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Shure MV88 specifications and in-depth review

Shure MV88

Manufacturer: Shure

The Shure MV88 is a compact microphone designed for broad platform compatibility, working with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS X systems. It features a built-in pop filter and a cardioid pickup pattern, making it a straightforward option for users who need a portable recording solution without requiring additional accessories like a shock mount.

On the technical side, the MV88 operates with a frequency response spanning 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and delivers 24-bit audio at a 48 kHz sampling rate through its USB connection. The headphone output carries a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB and an impedance of 150 Ohms. The microphone itself is notably lightweight at 79 g, with a volume of 56.133 cm³ and a 3-meter cable included, and it also incorporates a mute function for added control during use.

Pros
  • Covers the full audible frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Records at 24-bit depth with a 48 kHz sampling rate, offering solid audio resolution
  • Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X, making it usable across a wide range of devices
  • Includes a built-in pop filter, reducing the need for an additional accessory
  • Very lightweight at 79 g and compact in size, making it easy to carry and use on the go
  • Includes a mute function for quick and convenient audio control
Cons
  • No 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm headphone jack, so direct monitoring through the microphone is not possible
  • No shock mount included, leaving the microphone more susceptible to handling vibrations
  • Only supports a cardioid polar pattern, with no omni, bidirectional, or hyper-cardioid options available
  • No LED sound level indicator, making it harder to visually monitor input levels
  • No flat DSP mode available for users who prefer unprocessed signal handling
Who is this for?

This microphone is well-suited to users who need a portable recording solution that works across multiple platforms, as its compatibility with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X makes it practical for content creators, journalists, or podcasters who switch between devices. Its compact dimensions and 79 g weight make it easy to carry, and the inclusion of a pop filter means it can be used for voice recording and spoken-word content without requiring additional accessories. The 24-bit, 48 kHz audio interface also makes it a reasonable fit for users who want clean digital recordings with solid resolution.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on direct headphone monitoring will find this microphone limiting, as it lacks both a 3.5 mm and a 6.35 mm headphone jack, making real-time audio feedback impossible through the device. It is also not well-matched for recording scenarios that demand flexible polar pattern switching, since only a cardioid pattern is available — omni, bidirectional, and hyper-cardioid options are all absent. Additionally, the lack of a shock mount makes it a poor fit for environments with significant vibration or handling noise, where mechanical isolation would be necessary for clean results.

Sound quality:

Connection USB
lowest mic frequency 20 Hz
audio interface frequency rate 48kHz
highest mic frequency 20000 Hz
audio interface bit rate 24-bit

The Sound quality section of the Shure MV88 centers on its USB connection, which carries audio at a 24-bit bit depth and a 48 kHz sampling rate, providing a solid resolution for digital recording. The microphone captures a full frequency range stretching from 20 Hz at the low end up to 20,000 Hz at the high end, covering the entire audible spectrum without any stated gaps or limitations.

Features:

has cardioid pattern ✓
has a mute function ✓
has omni pattern ✕
Is compatible with Android ✓
Is compatible with iOS ✓
Is compatible with Windows ✓
Is compatible with Mac OS X ✓
has hyper-cardioid pattern ✕
has flat DSP mode ✕
has bidirectional pattern ✕

The Shure MV88 uses a cardioid polar pattern exclusively, as hyper-cardioid, omni, and bidirectional patterns are not supported. It includes a mute function for quick audio control during recording or calls. In terms of platform compatibility, the microphone works with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X, covering a broad range of devices and operating systems. A flat DSP mode is not available on this model.

Headphone output:

has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕
Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 78 dB
impedance 150 Ohms
Has a connector for a 6.35 mm audio jack ✕

The headphone output on the Shure MV88 carries a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB (DAC) and is rated at an impedance of 150 Ohms. Neither a 3.5 mm nor a 6.35 mm headphone jack is present on this model, meaning direct headphone monitoring through the device is not supported via either of those standard connector types.

Design:

shock mount included ✕
pop filter included ✓
control panel placed on a device ✕
Has LED sound level indicator ✕
cable length 3 m
has RGB lighting ✕
has an integrated touchpad ✕
volume 56.133 cm³
weight 79 g
height 27 mm
thickness 27 mm
width 77 mm

The Shure MV88 has a compact physical footprint, measuring 77 mm wide, 27 mm tall, and 27 mm thick, with a total volume of 56.133 cm³ and a weight of just 79 g. A pop filter is included, while a shock mount is not part of the package. The unit comes with a 3-meter cable, and there is no control panel placed on the device itself. Additional design elements such as RGB lighting, an LED sound level indicator, and an integrated touchpad are absent from this model.

Final Verdict

The Shure MV88 is a compact, lightweight microphone that delivers a practical feature set for users who prioritize portability and broad device compatibility. Its 24-bit, 48 kHz audio resolution combined with full audible frequency coverage and cross-platform support across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X make it a capable tool for mobile recording, podcasting, and on-the-go content creation. That said, the absence of headphone monitoring and the limitation to a single cardioid polar pattern mean it is best suited to straightforward recording tasks rather than more demanding or studio-oriented workflows. Overall, the MV88 is a well-defined product that serves its intended use case competently within those boundaries.