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If you're using your phone to stream, record videos, or create content and the audio just doesn't sound as good as you want it to, you're not doing anything wrong. Phone microphones are just limited. Today, I'll be showing you one of the simplest ways to upgrade your phone audio without having to buy a bunch of expensive gear, learn any complicated settings, or turn your setup into a mess. All you need is the Shure MV88 USB-C Microphone.
You can check out the Shure MV88 USB-C Mic here: https://geni.us/w8k0JQ (Amazon)!
I'll be showing you who this mic is actually for, how it works in real world setups, and if this mic makes sense for the stage you're at as a creator.
Who is this Mic for?
Before we start getting into settings or sound tests, let's go ahead and anchor some expectations about this microphone. This is made for what I call 'Phone-First Creators', meaning that you are someone who streams or records directly from your phone, uses a console to stream but your phone as the camera, short-form creators, or creators who want better audio without needing an audio mixer or interface. If you're early in your creator journey, or you're building with what you already have, then this mic makes a lot of sense.
This mic is NOT for people who want a microphone that sits far away from you, that's wireless, or that allows you to move around freely while recording. This isn't really a flaw, but it's just because of how the mic is designed.
The reason this mic exists is super simple. It's meant to be an upgrade to your phone's built-in microphone. You simply plug it in, and immediately your audio is clearer, fuller, and more controlled. It doesn't require a mixer, a ton of cables, batteries, or anything like that; it simply connects to your phone's USB-C port, and it's ready to go.
For a lot of beginners, the ease of using the microphone matters more than having studio level gear. If your setup feels complicated, then you're a lot less likely to be creating anything.
Shure MV88 USB-C Mic
Let's take a quick look at the mic itself.
It's pocket-sized, the body is metal, so it feels solid, and it's designed to handle being tossed in a bag or taken around. It's an on-the-go microphone. One of my favorite design choices of this mic is that the capsule can tilt and rotate. Whether you're filming with the front camera or the rear camera, you can angle the mic without having an awkward position. This is one of the small details that actually makes creating easier.
You just plug the MV88 directly into your phone, and that's it. There are no cables, no adaptors, or extra power needed. Your phone immediately recognizes it as a microphone.
Shure Motive App
For most people, this alone improves the audio. If you want to have more control over this mic, that's where the Shure Motive app comes in. You don't need to touch every setting in this app to get good audio. This is super important.
Inside the app, you're going to see Auto-Level mode, noise reduction, presets, and polar pattern options.
Starting with the biggest beginner win, the Auto-Level mode, when you have this turned on, it's going to automatically adjust your gain in real time. This makes it so you don't have to raise any levels, worry about being too quiet, or your audio being too loud because you got louder. It's perfect if you're shy or a new creator, because you can just focus on talking instead of worrying about your audio levels.
There's also real-time noise reduction. If you're recording in a room with light background noise, and there's no acoustic treatment, then this is going to clean things up without sounding artificial.
The MV88 also gives you different pick-up modes. Here's a simple way to think about that: Mono Cardioid is best for talking directly to the camera. Mono Bidirectional is good for interviews. Then, Stereo is useful for ambiance or music. If you're just starting out, just stick with mono, and you'll be good. Simplicity wins.
Real World Set Ups
Now, let's talk about how the mic fits into real-world set ups. If you stream directly from your phone, this is an instant upgrade. You get a clearer voice, less room noise, and more consistent volume. A lot of PS5 and console streamers will use their phone as a camera, so this mic works perfectly for that setup. You don't need a capture card, and you don't need a PC.
If you're doing voiceovers for short form videos for TikToks, Reels, or Shorts, this mic really does shine again because it gives you controlled audio without having to set up a desk mic.
Comparison of MV88 and Built-In Phone Mic
Let's do a quick comparison between the MV88 and the Built-In phone mic.
With the MV88, my voice sounds much fuller, the room has less echo, and it's a lot easier to listen to. This isn't about getting perfect audio, but it's about getting better audio.
I really like that this mic is very easy to utilize and doesn't require extra gear. The audio is clean and extremely beginner-friendly.
One of the limitations of this mic is that since it's attached to your phone, it's not the greatest option for recording at a distance. It is also not a wireless mic. These aren't really negatives, but it is just a design choice. This mic is built for simplicity.
Honest Verdict
Here's my honest verdict about this mic. If you are a phone-first creator, looking for an audio upgrade, then this makes a lot of sense. It's not something that you're going to outgrow immediately, and it isn't going to overwhelm you with complexity. If you're early in your creating career, this is going to help you keep creating.
If you like the sound quality of this mic, but don't want something that plugs directly into your phone, that's wireless and can be handheld, or away from the device, then check out this video here, where I break down the Shure MV88 Plus. I'll go over how it's different from this mic and which one makes the most sense for you based on how you create.
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