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Cloud Microphones - Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator - USA Made

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Availability: In Stock.
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Arrives Sep 25 – Sep 26
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Size: CL-1


Features

  • FOR HOME STUDIOS & PROFESSIONAL RECORDING: In the studio, boost the signal of quiet audio sources like vocals, percussion, or acoustic instruments while maintaining the natural sound of your microphone.
  • DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL RESULTS: Our home studio equipment is perfect for podcasts, live streaming, radio broadcasts, live sound, and studio recording. It's designed to seamlessly integrate with your preamp, maintaining ease-of-use for any professional.
  • EXCELLENT COMPATIBILITY: This microphone activator is compatible with tube, battery, or power supply driven microphones safe for all passive ribbons with no transfer of Phantom power.
  • FOR PODCASTING: The Cloudlifter is the perfect podcast accessory for creators who want to instantly hear a dramatic improvement in the sound of their production.

Description

Cloudlifters give new life to any mic locker. You hear way more of the actual mic itself. Cloud Microphones is a boutique ribbon microphone and microphone accessory manufacturing outfit based out of Tucson, AZ. We have retrofitted classic ribbon mic technology to bring warmth and soul into modern recording. We are most well known for our Cloudlifter Mic Activator line of products which have become ubiquitous in home and commercial studios the world over. Developed with Neutrik, the CL-25 packs the same gain as the original in a smaller, more convenient form factor. Rodger Cloud began Cloud Microphones with a dream to bring the soul of vintage recordings into the modern era. The early years of Cloud saw Rodger repairing and retrofitting vintage mics so that he could one day develop and design his own. We build all of our products with love by hand from our headquarters in Tucson, AZ where we source materials in-state whenever possible, including circuit boards from the Navajo reservation. Not all gain is created equal! We provide the cleanest gain for dynamic and ribbon mics. With a CL-1 Mic Activator, you can use classic broadcast microphones like an SM7B or RE20 without investing in an expensive interface! The Cloudlifter X has two gain stages (12dB/36dB) and a custom Cinemag transformer for extra harmonic content. The Cloudlifter Zi has a 1/4"/XLR combi-jack so you can sweep the impedance of your mic, bass, or synth to shape your tone! The line of Cloud Ribbon Microphones draws inspiration from original 1930's technology retrofitted for today's modern applications. Only on the Cloud 44-A Ribbon Mic can you flip the switch from Music to Vocals to roll off the low end and reduce the proximity effect! Enhance your audio with industry-standard Cloudlifters for superior gain, clarity, and sensitivity. Capture the essence of your microphone's sound while minimizing signal alteration due to preamp gain. Boost microphone sensitivity for detailed, nuanced recordings, even in quiet settings. Let Cloudlifters handle the heavy lifting, lightening the load on your preamp for optimal performance. What microphones do Cloudlifters work with? Cloudlifters are designed for use with any dynamic or passive ribbon microphone to turn +48v of phantom power into up to +25dB of ultra clean gain. They also work with tube condensers. With an auxiliary power source, you can How do I use a Cloudlifter? Place the Cloudlifter between the microphone and preamp/interface using XLR cables. Enable +48v of phantom power and turn down the gain before dialing it back up to find the sweet spot. Why the Cloudlifter and not a cheap booster? Our competitors add color or noise with their boost in gain while our circuits are transparent and clean. Shure licensed technology from Cloud for their new SM7dB's active circuit because it's the best! Where is the Cloudlifter made? Made in the USA, hand-built to last out of Arizona steel with circuit boards made on the Navajo Reservation in AZ. Who needs a Cloudlifter? Studio/Home engineers, podcasters, musicians, VO + voice actors, ASMR artists, live sound engineers, worship services Cloud Microphones has expanded upon the classic CL-1 by creating units with multiple channels, variable impedance and select-able gain stages. Original Cloudlifter Series CL-X Series CL-Z Series Our flagship product The Mic Activator that started it all More Vibe The Custom Cinemag transformer adds more harmonic content with more signal The Ultimate Cloudlifter Known as our Geeklifter, for those who crave extra control over gain and tone Multiple Channels Available There's the 2-channel CL-2 and only Cloud has a 4-channel rack mount CL-4 option More Gain Options Choose +36dB of gain for extra soft sources or an output attenuated +12dB. Own Your Tone The Vari-Z knob allows you to shape your tone at a sonic level on the way in Made in Arizona, USA Hand built out of exceptional American materials Checkout our new CL-X2! Now available in a 2-channel version! Not Just for Mics Check out the Cloudlifter Zi with combination jack for instruments!

