– Shure MV88+ Video Kit - Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone for Apple and Android, with Manfrotto PIXI Tripod, Phone Clamp, Mount, iOS and USB-C Cables for Next-Level Compatibility and Connectivity

Very good bit of kit. Good vocal clarity for podcasting and webinars. Being powered from USB makes it super convenient. Flexible options mean you can use it to capture a single voice, two people sitting either side of the microphone (for interviews), or an ambient room in stereo. In the stereo mode you need to use a Mid-Side matrix plugin to split the two signals from the microphone and produce a stereo mix. Plenty of info online about this. The accompanying app is well thought out. You use it to configure the microphone's recording set-up. You don't need to use the app to record the microphone. However, I choose to, and then export the files for post as needed.

The quality of sound reproduction is outstanding and the set up is very easy and intuitive. You can vary the angle of sound which the mic takes in, you can increase the mic volume a lot. There’s various equalisation sliders for those wanting to colour the recording. Used it on an ipad, it’s tiny and by far the most convenient method of doing a quick on the spot recording there is. There is absolutely no background noise when you crank it up and no distortion in replaying music recorded which has large changes in dynamics. You can immediately divide a recording up into sections afterwards, and saving and sharing files is a doddle. You can fast forward and back with the slide of a finger on the screen. I am extremely fussy about sound and know how difficult it is to get a decent recording of classical piano, which is what I use it for; it’s really outstanding for this (although of course not the same as a thousand pound mic and recording desk!); even recording a string quartet from the back of the room gave really good sound. Thoroughly recommend

I do quite a bit of studio recording and needed a high quality portable device, and this is great. Very solid build quality, great pop-shield and strong protective carry case. The audio quality is very good. On a direct comparison, recording using the iphone mic, then using the MV88, the quality difference is stark. The MV88 is studio quality, the iphone mic sounds poor. Be aware that you're not going to hear much difference if listening to your recordings through the iphone speaker, but once you put on a decent pair of headphones the quality difference is obvious. The MV88 has a tiny bit of hiss when on full gain and recording quiet sounds, but way less than from just the iphone mic, and that's completely to be expected and probably in-audible to many ears. Its only once you go up to more expensive mics / pre-amps etc... that you get the next stage of quality. The app is also very good. All in all - very happy.

Very nice, feels well built and produces much better sound than the iPhone 7 internal mic. Does it produce excellent sound like a larger Rode? Well, no but then you can't expect it to when you compare sizes. It is fairly easy to use with the Shure app installed on your phone but do remember to turn your phone onto airplane mode or you will get cellular signal noise on each and every sound recording you make. I use it with iMovie or just record sound using the iPhone native sound app - it's dead easy to export recordings into iMovie when you're done. I did read in other reviews about some compatibility issues with third party apps but I don't use them so can't comment. Really good quality sound though.

Great quality product but be careful with the little knob that tightens the phone clamp because if you leave it loose it can fall off and I nearly lost it. Everything else is very solid.

Not satisfied with the mono microphone in my iPhone I was drawn to this Shure MV88 by encouraging reviews and an impressive support App. Its direct connection to the “lightning” socket of my phone suggested that this arrangement might be an ideal replacement for my trusty Olympus Digital Voice Recorder. How wrong could I be? Apart from warranty information and safety warnings there was no other paperwork in the MV88’s box. So since there were no instructions I hooked up the microphone to my iPhone 6 Plus and enabled the MOTIV App. At this point users have to ensure that any casing for their phone or iPad does not impede full insertion of the mic’s plug. Once proper connection is made an indicator light is visible on the base of the mic. First impression was that the MV88 was rather insensitive; however the MOTIV app offered a Mic Gain control (not available for the phone’s internal mics) which I turned up to its maximum +30dB before getting any sensible response in the recording traces. Turning to the app’s control page I noticed that there were several pre-set gain settings for a variety of applications, from local speech up to loud band, in addition to various sound envelopes for particular sound sources. All very fine, but if the microphone barely picks up sound at maximum gain, then what was the point of providing these settings for quieter sounds? Nevertheless, I took the mic and phone to an open air concert and, positioned a few yards away from the main stage, attempted to record some of the music. Once again I needed to turn the gain up to its max +30dB for any response at all and later when processing the recorded “wav” file needed amplifying by 10dB to get any sensible level at all. Interestingly, with the MV88 removed, the phone’s internal mic was overwhelmed by the sound but with now no mic gain control, I had to move further away to get reasonable record levels. In order to eliminate possible faulty hardware, I tried the MV88 on both an iPad Pro (12.5”) and an older iPad 4. Using a Hi-Fi loudspeaker as sound source I attempted to record something from Digital Radio, with the MV88 positioned some centimetres from the main drive unit. A decent enough trace was obtained, but with this microphone removed, the internal microphones drive well into the red. A mic gain control is available for the internal mics on the iPads and needed to be turned down to 30% to get the same trace as with the MV88. The closest help desk or service centre is in Germany and on-line help was less than helpful. However, suspecting a faulty device, Amazon promptly sent me a replacement. But there was no difference in performance. Both units have since been returned. In conclusion, the Shure MV88 turned out to be very disappointing and certainly no replacement for my Olympus Digital Voice Recorder which has been used for recording lectures and concerts very successfully in the past. Neither unit was able to function properly beyond a radius of 1m - not what I expected from a unit costing around £130, and from a company like Shure.

