The Shure MV88 is a professional quality condenser microphone which plugs directly into an Apple® iOS device using a Lightning® connector. Two microphone capsules are arranged in a Mid-Side configuration to provide an adjustable stereo image, suitable for capturing a variety of sources, including music and speech. The ShurePlus®MOTIV app allows users to customize the sound with digital signal processing (DSP) preset mode selection, gain adjustment, and stereo width control.
The classic mid-side stereo microphone technique uses two coincident capsules: one cardioid pointed directly at the source, and one bidirectional aimed toward the sides. This configuration allows the user to adjust the stereo width and provides excellent mono compatibility.
The MV88 is compatible with any iOS device equipped with a Lightning connector.
The MV88 features lightweight, all-metal construction and is small enough to carry anywhere. Like all Shure products, the MV88 ensures reliability in the field.
The MOTIV recording app controls MV88 settings, such as gain, stereo width, and preset modes, and also includes the following features:
The MV88 is compatible with mobile devices that have a Lightning connector.
The LED on the MV88 base illuminates when an audio application or the ShurePlus MOTIV recording app is open and recognizes the MV88.
Note: The reversible Lightning connector allows the MV88 to be installed in either orientation.
The app controls the microphone settings and provides instant recording capabilities.
Select a preset mode or manually adjust mic gain and stereo width to optimize audio recordings. See the "Aiming the Microphone" topic for mic placement information and "The MOTIV App" for information on audio settings like compression, equalization, and more.
This allows you to record with no audio interruptions from phone calls or app notifications.
The microphone will retain settings from the last time you used the MOTIV app. Adjustments can be made while recording, but test settings prior to recording to avoid audible artifacts.
The MV88 features two capsules: one capsule has a cardioid pattern and picks up sound directly in front of the microphone. The other is bidirectional and captures sound from the left and right sides.
Microphone Cartridge
For accurate stereo recordings in any position, the front of the microphone must be pointed toward the sound source, with the sides facing the appropriate orientation. Use the L and R indicators on the microphone barrel to ensure correct placement.
The microphone pivots and the barrel can be rotated 90 degrees to achieve desired positioning.
Note: The Left-Right Channel Swap feature allows you to switch orientation on the microphone if the swap is necessary.
Adjusting Microphone Position
This section suggests microphone placement for typical use cases. Keep in mind that there are many effective ways to record a given source. Experiment with microphone placement and settings to find what works best.
Tip: To ensure correct stereo orientation of the microphone at a glance, check to see if the Shure name is clearly visible on the top of the microphone. If the name is not visible, turn the barrel 90°.
The phone or tablet can be used in any position. Aim the front of the microphone toward the source, with the left and right sides facing the appropriate directions.
Aim the front of the microphone toward the source. The microphone can be mounted in either orientation of the MV88 with the Lightning connector, so ensure that the left and right sides are facing the appropriate directions.
Aim the front of the microphone toward the source. The microphone can be connected in either orientation with the Lightning connector, so ensure that the left and right sides of the MV88 are facing the appropriate directions.
Set the recording device on a flat surface with one side of the microphone pointed toward the subject and the other pointed toward the interviewer. Select the MONO BIDIRECTIONAL preset in the MOTIV app.
To capture the voices of both the subject (on-camera) and the interviewer (off-camera), select the MONO BIDIRECTIONAL preset in the MOTIV app. Position the microphone with the left and right sides facing each person.
Set the device on a flat surface and angle the microphone toward your mouth. Select the MONO CARDIOID preset in the MOTIV app to reduce ambient noise.
Headphone Monitor Adapting Cable
Use the included headphone monitor adapting cable for the following reasons:
Use the MOTIV app to change microphone settings and to record, edit, and share audio. The device stores the most recently used settings for quick setup each time you record.
Tip: Turn on Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb to prevent interruptions to the recording caused by phone calls, text messages, or alerts.
Tap Device on the navigation bar to access the device settings tab.
Microphone Settings
① Connected Mic Status Displays the name of the connected MOTIV microphone.
