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Shure VP88

Mid-Side Stereo Condenser Stereo Microphone

The Shure Model VP88 is a single-point, stereo condenser microphone. It combines two condenser cartridges in a single housing to create a stereo audio image of the sound source.

The VP88 uses a mid-side (M-S) stereo configuration. One microphone cartridge (Mid) faces forward to capture on-axis sound using a cardioid pickup pattern. The other microphone cartridge (Side) is bidirectional, capturing sound from either side.

The VP88 contains an internal M-S matrix with three settings for different degrees of stereo image separation. The internal matrix can be bypassed if an external matrix is used or if stereo imaging is done in post-production. Switches on the top of the microphone control output mode, stereo imaging, low-frequency rolloff settings, and battery on/off.

The VP88 can operate on phantom power or an internal 6V battery. The VP88 is supplied with a multi-connector “Y-splitter” cable, foam windscreen, swivel stand adapter, 6-volt battery, and zippered carrying/storage bag. Optional accessories include an isolation mount, a 7.6 m (25 ft) microphone extension cable, a phantom power supply, and a 4.3 m (14 ft) microphone stand.

The optional A88SM Shock Mount provides optimum isolation from stand-transmitted shock and vibration.

The microphone has a 5-pin XLRM and is supplied with a Y cable that provides two standard 3-pin XLRM connectors, which pass either M and S signals (in MS mode) or L and R signals (in any of the three stereo modes).

Reviewers tend to comment on the mic’s somewhat extreme low-end rolloff, which begins around 200 Hz even without the HPF engaged, and on the mic’s self-noise, which makes the mic less suitable for quiet sources.

Shure

This urban myth of VP88 “modifications” can be summarized as follows: In 1997, Shure Engineering built a prototype VP88. It was given to Shure endorser Tom Jung for his evaluation. This VP88 was a one-of-a-kind prototype.

Engineering improved the output level of both VP88 elements by 3dB. This improved the mic signal/noise ratio as the mic electronics were not changed.

New elements were constructed using 2 mil spacers (1 mil is standard) and using a polarizing voltage of 180 volts (about 120 volts is standard).

The downside is that the bidirectional element had less low end, but the trade-off of more output and less low end was found acceptable by Tom Jung.

This new VP88 design was never implemented in the product as the modified elements could not be manufactured consistently and the low-end trade off was not desired by the market.

The Shure VP88 is also known as: VP-88.

Specifications

Frequency Response - Mid-Side StereoClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Mid-Side Stereo (0.5 mV/Pa; 40 - 20,000 Hz)	Filter: HPF: -12dB@80Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a	100 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 129 dB Self-noise: 24.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
417g (14.71oz)	290mm (11.42'')	40mm (1.57'')	5-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Has battery compartment (6V) Phantom voltage: 9-52v

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