Shure MV88 iOS Condenser Mic Review / Test
Today is the second installment of my Shure iOS microphone review series. Today, I reviewed the lightning adapter microphone, the Shure MV88
This microphone is exclusively an iOS microphone, as it can only connect directly through the lightning port.
Currently, you are able to have headphones connected to your iPhone while recording, but with the removal of the headphone jack, this may become an issue that Shure has to address in an updated MV88 that includes a 3.5mm Headphone port.
If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $150 on Amazon
What's In the Box
Microphone
Pop Filter / Wind Screen
Carrying / Storage Case
3.5mm Extender for Headphones
Documentation
2 Year Warranty
Specifications
Frequency Response: Not Listed
Polar Pattern: Cardioid & Bi-Directional
Recording Quality: 24 bit / 48kHz
Performance / Features
The build quality of this mic is decent. It is still metal, but it does not have any substantial weight to it. This is most likely by design since it is a traveling microphone. Regardless, I personally prefer mics to have some nice weight to them. The mic also only offers 90-degrees of motion, so if you want to point the mic in the opposite direction, you will need to unplug and flip it over which will cause the mic to cover part of the 3.5mm headphone jack.
There are no controls on the microphone, everything is handled through the app. The app offers 5 DSP Presets:
Speech
Singing
Acoustic
Loud Performance
Flat
You are also able to switch between many polar patterns
XY - 60-75-90-105-120-135
Cardioid
Bi Directional
Raw Midside
There is also a control to add a limiter, compressor, or wind reducer.
As far as performance, I think it's a big improvement over the iPhone's / iPad's internal microphone. It sounded great while recording guitar/singing simultaneously. It provided clear audio and a nice stereo sound.
Pros
Provides great sound compared to internal microphone
Extremely portable
Lots of control options
Cons
Only 90-degrees of motion
Does not have built in 3.5mm headphone jack (may be issue on iPhone 7)
Conclusion
This may seem like it is an expensive device, but one you start to analyze what you're getting for the $150, you will find that it is a great deal. It is much like getting 3 different microphones and a mobile DAW. You have an XY mic, a Cardioid Mic, and a Mid Side microphone. You also get a DAW that allows you to add compression, limiters, and wind reduction as well as edit your audio.
It's also important to note that if you are new to recording and don't have a full understanding of the process, they offer 5 presets to help get you started.
If you are stuck using an iOS device to record your podcast, film your band's show or comedy show, or even vlog, I think this microphone is a great option to improve your audio so you can have a better quality video that you can critique or share.
If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP.
Buy the MV88 (Affiliate Link)
Global: https://geni.us/mv88