② Input Meter Displays the strength of the input signal and whether that signal is mono or stereo. The loudest peaks should reach within the target range (indicated by the shaded region between -12 and 0 dB).
③ Microphone Gain/Monitoring Adjust the gain slider to match the volume of the sound source. Tap the headphone icon to turn on the input monitor when making adjustments.
④ Custom Presets Tap the caret to quickly access your saved presets. Or tap the Save button to save current settings as a new custom preset. See Custom Presets for more information.
⑤ Preset Modes Select a mode to set stereo width, equalization, and compression for specific applications. Refer to the "Preset Modes" topic for more details.
⑥ Polar Pattern Selection Swipe to choose between Stereo, Mono Cardioid, Mono Bidirectional or Raw Mid-Side pick-up patterns. Then adjust the width of the stereo microphone pickup area.
Tip: Consider the location of the microphone and the size of the sound source when adjusting the width. For example, a large orchestra or ensemble recording will benefit from a wide stereo image to achieve increased separation between instruments. Other applications, such as speech, benefit from a narrow width for improved clarity with rejection of ambient (room) sound.
⑦ Advanced Features First select a preset mode, then use the advanced controls to fine tune your audio recording and dial in your sound. Your settings will be retained in the microphone. See "Advanced Features," "Wind Noise Reduction" and "Left-Right Channel Swap" for more information on how these features work.
Five selectable modes optimize settings for gain, stereo width, equalization, and compression. Set the microphone level and try the modes to find which sounds best. Preset modes can affect the strength of the input signal, so adjust the microphone level as needed after changing presets.
Mode | Application | Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Speech |
speech | Narrow stereo width to reject background noise, equalization that emphasizes clarity and fullness, and gentle compression. |
Singing |
solo or group vocal performances | Medium stereo width with subtle equalization to add richness and clarity for a natural sound. |
Flat |
any | An unprocessed signal (no equalization or compression settings used). Adds flexibility when processing the audio after recording. |
Acoustic |
acoustic instruments and quiet music | Medium stereo width with transparent compression to smooth out volume spikes and bring out quiet passages. The equalizer setting emphasizes detail and an overall natural sound. |
Loud |
live performance and louder sources | Wide stereo to increase separation between sources. Equalization further improves definition by reducing frequencies that can make the instrumentation sound crowded. |
Create and save custom presets to quickly access frequently used mic settings.
To access saved presets:
Tip: You can save a custom preset at any point by tapping Save.
The following demonstrates microphone capsule pick-up patterns. When operating in a mono mode, stereo width is not adjustable.
![]() |
Stereo |
Front = On Sides = On |
![]() |
Mono Cardioid |
Front = On Sides = Off |
![]() |
Mono Bidirectional |
Front = Off Sides = On |
![]() |
Raw Mid-Side |
Front = On Sides = On See "Raw Mid-Side Output" for more information. |
For increased post-processing flexibility, use the Raw Mid-Side setting. This records signal a 2-channel signal with a stereo image that can be adjusted even after the tracks have been recorded:
Left: Cardioid (front)
Right: Bidirectional (sides)
Use the Raw Mid-Side setting with audio recording applications that have a mid-side stereo matrix decoder. Or use the manual decoding instructions to adjust the stereo image of the recorded tracks.
If your digital audio workstation software (DAW) has no mid-side decoder, use these steps to adjust and manipulate the stereo image:
Advanced tip: Using compression with a fast attack setting on the grouped tracks keeps transients (the first part of a sound, such as when a drum stick strikes a cymbal) toward the center of the stereo image and allows them to expand within the stereo field as the sound decays.
Manual Decoding of Raw Mid-Side Audio
After you have selected the preset mode for your application, fine tune the sound of your recording with limiter, compressor, and equalizer controls. Your settings will be retained in the microphone when using other audio and video recording applications.
Toggle the limiter on to set an input threshold and prevent distortion from volume peaks in your recordings.
