Mini test: Shure Movemic 88+ Receiver Kit
Posted on May 26, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
We tested Shure’s Movemic 88+, a wireless stereo condenser microphone that delivers broadcast-quality audio in a compact, flexible setup
As one of the most high-profile audio brands in the world, with its microphones used by pop stars and movie stars, Shure likes to do things a bit differently to its rivals – and always with an eye on great quality. From its Uniplex lavaliers to MV88+ condenser mic for mobiles and DSLR mic with internal recording, Shure delivers incredible kit for filmmakers.
The latest release is the Movemic 88+, a wireless stereo condenser mic with a companion receiver. It boasts built-in wireless connectivity, allowing direct communication with a smartphone without extra accessories. But for use with a camera or recorder, the Movemic Receiver is essential. The mic alone is priced at £289/$299.
What makes this special is that it’s the first wireless stereo microphone with four selectable polar patterns: stereo, bidirectional, cardioid and raw mid-side. This allows it to be customised to suit the direction of the audio being captured.
For example, mono cardioid is an omnidirectional pattern, which is ideal for recording vocals or general sound with the mic hidden on-set. Or you might want to set adjustable stereo so viewers can detect where the sound is coming from – this is ideal for wildlife filming or shooting a live band. Both these settings are ideal for up-close recording of a talking head, maybe explaining a task to a camera.
To record two people speaking simultaneously – like in an interview for example – bidirectional mode captures sound evenly from both sides of the mic. Raw mid-side mode records from both sides and the front capsule, offering more flexibility in post. There are also five built-in presets – speech, singing, flat, acoustic and loud – enabling quick set-up. While there’s no auto gain, these settings get reasonably close to the right levels. Of course, it’s always best to adjust manually for each shot if time allows.
Fine-tuning gain, EQ, presets, high-pass filter, mute and noise reduction is handled via the Shure Motiv smartphone app or receiver. There are multiple Motiv apps, but the Video version also enables direct recording as well as livestreaming to Facebook, YouTube and more. The app is user-friendly, even if you aren’t a seasoned audio recordist.
Most pros will want to use the mic paired with the matching receiver so it can be plugged directly into a camera or recorder. The receiver is compact and fits to a coldshoe, where it can be rotated forward to make it less obtrusive. This plugs into the device with a 3.5mm jack, and there’s also a headphone jack with a volume control that can be set separately.
The mic connects to the receiver quickly, and menu navigation is handled using a small joystick. All controls, including a safety track, can be set with ease.
It comes in a neat pouch with a mic stand mount, a coldshoe and a foam cover to reduce minor wind noise. However, a fluffy windjammer isn’t included. It charges via USB-C, and the kit includes two cables.
The real proof is in the audio quality, and the Shure delivers – especially when used up close. The sound is clear and bright, with the stereo creating a rich, three-dimensional soundscape. For serious recording with reliable, well-built and portable gear, this mic is a must-buy for any professional filmmaker.
£439/$449
Specifications
- Polar patterns: Adjustable stereo from 60 to 135°, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, raw mid-side
- Presets: Speech, singing, flat, acoustic, loud
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Dynamic range: 96.5dB
- Latency: 17.6-19.6ms
- Frequency response: 40Hz – 18kHz
- Maximum SPL: 122.4dB
- Sensitivity: -34.5dBFS/Pa
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0LE
- Maximum range: 30m/98.4ft
- Audio channels: 2
- Remote control: Shure Motiv Video app
- Mic dimensions (hxwxd): 28x28x89mm/1.1×1.1×3.5in
- Weight: 99g/0.22lb
- Receiver dimensions (hxwxd): 67x65x19mm/2.6×2.6×1.1in
- Weight: 81g/0.18lb
Pro Moviemaker rating: 9/10
Well-built kit that lets you record in different patterns wirelessly to your smartphone or camera
- Pros: Light, easy to use, excellent audio quality
- Cons: No fluffy windjammer included. Must buy separately
This review was first published in the May/June 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
