Shure MoveMic 88+ Review – Impeccable Wireless Sound in One Versatile Mic

Experience flawless wireless sound with Shure MoveMic 88+, a versatile mic blending studio-quality and mobility for creators on the go.

After testing 31 microphones for Digital Camera World, I’ve seen my share of mics falling into three clear camps: desktop USB mics like the Blue Yeti, compact shotgun mics such as the Joby Wavo Plus, and tiny lavalier mics like the Boya Mini. Each has its charm and use case, but what if you want one mic that can juggle all these roles? Enter the Shure MoveMic 88+, a unique hybrid that’s part shotgun, part lav, and part tabletop mic all rolled into one sleek package.

The Three Mic Types and Where MoveMic 88+ Fits

• Desktop USB Mics: Like the Blue Yeti, these let you switch pickup patterns—from cardioid to stereo to bi-directional—perfect for podcasts or interviews at a desk.
• Compact Shotgun Mics: The Joby Wavo Plus is a classic example, designed to capture sound narrowly from the direction it points, usually mounted on a camera.
• Lavalier Mics: Tiny, clip-on mics that are often omnidirectional and wireless, great for hands-free recording.

The previous Shure MoveMic was a classic wireless lav mic. The new MoveMic 88+ ups the ante by adding four switchable polar patterns and the ability to transmit via Bluetooth to smartphones. It’s like having three mics in one. But does the MoveMic 88+ really juggle these roles well, or is it trying to do too much? Let’s dive in.

Shure MoveMic 88+ Specifications at a Glance

Price and What's Included

At launch, the MoveMic 88+ Receiver Kit retails for about $449. This bundle includes the MoveMic Receiver, a cold shoe mount for cameras or smartphone cages, a 5/8″ mic stand clip, two USB-C cables for charging, and a twisted 3.5mm cable for camera connection.

If you're shooting directly to a smartphone, you can skip the receiver and opt for the wireless stereo microphone kit at $299. It still includes the mounts and charging cable, with full functionality via the free Shure Motiv Video app.

Design and Build: Premium and Practical

The MoveMic 88+ feels robust thanks to its zinc alloy body coated in sleek black chrome—a step above most plastic competitors. Despite its compact size (easy to hide in your fist), it carries a solid 99-gram weight, with an 89 mm length—likely inspiring the “88+” name.

Stereo channel markings L and R engraved on the body ensure accurate sound direction.

Under the thick foam windscreen is a silver grille with a matte chrome finish, divided into three segments. This innovative design allows the mic to capture sound differently depending on the selected polar pattern.

Large 'L' and 'R' markers on the sides make it easy to align stereo channels correctly—handy for music gigs or interviews needing precise audio imaging.

The compact neoprene roll-up case keeps the mic and accessories neatly organized.

Accessories include a handy roll-up case with a velcro strap, a USB-C charging cable, a cold shoe mount, and a 5/8" mic stand clip. The receiver unit, which connects to smartphones or DSLRs through 3.5mm jacks or wirelessly, is the same as previous MoveMic versions.

Optional receiver clips onto your camera or smartphone cage, boosting audio quality up to 24-bit.

Performance: Four Polar Patterns and Wireless Freedom

Testing the MoveMic 88+ showcased its ability to emulate multiple mic types—from tabletop interview mics to on-camera shotguns.

The killer feature? Bluetooth streaming directly to the Shure Motiv Video app on your phone. No clunky receiver needed when shooting on smartphones—just power up, open the app, and pair.

This wireless connection is a lifesaver for situations where mounting a receiver isn't practical, like filming with a steadicam.

Though the external receiver offers better 24-bit bitrate compared to Bluetooth’s 16-bit, the wireless audio quality remains impressively clear. I captured clean, crisp voice recordings via Bluetooth that rivaled wired setups.

Using the mic vertically with bi-directional pattern is perfect for sit-down interviews.

Pairing with an iPhone 16 Pro was seamless. I mounted the mic vertically in the 5/8" clip on a stand and selected the bi-directional “figure-eight” pattern in the app, capturing two voices on opposite sides—classic interview style. The results? Voices came through loud and detailed, even picking up distant birdsong adding natural ambiance.

Switching to the cold shoe mount on my phone cage, I turned the mic horizontally into a traditional shotgun style with mono-cardioid pickup. Standing about a meter away, the voice remained punchy and clear, as if wearing a lav mic.

The Shure Motiv app makes switching between polar patterns and noise reduction intuitive.

Behind me, a schoolyard buzzed with noisy kids—perfect to test noise suppression. Engaging the app’s noise reduction flattened the background ruckus noticeably without muffling my voice or adding wireless artifacts like the dreaded “bubble” sounds common to some systems.

Horizontal, mono-cardioid mode focuses tightly on your voice, filtering out off-axis noise.

Final Verdict: A Multipurpose Mic That Delivers

I was genuinely impressed by the MoveMic 88+’s voice transmission quality—clean, full-bodied sound captured even a meter away mounted on camera. Most lavs I’ve tested require you to be almost mouth-close, but this mic performed effortlessly at a distance.

The versatility stands out. Need a shotgun? Horizontal cardioid mode has you covered. Great for wedding videographers or documentarians who want to mic a crowd without clipping everyone. Filmmakers will love using it on a boom pole off-screen.

For sit-down interviews, just place it vertically on a table and select the figure-eight pattern to get both speakers cleanly, without cable clutter.

You can even hold it handheld for street interviews, though it’s bulkier than a lav mic and won't tuck discreetly under clothing.

For me, the MoveMic 88+ earns a permanent spot in my gear bag thanks to its multi-role capability and superb sound quality. That said, I’d still carry a traditional lav system for those times when the mic needs to be hidden far from the camera.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Blue Yeti

A desktop USB mic that isn’t as portable but offers handy polar pattern switching via a dial. Perfect for podcasters wanting the mic front and center.

Joby Wavo Plus

If budget is tight and you want a shotgun mic for your camera, the Joby Wavo Plus is a solid pick. It excels at directional sound but is less versatile than the MoveMic 88+.

Wrapping Up

Shure MoveMic 88+ is an all-in-one wireless mic that seriously expands your creative toolkit by blending multiple microphone styles and wireless freedom. Whether you're shooting solo podcast episodes, sit-down interviews, or dynamic outdoor sessions, this mic adapts effortlessly.

FAQ

• What polar patterns does the MoveMic 88+ support?
  The mic offers four: mono cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bi-directional (figure-eight).
• Can I use MoveMic 88+ without the receiver?
  Yes, if you’re recording directly to a smartphone via Bluetooth, the receiver isn’t necessary.
• How far can the wireless signal reach?
  Up to 30 meters line of sight, providing great mobility during shoots.
• Is it suitable for professional film work?
  Absolutely. It can be used handheld, on a stand, or a boom pole, making it versatile for various filming scenarios.
• Does the app offer noise reduction?
  Yes, the Shure Motiv Video app includes noise suppression and equalizer settings for cleaner audio.

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