Shure Unveils MV88 Microphone with USB-C at CES 2026

Now Available for Purchase at $159

Previously, Shure's MV88 microphone was an easy-to-attach option designed primarily for use with iPhones. However, with Apple's transition to USB-C ports, this Lightning connector accessory couldn't keep up with the latest devices. Enter CES 2026, where Shure introduced a revamped version of the MV88, swapping out the Lightning connector for a USB-C, thereby broadening its compatibility to include Android and many other gadgets. Notably, this updated device is currently on sale, priced at $159.

The initial 2015 edition of the MV88 was designed as a compact stereo condenser microphone, meant to directly connect to phones, tablets, or laptops, significantly enhancing the audio of in-built microphones. This made it ideal for capturing clearer voice and video recordings. Its plug-and-play nature required no cumbersome setup, and when paired with Shure's proprietary apps, users gained access to features like presets, microphone gain control, a five-band equalizer, as well as compression and a high-pass filter. Additionally, the app provided a microphone level meter for monitoring input levels.

Equipped with Auto Level Mode, this microphone dynamically adjusts its gain in real-time to prevent recordings from being overly loud or faint. The Real-Time Denoiser feature actively minimizes ambient noise. The MV88 USB-C offers four distinct polar patterns: stereo, mono cardioid, mono bi-directional, and raw mid-side. Users can adjust the microphone's direction, whether they want it aimed directly up or tilted towards themselves.

Having tested the new MV88 prior to CES, it's clear that this mic significantly outperforms built-in device microphones. It presents a versatile alternative to the lapel mics frequently favored by content creators, which require close proximity to the speaker's mouth and struggle with capturing multiple sources or ambient noises effectively. The MV88 shines in recording live music, natural sounds, or other environments where background noise adds context.

Audio quality has proven remarkable, providing warm and vibrant sound with minimal adjustments. The Real-Time Denoiser did an excellent job of muting a noisy hotel A/C system during tests, demonstrating its capability to enhance audio clarity for interviews or video recordings. I'm also eager to see its performance during evening events and on the bustling CES showroom floor.

One of the MV88's standout features is its straightforward setup. Simply attaching it to a device with a USB-C port and executing a few commands readies it for use. Shure has also included a compact carrying case for the microphone, ensuring its protection during travel or storage.