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.
 
More/Max Gain Switch
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.
 
The 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
 
The Features
- 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