SHURE MV88plus Stereo USB Condenser Microphone User Manual

SHURE MV88plus Stereo USB Condenser Microphone

The Shure digital USB microphone, MV88+ Stereo USB, user guide.

• Version: 3.2 (2023-H)

MV88plus Stereo USB Microphone

Shure MV88+ Stereo USB Microphone

General Description

The Shure MV88+ is a professional quality condenser microphone that plugs directly into a mobile device using a Lightning or USB-C connector. Two microphone capsules in a Mid-Side configuration provide an adjustable stereo image, suitable for capturing a variety of sources, including music and speech. The ShurePlus MOTIV app allows you to customize your sound with digital signal processing (DSP), preset mode selection, gain adjustment, compression, and stereo width control.

Features

Mid-Side Stereo
Supports the classic mid-side stereo recording technique. Uses coincident cardioid and bidirectional capsules to adjust the stereo width while providing excellent mono capability.

Plug-and-Play Operation
Compatible with iOS, Android, PC, and Mac devices.
Note: See https://wwww.shure.com/MOTIVcompatibility for information on supportive Android devices.

Compact and Durable
Lightweight, all-metal construction, and small enough to carry anywhere. Like all Shure products, ensures reliability in the field.

Flexible Recording Control with the ShurePlus MOTIV App
The MOTIV recording app controls microphone settings, such as gain, stereo width, and preset modes, and includes the following features: Landscape or portrait recording options

Basic audio editing
Markers for keeping track of audio Dark theme for low-light recording situations Support for all MOTIV microphones

Five band equalizer
Live streaming capability Dropbox, AirPlay, and Bluetooth support Factory and custom user presets Virtual mic options in demo mode Multiple-bit depth and sample rate options

Windscreen
The windscreen offers maximum protection from plosives and creates a warmer, more intimate sound for speech applications, like podcasting and gaming.

The MV88+ Microphone
The MV88+ features two capsules: one capsule has a cardioid pattern and picks up sound directly in front of the microphone.
The other is bidirectional and captures sound from the left and right sides.

Microphone Orientation

Rotate the microphone barrel in the mic clip to ensure that your stereo recordings are accurate. Point the front of the microphone toward the sound source. For landscape (horizontal) recording, position the L and R indicators to the right and left. For portrait (vertical) recording, simply rotate the microphone barrel in the mic clip.
Note: The app has a Left-Right Channel Swap to flip the audio channels

MV88+ Outputs

3.5mm monitor output for connecting to headphones and earphones Send audio

Amber: Error
Flash Amber: Firmware is updating
Red: The microphone is muted
Flash Red: Audio is clipping

MV88+ LEDs
Aiming the Microphone
The following suggestions are for typical use cases. Keep in mind that there are many effective ways to record a source. Experiment to find what works best for you. The MV88+ fits into a standard A25D mic clip. So, you can place it anywhere that you can put a mic stand.
Tip: For correct stereo orientation, ensure that the Shure name is visible on the top of the microphone. If the name is not visible, adjust the microphone accordingly.

Audio Recording
Position your recording device so you can monitor the recording. Aim the front of the microphone toward the source, with the left and right sides of the microphone barrel facing the appropriate directions.

Audio Interview (Tabletop)
Attach the mic clip directly onto the Manfrotto mic stand. Select the MONO BIDIRECTIONAL polar pattern in the MOTIV app. Point one side of the microphone barrel toward the subject and the other toward the interviewer.

Handheld Recording
The legs collapse to create a portable hand-held stand

The Shure MOTIV Desktop App
Use the Shure MOTIV desktop app to quickly adjust microphone settings. The device stores the most recently used settings for quick setup

Mic Setup

1. Settings Click the three dots to access MOTIV software information, manage presets, and application preferences, and check for firmware updates.

2. Mic Selection/Settings Lock Use the drop-down menu to access the settings for your microphone. Click the lock to lock and unlock selected settings.

3. Custom Presets Use the drop-down to create your custom presets.

4. Mic Mute / Mic Gain Use the toggle to mute and unmute your microphone. Use the slider to control microphone gain.
   Note: Some programs can control microphone gain while in Manual mode. We recommend locking your mic settings once you have it set the way you’d like.

5. Monitor Mix slider Move the slider to adjust the levels of the mic and playback sound sources. See “Monitor Mix Blend” for more monitoring information.

6. Preset Modes Set stereo width, equalization, and compression for specific applications. See “Preset Modes” for more information.

7. Polar Pattern Selection Swipe to choose your pick-up pattern. Use the dots (handles) to adjust the width of the stereo image.
   Tip: Consider the location of the microphone and the size of the sound source when adjusting the width. For example, speech benefits from a narrow width, which improves clarity and rejects ambient (room) sound. Use the dots to quickly set the stereo width.

8. Advanced Features Fine-tune your audio recording with limiter and compressor controls, high pass filter, left-right swap, and equalization settings. See “Advanced Mic Settings” for more information.

