Cloud Microphones CL-X Cloudlifter

The Cloudlifter X offers a custom-designed Cinemag transformer along with two selectable output levels that expand the range of output gain offered by the industry standard CL1. Featuring Cloud’s signature ultra-clean gain, the nickel-core Cinemag transformer delivers an incredible amount of bandwidth at normal input levels, and can also provide a variable amount of harmonic content and saturation as the input signal is increased, adding extremely musical flavors to the CLX’s output, which can change dynamically based on the input level of the source material.

“Our customers love the CL-1 for its ultra-clean, transparent gain,” says CEO Rodger Cloud. “With the addition of a custom transformer, the CL-X will respond to different sources and input level and return that ultra-clean gain with varying levels character and mojo. We like to say ‘the more signal you give it, the more love it will give back’.” Inspired by the two-position MORE/MAX switch found on the Cloudlifter Z, the default setting (up to 12dB) on the CLX is ideal for use with hotter signals like an SM57 on a snare, whereas the “Max” setting (up to 36dB) is perfectly suited for quieter source material such as a soft instrument or ASMR applications. “The CLX is the perfect companion piece for CL1 owners,” says Cloud. “The additional gain settings – neither of which can be found on the CL1 – combined with the sonic flavor of the transformer opens up a whole new world of Cloudlifting possibilities.”

Features:

Simply put, all Cloudlifters give you more of the actual sound of the mic itself while reducing coloration and distortion resulting from overdriving the preamp's gain stage. By allowing the preamp to operate at lower gain levels, noise floor, distortion, and other compromises to the frequency response are dramatically reduced.

• Pair with dynamic, ribbon, and tube microphones
• Patented ultra-clean gain circuit eliminates capacitors in the audio path
• Operates on standard +48v phantom power
• Safe for passive ribbons and tube mics! Does not pass phantom power
• Increases microphone sensitivity and output level by up to +36dB
• Transformer-coupled design adds dynamic character responsive to the input leve
• Significantly reduces noise and unwanted artifacts by allowing the preamps to operate in a more comfortable range
• Improves signal to noise ratio and microphone performance
• Rugged, portable, and road ready for studio and stage
• Free Lifetime Limited Warranty with product registration
• All Cloudlifter electronics made on the Navajo Nation in Arizona
• Entirely designed, manufactured and assembled in the USA

Max setting is great for:

• Capturing quiet sources with low output microphones
• Podcasting, voiceover or dialog using dynamic mics
• Using battery powered shotgun mics to capture clean audio while filming
• Live-streaming, gaming, remote conferencing
• Foley and nature recordings, where the natural tone of a ribbon or dynamic microphone is desired
• Tracking delicate, difficult to capture sources such as a choir or string section
• Vocals, piano, and acoustic instruments

Min 12dB attenuator setting is great for:

• Driving the input with hotter sources to hear more character
• Snare, toms, kick or drum overheads and room mics
• Louder electric guitar or bass amps
• Live vocals using dynamic mics
• Percussion, sound effects
• Driving very long cable runs in live venues