Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Zi Mic Activator & DI

The Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-Zi is a powerful mic activator and DI box that brings studio-grade clarity, headroom and tone-shaping to both microphones and instruments. Combining variable impedance, switchable gain and a sweepable high-pass filter, it lets you dial in everything from tight, focused live sounds to expansive, detailed studio tones, all while dramatically reducing noise and improving signal quality.

Inspired by Cloud’s acclaimed Cloudlifter Mic Activator technology, the CL-Zi is designed for guitars, basses, keyboards and vocals alike. Simply place it in front of your preamp, engage phantom power and enjoy up to +25 dB of ultra-clean gain for microphones, or up to +12 dB for Hi-Z instruments. With its rugged build, patented Class A JFET circuitry and intuitive Vari-Z interface, it is equally at home on stage, in the studio or in broadcast rigs.

Clean Gain for Mics and Instruments

The CL-Zi delivers three selectable gain settings, providing up to +25 dB of transparent boost for microphones and up to +12 dB for Hi-Z instruments. This clean gain helps you hit your preamp at an optimal level, reducing the need to crank noisy input stages and preserving the natural character of your mic or instrument. It is particularly effective with low-output dynamic and ribbon microphones, as well as passive guitars and basses that need extra push without added hiss.

Vari-Z Impedance and Tone Shaping

At the heart of the CL-Zi is Cloud’s patented Vari-Z interface, offering fully sweepable impedance loading from 150 ohms to 15 k ohms. This lets you subtly or dramatically alter the response of your microphone or instrument, from warm and rounded to bright and present. Paired with the continuously variable high-pass filter, which ranges from below 20 Hz to over 4 kHz, you can quickly tighten low end, reduce rumble and carve space in a mix directly from the source.

Flexible I/O and DI Functionality

The CL-Zi features a Neutrik combination dual input connector, accepting both XLR microphones and 1/4 inch Hi-Z instrument signals. Instrument inputs are presented with a primary impedance of greater than 1 M ohm before being shaped by the Vari-Z circuit, ensuring a full, open sound. The signal then passes through a Cinemag instrument transformer to a Lo-Z output, giving you a robust, balanced signal path ideal for long cable runs and professional recording or live setups.

Simple, Reliable and Road Ready

Requiring only phantom power from your preamp, the CL-Zi is a self-contained solution that drops seamlessly into almost any signal chain. It is compatible with dynamic, ribbon, valve, battery-powered or externally powered microphones, and is built with patented Class A discrete JFET circuitry for maximum audio integrity. With its rugged construction and portable format, it is designed to withstand the demands of touring, studio sessions and broadcast work alike.

• Up to +25 dB of Ultra-Clean Gain - Three gain settings provide up to +25 dB for microphones and up to +12 dB for instruments, allowing you to boost low-output sources without introducing unwanted noise. This improves clarity and detail while easing the workload on your preamp.
• Patented Vari-Z Impedance Control - Fully sweepable impedance from 150 ohms to 15 k ohms lets you fine-tune the tonal response of your mic or instrument. You can emphasise warmth, presence or bite simply by adjusting the Vari-Z control, making it a powerful creative tool at the front of your signal chain.
• Sweepable High-Pass Filter - A variable high-pass filter ranging from below 20 Hz to over 4 kHz gives you precise control over low-frequency content. This helps remove rumble, handling noise and excess boom, tightening your sound before it even reaches your mixer or interface.
• Hi-Z DI with Cinemag Transformer - The Neutrik combination input accepts 1/4 inch Hi-Z instruments and XLR microphones, routing instrument signals through a Cinemag transformer to a balanced Lo-Z output. This ensures strong, consistent signal delivery for live, studio and broadcast applications.

General

• Product Type: Mic activator and DI box
• Gain Settings (Microphones): Up to +25 dB (three-position switch: 25 dB, 12 dB, 6 dB)
• Gain Settings (Instruments): Up to +12 dB (three-position switch: 12 dB, 6 dB, 3 dB)
• Circuitry: Patented Class A discrete JFET
• Power Requirement: Phantom power from preamp

Impedance and Filtering

• Variable Impedance Range: 150 ohms to 15 k ohms (Vari-Z)
• Hi-Z Input Primary Impedance: Greater than 1 M ohm prior to Vari-Z loading
• High-Pass Filter Range: Variable from below 20 Hz to over 4 kHz

Inputs and Outputs

• Input Connector: Neutrik combination dual input (XLR and 1/4 inch)
• Compatible Inputs: 1/4 inch Hi-Z instruments and XLR Lo-Z microphones
• Output Type: Balanced Lo-Z output via transformer
• Instrument Transformer: Cinemag instrument transformer

Compatibility and Applications

• Microphone Types: Dynamic, ribbon, valve, battery-powered, or external power supply driven microphones
• Applications: Studio recording, live sound, public address, broadcasting
• Functionality: Mic activator, variable impedance DI, tone-shaping front-end

Construction and Warranty

• Design: Self-contained, phantom-powered unit
• Build: Rugged, road-ready and portable
• Manufacture: Manufactured and fabricated in the USA
• Warranty: Free lifetime limited warranty for parts and labour with product registration