Choose no compression, or select light or heavy compression to control volume when your sound source is dynamic. The compressor will narrow the dynamic range, which means that quiet signals are boosted and loud signals are lowered.
Wind Noise Reduction engages a low-frequency cutoff filter that reduces rumble caused by environmental noise. Use the included foam windscreen in combination with wind reduction to counteract rumble and plosives (bursts of air hitting the microphone).
To further reduce wind noise, use the optional Rycote™ Windjammer, which fits over the included foam windscreen.
For stereo recordings, use Left - Right Swap to flip the left and right audio channels to match the stereo image to the video. For example, when using video to record yourself.
Tip: Use the L and R indicators on the microphone barrel. This way you can set Left - Right Swap before you start to record.
Change the preset modes to hear the DSP changes, and then use the equalizer to boost or cut bands of frequencies to improve sound clarity.
Note: Equalization within presets will not be displayed. However, the equalizer graphic in the advanced settings status bar displays the user-selected equalization.
Tap to access the MOTIV equalizer. Equalization changes are displayed in the equalizer image.
EQ persists between preset mode changes.
Tap Record on the navigation bar to access the record button and timeline.
Record Settings
① Connected Device Status Status will display the model name of the connected MOTIV device.
② Settings Status Displays the icons for the advanced settings currently enabled.
③ Microphone/Headphone Gain Adjust to match the volume of the sound source. Monitor the meter when making adjustments to ensure levels are in the target range (indicated by the shaded region of the input meter).
④ Timeline Display Displays the waveform of the sound while recording.
⑤ Record Time Remaining Displays the available record time remaining on your recording device.
⑥ Bit Depth and Sample Rate Use the drop-down menu to select your bit depth and sample rate. Refer to the "Bit Depth and Sample Rate" topic for more details.
⑦ Track Information Displays the name, file type, and size of the current recording.
⑧ Record Control Bar The Marker button, a Record/Pause button, and the Done check mark button.
Note: The maximum file size for a recording is 2GB, which will result in approximately 2 hours of record time. This limitation was put in place to maximize app performance. Continuous recording for more than 2 hours will generate a second file.
Find the Bit Depth and Sample Rate settings in the drop-down menu on the right side of the record window. Select a lower sample rate when it is useful to have a smaller file, for example, when recording speech or a podcast for download. Select a higher sample rate for music and dynamic recordings.
If no alternate is selected, MOTIV will record audio at 24/48 kHz. However, the following bit depths and sample rates are supported.
Bit Depth | Sampling Rate |
---|---|
24 | 48 kHz |
24 | 44.1 kHz |
16 | 48 kHz |
16 | 44.1 kHz |
When you plug a MOTIV device into your iOS device, a warning message prompts you to enable Airplane Mode and Do Not Disturb mode. It's important to do this to avoid recording interference from phone calls, messages, and various notifications. Tap X to dismiss this warning message.
Note: Leave Airplane Mode off to add geolocation information to your audio file.
Record in mono to increase your available record time or when recording a single source, like vocals, that would benefit from less ambient noise. Select the Mono Cardioid or Mono Bidirectional polar pattern and audio from all capsules are summed to a single channel. The input meter will indicate mono recording by displaying the top half of the waveform. MOTIV supports third-party microphones with mono recording.
The MV88 barrel pivots forward on a hinge and rotates 45 degrees to accommodate portrait or landscape recording. L and R are labeled to show stereo orientation of the microphone. The stereo image is accurate if the Shure logo is facing upward.
Select the Dark screen option to change the app display from light gray to very dark gray. The darker display is ideal for discreet recording in low-light situations. A darker screen also conserves battery life.
You can access the theme appearance setting by going to
To ensure that you capture the entire sound source, start your recording before the performance starts and edit the recording later to trim any silence.
Note: If your microphone accidentally becomes disconnected during recording, MOTIV will automatically stop the recording. The save file dialog will appear, prompting you to name and save your audio.
Select the Keep Awake While Recording option so you can continuously monitor gain levels during longer recording sessions without the screen going dark.
