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An introduction to Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator utilizes patented Class-A discrete JFET amplifier circuitry to provide up to +25dB of ultra-clean gain for any passive microphone.
— Cloud Microphones official site
What is Cloudlifter CL-1?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 is a single-channel inline gain booster (officially a "Mic Activator") from Cloud Microphones in the United States. It connects with XLR cables between a microphone and a microphone preamp or audio interface, adding up to +25 dB of gain to the small signal of a passive microphone.
Dynamic and ribbon microphones have low output, so an interface often needs a lot of gain to reach a usable level. Cloud explains that the top of a preamp's gain range is where noise and tonal changes are more likely, and the idea is that the Cloudlifter adds gain beforehand so the preamp can work in a more comfortable range.
The circuit is a Class-A discrete JFET design which Cloud describes as patented. It needs no separate power adapter and runs from the +48 V phantom power of the interface. It does not send phantom power on to the microphone, which Cloud says protects ribbon and tube microphones that dislike it.
The chassis is solid steel and, per the official page, is built on the Navajo Nation and in Tucson, Arizona. A limited lifetime warranty applies with registration. It is a small box, but it is positioned for a wide range of low-output-microphone uses such as podcasting, streaming, narration, Foley and vocals.
The range of compatible microphones on the official page is broad. Dynamic mics include the Shure SM7B, SM57 and SM58, EV RE20 and Sennheiser MD 421 II. Tube mics include the Neumann U47 and U67, AKG C12 VR and Telefunken models. Ribbon mics include Royer, beyerdynamic, and Cloud's own 44 Midnight and JRS-34.
Cloud also says battery-powered microphones (shotgun and electret condensers), wireless microphone receivers and passive DI boxes can be connected to the input. A tube microphone that has its own power supply can have that supply connected straight to the Cloudlifter input.
Example uses on the official page are podcasting, voiceover, live streaming, Foley and nature recording. The idea is quiet sources or low-output microphones where you want to keep the microphone's own character without pushing the preamp gain high.
Up to +25 dB of clean gain
It adds up to +25 dB to passive microphones. This may let you keep the interface gain lower than when a low-output microphone is driven by the interface alone.
Class-A discrete JFET circuit
Cloud describes a patented design that avoids capacitors, resistors and similar parts in the signal path. The circuit is completed through the components of the preamp and the phantom supply, which is an unusual arrangement.
Powered by phantom power
No AC adapter or battery is needed; it runs on standard +48 V phantom power. You need to switch on the phantom power button on your interface.
Does not pass phantom power to the mic
Phantom power is not passed through, so ribbon and tube microphones do not receive it. Conversely, condenser microphones that need phantom power will not run through this box, which is worth keeping in mind.
3 kΩ input impedance
Cloud describes the 3 kΩ input impedance as suited to dynamic, tube and ribbon microphones. Because it changes the load seen by the mic, it is wise to check the effect with each microphone.
Solid steel chassis and warranty
The portable steel box is small enough to sit on a desk or in a rack. The official page states that a limited lifetime warranty applies with registration.
Works with many sources
The official page says dynamic, ribbon and tube microphones, battery-powered mics, wireless receivers and passive DI boxes can all be connected. It may help with small signals that are not from a microphone, too.
Own power supply for tube mics
If a tube microphone runs from its own power supply, that supply can be connected directly to the Cloudlifter input. The CL-1 itself does not send phantom power to the microphone.
