Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-X
Mic Activator
- With Cinemag transformer
- 1-Channel level amplifier with up to +36 dB gain
- Suitable for ribbon microphones, tube microphones and dynamic microphones
- Operation with +48V phantom power (safe for passive ribbon microphones - no passing on of phantom power)
- Improves the signal-to-noise ratio and increases the microphone sensitivity
- +12 dB or +36 dB gain selectable via switch
- Frequency range: 5 Hz - 80,000 Hz
- Metal housing
- XLR input and output
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 120 x 49 x 49 mm
- Weight: 320 g
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Available since September 2024
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Item number 600866
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Channels 1
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Number of microphone inputs 1
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Instrument input No
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Tubes No
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Compressor/Limiter No
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Equalizer No
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De-Esser No
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Phantom power No
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Phase Reverse No
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External effect loops No
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Analogue Outputs XLR
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Digitale Outputs -
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Headphone connection No
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Level Meter No
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Design Desktop
Instant character, in-line gain
The Cloudlifter CL-X serves the same core function as the rest of the Cloudlifter range – pulling usable signal from ribbon, dynamic, and valve microphones with low output levels – but takes a fundamentally different approach to how it gets there. Where the CL-1, CL-2, and CL-Z are designed for the cleanest, most transparent gain possible, the CL-X deliberately shapes the character of the signal. The Cinemag transformer at the heart of the design provides excellent noise isolation while adding tonal colour and musicality. Depending on the microphone used and the gain settings, the CL-X adds low-mid warmth, gentle transient smoothing, and the subtle harmonic enrichment associated with classic transformer-based circuits. Compact enough to disappear into any signal chain, sturdy enough for stage and touring use, the CL-X is a gain stage and tone shaper in a single in-line unit.
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Plenty of gain...
The Cloudlifter CL‑X pairs its Cinemag transformer with an active gain stage delivering up to +36dB – enough headroom for the quietest passive ribbons and low-output dynamic broadcast mics. A two-position switch reduces this to +12dB for louder sources or situations where the transformer character is wanted but the full gain isn't. At +36dB the transformer's contribution is more pronounced – low-mid density, transient rounding, and harmonic saturation all become more audible as the gain stage works harder. At +12dB the effect is subtler, closer to the transparent end of the range while retaining the Cinemag's tonal signature. Like all Cloudlifters, the CL-X draws 48V phantom power from downstream and blocks it from reaching the microphone, keeping passive ribbon mics safe by design.
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...for focused functionality
The CL-X suits engineers and recordists who want transformer colour at source – voices that benefit from low-mid intimacy, broadcast speech, spoken-word podcasts, guitar and bass amplifiers, brass and woodwind, and complex acoustic instruments where a touch of harmonic richness and transient smoothing improves the recorded result without any additional processing downstream. The phantom-blocking design makes it safe for sensitive passive ribbons, where the combination of protection and transformer character is particularly useful. For engineers who want tonal control without committing to a fixed transformer sound, the Cloud Microphones also make the CL-Z, with a variable-impedance dial that offers a different kind of shaping – leaner and more adjustable, without the Cinemag's harmonic contribution.
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About Cloud Microphones
US manufacturer Cloud Microphones has been developing and manufacturing microphones and microphone preamps since 2009. Company founder Stephen Sank draws on a family tradition in microphone design that now spans three generations. The range includes ribbon microphones that follow in the tradition of classic RCA models, while combining this heritage with modern design and the company's own patented technologies. Alongside these sits the Cloudlifter line of preamp units. Designed as inline devices, they use the phantom power available at microphone inputs to provide clean, noise‑free signal gain for dynamic and ribbon microphones, without adding unwanted tonal colour. Cloud Microphones has built its reputation not only on the exceptional robustness of its devices, but also on the fact that all components are manufactured in the United States.
Simple, powerful, effective
The CL-X connects between microphone and preamp via standard locking XLR connectors, with no configuration beyond the single gain switch, and no power supply beyond the phantom power the downstream preamp already provides. The integrated rear bracket mounts it to a mic stand alongside the microphone; four non-slip feet keep it stable on a desk or console surface. In practice, both signal-to-noise ratio and headroom improve immediately: voices gain intimacy and presence, broadcast speech takes on low-mid body, acoustic instruments pick up harmonic richness – all before the signal reaches the preamp. The CL-X has a well-defined role and carries it out brilliantly – one switch, one transformer, one decision: how much character to add.
