Is the Shure MV88+ Video Kit Good for Podcasting?
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If you’re a podcaster looking for a portable, high-quality microphone, you’ve probably come across the Shure MV88+ Video Kit. It’s marketed heavily toward mobile creators—but how well does it actually work for podcasting?
This guide breaks it down from a podcaster’s perspective: sound quality, background noise, editing workflow, portability, and whether it’s worth the price compared to more traditional podcast mics.
What Is the Shure MV88+ Video Kit?
The Shure MV88+ is a digital stereo condenser microphone designed primarily for smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Unlike most podcast mics, it plugs directly into your phone (Lightning or USB-C) and comes as a complete kit:
- MV88+ microphone
- Manfrotto mini tripod
- Phone clamp
- USB-C + Lightning cables
- Foam windscreen
- Carrying case
It’s built to be grab-and-go, which immediately sets it apart from desk-bound podcast setups.
The #1 Question Podcasters Ask:
“Is the audio quality good enough for a podcast?”
Short answer: Yes—if you use it correctly.
The MV88+ delivers clean, detailed, broadcast-ready audio, especially compared to:
- Built-in phone mics
- Lavalier mics
- Budget USB microphones
Voices sound clear and natural, with strong presence and good detail. It records up to 24-bit / 48kHz WAV, giving you plenty of quality for post-production.
That said, this is a condenser microphone, which means it captures detail—including things you may not want.
Background Noise: The Honest Truth
This is where most podcasters need clarity.
What it does well
- Captures voices with excellent clarity
- Handles outdoor and mobile environments better than most podcast mics
- Includes built-in DSP (compression, EQ, limiting)
Where you need to be careful
- It will pick up room noise in untreated spaces
- It’s more sensitive than dynamic podcast mics (like the MV7 or SM7B)
How podcasters should set it up
To minimize noise, you’ll want to:
- Use mono cardioid or Speech mode in the Shure MOTIV app
- Keep the mic close to your mouth (6–12 inches)
- Avoid wide stereo settings for spoken podcasts
Configured correctly, the MV88+ can sound surprisingly focused, even in imperfect rooms.
Can You Use It With Podcasting Apps?
Yes—this is one of its strengths.
The MV88+ works with:
- iPhone & iPad
- Most modern Android phones
- Mac & Windows computers
You can:
- Record directly in the Shure MOTIV app
- Or use any podcasting or recording software (Audacity, GarageBand, Hindenburg, Adobe Audition, Zoom, Riverside, etc.)
Once plugged in, it behaves like a standard USB microphone.
Pro tip: You can set your mic settings in the MOTIV app, then record in your preferred podcast app.
Monitoring & Latency (A Big Win)
The MV88+ includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring.
That means:
- You hear your voice in real time
- No echo
- No delay
- No guessing if your levels are right
This alone puts it ahead of many mobile recording solutions.
Editing & Post-Production Workflow
From an editing standpoint, the MV88+ is easy to work with.
What podcasters should know:
- You’ll usually want mono audio for spoken podcasts
- If you record in stereo, you can convert to mono in seconds during editing
- Files import cleanly into all major DAWs
You can also choose:
- Flat recording (do all processing later)
- Or light processing baked in (compression/EQ)
Either way, the files hold up very well in post.
Portability: Where This Mic Shines
If you travel, record interviews, or podcast outside a studio, this is where the MV88+ really earns its keep.
- Entire kit fits in a small case
- No audio interface required
- No power supply needed
- Sets up in under a minute
For podcasters who:
- Record on location
- Podcast while traveling
- Combine podcasting with video
…it’s one of the best portable options available.
Is It Worth It for Podcasting?
The MV88+ is a great choice if you:
- Want high-quality audio on your phone
- Record podcasts on the go
- Do interviews, travel shows, or video podcasts
- Want one mic that works across multiple devices
You may want a different mic if you:
- Record exclusively at a desk
- Have a noisy, untreated room
- Want maximum vocal isolation
In those cases, a dynamic podcast mic may suit you better.
Final Verdict for Podcasters
The Shure MV88+ Video Kit isn’t a traditional podcast mic—and that’s the point.
It’s a high-quality, flexible, portable recording system that works extremely well for podcasting when used intentionally. If mobility, simplicity, and sound quality matter to you, it’s a strong, trustworthy option.
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