US-made with a registration warranty
The official store describes a 30-day return window for unused items (14 days for EU orders). Registering the product adds a limited lifetime warranty.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Gain | up to +25 dB |
| Channels | 1 |
| Power | +48 V phantom power from the preamp/interface |
| Input impedance | 3 kΩ |
| Phantom power to mic | Not passed through |
| Chassis | Solid steel |
| Made in | USA (Navajo Nation and Tucson, Arizona) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty with registration |
| Typical sources | Dynamic, ribbon, tube and battery-powered mics, wireless receivers, passive DI boxes |
| Connections | One XLR input and one XLR output (single channel) |
What is included and system requirements
- One unit (no contents list on the official page)
- XLR cables are your own (one from the microphone, one to the preamp)
- Examples from the official compatibility list: Shure SM57/SM58/SM7B, EV RE20, Rode PodMic, Sennheiser MD 421, and ribbon mics such as the Royer R-121
- Compatible examples: SM7B / SM57 / SM58 / RE20 / MD 421 II (dynamic), U47 / U67 / C12 VR (tube), Royer-type and Cloud 44 (ribbon)
How to use it
- Connect the microphone's XLR cable to the Cloudlifter's input side (the side for the microphone).
- Connect the Cloudlifter's output side to the mic input of the interface or preamp with a second XLR cable.
- Turn the interface gain all the way down first.
- Switch on +48 V phantom power on the interface; the Cloudlifter runs on it.
- Speak or play into the microphone at the volume you will actually record.
- Raise the interface gain gradually from a lower position than usual and stop where the input level looks right.
- Condenser microphones that need phantom power will not work through this box, so use it with passive dynamic or ribbon microphones.
- For a wireless receiver, connect the receiver output to the Cloudlifter input.
- For a passive DI box, connect the DI output to the Cloudlifter input.
- A battery-powered microphone connects directly to the Cloudlifter input.
Podcasting and narration
When recording at a modest speaking volume with a low-output dynamic microphone, it may keep you from raising the interface gain too far. Cloud lists podcasting and voice over among its uses.
Streaming, gaming and remote meetings
Live streaming, gaming and remote conferencing are in Cloud's recommended uses. It may help in long sessions with a dynamic microphone that lacks gain.
Recording with ribbon microphones
Ribbon microphones often have low output and are said to be sensitive to phantom power. Pairing one with this box, which does not pass phantom power through, may be a good match.
Foley and quiet sources
Cloud also recommends it for Foley, nature recordings and delicate instruments, where sounds are quiet. It can also be used at the output of a passive DI box.
Podcasting and narration
It may be worth trying for someone who uses a dynamic microphone with an interface and finds the gain running short. The maker lists podcasting and voiceover as uses.
Pairing with ribbon mics
Because it does not pass phantom power on, it may suit ribbon microphones, which are often treated carefully around phantom power. The maker lists ribbon and tube support.
Foley and nature recording
It may help with quiet sources by adding gain to low-output microphones. The maker also lists Foley and nature recording.
Who it may suit
- People using dynamic microphones such as the SM58 or SM7B who feel their interface lacks gain may find it suitable.
- Ribbon microphone owners who do not want phantom power applied directly may find it suitable.
- Podcasters and streamers who want stable recording at a modest speaking volume may find it suitable.
- Those who record quiet sounds such as Foley and ambience may find it suitable.
Good to know before you buy
- You need an interface or preamp that supplies +48 V phantom power; without it the unit does not work.
- Phantom power does not reach the microphone, so this unit alone cannot be used with condenser microphones that require it.
- The gain is a fixed amount of up to +25 dB, not a knob; any remaining adjustment is done on the interface.
- The official store also lists other configurations, such as the CL-125 Bundle with two units.
- This page is based on the official description. The effect you get will vary with your microphone and interface combination.
- A condenser microphone that needs phantom power requires a separate +48 V supply, because the CL-1 does not pass phantom power.
- Returns on the official store apply to unused items in original packaging; international customers cover customs and taxes. Terms differ by retailer.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Cloudlifter CL-2
The CL-1 has one channel; the CL-2 has two independent channels. Both give up to +25 dB of gain (per Cloud).
Shure SM7dB
The CL-1 is an external unit used with a passive microphone you already own. The SM7dB has a built-in preamp with a selectable +18 dB or +28 dB boost and a bypass switch; Shure says it uses technology licensed from Cloud.
Price
$129 (Cloud Microphones official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Cloudlifter CL-1 on the product page
Sources: cloudmicrophones.com shure.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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