, thoughtful design, and comprehensive accessories creates a portable recording solution that can elevate content across multiple platforms and use cases.

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