You can access the Keep Screen Awake option by going to
.Note: Disabling sleep mode will affect battery time while recording.
① Library Search/Sort/Select
② Sort Order Tap the caret to display the tracks in order or reverse order.
③ Track List Displays your list of recorded tracks.
④ Recently Deleted Your recently deleted files will be stored here for 30 days. See the Recently Deleted files topic to learn how to recover files.
⑤ Audio Player Bar
Shure MOTIV allows you to convert, share, or delete multiple files at a time. Only WAV files can be converted.
Double-tap the track name in the audio player to access the Playback window.
① Track Information Displays the name of the currently playing track, including file format, bit depth, sample rate, and stereo or mono.
② Track Artwork Keep the MOTIV artwork. Or customize your artwork with images from the photos in your device. See "Customize Track Artwork".
③ File Information Displays the record date and time, and the microphone that was used.
④ Playback Timeline See where you are in the track as it progresses. The time elapsed and time remaining are displayed below the timeline.
⑤ Playback Controls Edit, Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast-Forward, and Loop your track.
Playback in horizontal view
Tap Edit to access editing controls for each track.
The MOTIV Editor allows you to polish your recordings before sharing them with friends or online.
There are two edit mode options:
There are three ways to move around the timeline.
Press Play to begin playback from that selected point.
Pinch two fingers together to zoom out. Pinch apart to zoom in.
Use Landscape mode in the Editor to view more of the waveform.
Create a loop to isolate and repeat a selection of audio.
Markers are audio bookmarks that allow you to return to specific points in your recording. They do not affect playback start and stop points but are useful for reference. When used in Split mode, the marker placement determines the split point for the file. Markers are identified by hour, minute, second, and millisecond (00:00:00:00), however they cannot be placed closer than one second apart from one another.
Adding a marker: Tap the Marker button to insert a marker at the playhead location.
The marker list opens with Start and End markers for your audio track.
Playback from a specific point: Tap any marker to begin playback from that marker point.
Adding a marker: Press the plus sign to insert a marker at the playhead location.
Moving a marker: Press and drag an existing marker to a new location on the timeline.
Using the marker list: Tap the marker in the list to move the playhead to that location.
Renaming markers: Press and hold the marker label in the list.
Deleting markers: Swipe left on the marker in the list to reveal the delete option.
① Trim / Split Select Select your type of edit mode.
② Timeline Display See your entire timeline. Zoom in for precise editing.
③ Enhance toggle Toggle the Enhance feature on and off. See the Enhance section for more information.
④ Mirror Fade toggle Turn Mirror on to make intro and outro fade curves symmetrical.
⑤ Add Markers Tap the + sign to add a marker at the playhead position.
⑥ Marker List All recordings begin with Start and End markers. See "Markers" for more information.
Trim mode is used to trim the extra space from the Start and End of your audio track.
Tip: To undo the last action on your iOS device, just shake the device. You will receive a pop-up asking you to Undo the last action or Cancel.
① Trim / Split Select Select your type of edit mode.
② Timeline Display See your entire timeline. Zoom in for precise editing.
③ Enhance toggle Toggle the Enhance feature on and off. See the Enhance section for more information.
④ Add Markers Tap the + sign to add a marker at the playhead position.
⑤ Marker List All recordings begin with Start and End markers. Displays position in hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. See "Markers" for more information.
Note: Double tap on the timeline to zoom in to a location. The closest possible zoom length is two seconds. After you reach the closest zoom, the double-tap will zoom out.
Use Split Mode when you have a long audio file that you'd like to divide into smaller audio files. Create new edited files while keeping your original file intact.
Convert your audio into a video file that can be easily shared to social media from your iOS device Camera Roll.
Note: The first time you save to Camera Roll you will be asked to grant permission for file sharing between apps. If you accidentally dismiss permissions, you can always change access in the iOS device settings. Granting permission creates a MOTIV folder inside the Camera Roll.
You have the option to add an image to your recording.
Save your MOTIV files to Dropbox to store backup copies, free up space on your iOS device, or share to social media.
