The Shure VP88 is a professional stereo condenser microphone designed to capture immersive, high-fidelity stereo audio in a single, compact unit. It combines two precision-matched condenser elements in an M-S (Mid-Side) configuration within a single microphone body, allowing sound engineers to record true stereo images with exceptional width and depth. The microphone's integrated matrix decoder provides three distinct output options: a natural, wide stereo image; a focused, narrowed stereo field; or a pure mono signal derived from the mid capsule. This versatility makes the VP88 an ideal tool for film location sound, broadcast, music recording, and any application where capturing the spatial characteristics of a sound source or environment is critical.

The VP88 operates on standard 48V phantom power or, uniquely, via an internal 9V battery, providing exceptional flexibility for field recording where phantom power may not be available. It features a rugged all-metal construction and includes a built-in shock mount to minimize handling noise. The microphone offers user-selectable settings for stereo width and a bass roll-off filter to manage low-frequency rumble. Its relatively compact size and integrated design eliminate the need for a separate stereo bar and matched pair of microphones, simplifying setup while delivering cohesive and phase-accurate stereo recordings.

For professionals, the VP88 offers a streamlined yet powerful solution for capturing rich, dimensional sound. The M-S technique inherently produces mono-compatible stereo, a crucial feature for broadcast where compatibility with mono playback systems is required. Whether mounted on a camera, boom pole, or stand, the VP88 provides broadcast-quality stereo audio with the operational simplicity of a single microphone, making it a go-to choice for documentary filmmakers, location recordists, and audio producers who need reliable, high-quality stereo capture in demanding environments.