Preset Modes

Five selectable modes optimize settings for gain, stereo width, equalization, and compression. Set the microphone level and try the modes to find which sounds best. Preset modes can affect the strength of the input signal, so adjust the microphone level as needed after changing presets.

Custom Presets

• Create and save custom presets to quickly access frequently used mic settings.
• Start with the preset mode that best suits your application needs.
• Adjust advanced settings, like compression, for clarity and consistency.
• Tap Save to rename and save your new custom preset. The original preset will remain available.
• The new custom preset is added to your list.

To access saved presets

• Tap the caret (arrow) in the Preset row to view your list of available presets.
• Tap Custom Preset and Apply Preset to instantly apply gain, stereo, equalization, and compression preferences.
• Tip: You can save a custom preset at any point. Tap Save and give the current settings a new name.
• Polar Pattern Selection (Stereo and Mono Settings)
• The following demonstrates microphone capsule pick-up patterns. When operating in a mono mode, the stereo width is not adjustable.

Raw Mid-Side Output
For increased post-processing flexibility, use the Raw Mid-Side setting. These records signal a 2-channel signal with a stereo image that can be adjusted even after the tracks have been recorded:
Left: Cardioid (front)
Right: Bidirectional (sides)
Use the Raw Mid-Side setting with audio recording applications that have a mid-side stereo matrix decoder. Or use the manual decoding instructions to adjust the stereo image of the recorded tracks.

Manual Decoding and Stereo Width Adjustment
If your digital audio workstation software (DAW) has no mid-side decoder, use these steps to adjust and manipulate the stereo image: Extract the left and right audio signals from the 2-channel Raw Mid-Side file as individual mono tracks.

Create 3 blank audio tracks
First track: Use the audio signal (front/cardioid) from the left channel only as a mono track, panned to the center.
Second track: Use the audio signal (side/bidirectional) from the right channel only as a mono track, panned to the left. Third track: Copy the side/bidirectional signal from the second track. Pan this track to the right and reverse the phase. Group the right and left side tracks, and set the volume at the same level for simultaneous adjustment. Increasing the volume of the grouped tracks increases the stereo width while decreasing their volume narrows the width. Advanced tip: Using compression with a fast attack setting on the grouped tracks keeps transients (the first part of a sound, such as when a drumstick strikes a cymbal) toward the center of the stereo image and allows them to expand within the stereo field as the sound decays.

Monitor Mix Blend

Use the monitor mix slider to adjust how much of each source you can hear. For best results, start monitoring at the midpoint and adjust. Move the slider towards the microphone icon (Mic) to hear more of the audio going into the mic. Like when you’re singing over a recorded guitar track and want to hear your voice. Move the slider towards the device icon (Playback) to hear more of the track playing back. When you’re recording a harmony to your original vocal track and want to hear the original performance.

Advanced Mic Settings
After selecting the preset mode, fine-tune your sound with limiter, compressor, and equalizer settings. These settings are retained in the microphone when using other audio and video applications.

Limiter
Toggle the limiter on or off to prevent distortion from volume peaks in your recording.

Compressor
Choose no compression, or select light or heavy compression to control volume when your sound source is dynamic. Quiet signals are boosted and loud signals are lowered.

High Pass Filter
Choose no HPF for the most natural sound. Or select 75 Hz or 150 Hz to reduce wind noise, room noise, or proximity effect. 75 Hz Low-frequency cutoff Provides a 6 dB-per-octave cutoff at 75 Hz. Helps eliminate floor rumble and low-frequency room noise from heating and air conditioning systems. This setting may also be used to compensate for the proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that make an instrument sound dull or muddy. 150 Hz Low frequency rolloff Provides a 6 dB-per-octave rolloff filter at 150 Hz. Use this to compensate for the proximity effect or to reduce low frequencies that could make an instrument sound dull or muddy.

Left-Right Channel Swap
Use Left - Right Swap to flip the left and right audio channels to match the stereo image to the picture. For example, when using video to record yourself.
Tip: Use the L and R indicators on the microphone barrel to make sure that left and right is accurate.

Equalizer
Use the equalizer to boost or cut bands of frequencies to filter out unwanted sounds and improve sound clarity

Streaming Tips

Control your Levels
To ensure consistent volume levels, determine the microphone placement that works best for you and maintain that distance. Record several practice tests to determine the spot where your voice sounds best and background sounds are minimized.

Use Lock Mode to Lock In Your Sound
When you’ve tested your audio and have found the settings that sound great, press and hold both Mute and Monitor Toggle for 2 seconds to lock and prevent accidental adjustment and ensure that your audio remains consistent.

Monitor Your Sound
To hear your audio, plug headphones into the headphone output on your MOTIV device. Recording Acoustic Guitar with the MV88+ Stereo USB How to Mic a Singer-Songwriter with the MV88+ Stereo USB

Troubleshooting

The microphone is plugged in, but not detected.

| Unplug and reconnect the cable so that the app recognizes the microphone. You’ll know that the connection is made when you see the MOTIV desktop application display the correct microphone settings.
You hear no audio even though the desktop application is displaying the correct microphone.|

Check the Monitor Mix blend. Move the Monitor Mix slider to the center to hear the audio go-

ing into the mic and the audio being played back at the same time.

