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| MV88 USB-C attached to a phone |
LAS VEGAS — In a move set to simplify mobile content creation, audio specialist Shure has unveiled a direct successor to a beloved portable mic. Announced at CES Unveiled 2026, the new Shure MV88 USB-C stereo microphone does exactly what its name promises: it updates the classic MV88 with a modern USB-C connector, finally cutting the cord on Lightning and USB-A adapters.
Priced at $159 (approx. £145 / €169) and available immediately, this microphone is squarely targeted at journalists, podcasters, vloggers, and musicians who demand high-quality audio on location but want to shed the bulk of traditional recording gear. Its core promise is profound simplicity: plug it directly into your iPhone 15 or newer, your latest iPad, or a modern Android device, and you're ready to record.
Streamlined Power and Control
Shure's design philosophy here is all about removing friction. The MV88 USB-C is entirely bus-powered, drawing energy directly from your host device. This eliminates the need for batteries, charging cables, or the frustrating Bluetooth pairing processes common with other wireless mics.
The true magic, however, lies in the software ecosystem. Shure provides its powerful MOTIV suite of apps for free. On mobile, the MOTIV Video and MOTIV Audio apps unlock deep, professional-grade controls. Users can tweak their sound with a five-band equaliser, apply a limiter or compressor, and engage a high-pass filter—all from their smartphone screen. For post-production, the desktop MOTIV Mix software offers even more granular editing.
Flexibility for Any Scenario
Beyond the convenient plug-and-play design, the MV88 USB-C is packed with features that make it a versatile tool. It offers four selectable polar patterns to match your recording situation:
- Stereo: With an adjustable width from 60 to 135 degrees, perfect for capturing ambient sound or music.
- Mono Cardioid: Ideal for a single speaker or focused source, minimizing background noise.
- Mono Bi-Directional: The classic interview pattern, capturing sound from the front and rear while rejecting sides.
- Raw Mid-Side: Provides advanced flexibility for post-production editing.
To combat real-world recording challenges, Shure has built in an intelligent auto-level mode that adjusts gain on the fly for consistent volume, and a real-time denoiser that actively suppresses unwanted background hum and noise. For more details on all specs and compatible devices, you can explore the official product page on Shure's website.
What’s in the Box
The microphone ships with a practical bundle aimed at the mobile creator: a foam windscreen to combat plosives and gusts, and a protective travel case, ensuring the compact mic stays safe in a bag or pocket.
The Bottom Line
The original MV88 was a pioneer in the smartphone audio space, but its reliance on the now-defunct Lightning connector or dongles became a growing pain point. The MV88 USB-C is the logical, necessary evolution. By embracing the universal USB-C standard, Shure isn't just updating a port; it's future-proofing a proven tool for the next generation of creators who want studio-quality sound to emerge straight from their pocket.
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| MV88 USB-C can tilt, flip and rotate |