Note: You may need to grant access between MOTIV and Dropbox. Selecting "Allow" creates a MOTIV folder inside Dropbox and links the apps.
Note: Large files may take longer to upload.
Now that your file is uploaded to Dropbox, you can store backup copies of your recordings or share them on social media.
MOTIV supports the ability to AirDrop WAV files to selected contacts.
Use iTunes to easily transfer audio files between your desktop computer and iOS device.
Note: The most current version of iTunes is recommended.
Note: Large files may take longer to upload.
Now that your files are downloaded to your computer you can add them to the iTunes library or import them into any audio editing program.
Note: Use the add file button to upload audio from your computer to the MOTIV app.
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
MV88 is plugged in, but the volume meter does not register a signal. | Edit the privacy setting for your recording device under | to give the MOTIV app permission to use the microphone.
MV88 is plugged in, but the microphone is not detected. | Unplug and re-seat the microphone when the name of the microphone is not visible in the status bar. |
LED light on MV88 is not visible | The LED is located at the base of the MV88. Because the Lightning connector allows you to insert the microphone in either orientation it is possible that the device is obscuring the LED. Remove the microphone, flip, and re-insert to check microphone status. |
Audio sounds bad or distant. | To ensure that you are receiving audio from the MV88 and not a built-in microphone, unplug and reseat the MV88. The top left corner of the screen will identify the Shure MV88 when the microphone is correctly in place. |
Audio quality changes when a headset is plugged in | Headsets with inline microphones can override the MV88 as the audio device. Use the included headphone monitor adapting cable to disable interference from other microphones. Make sure that you plug in your headset first and your MV88 last. |
Audio is distorted | Use the audio meter to ensure that volume peaks are within the target range (the gray area). If the level reaches the red peak indicator of the input meter, turn the gain down. |
Left/right stereo channels do not match video | Depending on the orientation of the recording device, it may be necessary to engage the Left-Right swap in MOTIV settings. If the audio has already been recorded, you can switch the left and right channels in most audio editing software. |
Yes
Speech/Singing/Acoustic/Loud/Flat
Cardioid (10 mm)/Bidirectional Condenser Cartridge (10 mm)
Adjustable Width Stereo/Mono Bidirectional/Mono Cardioid/Mid-Side
Mid-Side
20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
0 to +36 dB
-37 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz [1] [2]
120 dB SPL [2]
Yes
Yes
5-band
Powered through Lightning connector
All metal construction
40.5 g (1.43oz.)
67 x 25 x 35 mm H x W x D
[1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
[2]At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode
Frequency Response
Bit Depth | Sampling Rate |
---|---|
24 | 48 kHz |
24 | 44.1 kHz |
16 | 48 kHz |
16 | 44.1 kHz |
MV88 Foam Windscreen | AMV88-WS |
MV88 Carrying Case | AMV88-CC |
Rycote Windjammer for MV88 | AMV88-FUR |
1 m Lightning cable | AMV-LTG |
MV88 Foam Windscreen | AMV88-WS |
MV88 Carrying Case | AMV88-CC |
Headphone Monitor Adapting Cable | 95A13511 |
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception.
Notice: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Note: Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC performance.
Hereby, Shure Incorporated declares that this product with CE Marking has been determined to be in compliance with European Union requirements. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-EU/support/declarations-of-conformity.
Authorized European Importer / Representative:
Shure Europe GmbH
Department: Global Compliance
Jakob-Dieffenbacher-Str. 12
75031 Eppingen, Germany
Phone: +49-7262-92 49 0
Fax: +49-7262-92 49 11 4
Email: EMEAsupport@shure.de
This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.
Use of the Made for Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect specifically to the Apple product(s) identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. tvOS is a trademark of Apple Inc. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K.
Mac® and Lightning are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Dropbox and the Dropbox logo are trademarks of Dropbox, Inc.
ShurePlus MOTIV is not affiliated with or otherwise sponsored by Dropbox, Inc.