Shure

MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone

Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone

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Overall

#177 in

External Microphones

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score100% positive
4
0
0
Last updated: May 7, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconSpiralEscalator
7 months ago

I'd respectfully suggest avoiding the AT2020 as I personally find it thin/brittle/cheap/hyped top end and has the traditional characteristics of an electret condenser mic (which it is) rather than a true condenser. Note many modern electrets sound balanced these days however. If he has great mics already, a Shure x2U or MVX2U is a good portable solution. Slightly higher noise floor than a good interface's preamps but I used the older X2u in a travel setup for years and never noticed a problem. The only USB mics I really like the sound of (but I'm biased towards VO) are the RODE NTUSB+ (not the older version) and the sE Neom. I own the older (Lightning) version of the MV88 and always have it with me in case I need to capture something, but while it's good for quick 'n' dirty sound gathering, I don't consider it really "pro" sounding.

10 months ago

If you're going to be fairly close to the phone, anything from Shure's MV88 range could work. I think the original MV88 which clipped into an iPhone's Lightning port (which I have) might be discontinued - I still see it on Shure's website but don't see if for sale new in my region; but the MV88+ and Movemic 88 could all work. There are XY stereo mics that plug into smartphones but the advantage of a mid/side stereo mic is that it will also do mono natively, which is better if you're doing a piece to camera. I find it annoying when I'm listening in earbuds and a YT host has recorded in stereo and the voice keeps moving around the stereo field between edits. That said, you're probably better off with one of the wireless lav solutions that works directly into smartphones. I think the Hollyland Lark M2 sounds better than a lot of the competition.

Reddit IconTenor-Guitar-Guy
7 months ago

Shure MV88 is a small stereo mic that plugs into the lightning comnector. Should be able to find on Ebay. Has been replaced with the Shure MV88+. [Shure MV88 works well.](https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/mv88?variant=MV88%252FA) [Shure MV88+](https://www.amazon.com/Shure-MV88-Stereo-USB-Microphone/dp/B09BZXP8Y1/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=159407780323&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vTZlYkz9Cm3dQU_GZ9kyPIKbod3PfGGg7sQBZQv2nRVEZMLFbOrrkhVUVHTo7LiMYtRsUA83Onopyc08iS58aYCfjmY5iz9OcU6qjvYretaOdRk-XduQuLUDYlsl_xk0xT-m5X4Wg4z3FHQvUiWSkKhzAfneQ4GKftvZAIUP-86WJsqRIuY3izPKXT5DSRA0wbukXkr24YGLmcbnQ8Oq-w.1O85Ru62B239TWl5HQweFGRbL2MaKw5r00ESRQvcquc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=693139658766&hvdev=m&hvexpln=68&hvlocphy=9027580&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=15260811451870998541--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15260811451870998541&hvtargid=kwd-118490280022&hydadcr=12833_13466098&keywords=shure+mv88&mcid=910801a0bebd36f595556597e15df6de&qid=1756486392&sr=8-2-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.5998aa40-ec6f-4947-a68f-cd087fee0848&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1)

7 months ago

Here ia a video I recorded using the MV88 with my iPhone. Wasnʻt the best location off to the side, but still sounds pretty good. [Shure MV88 video link](https://youtu.be/DrovbBouO90?si=CcAKV_d8uXILsYY2)

Reddit Iconlost_folk_singer
10 months ago

90% of the time I'm using my Apple Wired Lightning headphones with the built it mic and it's actually wild good. Obviously limited to close sample of vocals/cool sounds design, but It's gotten me quite far in combination with a soft synth piano. Otherwise I'm using my Shure SV88+ - also awesome and clear, great for guitar and percussion.

Reddit Iconb-sharp-minor
11 months ago

I use the Shure MV88. I use it for recording and remote lessons, and the sound is very good. It actually makes good recordings rather than "good enough for my needs" recordings. It comes with a tripod and mount for your phone so you can video yourself as well.

6 months ago

I use a Shure MV88. You can record into your phone or a laptop. It records in stereo, and the app has a ton of settings that make it pretty easy to make a viable recording.

Reddit IconJamesbarros
12 months ago

check out the zoom iq series. Rode also has some great ones. I had the Sure mv88 which was fantastic, although it's no longer produced, you can find them used. I will say the difference between the built in and the Mv88 is day and night. Edit: I just realized my knowledge was dated, so I googled around, watching this now if you're interested. a comparison of iPhone mics. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiM63eswQ34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiM63eswQ34)

Reddit IconPiper-Bob
12 months ago

If you have an iPhone with a lightning connector then the Shure mv88 is a great mic. Combined with the voice record pro app you can make great recordings. But it’s not wireless. To get good wireless recordings you’ll need a professional wireless system plugged into an audio interface.

6 months ago

Yeah. It’s flat through the vocal range with just a little boost at the top end. You need a good sounding room though.

Reddit IconSympathyAny1694
10 months ago

Yep, you can totally record decent audio without a PC. your phone + a good mic is enough. I’ve been using the [Vomo app](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6449889336?pt=126411129&ct=redditbilly&mt=8) on my iPhone to record directly (no time limits). As for mics, look into something like the Shure MV88 or Rode VideoMic Me. solid sound, and they plug right into your phone.

Reddit Icontomwilliam_
5 months ago

M160s or m88s I’ve found very good for this, 441s are also good although the spill tends to sound less good on them… Doing vocals like this is a legitimate way of getting good performances out of vocalists and you can even get away with tuning bits of them if needed

5 months ago

Handheld 7b very good for this too and have heard lots of vocals cut like this

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