Cloud CL-X Cloudlifter Transformer Mic Activator
CL-X Capture’s Every Detail
With the Cloud CL-X, the detail and nuance of your mic comes right to the foreground. It achieves a remarkable sound in contrast to the tone achieved when pushing a preamp to achieve a similar volume. The CL-X dramatically increases the sensitivity of your microphone and allows you to fully capture its true character.
More Gain
The Cloud CL-X provides up to +36dB of ultra-clean gain. This is perfectly suited for using low-output microphones to capture quiet source material. Now, hear the beautiful tone of ribbon, dynamic, or tube microphones which were previously problematic due to the gain requirements.
More Vibe
We partnered with CineMag to develop a custom nickel transformer with very wide bandwidth, adding the element of dynamic character. The more signal you feed the CL-X, the more the transformer dynamically responds. Specifically, it provides just the right touch of saturation and harmonic content.
More Options
The selectable output attenuator allows you to decrease the gain from the CL-X. It yields up to 12dB, in order to capture louder applications such as an SM57 on a snare. Because this is not a pad, but rather a reduction in output level, you can really lean into the CL-X. Use a hotter source to hear even more harmonic content and transformer character.
All Gain is Not Created Equal
The ultra-clean gain of the Cloudlifter coupled with your preamp offers a sound that removes not only the noise, but unwanted colouration and frequency degradation that occurs in proportion to the amount of gain provided at the preamp or interface. Even with a preamp that imparts a desirable colouration, Cloudlifters open up a different sonic option by having more of the mic’s natural character sitting upfront.
Now, with the CL-X you can reach for the microphone that you love for its sound and tonal characteristics, without the limitation imposed by the gain requirements.
CL-X Bring Your Mics To Life
Dynamic Mics: With both higher sensitivity as well as significantly reduced gain requirements, you’ll hear the character of your dynamic mics like never before. Try a dynamic mic on high-volume sources such as a snare drum or a guitar amp with the output attenuator engaged to hear that touch of transformer mojo from the CL-X.
Alternatively, use your dynamic mic on a very soft source which would never have been possible to capture without the dramatic increase in sensitivity and ultra-clean gain the CL-X provides. The results can be jaw-dropping, unlocking a whole new spectrum of possibilities, regardless of whether you’re using expensive preamps or a basic home studio interface.
Ribbon Mics: With the CL-X, ribbon microphones will deliver output sensitivity similar to the best condensers. Still. it will retain that coveted sound that defined the golden era of recording. Now, a quiet vocal or other low level sound sources can be captured with ease, taking advantage of the beautiful tone that only a quality ribbon mic can capture.
Tube Mics: Tube mics also struggle with quiet sources. With the CL-X they come to life, leaving the noise behind while unveiling richness. You’ll immediately hear the difference when you incorporate the CL-X into your audio chain.
More Mic, Less Preamp
Simply put, all Cloudlifters give you more of the actual sound of the mic itself. Also, it reduces colouration 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 are reduced
Cloud CL-X Highlights:
- 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