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Review on 🎧 Enhance Your Desktop Audio Experience with the Shure MV88+ Desktop Kit (Black) by Tim Thornton

Revainrating 5 out of 5

An amazingly versatile microphone. Works like a microphone for a video camera!

I used a Rode Video Mic on my Micro Four Thirds, Panasonic GX8 camera. However, I was disappointed by the very narrow sound window and the lack of stereo sound, and it's not exactly suitable for travel. I also use my phone when there is enough light. So I wanted something that would work with everything. MV88+ turned out to work well with phones, cameras, and laptops. As a phone microphone, it works surprisingly well. You can change the stereo width, set to narrow mono, side channel, etc. Shure's video and audio apps work well. The microphone also works with every other app on the phone without any problems. The dynamic range is excellent, capturing the faintest sounds and the loudest thunder without clipping. When set to wide stereo, there's a great sense of presence when listening to the sound with headphones. You can also use it as a mirror/mirrorless video microphone. All I had to do was calibrate my camera's input level and headphone output until the levels were correct. With the right adapter cables, it even works in stereo on the Panasonic GX8. The microphone retains its settings even when not connected to the phone. And the headphone output works even if the microphone is only connected to the USB power supply. There is no delay at the headphone output. It also works well on laptops and desktops as a USB microphone. You still need to connect it to your phone to change settings. Note that it works on Windows with a regular USB-A to Micro cable, USB-C is not needed if you don't have one. The entire set is stored in a package that unfolds into a five pocket flat pack. There are also elastic straps on the outside to keep the mini tripod in place. When folded, it takes up about as much space as a tall coffee mug. It is very portable and easy to install. The phone kit consists of a Manfrotto brand clamp and tripod. The phone clip is good, but there's no spring action so your phone is only held by how tight you can tighten the grip. The good news is that the top is cold shoe and the bottom is 1/4-20 thread so you can swap out the entire clip for something better if you want. High quality tripod. It has an easy release button and stays on when you put it down. You can attach the microphone directly to it without the phone clip to turn it into a traditional desktop microphone. The hand holding the mic is a simple clamp but grips the mic very tightly. It has a 1/4-20 thread on the base and a cold shoe mount that works great with DSLR/mirrorless cameras. The mic body itself appears to be compatible with other traditional mic mounts. The foam ball at the end of the microphone can be removed to make the profile even smaller if the wind doesn't bother you. Even with the addition of the Movo WS-G10 Furry windshield, it's still pretty small. The overall design of the microphone and the included accessories are top notch. The microphone appears to be completely metallic. The included cables are strong but short. You can use a USB to micro extension cable to extend the distance even if you are using a Lightning cable.

Pros
  • Dynamic Microphones
Cons
  • Problem