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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: edtyre on September 15, 2016, 12:36:06 PM

Title: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on September 15, 2016, 12:36:06 PM
Check out acidjacks postings for more info
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=174591.msg2161162#msg2161162

I decided to try one of these out to get a little better sound for my cell phone vids (which are 8/22 mono)
Since i already run Schoeps for audio (and i am too lazy to copy the good audio for two cell phone vids a show)
this little thing seemed ideal. It works really well. Here's a sample from my first outing. I tryed all the different settings.
Raw M/S didn't sound as good as stereo 105 spread no compression or limiter. The metering is way off, you have to dial it
back to much less than the meters say, i can live with that.


Added: I tryed two different lightning extension cables and both didn't work.
Anybody using an extension cable with one of these?
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: Thierry on June 08, 2017, 12:40:57 AM
Still debating if I should get this for the upcoming GnR European tour. I think the security is going to be as tight as hell. This should be easy getting in. Where should I place it? I guess in a pocket or something?
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: pontiacb on June 08, 2017, 02:40:47 PM
I've used this quite a few times now when getting my main rig in proved too difficult and really happy with the results - I've posted a few recordings on Dime.  It's still reasonably bulky but just about squeezes into my wallet at a push.  I highly recommend it.

I did have some issues with the app crashing, but when I freed up a bit of extra space on my phone (an old 5c) the crashes stopped happening.

I stick the phone in my jacket front pocket with the mic sticking out of the top.  I also coloured in my mic with a black marker pen as I found the silver a bit too noticeable.

Shure's customer service was excellent when I had problems getting a recording off when the app crashed - emailed me back immediately with full instructions and managed to retrieve it.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: morst on June 08, 2017, 10:38:06 PM
I stick the phone in my jacket front pocket with the mic sticking out of the top.  I also coloured in my mic with a black marker pen as I found the silver a bit too noticeable.

Great idea!
Quote

Shure's customer service was excellent when I had problems getting a recording off when the app crashed - emailed me back immediately with full instructions and managed to retrieve it.
do you mind sharing those instructions?

thanks for the good info!!!
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: pontiacb on June 09, 2017, 02:21:04 AM
I don't have the email anymore, but it was very simple.  I had to connect the phone to my PC and open up iTunes.  The motiv app showed up on the menu on the left side from memory and when I selected that there was a file listed, think the extension was *.tmp or similar.  I simply had to select that and copy it to my PC - it was the wav file but wasn't visible on the phone via the motiv app.  It was an important recording (to me) as it was one of my favourite bands, so it was a bonus to find I could retrieve it.

Btw the reason the app crashed was because I had unplugged the microphone from the phone before stopping/saving the recording - I realise it was  a daft thing to do in hindsight, but for some reason that's what I did!

Shure Europe said they were aware of the issue with files not being visible in the app following some crashes during recording and the developers of the app were working on a fix.

It was very unusual in my experience to get such a prompt and helpful reply from a company when I had emailed a general help email address.  So top marks to Shure.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: acidjack on June 09, 2017, 08:38:32 AM
Good to hear people are trying this thing out.  It's not going to replace any kind of legit rig or a cell phone solution like the DPA d:vice, but at the price it is definitely in the ballpark of a stealth rig.

Curious what you meant about the 105 spread... In that, raw M/S can just be turned into 105 spread, right?
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on August 07, 2017, 03:55:41 PM
Only way to get this show recorded

https://soundcloud.com/edtyre/the-real-me

The Who
2017-08-04 The Colosseum
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, USA

source : shure mv-88 > iphone 6 plus > motiv ios app > 16/44.1 wav
adobe audition > ozone 6 > xact 2.39 > 16/44.1 flac
taper : edtyre
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: capnhook on August 07, 2017, 07:09:52 PM
Only way to get this show recorded

https://soundcloud.com/edtyre/the-real-me

The Who
2017-08-04 The Colosseum
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, USA

source : shure mv-88 > iphone 6 plus > motiv ios app > 16/44.1 wav
adobe audition > ozone 6 > xact 2.39 > 16/44.1 flac
taper : edtyre

niiiiiiice thanks Ed
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: acidjack on August 08, 2017, 11:39:53 AM
^^ Nicely done :)
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: Perry on August 08, 2017, 01:59:07 PM
Only way to get this show recorded

https://soundcloud.com/edtyre/the-real-me

The Who
2017-08-04 The Colosseum
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, USA

