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The Shure Model VP88
middle-side microphone

Shure VP88

General Description
The Shure Model VP88 is a single-point, stereo conden­ser microphone for use in pro­fes­sional studio recording, field production, electronic news gathering (ENG), and studio broadcast applications. It combines two conden­ser cartridges in a single housing to create a stereo audio image of the sound source. It is unique in its ability to capture the realism of a live event and yet withstand rigorous field production environments.

Shure VP88 controls

The VP88 uses a mid-side (MS) configuration. One mic­rophone cartridge (Mid) faces for­ward to capture on-axis sound using a cardioid pickup pattern. The other microphone cartridge (Side) is bi-directional, capturing sound from either side. The VP88 contains an internal MS 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 roll-off settings, and battery on/off.

Shure VP88

The VP88 can operate on phantom power or an internal 6-volt battery. The VP88 is sup­plied with a multiconnec­tor Y splitter cable, 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.

Shure VP88 with wind screen

Connections
Use the supplied Y splitter cable to connect the VP88 to two inputs of a mixer or console. The red connector, marked M and L, carries the Mid signal (in MS mode) or left signal (in stereo mode). The green connector, marked S and R, carries the Side signal (in MS mode) or right signal (in stereo mode). For stereo mode opera­tion, connect the left (L) splitter connector to the Chan­nel 1 input and the right (R) splitter connector to the Channel 2 input of the mixer or console. Set the Channel 1 pan pot full left and the Channel 2 pan pot full right.

Low stereo Medium stereo High stereo

Figure 3: Nominal pickup patterns for Stereo output modes.

Middle-Side output

Figure 4: Nominal pickup pattern for MS output mode.

Webmaster’s note: Attention should be paid to the differences between the MS setting and the Stereo settings. The MS Output Mode does not provide a stereo output. Details are available on p. 3 of the User Guide below.
VP88 frequency response VP88 data

Download the Model VP88 User Guide.

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