Update: I've used this for 9 months now for recording live music. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Remember: This microphone is good with default settings, and it is GREAT reward if you take time to understand it. If haven't already, check on setting proper gain level, recording format, mic pattern, limiter, compressor, positioning, etc. Enjoy! I’ve used this for 3 months recording live music. This is a high quality microphone with many options and practical accessories. It is simple to use. Audio review: The microphone has many pattern settings from wide angle to focused. When set up properly, sound quality is significantly better iPhone 16 Pro. Bass is noticeably cleaner and more defined. I use this for symphony/brass/wind bands. Shure recording app works seamlessly with iOS and provides simple premade recording settings (voice, acoustic, band, etc.) while still allowing full customization of mic pattern, gain, compression, and limiter. However you must practice with the software and mic setup. It takes a few tries to understand everything. I only use iPhone and haven’t tried Android. Read the instructions here—don’t forget to turn on airplane mode and do not disturb focus. Gear setup review: This is a great tiny kit rolled into a durable soft case. Setup is quick and sturdy, and can be done easily in the dark/live music setting. Standard tripod hardware means you can use any tripod, though the Pixi is fine. Mic connects directly to phone with provided standard cords. I really love the roll-up case with its mesh pockets. Small gear like this can be easy to lose, but Shure went out of its way to help you here. If you want to greatly improve your phone audio recording quality, are willing to test it out a few times, and need portable gear, this is a great choice.

Awesome product of Shure as expected. Btw be aware while removing its wind screen as I have torn it 😂

Beautifully improves sound for videos of acoustic string instruments. Perfect for recording clips for YouTube with an iPhone. Super easy to use and has an awesome couple of apps to control Gain, mic pattern, and compression etc. Also has some presets programs. Well designed and solid construction. Lightweight and clips into charging connector slot. lots of info and reviews online.

This microphone has improved intelligibility during our virtual and hybrid meetings. Because it's USB it's easy to set up and because it's so small, it's unobtrusive and nobody notices that it's there. We also purchased an articulating arm to make positioning easy and the handling noise when we have to move it is very low, which speaks well to the quality of the microphone.

