Cloud Microphones CLZ – 1 channel with Vari-Z impedance control
About Cloud Microphones
Cloud Microphones’ award-winning ribbon microphones and Cloudlifter Mic Activators are used by artists, recording studios, broadcasters, touring companies, schools and universities around the world. All Cloud products are 100% made in the USA to the highest quality.
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Z
Microphone amplifier
The Cloudlifter CL-Z gives audio signals in the rehearsal room, studio or on stage the necessary assertiveness and positions them perfectly in the mix. The signal is noticeably refreshed and in addition, the tendency to feedback is drastically reduced.
The Cloudlifter CL-Z improves the performance of passive microphone signals through a stronger and cleaner signal that is eventually directed into the mixer or preamp.
- Increases the performance of passive microphones, e.g. on long cable paths
- Recommended for use with all passive, dynamic microphones
- Up to 25 dB additional level for passive microphones
- Variable input impedance thanks to rotating switch on the top
- Provides 2 different levels of ultra clean reinforcement
- Robust and portable for studio, stage and broadcasting applications
- Significantly cleaned and amplified audio signal
- Ideal for recording directly in the DAW, using low-output dynamic microphones
Variable input impendance
Variable impedance control – Vari-Z – to shape and accentuate the sound of the microphone.
Variable high-pass filter
The stepless high-pass filter with -6 dB per octave, works hand in hand with variable impedance control for an even more impressive sound formation.
Variable reinforcement
Two gain settings – ‘more’ and ‘max’ – allow up to + 25 dB ultra-clean gain for dynamic and ribbon microphones with low output level.
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clouudlifter CL-1 | Cloudlifter CL-2 | Cloudlifter CL-4 | Cloudlifter CL-Z | Cloudlifter CL-Zi | |
| 25 dB additional gain | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Channels | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Adjustable gain levels | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Adjustable input impendance | – | – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 6.35 mm jack input | – | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Weight: | 259 g |
| Dimensions: | 8.7 x 6.6 x 13.6 cm; 258.55 Grams |
| Model: | Cloudlifter CL-Z |
| Colour: | Blue |
| Batteries Included: | 1 Lithium ion batteries required. |
| Colour: | Blue |
Your microphone might not need phantom power to run but this device does need phantom power to provide the “boost” for the preamp. The directions were clear but I was surprised by this.
I had bought the CL-1 to make better use of a ribbon mic that had been collecting dust in my mic cabinet. I like the sound enough to take a chance on the CL-Z, and I’m glad I did. The flexibility of being able to vary the impedance, as well as the hi-pass filter gives a much wider, useable range of tones.
Easy to setup. Work as soon as you plugged in the XLR cable.
I am an amateur musician and for years have been trying to get that ‘present’ sound when recording vocals. I have been frustrated because even with very good mics and DA interface I couldn’t quit get there. Until now! I have only made a few recordings with this, but it did the trick. It’s really good and it could’t be easier to use.
Love it. Have a Heil PR-30B that I use for broadcasting that needed some tone adjustment and after switching from the basic cloudlifter to this, the change is perfect. With the APF setting enabled I was able to finally get the right amount of pickup for my voice and volume level while the APF Switch improved my sound clarity and consistency which was an issue I’d had with that mic long before mostly due to its wide frequency pickup range
The APF Setting eliminates this and keeps the tone noce and consistent. A perfect buy for Broadcasters using certain mics.
I Found that vocal mics with built in bassrolloff seemed not to need more than a standard cloudlifter.
This device has provided new life into my dynamic pics. Impedance adjustment makes an SM57 and Beta %* pop and have way more definition, approaching condenser quality. Definitely worth the price to get the impedance adjustment.
The gain toggle switch is nice, as I don’t ever have to worry about recording hot or coming close to digital distortion, and the compact size lets it sit nearly anywhere in the audio rig!