AudioChainsDB
Cloud Microphones

Cloudlifter CL-Zi

intermediate

$399

Used market: $325*

Manufacturer datasheet

Specifications

3 of 8 values have a recorded source
Type
inline_booster·
Added Gain dB
25
Input Connector
Combo 3-Pin XLR Female / 1/4" TS Instrument·
Output Connector
3-Pin XLR Male·
Expert Description
Cloudlifter with a continuously variable input impedance of 150 Ω to 15 kΩ, a three-position attenuation switch (+25 / +12 / +8 dB) and a variable high-pass filter. The Vari-Z control is the point of the box: loading a ribbon or a dynamic differently changes its tone, not just its level.·
Provides Phantom Power
no
Requires Phantom Power
yes
Updated At
2026-08-05T12:54:56.803Z·

Expert Audio Engineering Commentary

Gain Staging Advice

The three-position switch is attenuation, not gain: +25 dB is the box's ceiling, +12 and +8 are steps down for louder sources. For instruments the same circuit is used as a DI.

Production Warning

Like every Cloudlifter, the CL-Zi consumes phantom power and blocks it downstream — condensers and active ribbons will not work through it. Cloud's own wording: "doesn't pass phantom power".

Setups using this gear

* Estimated with the depreciation fallback (~81% retained value). · checked on 8/5/2026