Choosing a Content Creator Mic: MV88 USB-C, MV88+ Video Kit or MoveMic 88+

What’s the difference between MV88 USB-C, MV88+ Video Kit and MoveMic 88+?

• MV88 USB-C plugs straight into your smartphone, iPad or other USB-C device
• MV88+ Video Kit comes with a smartphone clamp, Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod and both Lightning & USB-C cables
• MoveMic 88+ is wireless and connects directly to a smartphone or to a camera via the MoveMic Receiver 

The tiny titan of audio is back! A decade after it was originally released as an iOS-only microphone, the new-and-improved MV88 Stereo Microphone now comes in an updated version with USB-C connectivity.

That means this great little microphone is now available to content creators using Android as well as USB-C Apple devices. And as anyone familiar with the original knows, the MV88 is a surprisingly versatile portable microphone for your phone. 

Providing four polar patterns (adjustable stereo, mono cardioid, mono bi-directional and raw mid-side) that affect how the mic picks up sound, this mini-yet-mighty stereo condenser mic is like giving your smartphone superpowers. Simply plug it into your device’s USB-C port and you have a professional-quality audio recorder in your hand.

This makes it great for all kinds of content creators: TikTokers and YouTubers, mobile journalists, field recordists and musicians on the move.

But the revamped version of the MV88 pairs the stellar engineering of the mic with a decade of Shure digital innovations, such Auto Level Mode and a powerful Real-time Denoiser. Add in a raft of audio processing tools like gain adjustment, high-pass filter, limiter, compressor, five-band EQ, plus 5 different presets, and you’ve essentially got the Swiss Army Knife of microphones in your pocket.

So, where does the MV88 USB-C now sit in the wider MOTIV family? Let’s take a closer look and compare it with two other popular models: the MV88+ Video Kit and the wireless  MoveMic 88+.

To be clear, all three of these compact condenser microphones are made for high-quality audio capture. The only limit to how you can use them is your imagination. That said, each model has been designed with different applications in mind.

MV88 vs. MV88+ Video Kit

The most obvious difference between the MV88 and MV88+ Video Kit is, of course, that the former plugs straight into your USB-C device while the latter comes with a mini tripod, smartphone bracket and mic clip. If you already have a phone mount and tripod, you might prefer the new MV88. If you want an all-in-one package to record video as well as audio content, then go for the MV88+ Video Kit.

Also, if you have an iPhone or iPad that requires a Lightning connector, the MV88+ Video Kit mic can be used with either a Lightning or USB-C cable.

Are you someone who needs to keep their smartphone in a chunky, ultra-protective case? Then you’ll need the MV88+ Video Kit’s cable rather than the direct connection of the MV88 USB-C. That’s because this external microphone for iPhone and other smartphones plugs in flush with your device, so you’ll need a phone case that accommodates a snug fit.

MV88 vs. MoveMic 88+

If you need a wireless mic for any reason – such as placing it closer to your audio source – then MoveMic 88+ is clearly the way to go. Sporting up to 100 feet (30 meters) of range, it connects remotely to your smartphone without cables. Of course, you can also put the MV88 USB-C right next to what you’re recording, but your phone will be right there with the mic. This might not be ideal if you’re trying to record a bat volcano, for example.

Another consideration is if you need compatibility with professional cameras or not. Whereas the MV88 is meant to plug straight into your smartphone, MoveMic 88+ can be easily used with DSLR and mirrorless cameras via the extra MoveMic Receiver.

However, if you never want to worry about charging your microphone, MV88 USB-C is the clear winner. MoveMic 88+ offers 8 hours of battery life, but the MV88 is powered entirely from your phone or other device.

A perfect companion

If you’re looking for the most affordable option of these three portable microphones, the MV88 is undoubtedly going to be the easiest on your wallet.

Still can’t decide which one to buy? There is a very good case to be made for owning either the MV88+ Video Kit or MoveMic 88+ depending on your needs, as well as the new MV88 USB-C. 

This mic is so compact and convenient, it’s the perfect piece of gear to have with you all the time. Even in its round, protective case, the MV88 is tiny. Simply pop it in your bag, and you’ll be always ready to record professional-quality audio in an instant.

Find out more about the MV88 USB-C, MV88+ Video Kit and MoveMic 88+ now.