Based on the advice in another thread, I picked up this lightning extension cable that allows for separating the mic from your phone. Can confirm that it does work, in case anyone is looking for a similar solution.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0963KH66F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Anyone have experience / ideas for unique mounting opportunities? I'm mostly using this as a backup to my DPA rig these days - but having the ability to extend it from the phone should have some benefit. Taping it to railings, posts, tables all seem to make sense. Just trying to think of some other ways to use it...
Just be careful with these lightning extension cables. I have had variable results with the ones I bought to try to do half-assed spy recording. Sometimes the audio goes to the phones, sometimes not. Possible just the particular brand of cable giving me trouble.
One aspect of the MV88 which does not seem to have been mentioned in this thread is that the software for the mic has several settings which could be customized for particular recording circumstances, such as pickup pattern and variable stereo width as well as the ability to record in mid-side.
It's a very convenient option for making decent (and occasionally very good) recordings.
The very few times I have been asked about it by security I have truthfully explained to them that it is a signal booster for when I am inside buildings. I mean, that's obviously what it is.