TL;DR
Shure has refreshed its MV88 microphone with a USB-C connector so it can plug and mount directly to modern smartphones. The compact condenser mic offers four pickup patterns, onboard processing via MOTIV apps, and a $159 price aimed at content creators.
What happened
At CES 2026, Shure introduced an updated MV88 that swaps the older Lightning plug for a USB-C connector so the microphone can attach directly to smartphones. The new MV88 USB-C revives the original plug-and-mount design while adding modern flexibility after the MV88+ shifted to a cable-dependent USB approach. The microphone is a condenser type and supports four polar patterns — stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional and raw mid-side — and connects to Shure’s MOTIV software suite on mobile and desktop. Users can choose presets or manually adjust gain, a five-band EQ, a limiter, compressor and a high-pass filter. For simpler use, the mic supports Auto Level Mode and a Real-time Denoiser; a foam windscreen is included. Shure positions the product for creators who want to capture ambient sound or multiple speakers, and it carries a $159 price tag.
Why it matters
- Direct USB-C mounting removes the need for external cables or adapters when recording with modern phones.
- Multiple polar patterns and onboard processing give creators flexible options for field recording and vlogging.
- App controls and automatic modes reduce setup time, useful for livestreaming and on-the-go shoots.
- Priced near wireless lavalier systems, the MV88 targets creators who prioritize ambient or multi-subject capture over single-speaker micing.
Key facts
- Product: Shure MV88 USB-C, shown at CES 2026.
- Connector: USB-C plug that mounts directly to smartphones.
- Microphone type: Condenser microphone.
- Pickup patterns: Four options — stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, and raw mid-side.
- On-device and app features: Presets, manual gain control, five-band EQ, limiter, compressor, and a high-pass filter via MOTIV apps and MOTIV Mix on desktop.
- Simplified modes: Auto Level Mode and Real-time Denoiser for hands-off recording.
- Included accessory: Foam windscreen for wind noise reduction.
- Price: $159, positioned against many wireless lavalier systems.
What to watch next
- Availability date and regional rollout: not confirmed in the source
- Exact phone and OS compatibility beyond USB-C phones: not confirmed in the source
- Detailed battery/power behavior and any phone power draw implications: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Condenser microphone: A mic type that uses a capacitor to convert sound into an electrical signal, generally offering higher sensitivity and wider frequency response than dynamic microphones.
- Polar pattern: The directional sensitivity of a microphone, describing how well it picks up sound from different angles around the mic.
- Mid-side (MS) recording: A stereo recording technique combining a forward-facing 'mid' mic with a side-facing figure-eight mic to allow flexible stereo width adjustments in post.
- Limiter: An audio processor that prevents signal peaks from exceeding a set threshold to avoid clipping and distortion.
Reader FAQ
How much does the MV88 USB-C cost?
$159.
Does the mic mount directly to a phone?
Yes — Shure designed the MV88 USB-C to plug into and mount directly on smartphones via USB-C.
Are the MOTIV apps available?
Shure offers MOTIV Video and MOTIV Audio on mobile and MOTIV Mix on desktop as the companion software for presets and manual controls.
Will it work with iPhones that use Lightning?
not confirmed in the source
TECH AUDIO CES The Shure MV88 USB-C stereo mic mounts directly to your phone The vlogger-friendly design is focused on capturing high-quality audio with minimal fuss. by Terrence O'Brien Jan…
Sources
- The Shure MV88 USB-C stereo mic mounts directly to your phone
- MV88 – USB-C Stereo Microphone
- Shure Launches MV88 USB-C Stereo Microphone For …
- Shure debuts a USB-C version of its MV88 microphone at …
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