Shure MOTIV MV88 Digital Stereo Microphones for IOS devices Review

Equipment used:

Headphones: Beyerdynamic T90

iPhone 6 with iOS 9.3.1

Shure Motiv App V. 1.2.1.6, Firmware 1.0.3.0, DSP: 1.0.0.2

Disclaimer: samma3a.com  provided me with a demo unit of the Shure MV88. I am not affiliated with Shure or Samma3a.com Though I really highly appreciate what samma3a is doing for the audiophiles in the region!! Thank you so much for letting me test and review this player.

TL;DR

Pros:

  • Transforms your iPhone into a feature rich Digital Audio Recorder.
  • Brilliant sound quality
  • Various EQ and DSP settings
  • Various Stereo Field settings
  • Unlimited storage (can transfer to dropbox)
  • Conversion from lossless to AAC various bitrates inside of the app

Cons:

  • You can’t charge the iPhone while using the MV88
  • with the foam pop/wind filter on you don’t see the left/right indicators
  • iPhone needs to be in Airplane mode and “Don’t disturb mode” so you don’t get static and reminders while using it.
  • iOS only

Simply put: If you think you need a digital stereo audio recorder for interviews, field recording or even recording your jam sessions, look no further. This little Shure MV88 transforms your iPhone into a feature rich one. Only little drawbacks and a solid construction with a lovely travel case. 

Now, the longer version:

Packaging & Accessories

The Shure MV88 comes with a great protective travel hard-shell case with custom cutouts to fit its shape. The only other accessory is a 3.5mm extension cord.

Technical Highlights

  • MFi Certified
  • DSP Modes (Presets): Speech / Singing / Acoustic / Loud / Flat
  • Transducer Type: Cardioid (1 cm) / Bidirectional Condenser Cartridge (1 cm)
  • Polar Pattern: Adjustable Width Stereo / Mono Bidirectional / Mono Cardioid / Mid-Side
  • Bit Depth / Sample Rate: Up to 24 Bit / 48 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Adjustable Gain Range: 0 to +36 dB
  • Sensitivity: -37 dBFS / Pa at 1 kHz
  • Maximum SPL: 120 dB SPL
  • Headphone Output: Available Through Apple Device
  • Power Requirements: Powered Through Lightning Connector
  • Housing: All-Metal Construction
  • Net Weight: 40.5 g (1.43 oz)
  • Dimensions (H × W × D): 67 mm × 25 mm × 35 mm

Video Review

Records up to 24bit/48khz lossless (WAV) files. Can convert files on the phone to Apple Lossless, AAC 256, 128, 96 kbit/s. Share audio files via sharing dialogue with dropbox or any other app that accepts audio files.

Other applications can use the microphone out of the box (like garageband etc.)

DSP: You can adjust the stereo field (wide to narrow) for different applications, like doing interviews (speech), singing, acoustic or load music in a club, etc. The free to download app for iOS from Shure called MOTIV is brilliant. It allows equalizer settings, compressor settings etc. to be applied while recording, shows gauges of clipping and waveforms while recording and thanks to easy integration with all string functions of iOS you can save your recordings to dropbox and any other service you prefer that supports audio.

Usability and Build Quality

Impeccable. Hinges are sturdy, the lightning plug is solid and the overall quality feels really like it’s worth its money.

You can turn the microphone pointing up (if you hold your iPhone bottom up) and it feels like an actual microphone. Thanks to the reversibility of the lightning port you can change the rotation of the mic pointing towards you or away from you if you flip it down 90 degrees.

There are no buttons or dials on the mic itself, everything is controlled from the app.

The mic also works without any issues in other apps that can receive audio. Like notes etc. if you don’t want to use the Shure app. Though I would encourage you to try the Shure app, it’s extremely well made and has plenty of amazing features.

Sound Quality Comparisons

General

I am not an expert in microphones but I do have two other digital recorders and must admit, if I had this MV88 they would collect dust. It’s so easy to have with you, you have basically unlimited storage space since you can immediately upload your recordings to dropbox or other podcast services etc. and the quality is top notch.

Conclusion & Issues

Brilliant little device with not many drawbacks. Maybe for ultra long recording sessions you would wish that you can charge your phone while using the mic but since it needs the lightning socket, that’s not possible. Other than that, for the asking price, it really transforms your iPhone into a fully fledged and feature rich digital recorder – with great stereo separation and flawless audio quality for a mobile device. Get it for interviews, field recordings and or jams sessions.

THANKS to www.samma3a.com for the review loaner!

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