Shure MV88 USB C

If you deep dive back to some of the podcasts recorded mid lockdown you will often find the audio sounds like the presenters are sitting in a shower cubical. That’s because microphones are super important and the ones on your wired headphones simple won’t cut it. The Shure MV88 USB C aims to allow you to have the advantages of a portable mic whilst producing good audio. It is small enough to slip into a pocket yet offers recording quality that leaves most built-in phone, tablet, and laptop microphones sounding amateur.

The microphone uses a combination of one cardioid capsule and two bidirectional capsules, allowing a range of recording modes including stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, raw mid side, and adjustable stereo width. That flexibility makes it suitable for everything from interviews and podcasts to live music, field recordings, and video content. There are five fully customisable presets to play with, speech, singing, flat, acoustic and loud.

The MV88 records at up to 24 bit/48kHz, delivering clean, detailed audio with plenty of headroom for editing. The frequency response spans 20Hz to 20kHz, covering the full range of human hearing, while the maximum sound pressure level of 120dB means it can comfortably handle loud concerts and amplified performances without distortion becoming a problem.

The microphone connects directly via USB C and works with many smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers without requiring a separate audio interface, just plug in and play. It is compatible with Shure’s MOTIV apps, which has features such as gain adjustment, EQ presets, compression, limiting, stereo width control, and real time monitoring.

Build quality is solid, with an all-metal construction it feels reassuringly sturdy, while the adjustable hinge allows precise positioning when attached to a device. Despite its compact size, it feels more like professional audio equipment than a mobile accessory.

Audio quality is where it really matters, voices sound clear and natural, background noise is controlled well, and stereo recordings have a convincing sense of space. It is particularly good for travel creators and journalists who need high quality sound without carrying huge amounts of recording equipment.
The only real drawback is that it relies on a connected device for recording. There is no internal storage, and complete beginners may need a little time to understand all the settings available through the MOTIV software.

For those who care about audio quality, the MV88 USB C is one of the most capable portable microphones in its class. RRP £145

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