Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Z Mic Activator
Signal Optimiser for Microphones
- Variable output level (+12 to + 24dB)
- Variable high-pass filter 20 Hz to 250 Hz
- Variable input impedance between 150 and 15k Ω
- Requires 48 V phantom power
- 1x XLR Input and output
- Steel housing
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Available since August 2013
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Item number 320775
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Channels 1
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Number of microphone inputs 1
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Instrument input No
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Tubes No
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Compressor/Limiter No
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Equalizer No
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De-Esser No
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Phantom power No
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Phase Reverse No
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External effect loops No
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Analogue Outputs XLR
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Digitale Outputs None
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Headphone connection No
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Level Meter No
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Design Desktop
Give any mic a lift
The Cloudlifter CL-Z Activator is a single-channel inline level amplifier, designed to be positioned between a microphone and the main preamp to increase the mic's signal strength. This compact, well-built device utilises the phantom power supplied via an XLR cable to provide variable gain for the microphone signal, from +12 to +24 dB. It's ideal for maximising the performance of dynamic, ribbon, and tube microphones, and won't colour the signal unless the user deliberately chooses to. Which they can, of course: The killer feature of the CL-Z model is its selectable input impedance, ranging from 150 ohms to 15 kOhms, which allows the microphone's sound to be coloured from "focused" to "rich". A switchable high-pass filter enables further sound shaping. Manufactured in the USA – like all Cloud Microphone's products – the CL-Z combines a space-saving, intuitive design with a reliable solid steel housing. All this makes this a Mic Activator that's suitable for both studio recording and demanding stage or touring environments.
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For home studios and pros
Both home studio setups and professional environments alike can benefit from the Cloudlifter CL-Z Activator, which naturally and reliably amplifies low-output microphone signals, making them easier to work with. Whether connected to a mixing desk, a dedicated microphone preamp, or an ordinary audio interface, it delivers consistent results anywhere phantom power is available. The CL-Z is designed for dynamic and ribbon microphones, increasing their output level without adding noise, thus contributing to a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio. It also proves extremely effective when recording very quiet sound sources, raising the signal to a convenient working level when the subsequent preamplifier doesn't provide enough gain.
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Safe and sound
The CL-Z Mic Activator features an XLR input and an XLR output, both equipped with safety locks to prevent cables from coming loose if they're tugged or pulled. A welded bracket on the rear allows the module to be attached to a mic stand or similar with a clamp, or just with the hook-and-loop fastener included. Four reassuringly sturdy rubber feet ensure stable, non-slip positioning even on smooth surfaces. The CL‑Z requires phantom power from the downstream microphone preamp to operate. However, it blocks that phantom power from reaching the microphone (deliberately, to protect sensitive ribbon mics and the like), so if it's used with a condenser mic, the microphone itself will need a separate external phantom power supply, such as the Millenium PP2B (article number 235771).
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About Cloud Microphones
The US manufacturer Cloud Microphones has been developing and producing microphones and microphone preamplifiers since 2009. The company's founder, Stephen Sank, draws on a family tradition in microphone manufacturing that now spans three generations. Among other things, the company relies on ribbon microphones that stand in the tradition of classic RCA mics, but at the same time use modern design and proprietary patents. Another product series are the preamplification units called "Cloudlifter", which are inline units that use the phantom power of microphone inputs for uncoloured, noise-free signal amplification of dynamic and ribbon microphones. Cloud not only emphasise that their products are particularly robustly built, but also that all components are manufactured in the USA.
For everything from podcasts to Bluegrass
A convenient alternative to expensive high-gain preamps, the Cloudlifter CL-Z Activator will help podcasters, YouTubers, and other voice content creators get the most out of their favourite microphones. Equally, though, it's perfect for producers and musicians working with instruments that are otherwise difficult to record – guitars with passive pickups, traditional string instruments, vintage synths – anywhere additional clean gain is essential. Popular microphones such as the Shure SM7B, SM57 and SM58 benefit from a noticeable boost in output power, bringing out their familiar sound character even when used with quiet sources, whereas dynamic microphones such as the Sennheiser MD 421 and the broadcast-grade Electrovoice RE-20 gain clarity and presence with the CL-Z in the signal chain. Finally, the CL-Z will prove equally effective for direct recording via an audio interface whose preamp doesn't provide sufficient noise-free amplification – all in all a reliable solution for a host of recording applications, boosting and shaping microphone signals without the need for an equaliser.