Audio is distorted

| Audio distortion usually comes from overloading the microphone which causes clipping. Lower your mic gain for the best sound recording.

Left/right stereo channels do not match the video.

| Depending on the orientation of the recording device, it may be necessary to engage the Left-Right swap in MOTIV settings. If the audio has already been recorded, you can switch the left and right channels in most audio editing software.

Headphone LED flashes. Audio sounds higher or lower pitch than normal.

| Your microphone and computer have a sample rate mismatch. To adjust your computer sample rate settings, go to the Shure FAQ topic for information on correcting sample rate mismatch.

Note: Windows update 10 v2004 (April 2020) solves this problem.

Miscellaneous issues

| It may be useful to reset the app to restore functionality. Perform a hard reset by unplugging and re-plugging the microphone.

General Troubleshooting

|

Quit and restart the app. Reboot the computer.

select About MOTIV > Check for Update

Note: Contact Shure Service and Repair if you continue to experience any issues.

Firmware Update
Take advantage of additional features and design enhancements by updating the firmware when prompted. A notification will appear when a firmware update is available. You have the option to download the update immediately or at a later time. To access firmware update at a later time, tap the three dots > About > Check for Update. Tap the caret icon and if the available firmware package is newer than the current version, tap Send to device. Contact Shure Service and Repair if you experience any issues. Keep equipment connected during updates Keep the MOTIV device connected to your mobile device when updating to ensure that there are no update issues.

System Requirements

• System Requirements and Compatibility: Mac
• MacOS 10.13 to 10.15

64 bit

• Minimum 2 GB of RAM
• Minimum 500 MB of hard disk space
• System Requirements and Compatibility: Windows
• Windows 10

64-bit

• Minimum 2 GB of RAM
• Minimum 500 MB of hard disk space
• System Requirements and Compatibility: iOS
• iOS: iOS 14 and higher
• iPhone: iPhone 11 and higher

Note: iPad Pro (USB-C) is not supported. System Requirements and Compatibility: Android Will work with any Android device that has: Android 11.0 (Red Velvet Cake) and higher USB Host Power Requirement of ≥100 mA USB Audio Class 1.1 support and higher Bluetooth 5.0 and higher Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
Note: See https://www.shure.com/en-US/motiv-compatibility for information on supportive Android devices.

Specifications

• MFi Certified Yes
• DSP Modes (Presets)
• Speech/Singing/Acoustic/Loud/Flat

Transducer Type

• Cardioid (10 mm)/Bidirectional Condenser Cartridge (10 mm)

Polar Pattern

• Adjustable Width Stereo/Mono Bidirectional/Mono Cardioid/Mid-Side Stereo Principle

Mid-Side

• Frequency Response
• 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Adjustable Gain Range 0 to +36 dB

Sensitivity

• -37 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz [1] [2]
• Maximum SPL 120 dB SPL [2]

Limiter Yes

• Compressor Yes
• Equalizer 5-band

Power Requirements
Powered through USB or Lightning connector

Housing

• All metal construction
• Net Weigh [1] 1 Pa=94 dB SPL
• [2]At Minimum Gain, Flat Mode

Accessories

• Furnished Accessories

Housing
All metal construction

Net Weight

Dimensions

Certifications

Information to the user
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under part 15 of the FCC Rules. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used by the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may cause interference with radio and television reception. Notice: The FCC regulations provide that changes or modifications not expressly approved by Shure Incorporated could void your authority to operate this equipment.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used following the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Industry Canada ICES-003 Compliance Label: CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B) This microphone is for use with any microphone stand with a 5/8″ threaded adapter.
Note: Testing is based on the use of supplied and recommended cable types. The use of other than shielded (screened) cable types may degrade EMC performance.

CE Notice
Hereby, Shure Incorporated declares that this product with CE Marking has been determined to comply with European Union requirements. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the following site: https://www.shure.com/en-EU/support/declarations-of-conformity. This product meets the Essential Requirements of all relevant European directives and is eligible for CE marking.

Made for iPad (5th generation), iPad (6th generation, iPad (7th generation, iPad (8th generation), iPad Air 2, iPad Air 3, iPad Mini 4, iPad Mini 5, iPad Pro 9.7-inch (1st generation), iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 1st generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch 2017 (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2017 (2nd generation), iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone SE 2, iPod Touch (7th generation). iPad, iPhone, iPod, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air, iPad Mini, and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K.

Android Compatibility
This equipment is compatible with Android devices that support USB Audio Class 2.0 and USB-C connectivity. Not all Android devices are compatible. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. PIXI and Manfrotto are registered trademarks of Vitec Imaging Solutions. Mini tripod maximum weight: 1Kg/2.2 lbs.

References

• Service
• Compatibility for Shure MOTIV Products - Shure USA

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