Update 16Oct2021 - iPhone Xs Max in 2018 finally introduced stereo mics. The MV88 is still superior in frequency response and doesn't require the always-on compression in the iPhone. I modified a 2021 Spigen Ultra Hybrid case with an X-acto knife to clear the MV88 (see photo). It was possible to leave intact the top edge over the Lightning connector--unlike some cases with an open area there to I’ve used the MV88 for live music performance video recording in stereo, with a handheld iPhone 6s Plus since Dec2015. As of 04Jul2017 there is no competition for this application. As a musician and software engineer coding audio signal processing, I’ve found the sound quality to be excellent. Amazing lows and clear, extended natural highs vs. mics like the Zoom iQ7 and the old Tascam iM2. Amazon apparently doesn’t allow external links, but google “youtube electric eye lucky strike” should yield two videos of the same performance, with audio from the Zoom iQ7 vs. the MV88. There are other great stereo mics from Shure and Rode, but they're significantly bulkier and heavier—impractical for handheld video. And there is no contest vs the mono, overload prone built-in iPhone mics—optimized for noise cancellation and monaural voice, rather than stereo live music. You may burst out laughing hearing recordings with the MV88 for the first time. Commenters saying there is little or no difference—maybe are listening on the iPhone speaker? Headphones, external speakers, are the real test. The MOTIV app is easy to use. Documentation is a joy—clear and detailed, often answering not just how, but why. Its Band preset works amazingly well for rock concerts—just a touch of compression and limiting, to the point i’ve never heard distortion on live performances, other than traceable to overloaded mixer/monitor/amps in the original performance. Even on video of Motley Crue’s Final Tour 31Dec2015, the explosions weren’t distorted (google youtube motley crue antera77, at 27:42) The highly elegant pivot and twist system for the stereo mics gives correctly oriented stereo audio for landscape mode (“horizontal”) video. Mics like the Rode iXYL and the apparently abandoned Blue Mikey Digital Lightning (Blue’s website as of 04Jul2017 touts iOS 7 compatibility—a version introduced Sep2013) require portrait mode for this—rendering them essentially useless for landscape mode video. The jewel-like, all metal construction screams quality, vs. plasticy, deformed Mickey Mouse ears looking mics like the Zoom iQ7. Suggested improvements, 0-10 scale, 10 being highest priority/cost: 10/10: Recording level indication on the mic - add two or three green LED level meters to the single MV88 “Communication Established” LED. My biggest disappointments have involved not knowing audio levels while recording video. Excellent workaround has been an iOS video app like Filmic Pro with on-screen audio level meters. Apple’s default Camera app has none—suggestion to Apple: Make audio level meters a Preferences-selectable option! Much less elegant workaround: carry earbuds or headphones to the live show to monitor the audio. Earbuds are hard to hear in a live music setting, and more bulk and kit to lose and fuss with—especially with iPhone 7 and newer needing an adapter for headphones. The $100 Zoom iQ7 Lightning mic has three LED level meters, so they’re likely cost-effective. 4/10: “Turn Airplane Mode On When MV88 detected” option in the Shure MOTIV app I’ve come home to interference-riddled audio several times, because I forgot to turn Airplane Mode on. No reliable way to tell if interference is occurring while taking video, even with an audio level meter-equipped video app like Filmic Pro. You wouldn’t want Airplane Mode automatic: * not clear that iOS would allow this * some would like to do live streaming, and/or to take calls while recording even if it interrupts the video app 3/10: Improve software system reliability in establishing MV88 communication I don’t know if this is practical. But I’ve had big disappointments from not paying attention to the MV88 green LED. Not noticing the serial data connection wasn’t established meant the horrible, built in mono iPhone mic took over, or worse, no audio. Even using an audio level meter equipped app like Filmic Pro, sometimes I haven’t noticed if the on-screen audio meters were showing stereo vs. mono, or no audio. Apparently it’s fairly common even with the MV88 plugged into the Lightning connector, that a serial data connection is not established. Understandable given several systems have to interact perfectly: * mechanical Lightning connection * three software systems—iOS, video app, Shure MOTIV app The ideal live music recorder would be a dedicated video camera and permanently attached stereo mic and integrated software. It may be that Shure has already maximized communication reliability, given the constraints of integrating with the iPhone hardware and software. 