source : shure mv-88 > iphone 6 plus > motiv ios app > 16/44.1 wav
adobe audition > ozone 6 > xact 2.39 > 16/44.1 flac
taper : edtyre
I'm a little surprised by how well this turned out. Where were you located in relation to the PA?  Did it require much post-processing?
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: gormenghast on August 08, 2017, 02:32:26 PM
Is this an extra iPhone?  I've wondered what would happen if you received a phone call or txt. 
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on August 08, 2017, 02:51:48 PM
Very intrigued. I've been using a zoom h2n for this kinda thing lately, but this has more potential in terms of actually stealthing (as opposed to being placed on a ledge), and sound quality.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on August 08, 2017, 03:59:57 PM
Is this an extra iPhone?  I've wondered what would happen if you received a phone call or txt.
No, you have to put it in airplane mode for the app to work properly. I can go two hours without a text or phone call.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on August 08, 2017, 04:03:07 PM
I'm a little surprised by how well this turned out. Where were you located in relation to the PA?  Did it require much post-processing?

15th row right in line with the right stack. EQ'ed to pump up bass a little.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on August 11, 2017, 10:12:19 AM
Has anyone tried an extension cord with this yet?

Was thinking the shirt pocket method could work, but it might be even better in a hat, or on a shoulder (with a backpack or something).

As an aside, that gave me two thoughts (other than I can't believe I'm entertaining the idea of  >:D again, since I hated it when I tried it ~15 years ago):
1. I could probably do something fairly similar with my CA14's - but that does lack the simplicity of the one mic directly into an iphone (so I guess I'm not really feeling that)
2. Is this just a stopgap between going all in w/ a DPA / dvice setup?

I just figured that using an iphone as a recorder wasn't going to be a feasible option, but it appears we are there.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on August 13, 2017, 06:25:49 PM
Has anyone tried an extension cord with this yet?

Was thinking the shirt pocket method could work, but it might be even better in a hat, or on a shoulder (with a backpack or something).

As an aside, that gave me two thoughts (other than I can't believe I'm entertaining the idea of  >:D again, since I hated it when I tried it ~15 years ago):
1. I could probably do something fairly similar with my CA14's - but that does lack the simplicity of the one mic directly into an iphone (so I guess I'm not really feeling that)
2. Is this just a stopgap between going all in w/ a DPA / dvice setup?

I just figured that using an iphone as a recorder wasn't going to be a feasible option, but it appears we are there.

Extension cord (i have tried two) doesn't seem to work, but this extender does. Able to use with my Otter case.
https://www.amazon.com/NIUBEE-Lightning-Lifeproof-Extension-Connector/dp/B01K9U3G3S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502662575&sr=8-2&keywords=Lightning+port+extender
This is the ONLY time i have used this setup to record a show. I only bought it for the extreme stealth situation, where i couldn't get any of my regular gear in, or to have in my car
to use if a recording situation unfolded and i didn't have my gear with me. Would not recommend for regular recording use, if you can easily use other gear (like ca 14's into a small recorder) The Shure has really bad handling noise, if you hand hold it, put it a shirt pocket etc, you better be recording a really loud show. If not you have to clamp it to something.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on September 15, 2017, 10:50:41 AM
Can someone explain what M/S decoding is / how to do it? thx!
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: heathen on September 15, 2017, 10:58:27 AM
Can someone explain what M/S decoding is / how to do it? thx!
http://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: morst on September 16, 2017, 03:13:35 PM
Can someone explain what M/S decoding is / how to do it? thx!
http://www.uaudio.com/blog/mid-side-mic-recording/
Not exactly on the subject of M/S, but that link has a statement i've italicised that I don't think is true:
Quote
More Than Meets the Ears
Traditional XY recording mimics our own ears. Like human hearing, XY miking relies on the time delay of a sound arriving at one input milliseconds sooner than the other to localize a sound within a stereo field. It's a fairly simple concept, and one that works well as long as both mics are closely matched and evenly spaced to obtain an accurate sonic image.

In a coincident X/Y pair, the mics are placed as closely together as possible, but aimed differently. The difference in aim and the way the mic pattern picks up the off axis sound is what differentiates the channels. The arrival time difference of a sound into the two different channels of coincident X/Y should be as close as possible to zero!

However, in NEAR-coincident placements like ORTF, there is some spacing between capsules (17 cm for ORTF) and THAT DOES give spacial imaging cues according to arrival time difference.

Just nitpicking on an otherwise interesting and informative link.  :o
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: Perry on September 16, 2017, 07:29:03 PM
I'm seeing a lot of these mics at Americanafest in Nashville this week. Old people (like me) have discovered them... sliced bread!

Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on September 16, 2017, 07:48:58 PM
Do these things pass metal detectors?
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on September 17, 2017, 12:30:08 PM
Do these things pass metal detectors?
Didn't pass the two shows I did with it
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on September 17, 2017, 12:52:54 PM
Do these things pass metal detectors?
Didn't pass the two shows I did with it

Thanks. I figured I'd throw my earbuds in the case with it and call it a Bluetooth speaker or something (if it came down to it).
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on September 17, 2017, 05:37:37 PM
Got mine in the mail today - super easy to set up, and the case is really nice.

Plan on using this for Sturgill Simpson on Tuesday - have front row mezz tickets, so plan on just setting my phone on the ledge (maybe gaff taping it down). Any recommendation on settings?

Basically planning to use it like a stealth rig / for shows that I otherwise wouldn't bring gear with me to tape.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: edtyre on September 18, 2017, 07:27:40 PM
Got mine in the mail today - super easy to set up, and the case is really nice.

Plan on using this for Sturgill Simpson on Tuesday - have front row mezz tickets, so plan on just setting my phone on the ledge (maybe gaff taping it down). Any recommendation on settings?

Basically planning to use it like a stealth rig / for shows that I otherwise wouldn't bring gear with me to tape.

Just be aware the metering is WAY OFF! You have to set the gain very low, or your recording will be fucked. I didn't know until i did a few test songs at a show i was recording.
Here's a screencap of the setting i use.

Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on September 18, 2017, 08:30:22 PM
Awesome, thanks! I'll report back after the show...
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on September 20, 2017, 11:41:30 AM
I'll post my Sturgill Simpson recording once I've spent some time with it, but overall I'm pretty impressed with the mv88. I set it up like Ed did, and ran it with no limiter or compression, at 15db gain. It was a pretty loud show, but that setting was pretty dialed in (and lucky, to some degree). There were a few spikes that appeared to distort visually, but I couldn't pick up any noticeable noise. I played around with the setting at 22db for the opener (also loud) and it appeared the recording would be unlistenable, but again, it looked worse than it sounded.

I was in the front row of a balcony, so I set it on the ledge so I could adjust the mic up a bit, and flipped L/R so the screen was still facing me. Brought a bit of tape with me to secure it in a pinch, and YMMV in terms of that being necessary.

Interested in playing around with MS raw and working with it in post, but I see this basically replacing my zoom h2n as a  >:D option.

-In terms of monitoring, yeah, seems pretty worthless. With a little experience, I think it will be pretty easy to dial in.
-Curious to listen back to the whole thing. I purposely handled it a couple times to check settings, so interested if they will show up.
-Recorded about 2.5 hours of music, and it probably used ~10% of my battery life too, so pretty damn good.
-Saving big files via dropbox takes some time/patience, but works pretty well considering it was a 1.7GB file
-Venue had metal detectors so I didn't try to keep it on me. Instead handed it to the worker along with my phone/keys, and she handed it right back to me w/o a second thought.

Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on October 27, 2017, 05:49:37 PM
Here's my Sturgill Simpson recording - any feedback is welcomed...this was really the first time I used the MV88...

https://mega.nz/#!BL5gQZLB!Kkb6olpbUz2boubqSXfYZV2OVPqq6PfADmB0VDrv6Y8
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on November 01, 2017, 11:46:36 PM
Used it for Dylan tonight and the recording stopped at 1:15:27 for seemingly no reason. I'll have to test it out a bit more to see if that happens again.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: pontiacb on November 02, 2017, 02:58:33 AM
Used it for Dylan tonight and the recording stopped at 1:15:27 for seemingly no reason. I'll have to test it out a bit more to see if that happens again.
I’ve had that happen a couple of times when I’ve got short on space on the iPhone (down to the last few hundred MB).  It was on an iPhone 5s.  I’ve not had the problem when I’ve had more space.   Assume you had it on airplane mode and with notifications set off? Did it come up with message ‘unexpected recording error’ (or similar)?

When it happened to me I searched on the web and couldn’t find any mention of others having a similar problem, so I’m interested in whether your situation had anything in common with my experience (I.e. available space on phone and model).

