{"product_id":"cloudlifter-cl-zi-mic-activator","title":"Cloudlifter CL-Zi Mic Activator","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Zi Mic Activator \u0026amp; DI\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\n\u003c!-- Section 1 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZiFrontDown_91df4503-bc7a-4b32-b0ab-315bed7cec6f.png?v=1778170202\" alt=\"Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Zi mic activator and DI showing Vari-Z impedance knob, gain switch, and high-pass filter control\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eEvery Mic Has a Different Voice at Every Impedance Setting\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYou've heard what your Royer 121 sounds like through your API. Now imagine hearing it through a dozen different versions of that same preamp, each one with a slightly different character, a different weight in the low mids, a different amount of air up top. That's what the Vari-Z control on the CL-Zi actually does. By sweeping the input impedance continuously from 150Ω all the way to 15kΩ, you're not just adding gain: you're changing how the preamp loads the mic's output transformer, which changes the frequency response, the transient shape, the presence, the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAt low impedance settings you'll find more warmth, more proximity, more weight. As you open it up toward 15kΩ, the mic loosens, breathes more freely, gains clarity and air. There's no one correct setting. The correct setting is whatever makes this particular mic, in this particular room, on this particular source, sound right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n \n\u003c!-- Section 2 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section reverse\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZiLeftAngleUp_89c978a7-7bab-42be-8b3d-23e1834b4f02.png?v=1778170202\" alt=\"CL-Zi Cloudlifter combo Neutrik XLR and 1\/4-inch instrument input close-up showing CineMag transformer DI connectivity\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eThree Controls, Infinite Combinations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe CL-Zi gives you three interactive controls that compound on each other in ways that reward experimentation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eVari-Z knob:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuously variable input impedance, 150Ω to 15kΩ (mic mode); 15kΩ to over 1 MΩ (instrument\/DI mode via CineMag transformer)\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eHigh-pass filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable -6dB\/octave filter, sweepable from below 20 Hz to over 4 kHz, linked to the Z knob so the cutoff frequency changes as impedance changes. In practice, the sweet spot for most mics lands between 60 and 100 Hz, but the instrument setting can push it well above 1 kHz for dramatic tone shaping\u003cbr\u003e\n      \u003cstrong\u003eGain switch (3 positions):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n          Mic: +25dB \/ +12dB \/ +6dB\u003cbr\u003e\n          Instrument: +12dB \/ +6dB \/ +3dB\n    \u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eLower gain settings don't just reduce level. They let more of the preamp's own character into the signal, useful when you want the color of a transformer-coupled preamp to contribute to the sound rather than sitting cleanly out of the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n \n\u003c!-- Section 3 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\n    \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZiRightAngleDown_dd2daf9f-e530-4267-96b0-09ab51f2efeb.png?v=1778170202\" alt=\"Cloudlifter CL-Zi in studio setting connected between ribbon microphone and preamp showing variable impedance tone shaping workflow\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eA Real DI, Not an Afterthought\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe CL-Zi's instrument input isn't just a passive tap. It runs through a premium CineMag Hi-Z to Lo-Z transformer, shielded in MU metal for optimal isolation, that converts the high-impedance signal from your guitar or bass into a balanced low-impedance source. From there, the Vari-Z circuit loads the transformer output just as it would a microphone, so the impedance shaping, the high-pass filter, and all three gain positions apply equally to your instrument signal. A Telecaster or a P-Bass going direct through the CL-Zi isn't going through a utility input. It's going through a tone-shaping system that was designed from the ground up to make that source sound its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePowered entirely by +48V phantom from your interface or preamp, with no phantom pass-through to the mic side, the CL-Zi protects every passive ribbon and tube mic you own while still delivering the gain and control they need. No batteries, no external power, no separate power supply required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n \n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUp to +25dB ultra-clean gain for XLR microphones; up to +15dB for 1\/4\" instrument sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePatented Class-A discrete JFET circuitry with patented Vari-Z variable impedance interface\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eContinuously variable input impedance: 150Ω to 15kΩ (mic mode); 15kΩ to over 1 MΩ (instrument\/DI mode)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThree-position gain switch: mic mode +25dB \/ +12dB \/ +6dB; instrument mode +12dB \/ +6dB \/ +3dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVariable high-pass filter at -6dB\/octave, sweepable from below 20 Hz to over 4 kHz, linked to Vari-Z knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCineMag Hi-Z to Lo-Z instrument transformer with MU metal shielding, integrated into Neutrik combo XLR \/ 1\/4\" input\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHi-Z input impedance: greater than 1 MΩ primary (prior to Vari-Z secondary loading)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz (-0.3 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: 3kΩ (recommended load: greater than 5kΩ)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRequires +48V phantom power (IEC 61938); does not pass phantom to microphone, safe for all passive ribbon and tube mics\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCurrent consumption: 3.1 mA\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompatible with dynamic, ribbon, tube, battery, and power-supply-driven passive microphones\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRugged steel chassis with rubber feet and underside 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 \n\u003ch3\u003eCloudlifter CL-Zi 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 with Patented Vari-Z Interface\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 (Mic)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUp to +25 dB (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 (Mic)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+25 dB \/ +12 dB \/ +6 dB\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 (Instrument)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUp to +15 dB\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 (Instrument)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+12 dB \/ +6 dB \/ +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;\"\u003eVariable Impedance Range (Mic Mode)\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;\"\u003eVariable Impedance Range (DI Mode)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e~15kΩ to over 1 MΩ (continuously variable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr style=\"background-color:#fafafa;\"\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eHi-Z Input Impedance (DI)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u0026gt;1 MΩ primary (prior to Vari-Z secondary loading)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr style=\"background-color:#ffffff;\"\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eInput Impedance (Mic Mode)\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 over 4 kHz (linked to Vari-Z knob)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr style=\"background-color:#fafafa;\"\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eInstrument Transformer\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eCineMag Hi-Z to Lo-Z, MU metal shielded\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;\"\u003eNeutrik Combo XLR \/ 1\/4\" (male input)\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;\"\u003eDynamic, Ribbon, Tube, Battery, and Power-Supply-Driven Passive Microphones; Guitar, Bass, Keyboards (1\/4\" Hi-Z)\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr style=\"background-color:#fafafa;\"\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:#ffffff;\"\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:#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 \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-Zi\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003ctd style=\"padding:10px; border:1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1x Mic Activator \u0026amp; DI with Vari-Z impedance control, 3-position gain switch, variable high-pass filter, and CineMag instrument transformer\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;\"\u003eProduct registration card \/ warranty information\u003c\/td\u003e\n    \u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n ","brand":"Cloud Microphones","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48514446557339,"sku":"CL-Zi","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/CL-ZiRightAngleUp_ea23ff75-228f-4fd6-88d9-e3214a8e8346.png?v=1778170202","url":"https:\/\/proaudioreserve.com\/products\/cloudlifter-cl-zi-mic-activator","provider":"Pro Audio Reserve","version":"1.0","type":"link"}