Shure MV88 versus MV88+ Video Kit: An Honest Comparison!

In the ever-evolving landscape of portable audio recording, Shure has established itself as a formidable presence with its MV series of microphones. Two standout products from this lineup—the Shure MV88 and the MV88+ Video Kit—have captured the attention of content creators, journalists, musicians, and audio enthusiasts alike. While both share similar naming conventions and core functionalities, they offer distinct features and capabilities that cater to different recording needs and workflows.

Historical Context and Evolution

The original Shure MV88 was introduced in 2015 as one of Shure’s first forays into the iOS-compatible digital microphone market. It represented a significant step forward in bringing professional-quality audio to mobile recording setups. The MV88+ Video Kit, released several years later, built upon the foundation established by its predecessor while expanding its capabilities to address the growing demand for video content creation.

This evolution reflects Shure’s responsiveness to changing market needs and technological advancements, particularly the surge in smartphone-based content creation across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, podcasting, and live streaming.

Physical Design and Build Quality

Shure MV88

The original MV88 features a compact, lightning-connector design specifically tailored for iOS devices. Its most distinctive characteristic is its direct-connection approach—the microphone plugs directly into an iPhone or iPad without requiring additional cables or adapters. With dimensions of approximately 2.64 inches (67mm) in length and weighing just 1.37 ounces (38.9g), the MV88 epitomizes portability.

The microphone employs a mid-side stereo configuration with adjustable polar patterns, allowing users to control the stereo width of their recordings. Its all-metal construction exudes durability, with a rotating, tilting microphone capsule that provides flexibility in positioning.

MV88+ Video Kit

The MV88+ represents a significant departure in form factor. Rather than connecting directly to a mobile device, it utilizes a USB-C or Lightning cable (both included in the kit), enabling compatibility with a broader range of devices, including Android smartphones and tablets as well as computers.

The Video Kit includes several components:

The MV88+ microphone itself
A Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod
A phone clamp
USB-C and Lightning cables

The microphone features similar dimensions to the original but comes with a more versatile connection approach. The inclusion of a dedicated mount allows for greater stability and positioning options.

Winner: MV88+ Video Kit – While both microphones showcase Shure’s commitment to build quality, the MV88+ Video Kit offers greater flexibility in terms of device compatibility and mounting options, making it more adaptable to diverse recording scenarios.

Technical Specifications and Audio Performance

Audio Quality and Microphone Elements

Both microphones utilize Shure’s quality microphone capsules, but with some noteworthy differences:

Shure MV88:

Utilizes a mid-side stereo configuration
Features adjustable stereo width through the ShurePlus MOTIV app
Employs matched cardioid and bidirectional capsules
Frequency response range: 20Hz to 20kHz
Maximum SPL: 120dB
16-bit/24-bit recording capability
Sample rates up to 48kHz

MV88+ Video Kit:

Employs a cardioid condenser capsule
Offers multiple polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo, and raw mid-side)
Frequency response range: 20Hz to 20kHz
Maximum SPL: 120dB
16-bit/24-bit recording capability
Sample rates up to 48kHz

The sonic signatures of both microphones are distinctly “Shure,” with a clear, detailed sound that effectively captures the nuances of various audio sources. However, there are subtle differences in their performance characteristics.

Real-World Audio Performance

In practical recording scenarios, the original MV88 tends to excel at capturing ambient sounds and delivering immersive stereo recordings of musical performances, thanks to its mid-side configuration. Its stereo imaging is particularly impressive, creating a sense of space and dimension that can elevate recordings of live events, nature sounds, or acoustic performances.

The MV88+, with its multiple selectable polar patterns, offers greater versatility across recording scenarios. Its cardioid pattern excels at capturing focused audio directly in front of the microphone—ideal for interviews, voice-overs, and solo instrumental recordings. The omnidirectional setting proves valuable for group discussions or capturing room ambience, while the bidirectional pattern facilitates face-to-face interviews.

In terms of handling noise and wind resistance, both microphones include foam windscreens, though the MV88+ includes a slightly more substantial windscreen. External wind protection is recommended for outdoor recording with either microphone.

Winner: Tie – Both microphones deliver exceptional audio quality within their respective design parameters. The choice between them depends more on your specific recording needs rather than any objective superiority in audio performance.

Software Integration and Control

Both the MV88 and MV88+ integrate with Shure’s dedicated mobile applications, but with some notable differences in their implementations.

ShurePlus MOTIV App Integration

The ShurePlus MOTIV app serves as the control center for both microphones, offering access to various settings and recording features:

Common Features:

Adjustable gain control
Manual or automatic gain modes
Five DSP presets (Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, Loud)
Adjustable compression and limiting
Five-band equalizer
Wind noise reduction
Left-right channel swap
Recording and basic editing capabilities

Differences:

The original MV88 relies more heavily on the app for polar pattern adjustments and stereo width control
The MV88+ offers hardware-level polar pattern selection, making it somewhat less dependent on the app for basic functionality
The MV88+ works with the ShurePlus MOTIV Video app, which adds video recording capabilities specifically optimized for the microphone

Cross-Platform Compatibility

A key distinction between the two microphones lies in their device compatibility:

Shure MV88:

Exclusively compatible with iOS devices equipped with Lightning ports
Cannot be used with Android devices or computers without additional adapters (which may not be officially supported)

MV88+ Video Kit:

Compatible with iOS devices (via Lightning cable)
Compatible with Android devices (via USB-C)
Compatible with computers (via USB-C)
Works as a standard USB microphone for desktop recording

Winner: MV88+ Video Kit – The broader compatibility and dedicated video recording app give the MV88+ a significant advantage in this category, especially for users who work across multiple platforms or might switch devices in the future.

