Cloud Microphones and Cloudlifter Mic Activators for Dynamic and Ribbon Microphones
Cloud Microphones builds two categories of professional audio equipment: Cloudlifter mic activators that deliver clean gain for passive microphones, and ribbon microphones designed for studio recording and broadcast applications. The accessories in this collection including XLR cables and shock mounts are built specifically to support those two product lines. Understanding which Cloudlifter model fits your setup, and which ribbon microphone fits your application, are the two decisions this page is designed to help you make.
Cloudlifter Mic Activators — Clean Gain for Dynamic and Ribbon Microphones
A Cloudlifter uses phantom power from your audio interface or mixer to power an internal JFET circuit that delivers up to 25 dB of clean gain before the signal reaches your preamp. It does not pass that phantom power through to the microphone, making it safe for use with passive ribbon microphones that can be damaged by direct 48V exposure. Cloudlifters are designed for passive microphones only. They are not compatible with condenser microphones that require phantom power to operate.
The signal chain for correct Cloudlifter placement is: microphone, short XLR cable, Cloudlifter, long XLR cable, audio interface or mixer. Placing the Cloudlifter as close to the microphone as possible minimizes noise pickup before the gain stage.
Most entry to mid-level audio interface preamps introduce audible noise in the top 10 to 15 percent of their gain range. The Cloudlifter delivers its gain using JFET circuitry with a lower noise floor than the built-in preamps found in most desktop interfaces, allowing the interface preamp to operate in its clean range rather than struggling to amplify a quiet signal.
Which Cloudlifter Model Fits Your Setup
The Cloudlifter CL-1 is a single-channel mic activator delivering up to 25 dB of clean gain. It is the correct choice for solo podcasters, broadcasters, and vocalists using a single dynamic or ribbon microphone.
The Cloudlifter CL-2 is a dual-channel version of the CL-1, delivering the same 25 dB of clean gain across two independent channels. It is the correct choice for two-person podcasts, stereo ribbon microphone setups, or any application requiring two simultaneous passive microphone inputs.
The Cloudlifter CL-4 is a four-channel rackmount mic activator delivering 25 dB of clean gain across four independent channels. It is the correct choice for professional studios, broadcast facilities, and recording environments running multiple dynamic or ribbon microphones simultaneously.
The Cloudlifter CL-Z is a single-channel variable impedance mic activator. In addition to clean gain, the CL-Z allows engineers to adjust the impedance load seen by the microphone, which changes the tonal character and frequency response of passive dynamic and ribbon microphones. It is the correct choice for engineers who want to tune the character of their microphone rather than simply amplify it.
The Cloudlifter CL-Zi combines the variable impedance functionality of the CL-Z with an instrument input, covering both microphone and instrument direct input applications in a single unit.
The Cloudlifter CL-X and CL-X2 are inline single and dual-channel versions respectively, designed for compact signal chain integration.
The Cloudlifter Mini CL-25 is the most compact Cloudlifter available, delivering 25 dB of clean gain in a minimal form factor suited to mobile recording and location applications.
Cloud Ribbon Microphones — Studio and Broadcast Ribbon Designs
The Cloud 44-A is a large-format active ribbon microphone with a figure-eight polar pattern. Active ribbon microphones include an internal preamp stage that raises the output level of the ribbon element, eliminating the need for a Cloudlifter or high-gain external preamp. The Cloud 44-A is suited to vocal recording, broadcast, and instrument applications where ribbon character is the goal without the gain requirement of a passive ribbon design.
The Cloud 44 Midnight is a variant of the 44-A in a limited edition finish, sharing the same active ribbon circuit and figure-eight polar pattern.
The Cloud JRS-34 is a passive ribbon microphone with a figure-eight polar pattern and a frequency response that rolls off naturally above 15 kHz. Passive ribbon microphones require significantly more gain than dynamic or condenser microphones. Pairing the JRS-34 with a Cloudlifter CL-1 or CL-Z delivers the clean gain the ribbon element needs without the noise floor penalty of driving an interface preamp into its upper gain range.
When to Use a Cloudlifter vs Upgrading Your Preamp
A Cloudlifter is the correct first step when a dynamic or ribbon microphone is too quiet through an existing interface preamp. It costs significantly less than a standalone mic preamp and solves the gain problem in most home studio and project studio scenarios. A standalone mic preamp becomes the correct upgrade when tonal character, transformer coloration, or channel count beyond what a Cloudlifter provides are the priority. Browse our mic preamps collection for standalone preamp options, or our condenser and ribbon microphones collection for additional ribbon microphone options.
Browse related categories: Mic preamps | Audio interfaces for sale | Condenser and ribbon microphones
