Shure intros swanky iPhone microphone, the Motiv MV88

Due out this summer, the Motiv MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone attaches to the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.

Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials

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David Carnoy

Jan. 5, 2015 7:05 p.m. PT

3 min read

The $149 Motiv MV88 attached to the Lightning port on an iPhone. It ships this summer. Shure

LAS VEGAS -- Shure isn't showing off any new headphones at CES, but it does have a new plug-and-play microphone line "suited for individuals looking to capture high-quality audio for vocal/acoustic recording, podcasts, YouTube videos, field recording, and more."

The microphones fall under the new Motiv brand and include four new Apple MFi (made for iPhone, iPod, iPad) certified devices, including three condenser microphones and a "sleek digital audio interface that can connect directly to any iOS device without additional adapters or connection kits."

An iPad running Shure's upcoming free iOS recording app. Shure

We got an early look at the Motiv MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone ($149), which makes excellent recordings -- we'll post a review closer to its availability. UK and Australian prices weren't announced, but conversions have been included. Here's what Shure has to say about the line as a whole:

MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone ($99)
"The MV5 is ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments, or for use with Skype, and comes equipped with three DSP modes and a Micro-B to USB cable. Engineered for quick and easy portable use, the MOTIV MV5 has a built-in headphone output for real-time monitoring and the custom tuned microphone capsule provides best-in-class audio. The MV5 is available in green, gray, blue, red and black (region dependent) and ships complete with a detachable desktop stand and integrated thread mount compatible with any 1/4 inch standard camera tripod. For $129, the MV5 can be purchased with Micro-B to Lightning and Micro-B to USB cables."

The US price converts to £65 or AU$120.

MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone ($149)
"The Motiv MV88 connects directly to any Apple iPhone, iPod, or iPad equipped with a Lightning connector to capture high-quality field recordings on the go. The mid-side microphone element is mounted to a 90-degree hinge with built-in rotation that allows for highly flexible microphone position, even in video applications. Five built-in DSP preset modes, plus 5-band EQ, stereo width control and other advanced features are easily accessed through the free ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App."

The US price converts to £100 or AU$185.

MV51 Digital Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone ($199)
"Specifically engineered for high-quality digital audio capture, the all-digital Motiv MV51 large-diaphragm condenser microphone seamlessly connects to any iOS, Mac or PC. Equipped with five onboard DSP preset modes to provide optimal recording results, the MV51 includes the industry's first touch panel control for quick access to gain, phantom power, mute and headphone volume adjustments. The 1-inch capsule element provides unmatched audio results, which are easily monitored in real-time through the built-in headphone output. The striking vintage design includes an integrated kickstand for desktop use and quickly adapts for use with any standard mic stand."

The US price converts to £130 or AU$240.

Scenes from CES 2015 -- Press Day

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MVi Digital Audio Interface ($99)
"The MVi connects any XLR microphone or 1/4 instrument (guitar, bass or keyboard) to an iOS device, Mac or PC for seamless, high-quality audio capture. Equipped with the five built-in DSP preset modes, the MVi includes Shure's unique onboard touch panel control for quick access to gain, mute and headphone volume adjustments. The MVi is portable with a low profile footprint and durable construction. For $129 the MVi can be purchased with Micro-B to Lightning and Micro-B to USB cables."

The US price converts to £65 or AU$120.

ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App (free)
"Designed for use with MOTIV Digital Condenser Microphones, the ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App for iOS devices allows real-time adjustments for the best performance. The easy-to-use interface includes selectable DSP preset modes, microphone gain adjustment, and an intuitive stereo width control that adjusts the microphone pick-up pattern for optimal results, depending on the sound source and surrounding environment. Motiv products record studio quality sound at 24-bit/48kHz for clear audio in virtually any environment. Additionally, each product has passed Shure's rigorous product testing to ensure durability."

As I said, the Motiv product line will be available in summer 2015. For more info, go to shure.com/motiv.