There are plenty of wired and wireless lavalier microphone options on the market, but sometimes properly micing your on-screen talent is not an option. For example, maybe you have to "walk and talk" with that busy executive, or perhaps you happened upon a sidewalk performer and want to capture some footage. Your only option is to point your phone and shoot, but you'd rather not rely on your phone's built-in mic.
Scenarios like these and plenty more create an extensive menu of use cases for Shure's new MV88-USBC stereo microphone, which is clearly targeting the content creator market. The compact mic is about 1 inch long and attached to a hinge that allows 90 degrees of movement. The hinge is connected to a rectangle base with an integrated USB-C connector, so it plugs directly into the port on the bottom of your phone. (The previous MV88+ model requires a cable.) A small green LED on the base serves as the power indicator.
Once I connected the mic, I immediately started shaking the setup like a maraca. However, the USB-C connector created a secure fit, so I have no reports of flying microphones. The MV88 actually fit more tightly on my Galaxy A14 phone than my iPhone. That said, there are no magnets or clips to keep the unit in place, so try not to treat your setup like a percussion rattle. Also, be prepared to adjust your phone mount/tripod/stabilizer/selfie stick to accommodate its position at the bottom of your phone.
The MV88 also includes a custom carry case that bears a striking resemblance to an oversized mesh windscreen. Speaking of windscreens, the MV88’s windscreen is the size of a golf ball, but it protects the mic equally from all sides, which is important because of the various pickup patterns it offers.
A stereo pickup allows you adjust the pattern in 15-degree increments from a tight, shotgun-esque 60 degrees to a wide open 135 degrees. The mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, and raw mid-side settings don’t allow for pickup pattern adjustments, though there are plenty of other ways to make changes through Shure’s MOTIV Audio or MOTIV Video apps.
For example, you can select processing modes for speech, singing, acoustic, band, and flat. There are other adjustments within these modes as well, such as gain (up to 36dB), auto level (I used that instead with no complaints), high pass filter, and more. If you find exactly what you like, you can save a preset or just lock the settings.
I had the opportunity to test the MV88 at InfoComm 2026. There were two “creator pods” outside the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, so I claimed one for myself about 30 minutes before the show floor opened. It was a somewhat noisy area, as other people were already in the area and background music was playing. I stowed my glasses (ring lights really don’t like the bespectacled standing so close) and shot a short SCN promo, which I later posted on LinkedIn.
First, I’m not here to knock the iPhone’s built-in microphone. At close range, it did an acceptable job, though the background noise (particularly the music) was much louder than I’d like. Once past that “control” version, I tried the MV88 in stereo (60 degrees) and cardioid. For me, the cardioid setting delivered the best results, delivering the most natural sound for my voice while minimizing background noise. That said, the high end was noticeably crisp in those close quarters.
I did another test in a quiet upstairs hallway. A colleague held my phone while I walked about 12 feet away and started talking. The audio was clear, sure, but it sounded like I was about 12 feet away. However, at about 6 feet, the audio was significantly better. Did it sound like I was wearing a lav? Of course not—let’s not expect miracles from a 1-inch mic that's priced at $159.
The test that surprised me the most was the mono bi-directional mode. A colleague and I had a conversation about 4 feet away from each other, with the mic between us. The pickup was great, even when she moved around a bit. If you have off-screen commentators (and you’re shooting in 9:16 mode), this mic can capture the conversation clearly.
The MV88-USBC is not going to replace your wireless lavs or your handheld—and it's not designed to. Instead, it's going to be your go-to mic when your phone's built-in mic won't cut it and when other mics aren't convenient. It's well built and compact enough to take up permanent residence in your production bag, but it's so versatile that you may have a hard time putting it away.