Recommended Uses For Product: Singing, Recording, Voiceover, Music


Brand: Cloud Microphones


Model Name: Cloudlifter CL-1


Connectivity Technology: XLR


Connector Type: XLR


Special Feature: Noise Reduction


Compatible Devices: Standard Microphone Inputs with Phantom Power


Color: Blue


Included Components: CL-1


Polar Pattern: Unidirectional


Connectivity Technology: XLR


Connector Type: XLR


Special Feature: Noise Reduction


Compatible Devices: Standard Microphone Inputs with Phantom Power


Polar Pattern: Unidirectional


Audio Sensitivity: 25 db


Impedance: 3 kiloohms


Microphone Form Factor: Boundary


Power Source: Standard Microphone Phantom Power +48v


Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 35 db


Number of Channels: 1


Frequency Range: 5 Hertz - 80 Kilohertz


Audible Noise: 25 db


Color: Blue


Enclosure Material: Stainless Steel


Item Weight: 0.32 kg


Item Dimensions: 1.93 x 1.93 x 4.72 inches


Antenna Location: Singing, Recording, Voiceover, Music


Brand: Cloud Microphones


Model Name: Cloudlifter CL-1


Model Number: CL-1


Built-In Media: CL-1


Unit Count: 1 Count


Manufacturer: Cloud Microphones


Number of Items: 1


Item Highlight: +25dB Ultra-Clean Microphone Preamp Gain for Podcasting, Streaming and Studio Vocals


UPC: 094922059796


Item Type Name: A-B Box


Mfr Part Number: Cloudlifter CL-1


Warranty Description: Manufacture


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Sep 25 – Sep 26

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Boosts Mic Performance with a Minor Concern
Size: CL-1
I purchased the Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator for my audio setup, pairing it with my Shure microphone and the Roland VR-1HD for phantom power. After some thorough testing, I'm ready to share my experience, which has been largely positive with a slight concern. The Good: Powerful Mic Boost: The Cloudlifter CL-1 does an excellent job of amplifying the microphone signal. It's particularly noticeable with my Shure mic, providing a significant and clean boost in gain. This enhancement is crucial for achieving professional-quality sound in recordings and live streaming. I use it for my YouTube channel. I was thinking about starting a podcast by the way. Build Quality and Ease of Use: The build quality is solid, and it's evident that it's made to last. The simplicity of the Cloudlifter is also a plus and it's pretty much plug-and-play, requiring no additional power source, which is a huge convenience. I dont even think you need a additional power such as the phantom although i do hear a difference. The Concern: Interference with my cell phone: My primary concern, and I'm still trying to pinpoint the exact cause, is that having my phone close to the setup and receiving texts or calls causes audio distortion. I suspect this interference might be related to the Cloudlifter, but it's also possible that the Shure mic is picking up these signals. This issue is something to be aware of, especially in a setup where your phone is an essential part of your workflow. I can assure you that once i move my away from the cludlift , the distorsions stop. Overall Impression: Aside from the interference issue, which I'm still investigating, the Cloudlifter CL-1 has been a great addition to my audio equipment. It delivers on its promise of providing clean, amplified sound, which is a game-changer for mics that need that extra boost. The build quality is great, and its ease of use makes it a valuable tool for both amateurs and professionals. Plug and play . Given the significant improvement in sound quality, I would recommend the Cloudlifter CL-1, but with the caveat of being mindful of potential interference from mobile devices. This might be a minor issue or something more specific to my setup, but it's worth mentioning. Overall, I'm pleased with the performance. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024 by Robinson

