Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Zi 1-channel DI and Mic Activator with Variable Impedance
Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Zi 1-channel DI and Mic Activator with Variable Impedance Reviews
If you're an instrumentalist or vocalist, we have a product you should know about. Cloud Microphones' Cloudlifter Zi is a DI box and "mic activator" that boosts the clarity and strength of your instrument or microphone signal while lowering the noise floor. It also lets you manipulate impedance to shape your tone in a beautifully musical way. The Cloudlifter Zi is phantom-powered to sidestep many of the common problems that occur with mics and instruments. It delivers up to 25dB of clean gain for lo-Z sources and XLR mics; up to 12dB for 1/4" instruments and hi-Z sources. In typical Cloud fashion, build quality is outstanding. Incorporating top-shelf parts like a Neutrik combo connector and hi-Z to lo-Z Cinemag instrument transformer, the Cloudlifter Zi lives up to Cloud's usual outstanding quality standards.
Rack Version Wish List.
I would love to see a 4 unit rack version of this with the "Variable Impedance" knobs on the front as well as the DI jack and HPF/Gain switches. I use one of these for acoustic guitar/bass DI with a Manley or Neve pre and it sounds fantastic, better than the mic pre stock DI's as it is matching your impedance. Also great with an SM7B.
Highly recommended.
Sweet Spot
Simply stated, you can dial in the sweet spot with variable impedance, optional low cut, with 3 gain settings on a mic or DI. Now you can use that ribbon mic on a low gain tube amp. Badda Bing
Simplicity is best
My favorite musical tools are those that sound great, are easy to use, and don't cost a fortune. The cloud lifter Zi is just that kind of tool.
Your ears will tell you immediately if you have hit the sweet spot. After that forget about it, you are in sonic heaven.
Other companies sell products that don't allow dialing in on the sweet spot. Yes you can manipulate signal in the box but, why bother when you can
get the signal right at the source. I've picked up two of these and am very happy with the results. Teve Smith (engineer) gets kudos for bringing this fine product to my attention.
Thanks Cloudlifter!
Tone shaping in a small package
I've purchased 2 because one wasn't enough. If you want to control tone at the front of the sound chain this is the box for you. Solid construction and great for getting your tone just the way you like it.
Still Coming to Grips with It
I've only had this little wonder worker for a few weeks, but it's been incredibly useful for vocals, particularly when used with passive and ribbon mics. I wish I had a camera to record my face when I turned on the phantom power with my old ribbon microphone. It was a weird experience, let me tell you.
Anyway, I've also found it incredibly useful in recording guitar with plugins. The impedance dial is really very handy in this capacity, as is the roll-off switch. I've even used it to boost the output from my beloved Mellotron to good affect.
The build quality is absolutely top-shelf. Look forward to years of use and experimentation.
The Cloudlifter Zi is just Great!
Clearly Obvious
I've purchased a lot of music equipment over the last 45 years. This is my easiest 5 star rating. It does exactly what it says and gives you total control of the end result. I do have a future wish list item: add footswitch control for adjustments. As a solo performer/engineer/producer, it would be easier to dial in sound while singing, playing if the adjustments could be made by your foot rather than your hand. I would certainly buy one of those and hang on to the original!
Great Products
I have several of the CL-2, and the difference they make is Fantastic! You will be amazed at how good the mics you already have can sound. (But you will still want new ones... we all do.) Can only imagine what the variable impedance can add.
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Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. They are available to offer you personalized product advice any time you need it.