Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter

Most medium level audio interfaces need a little help to boost the signal of very low microphone sources, like ribbon microphones or the well known dynamics like the Shure SM7B. Placed between the micropfhone and the audio interface, this product promises to raise the level of the signal by 20dB.

The great news is that it does exactly what it promises. Actually, theres not more to say than that, the Cloudlifter is that straightforward. Before buying it, I have read reviews and numerous test to make sure that it will help out my Shure SM7B as I needed it to. They said that the sound is completely clean, as it doesnt color it in any (discernible) way. After using it, I can confirm this to be true.

In the meantime, I have leveled up my audio interface to a Steinberg MR816X (I highly recommended it, its spectacular) and, even though I dont really need the Cloudlifter that badly (Steinberg has fabulous preams), I still have it in the signal chain, just to keep the preamp knob in the middle range instead of the closer-to-max levels. What can I say, my SM7B is a quiet beast ("Real Gs move in silence like lasagna", for all you rap heads out there).

As far as design goes, you instantly feel its sturdiness and durability as you take it out of its unassuming box. Its American built, so its actually exactly what you would expect such a product to look like. It might be the studio musicians equivalent to a Zippo lighter, a minimalist design, strong and ready to take on the most hostile environments that you would want to use it in.

So, its a simple formula to take in: you spend some euro and you get some clean, clear dB of extra gain out of your audio source.