  • Whether you have a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Or a Apollo Twin X. WORTH THE MONEY!!!
Size: CL-1
I was hesitant buying this for my Shure SM7B. as you probably know this is a very gain hungry mic. But I wasn't very found of spending another $150 on top of me purchasing a $400 microphone. But man am I glad I bought this. I was using a Focusrite Scarlett Solo as my interface when I purchase the cloudlifter and it worked like a charm. 25db of clean gain just like everyone said. EVEN now I use this with my Apollo Twin x. even though the Apollo has more then enough gain to power this mic. I would have to push my Apollo interface to at least 90% which I wasn't very found of doing over time. now with this cloudlifter I can have the gain on my interface to around 60%. All around, it has great sound, easy to use and great build quality. you wont regret this purchase. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2022 by Ryan

  • Set it up with Shure SM7B mic, no issues!
Size: CL-1
Bought this to set up a Shure SM7B, which was much needed since the SM7B is a very quiet mic in stock condition. I had no issues with static or audio quality with this, and would recommend this to anyone looking to set up a microphone that needs a preamp!
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026 by Isaac M

  • Works as advertised
Size: CL-1
Much more gain on my microphone without the hiss from the DAC. It is expensive but seemed to be the most consistent device.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2026 by Ryan

  • I CANNOT BELIEVE I WAITED SO LONG!
Size: CL-1
Not sure why I hesitated on buying this... I spent $400 on a Shure SM7B, and $100 on a mixer and I thought that would be enough.. Nope! Sound quality still had issues, well thank god I decided to give this a try because WOW! It made a MAJOR improvement to my sound quality! And it was so easy to use! Literally just plug it in and you're done. This little device basically just boosts the volume for your mic so you can turn all your presets down to avoid static in the background. And it did that perfectly! Build Quality: Amazing, has great weight to it and is smooth to touch. It's made in America and it shows, I love supporting American companies too. Value: It's expensive, but if you dump $400 on a mic then you're doing yourself a disservice for not having this! I upgraded my Shure Sm7B from an SM58 and the jump wasn't as substantial as just adding on this cloud lifter. Verdict: This thing is a game changer and gives NIGHT AND DAY difference when using it vs not using it. Excellent quality and craftsmanship. I'm so happy I bought it, it's worth it and if you're on the fence then just BUY IT! You won't regret it! Also I paid for this in full with my own money, this review is my actual thoughts and opinions. I hope it helps you. :) ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2019 by Guru Rider

  • First one was broken
Size: CL-1
Would be 5 star but the first one came broken, it's the classic cloud lifter when you can't afford an expensive compressor, and you need some clean gain. Now make sure your noise floor is already low, once you put this through, it'll be hissing more than a cat fight, but if you have a good interface with clean power expect nothing less than a great boost to your db, clean, without distortion. Recommended for anyone with a dynamic mic starting our in recording, it's plug and play, works exactly as intended, it's mindless, just remember to turn on 48v. Overall good value, it looks goofy but who cares when youre starting your new hobby. Good luck to all of you ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2025 by Jack

  • Boost a Mic to hear what you are missing.
Size: CL-1
I bought a Shure SM7B microphone and using with a Bose T4S ToneMatch mixer. I found even with phantom power i had to crank the gain and mic volume way up just to barely hear it. I was looking into how to fix this and came along the Cloudlifter and watched a video so figured i’d give it a try. I am in AZ and saw these are made by the Navaho which is awesome so this was a great surprise to support local Native American’s. This was straightforward to add to my system and wow it fixed the low output to easy and bright sound. Definitely buy these and I would again. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2026 by PGR

  • Plug & play and an absolute must have for SM7B
Size: CL-1
Literally a must-have if you're using your SM7B for anything professional; voiceovers, work, whatever it may be, you WILL NOT have enough gain without this / without sounding compressed and distant by trying to emulate the effect in software. Feels premium, works great, no issues out of the box, and super easy to set up - literally just plug and play. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2025 by Hunter Pecoraro

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