Also it’s probably worth closing down any apps that are running in the background before you start recording - I’ve got no evidence that this caused my problems but I’ve only just discovered how to do it, so think I will do in future as then all processing power will be available for the recording app

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201330
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on November 02, 2017, 08:15:44 AM
Used it for Dylan tonight and the recording stopped at 1:15:27 for seemingly no reason. I'll have to test it out a bit more to see if that happens again.
I’ve had that happen a couple of times when I’ve got short on space on the iPhone (down to the last few hundred MB).  It was on an iPhone 5s.  I’ve not had the problem when I’ve had more space.   Assume you had it on airplane mode and with notifications set off? Did it come up with message ‘unexpected recording error’ (or similar)?

When it happened to me I searched on the web and couldn’t find any mention of others having a similar problem, so I’m interested in whether your situation had anything in common with my experience (I.e. available space on phone and model).

Also it’s probably worth closing down any apps that are running in the background before you start recording - I’ve got no evidence that this caused my problems but I’ve only just discovered how to do it, so think I will do in future as then all processing power will be available for the recording app

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201330

Had it in airplane mode, and plenty of space (10+ GB). Was also using a SE, I believe at the latest version (not sure if everything was updated). Good idea on having apps closed down, will think to do that next time.

Also, I believe that was the error message I received.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: pontiacb on November 02, 2017, 01:52:24 PM
^ thanks for getting back to me.  If it happens again I’ll try to remember to take a screenshot and send it off to Shure Europe - they were very helpful last time I had a query, but I’d like to have a picture of the exact error message before I ask them (the times it has occurred I’ve been in a mad panic trying to ‘save’ things and never thought to take a screenshot).

I don’t know much about the processing specs of the various iPhone models, but we’re both using phones a few away from the latest models, so I wonder whether the app is pushing the processor close to its limits, so it doesn’t take much to make it fall over?
I’d be interested if anyone with a newer model has any similar experiences.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on November 02, 2017, 02:14:33 PM
FWIW, I have an Iphone 6 for work that I've used, and have had no trouble. In fact, I tested it today and it ran for about 6 hours w/ no issues. I'm going to do the same with the SE tonight.

Update, here's the response I received from Shure (quite promptly, I might add):

Quote
Hey there Erik,

Sorry to hear about the issues with your Motiv setup. I've got a few a suggestions that could help alleviate the issue.

1. Please update your iOS device to the newest version of the OS.

2. Uninstall and reinstall the Motiv app.

3. If those previous steps don't resolve the issue, please try this method as recommended by our Motiv development team for Error Message 66570.

1. Back up device to iTunes, making sure it’s encrypted to save passwords, etc. https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht203977 How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
2. Restore device to factory settings: https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht201252 Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings
3. Restore from backup: https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht204184 Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup

It takes about an hour. That should “clean up” the storage. It will also free up space from email attachments, cache, etc.

Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on November 02, 2017, 09:25:58 PM
Ok, I think park of the problem might have been an outdated iOS vs the app. I’m guessing it’s some combo of that vs system memory. Not exactly sure how to prove this, but I’m going to keep my phone/app updated, apps cleared out, and as much space open as possible.

FWIW, I think the recording that I got was pretty solid. Will post here soon.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: pontiacb on November 03, 2017, 09:21:03 AM
Thanks for the investigative work - Shure seem to be good at responding to queries quickly and helpfully. 
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: detroit lightning on November 13, 2017, 12:33:15 PM
So, another reason I like the MV88, is that it can be used as a decent backup - in case of something going wrong with the main setup. A ledge, or anywhere you can set it always works, but I also wanted a way of attaching my phone to the stand, and came up with this:

(https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/3b1ac78b-bea4-4b63-be9d-dcc598ed4547/svn/hdx-vises-012386-64_1000.jpg)

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-in-Metal-Spring-Clamp-012386/203752762

^ plus some velcro (wrapped around the handles of the clamp, and a strip on the back of the phone) and it's nicely secured to the stand, at whatever height you want it. I tried a few clamps, and this size seemed to work best for me in terms of being secure. The clamp & the velcro ran me about $4.

Side note, I've used it twice since my issue a few weeks ago and haven't had any issues. Making sure everything is updated in terms of apps / software + having space available seems like the trick to me.
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: vantheman on January 12, 2019, 01:37:20 PM
I'm a novice taper and just picked up the MV88. I'm hoping to take it for a spin tomorrow. Do you guys just use the raw mid side mode when taping? It seems to me that the Stereo mode is just a mid side recording with the stereo image baked into source material. I'd rather have the flexibility of doing it myself in later in Audacity. Thanks,
Title: Re: Shure MV88 iPhone Mic
Post by: gormenghast on January 16, 2019, 02:08:16 PM
I know I didn’t record raw m/s.  Def Leppard and Journey at the Gorge.  Pretty good sound actually.