{"product_id":"cloudlifter-cl-z-mic-activator","title":"Cloudlifter CL-Z Mic Activator","description":"\u003c!-- Video Section --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px auto 10px auto; text-align: center; max-width: 800px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eCloudlifter CL-Z Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 800px; height: 450px; display: block; margin: 0 auto; border-radius: 8px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DaJuJAnhNzI?si=pzBMbHsYOSmF-hfa\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 1 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Z Vari-Z mic activator showing large Z impedance control knob, gain switch, and high-pass filter toggle\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-Z_Front.png?v=1778170201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYour Microphone Has More Than One Voice. Now You Can Access All of Them.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery passive microphone responds differently depending on how the preamp loads its output transformer. At low impedance, the mic gets heavier, warmer, more present in the low mids. The proximity effect deepens. Transients soften. At high impedance, it opens up, loses some body, and gains clarity and air through the upper frequencies. Most engineers never hear this range because their preamp locks the mic into a single fixed impedance, and that's the only version of that microphone they ever know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CL-Z changes that. The large Vari-Z knob sweeps the input impedance continuously from 150Ω all the way to 15kΩ, and every position between those extremes is a different version of your microphone. Paired with up to +25dB of Class-A discrete JFET gain that keeps the preamp operating in its optimal range, the CL-Z gives vocal engineers and tracking engineers a level of tonal control that used to require owning multiple preamps with fundamentally different input topologies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 2 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section reverse\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"CL-Z Cloudlifter in studio voiceover setup connected between ribbon microphone and preamp showing variable impedance tone shaping signal chain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZLeftAngleDown_5ca7be06-d5b5-4ce8-ab30-f3997dcb7efd.png?v=1778170202\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThree Controls That Work Together, Not in Isolation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CL-Z's design is built around the interaction between its controls rather than the individual functions of each one:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVari-Z knob:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuously variable input impedance, 150Ω to 15kΩ. Turning it down adds body, warmth, and proximity weight. Turning it up opens the top end and reduces transformer coloration. Every position is a valid creative choice depending on source and mic\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-pass filter (switchable):\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable -6 dB\/octave rolloff, sweepable from below 20 Hz to approximately 200 Hz, linked to the Z knob. As impedance increases, the filter cutoff frequency drops. As impedance decreases, the cutoff rises. In practice, the useful range for most mics lands between 60 and 100 Hz, which covers room rumble, HVAC, floor vibration, and proximity buildup without touching fundamental vocal or instrument body\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain switch (2 positions):\u003c\/strong\u003e +25dB MAX for full headroom with low-output dynamic and ribbon mics; +12dB MORE for louder sources, loud guitar amplifiers, or when introducing more of the downstream preamp's own color is desirable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe linked filter and impedance behavior means a single knob controls both tonal shape and low-frequency character simultaneously. For voiceover talent working in rooms without proper low-frequency treatment, this is particularly useful: dialing in the impedance to taste also progressively addresses the room's contribution to the low end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 3 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Cloudlifter CL-Z close-up of steel chassis with XLR male input and female output connectors and underside velcro bridge mount\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZRightAngleUp_d513630f-37d2-4bdc-a583-3b512dfc6f55.png?v=1778170202\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Gain Stage That Gets Out of the Way\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CL-Z's JFET circuit was specifically designed to have no resistors or capacitors in the direct signal path. Those components are where coloration, frequency degradation, and distortion enter a gain stage, and the CL-Z eliminates them before they can touch the audio. Two discrete noise-canceling gain stages handle amplification, and by the time the signal reaches whatever capacitors exist downstream in the preamp or interface, the signal-to-noise ratio is already high enough that their impact is dramatically reduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat you get at the output is more of the microphone itself: its actual frequency response at the impedance you've selected, its natural transient character, its real noise floor rather than the inflated noise floor of a preamp being pushed into its upper gain range. For elite voiceover work where every session is a close-mic vocal with a dynamic or ribbon, this matters in ways that become immediately audible when you pull the tracks into a mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUp to +25dB of ultra-clean gain for any passive dynamic, ribbon, or tube microphone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePatented Class-A discrete JFET circuitry with dual noise-canceling gain stages; no resistors or capacitors in the direct signal path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinuously variable Vari-Z input impedance: 150Ω to 15kΩ, for tonal shaping from warm and thick to open and airy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3kΩ base input impedance circuit; Vari-Z knob modifies loading across the full sweep range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwitchable variable high-pass filter: -6 dB\/octave, sweepable below 20 Hz to approximately 200 Hz, cutoff frequency linked to Vari-Z impedance setting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-pass filter practical sweet spot for most mics: 60 to 100 Hz, covering room rumble, HVAC, floor vibration, and proximity buildup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo-position gain switch: +25dB MAX for low-output passive mics; +12dB MORE for louder sources or adding downstream preamp color\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz (-0.3 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended load impedance: greater than 5kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires +48V phantom power (P48, IEC 61938); does not pass phantom to the microphone, safe for all passive ribbon and tube mics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrent consumption: 3.1 mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLow output impedance for driving long XLR cable runs without signal loss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with dynamic, ribbon, tube, battery-powered, and power-supply-driven passive microphones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRugged solid steel chassis, rubber feet, underside metal bridge for strap or velcro mounting in live environments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 5.35\" x 3.43\" x 2.6\" \/ Weight: 17.3 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandcrafted in Tucson, Arizona, USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited lifetime warranty with registration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCloudlifter CL-Z Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; width: 35%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCircuit Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003ePatented Class-A Discrete JFET, Dual Noise-Canceling Gain Stages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eMaximum Gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUp to +25 dB (MAX position, with 5kΩ load)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eGain Switch Positions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+25 dB (MAX) \/ +12 dB (MORE)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eVariable Impedance Range (Vari-Z)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e150Ω to 15kΩ (continuously variable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eBase Input Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e3kΩ\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eRecommended Load Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eGreater than 5kΩ\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eHigh-Pass Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eVariable, -6 dB\/octave, below 20 Hz to ~200 Hz (linked to Vari-Z knob; switchable on\/off)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eHPF Practical Sweet Spot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e60 to 100 Hz (varies by mic output impedance and Z knob position)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e5 Hz to 80 kHz (-0.3 dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eInput Connector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e3-pin Male XLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eOutput Connector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e3-pin Female XLR\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003ePhantom Power Required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+48V (P48, IEC 61938)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003ePhantom Pass-Through\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eNo (safe for all passive ribbon and tube microphones)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCurrent Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e3.1 mA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003ePassive Dynamic, Ribbon, Tube, Battery-Powered, and Power-Supply-Driven Microphones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eChannels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1 (Single Channel)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e5.35\" x 3.43\" x 2.6\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e17.3 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eRugged Solid Steel Chassis, Rubber Feet, Underside Metal Bridge for Strap\/Velcro Mounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eManufacturing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eHandcrafted in Tucson, Arizona, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eLimited Lifetime (with registration)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; width: 35%;\"\u003eItem\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCloudlifter CL-Z\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1x Single-Channel Mic Activator with Vari-Z impedance control, switchable high-pass filter, and 2-position gain switch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDocumentation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eWarranty card and product registration information\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Cloud Microphones","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48514446426267,"sku":"CL-Z","price":249.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZRightAngleUp_d513630f-37d2-4bdc-a583-3b512dfc6f55.png?v=1778170202","url":"https:\/\/proaudioreserve.com\/products\/cloudlifter-cl-z-mic-activator","provider":"Pro Audio Reserve","version":"1.0","type":"link"}