The Shure Model VP88 is a single-point, stereo condens-er
microphone for use in professional studio recording, field
production, electronic news gathering (ENG), and studio
broadcasting applications. It combines two condenser car-tridges
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 pro-duction
environments.
The VP88 uses a mid-side (M-S) configuration. One mi-crophone
cartridge (Mid) faces forward to capture on-axis
sound using a cardioid pickup pattern. The other micro-phone
cartridge (Side) is bi-directional, capturing sound
from either side. The VP88 contains an internal M-S matrix
with three settings for different degrees of stereo image
seperation. The internal matrix can be bypassed if an exter-nal
matrix is used or if stereo imaging is done in post-pro-duction.
Switches on the top of the microphone control out-put
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) mi-crophone
extension cable, a phantom power supply, and a
4.3 m (14 ft) microphone stand.
FEATURES
• Time-coherent, Mid-Side (M-S) design for optimal stereo
imaging
• Built-in stereo matrix for direct control of the stereo
spread; direct M-S outputs available
• Mono compatibility ideal for broadcast applications
• 40 to 20,000 Hz frequency response
• Low noise and distortion
• Wide dynamic range
• Switch-selectable, low-frequency rolloff (12 dB/octave
below 80 Hz) for reduced pickup of ambient noise and
stand vibration
• Operates on phantom power or a 6V camera battery
• LED power indicator
• Internal shock mount for reduced stand vibration and
handling noise
• Built-in "pop" screen
• Rugged construction
• Windscreen, swivel adapter, and Y-cable included
MOUNTING
The VP88 can be mounted on a standard microphone floor
stand, fishpole or boom. Make sure the front of the grille
faces the sound source and the top of the microphone faces
up, so that the the resulting stereo image matches the left
and right components of the sound source
A88SM External Shockmount
The optional A88SM Shock Mount provides optimum iso-lation
from stand-transmitted shock and vibration. The
A88SM is ideal for critical studio applications contains a
standard mounting foot for use with most electronic news
gathering (ENG) video cameras.
POWER
Phantom Power
The VP88 can be phantom powered by any microphone
mixer or console providing 9 to 52 Vdc phantom power, or
by a phantom power supply such as the Shure PS1A. Each
balanced audio cable pair (pins 2 and 3: Mid/Left; pins 4 and
5: Side/Right) carries the supply current to the microphone,
and the cable shield (pin 1) is the ground return.
The Mid or Side output can be used individually with ei-ther
phantom or battery power. When operating in the Ste-reo
mode without battery, both Mid/Left and Side/Right out-puts
must be phantom powered.

MPN: VP88
UPC: 042406051118

SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Single-point stereo (MS configuration) condenser
Frequency Response (See Figures 6 and 7)
40 to 20,000 Hz
Polar Pattern (See Figures 8 and 9)
Mid Cartridge: Cardioid (unidirectional)
Side Cartridge: Bidirectional
Output Impedance
Rated at 150 (100 W actual). Recommended minimum load im-pedance:
800 W (may be used with loads as low as 150 W with
reduced clipping level)
Sensitivity (1 kHz, MS mode)
Open Circuit Voltage: –66 dB (0.5 mV) Mid. (Side level 1.6 dB
higher than Mid level) (0 dB=1 V/Pa)
Side Level (Stereo mode; relative to Mid level)
Low: –6.0 dB; Medium: –1.9 dB; High: +1.6 dB
Clipping Level (1 kHz)
800 W Load (less than 1% THD)
–12 dBV (0.25 V)(Mid output, 1% THD)
–10 dBV (0.30 V)(Side output, 1% THD)
150 W Load (less than 3% THD)
–25 dBV (0.06 V)(Mid output)
–19 dBV (0.11 V)(Side output)
Maximum SPL
800 W Load: 129 dB
150 W Load: 119 dB
Hum Pickup
–4 dB equivalent SPL in 1 millioersted field (60 Hz)
Self Noise (Mid, Side, Left and Right outputs; equivalent sound
pressure levels)
24 dB typical, A-weighted
28 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45405
Dynamic Range
105 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level)
Signal–to–Noise Ratio*
70 dB (IEC 651) at 94 dB SPL
*S/N ratio: difference between microphone output at 94 dB SPL and microphone self–noise A–
weighted.
Overvoltage Protection
Maximum External Voltage applied to Pins 2 through 5 with re-spect
to Pin 1: ±75 Vdc
Polarity
Positive pressure applied from any direction to the Mid cartridge or
from the left to the Side cartridge in the MS mode, or applied from
the front in the Stereo mode produces positive voltage on pin 2 rel-ative
to pin 3 (Mid/Left) and pin 4 relative to pin 5 (Side/Right).
Power
Phantom
Supply Voltage: 9 to 52 Vdc
Current Drain: 1.3 mA/output; 2.6 mA total
Battery
Type: 6 V cylindrical*
Life: 70 hours**
Current Drain: 2.4 mA total
*Silver oxide (NEDA 1406SOP), lithium (NEDA 5005L), alkaline (NEDA 1414A)
**Fresh silver oxide or lithium battery; 40 hours with alkaline
Environmental Conditions
Operating: –18° to 57° C (0° to 135° F)
(Relative Humidity <90%)
Storage: –29° to 74° C (–20° to 165° F)
(Relative Humidity <80%)
Cables (see Figure 10)
Y-Splitter Cable (supplied): 0.76 m (30 in.) vinyl-jacketed, dual–
shielded, 2-conductor with 5-pin female XLR connector on mi-crophone
end and two 3-pin male XLR connectors on equip-ment
ends.
Microphone Extension Cable (Model C110; optional): 7.6 m
(25 ft.) vinyl-jacketed, shielded, 4-conductor with 5-pin male
XLR connector on one end and 5-pin female XLR connector on
other end.
Case
Brass and nickel-plated aluminum construction with stainless
steel grille. Finished in satin black vinyl enamel
Net Weight
417 grams (14.7 oz) less battery and cable