Versatility and Use Cases

The distinct design philosophies of these microphones make them suitable for different recording scenarios and user preferences.

Shure MV88: Specialized iOS Recording

The original MV88 excels in scenarios where:

Maximum portability is paramount
You work exclusively within the iOS ecosystem
You need to quickly attach and detach the microphone
You want to minimize your recording footprint
You primarily record ambient audio or musical performances where stereo imaging is crucial

Its direct-connection design makes it particularly well-suited for on-the-go recording situations where setup time needs to be minimal, such as capturing impromptu musical performances, field recordings, or journalistic interviews.

MV88+ Video Kit: Versatile Multi-Platform Recording

The MV88+ Video Kit shines in situations where:

You require cross-platform compatibility
Video recording is a primary concern
You need flexible mounting options
You work with diverse audio sources requiring different polar patterns
You value a more comprehensive recording solution

The inclusion of the Manfrotto tripod and phone mount makes the MV88+ particularly valuable for vloggers, YouTubers, and content creators who need both quality audio and stable video capture.

Winner: MV88+ Video Kit – While both microphones serve their intended purposes admirably, the MV88+ offers significantly greater versatility across recording scenarios and platforms.

Value Proposition and Price Considerations

Price Comparison

As of early 2025, typical retail pricing (subject to variation):

Shure MV88: Approximately $149-$179
MV88+ Video Kit: Approximately $249-$279

The approximately $100 price difference requires careful consideration of what additional value the MV88+ provides beyond the core microphone functionality.

Value Assessment

When evaluating the value proposition of each option:

The MV88 represents better value if:

You work exclusively with iOS devices
You prioritize stereo recording
You have a limited budget
You already own tripods or mounting solutions
Absolute portability is your primary concern

The MV88+ Video Kit offers superior value if:

You use multiple device platforms
Video recording is a significant part of your workflow
You don’t already own quality mounting equipment
You need versatility in polar patterns and positioning
You anticipate your recording needs evolving over time

Winner: Depends on needs – For iOS-exclusive users with specific stereo recording needs, the MV88 provides better dollar-for-dollar value. For those requiring greater versatility or video capabilities, the MV88+ Video Kit’s premium is justified by its expanded functionality.

Practical Considerations for Different User Groups

Content Creators and Vloggers

For YouTube creators, Instagram content producers, and vloggers, the MV88+ Video Kit offers significant advantages. The included tripod and phone mount eliminate the need for separate purchases, while the video-optimized app streamlines the recording process. The flexibility to switch between front-facing and rear-facing cameras without microphone repositioning is particularly valuable.

Musicians and Audio Enthusiasts

Musicians might find the original MV88’s stereo capabilities and direct connection more appealing for capturing performances. Its ability to create immersive stereo images of acoustic instruments or ensembles gives it a slight edge for purely musical applications, though the MV88+ still performs admirably in this context.

Journalists and Interviewers

Journalists conducting field interviews might prefer either microphone depending on their specific workflow. The MV88+ offers more positioning options and the ability to use bidirectional patterns for face-to-face interviews, while the original MV88 provides a more discreet, compact solution that can be deployed rapidly.

Podcasters

Podcasters working in controlled environments will likely find the MV88+ more suitable due to its stability on the included tripod and its optimized cardioid pattern for voice recording. However, those recording on location might appreciate the original MV88’s simplicity and portability.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Both the Shure MV88 and the MV88+ Video Kit represent excellent options within the portable microphone market, each with distinct strengths aligned with different recording needs.

Choose the original Shure MV88 if:

You exclusively use iOS devices with Lightning connectors
Maximum portability and minimalism are priorities
You primarily record musical performances or ambient audio
Budget constraints make the additional features of the MV88+ less appealing
You already have mounting solutions or don’t require them

Choose the MV88+ Video Kit if:

You work across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, desktop)
Video recording is a significant component of your content creation
You need the flexibility of multiple polar patterns
You value the included tripod and mounting accessories
You anticipate your recording needs evolving over time

The evolution from the MV88 to the MV88+ Video Kit reflects Shure’s recognition of changing content creation workflows, particularly the integration of video alongside audio. While the original MV88 remains an excellent dedicated iOS audio solution, the MV88+ Video Kit’s broader compatibility and included accessories make it the more future-proof choice for most users.

Ultimately, both microphones uphold Shure’s reputation for quality and performance, delivering professional-grade audio capabilities in remarkably compact packages. Your choice between them should be guided by your specific recording requirements, device ecosystem, and budget considerations rather than any significant disparity in audio quality.