1/10: Add RFID—MV88 is so tiny, it’s easy to lose! A passive 916MHz RFID tag would add an insignificant $0.15 (in volume as of 2006) to the $150 cost. You’ve got the radio hardware to sent out RFID signals right there on the iPhone. Most practical would be just a response—tells you the MV88 is in the room somewhere at least, vs. lost at the gig. GPS chips and a beeper in the MV88 would be nice, but almost certainly not cost effective. Source: wikipedia RFID. —— I’d like to address the remainder of this review to errors in the review “Not $150 worth of mic, just ok. By Amazon Customer #99 on March 7, 2017”, as these are common misunderstandings that could dissuade many from making an excellent choice in the MV88: “Bottom line: It's good but, frustratingly, not $150 good…Zoom makes one…at least as good for…less.” I disagree completely. Superior performance, build quality and features are well worth $150 vs competition like the $100 Zoom iQ7. This is generally echoed by the majority of other reviews here. “ “It's fine for speech and podcasts and YouTube videos, but not really good enough for a musician. It is noticeably noisy (hissy)…” For conversations, and live music performances at least, avoiding distortion and overload, is far more important than background hiss—a comparative non-issue. As a musician and audio engineer, I’ve found the MV88 audio excellent—extended bass and highs, and if there’s any distortion, it’s been from overdriven mixers/monitors/amps in the original performance. On quiet passages, audience noise has been more an issue than background hiss. From Shure: “The MV88 was designed primarily to record loud sounds, like a rock concert, or medium sounds, such as conversation. As the sounds gets softer and/or the MV88 is placed farther away from the sound source, at some point the self-noise (hiss level) of the MV88 might become noticeable or objectionable…The MV88 does not have an exceptionally low noise floor like a Shure KSM44A (4 dB SPL-A), however the KSM44A is nearly seven times the price. If the requirement is to record very soft bird sounds in a forest, or the barely audible whispers of wind in the trees, the MV88 may not be appropriate.” (google Shure Customer Help MV88 recording soft sounds) Further, the biggest source of background hiss is presets with Compression on, rather than quiescent mic capsule noise. Turning it off or using Flat preset in the MOTIV app will help. Just be careful to set recording levels low enough to prevent overload. “…even when the phone is in airplane mode.” Airplane mode being off, and microphone signal-to-noise performance are two different noise sources. Airplane mode turns off the iPhone cellular/Bluetooth/wifi radio frequency transmit and receive, which can cause static and other intermittent noise at audio frequencies. This has nothing to do with steady background hiss from the MV88 ADC and mic capsules’ combined signal to noise ratio. “ It has weak midrange and bass response…“ Compared to what? I’ve found the MV88 to have excellent bass response vs other Lightning connector mics like the iQ7. Shure’s User Guide lists response as 20-20kHz. Its frequency response graph shows a gentle rolloff below 300Hz but no dip in the midrange: (From Shure MV88 User Guide - Specifications) You may be comparing the MV88 to a mic with artificially boosted midrange and bass. “… although it's tweakable in the MOTIV app up to a point.” Indeed it is, with the MOTIV 5-band graphic EQ: (From Shure MV88 User Guide - The ShurePlus MOTIV App - Mic setup) “It is heavy and cumbersome unless you hold the phone…on a tripod.” Maybe if you’re a leprechaun. The MV88 mass is 40.5g vs. your favored Zoom iQ7 at 30.5g. Using the MV88 handheld for shooting live music performances with my 192g iPhone 6s Plus and approx 24g Incase Halo Snap case increases the mass as a unit by about 20%. Or the mass vs. using the iQ7 by about 4.1%. (192+24+41)/(192+24). (192+24+41)/(192+24+31) Claiming a 4% increase in mass would push an iPhone-plus-mic into tripod territory is baffling. “It won't work with many cases…” It fits Apple, and some Incase cases. Making sure your case provides clearance around the Lightning connector is a reasonable tradeoff to get the excellent MV88 features. Shure also addresses this: (google Shure Customer Help MV88 use with a phone case) “Alesis and Rode make better ones.” As of Jul2017: * The RODE iXY-L orients its stereo mics incorrectly for landscape mode video. This can outweigh possibly better sound * Alesis lists no mics on its website “It’s an improvement over built in DAC/mic but not a huge improvement.” DAC (digital to analog conversion) is irrelevant to an analog audio source like a microphone. You might be thinking of analog to digital conversion (ADC). “An iPhone really needs a full outboard DAC to record decently. This seems to share…” You seem to be suggesting the MV88 relies on an iPhone internal digital to analog converter (DAC). If so, this is false. Again, digital to analog conversion—outboard or otherwise—is irrelevant to an analog audio source like a microphone. You might be thinking of analog to digital conversion (ADC). This is necessarily done by the MV88, since the iPhone Lightning connector has no analog data signals. It only has pins for a serial digital data stream. That is, the MV88 indeed has an ADC “outboard” from the iPhone. (Wikipedia Lightning Connector)