Audio professionals looking to boost their microphone level while adding some analog mojo will be impressed with the Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-X Mic Activator, a compact, single-input solution for common audio problems in the field and in the studio involving low-output passive microphones, including ribbon mics. The CL-X uses any standard phantom-powered mixer or microphone input device to provide clean, transparent gain. This improves signal-to-noise ratio and improves the performance of passive microphone signals by driving stronger, cleaner signals over longer XLR cable runs, making them ideal for broadcast, live, and studio applications.

The CL-X features a custom nickel-core Cinemag transformer delivering an incredible amount of bandwidth at normal 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 CL-X's output, which can change dynamically based on the input level of the source material. A two-position More/Max switch offers +12 dB of gain in the more position, which is ideal for hotter signals like an SM57 on a snare, while the Max position provides up to +35 dB for quieter sources such as a soft instrument or ASMR applications. The CL-X is housed in a rugged steel enclosure, which offers shielding and durability. Additionally, the CL-X has provisions for stage or stand mounting.

1 Mic Input    Custom-Designed Cinemag Transformer    Adds Harmonics and Saturation    Improves Signal-to-Noise Ratio    Use with Passive Dynamic and Ribbon Mics    Two Output Levels: 12 and 35 dB    Requires only Phantom Power to Operate    Ideal for Long Cable Runs    Use with Low-Output Mics    Use with Noisy or Low-Gain Preamps

Inspired by the two-position MORE/MAX switch found on the Cloudlifter Z, the default setting (up to 12 dB) on the CL-X is ideal for use with hotter signals like an SM57 on a snare, whereas the Max setting (up to 35 dB) is perfectly suited for quieter source material such as a soft instrument or ASMR applications.

• Use with noisy or low-gain preamps
• Use with mixers/preamps that negatively impact the sound at higher gain settings
• Use with low-output dynamic microphones and ribbons
• Mic softer sound sources such as acoustic instruments and voice
• Use for long cable runs

• Gives passive mics up to +35 dB additional active output
• Includes custom nickel-core Cinemag transformer for additional harmonic content and saturation
• Provides 2 distinct stages of clean gain
• Easy-to-use self-contained design requires only phantom power
• Recommended for use with all passive dynamic microphones
• Compatible with tube, battery, or power-supply-driven microphones  
• Safe for all passive ribbons with no transfer of phantom
• Utilizes patent-pending Class-A discrete JFET circuitry
• Rugged, road ready, and portable, for studio, stage, and broadcasting

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. can I connect this to lightening or USB-C for mobile recording?

A: Yes.

Q: 2. Can anyone recommend a shockmount and windscreen for this microphone?

A: An excellent kit that provides a shock mount and outdoor windscreen would be the Rycote 18cm Standard Hole Classic-Softie with Lyre Mount & Pistol-Grip Kit, BH #RYSPGK18M. Another good option would be the Auray DUSM-1 Universal Shockmount for Camera Shoes and Boompoles, BH #AUDUSM1, combined with the Bubblebee Industries Windkiller Short Fur Slip-On Wind Protector for 18 to 24mm Mics (Extra-Large, Black), BH #BUBBIWKSXL. Both of these choices would work well with the Diety S-Mi C2S.

Q: 3. Would the Rycote 18cm not be too large for this mic? Just wondering whether the 12cm Rycote wouldn't be a better fit for a mic that has a length of 148mm?

A: Yes. The 12cm would be a better fit.

Q: 4. Is this mic compatible with Insta 360 One RS action cameras? I don't know if those cameras can supply plug-in power needed? thx

A: No. Unfortunately, the Deity Microphones V-Mic D4 Mini Shotgun Microphone is not compatible for use with the Insta360 ONE RS Camera because the camera cannot supply plug-in power for the microphone. You can use another mini shotgun mic that has a battery for power, such as the Comica Audio CVM-V20 Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone (B&H # COCVMV20).

Q: 5. I'm looking to save space vertically. (from the mount, upwards) Is this the same size vertically as the D4 DUO?

A: Yes the V-Mic D4 and V-Mic D4 Duo will take up the same amount of verticle space. The Duo is a slighly larger mic though.

Q: 6. why would you choose the short version over regular?

A: A short shotgun microphone is good for use with compact cameras and often preferred for run-and-gun setups. A short shotgun microphone can pickup audio from several feet away and longer mics have the ability to pickup audio from a further distance. So if you were recording sounds that are further away, you would want to use the longer microphone.

Q: 7. I'm looking at the Cloudlifter CL-1, CL-2 (2-channel), the CL-4 (4-channel 1-up rackmount) and this CL-Z. I understand the value of a switchable high-pass filter (removing low-end rumble, etc.), but I don't understand the value of variable impedance, especially since the CL-Z appears to add a potentiometer to the signal path. Does the "knob" allow you to "tune" the mic to what sounds best to you? What are the physics behind the "Z"? Thanks for your help!

A: Each mic will have it's own resistance rating that will sound best. By being able to adjust it you can fine tune the Cloud Lifter to sound as best as it can with each mic, instead of a one size fits all option. You can also use it creatively to create sounds the mic normally would not be able to do.

Q: 8. Does the shock mount include a 1/4" 20 threaded hole on the bottom?

A: The shock mount for the Deity V-Mic D4 Mini Shotgun Microphone has a 3/8" female thread on the bottom of the cold shoe and the mic comes with a thread adapter that reduces the thread size to 1/4"-20.

Q: 9. Will this mic diameter fit well on the mic holder that comes with the Fx6?

A: Although Sony does not specify the diameter of or compatibility for the microphone holder found on the FX6, the 0.75" diameter found on the Deity Microphones S-Mic 2S Moisture-Resistant Short Shotgun Microphone is relatively common and will likely fit nicely inside the FX6 microphone holder.

Q: 10. Can you recommend a mic stand adapter for this? Say's the diameter is .75"

A: You can use a shockmount like the Auray SHM-ESG Suspension Shockmount for Shotgun Microphones (B&H # AUSHMESG),the RODE SM4-R Suspension Shockmount (B&H # ROSM4R), the Airo by K-Tek ASM1 Shockmount 1 (B&H # AIASM1), or the Audio-Technica AT8415 Universal Shockmount (B&H # AUAT8415).