The Cloudlifter CL-Z Variable Impedance Mic Activator | Cloud Microphonesfrom Cloudlifter CL-Z Variable Impedance Mic Activator | Cloud Microphonesis a compact, single-input solution for common audio problems in the field and in the studio involving low-output passive microphones, including ribbons. The CL-Z uses any standard phantom-powered mixer or microphone input device to provide up to +25 dB of clean gain, variable input impedance, and a variable high-pass filter. Having an input impedance control that is sweepable from 150 Ohms to 15 kOhms allows you to creatively load the microphone's output transformer, with the result being a wide range of new tonal variations becoming available to each mic.

The CL-Z 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. It is housed in a rugged steel enclosure which offers shielding and durability.

1x Mic Input    Variable Impedance 150 Ohms to 15 kOhms    HPF Variable from 20 Hz to 200 Hz    +12 dB or +25 dB Gain Settings    Increases Gain Before Feedback Ratio    Use with Passive Dynamic & Ribbon Mics    Requires Only Phantom Power to Operate    Ideal for Long Cable Runs    Use with Low-Output Mics    Use with Noisy or Low-Gain Preamps

The variable high-pass filtering works in conjunction with the impedance value, allowing for even more tonal shaping and control. When engaged, the frequency cutoff is affected by the impedance setting. This allows for a sweepable frequency cutoff range from below 20 Hz to approximately 200 Hz, just by turning the "Z" knob. This can be especially useful for tonal shaping or reducing the proximity effect of a ribbon or dynamic microphone

The CL-Z has a two-position gain switch allowing for more gain, or the maximum gain available. Most of the time the MAX (approx. +25 dB) position will be used, however, the reduced gain setting (approx. +12 dB) may be useful in situations where the source does not require as much gain, or where more of the preamp's color from additional gain is desired

• Fully sweepable variable impedance loading from 150 ohms to 15 kOhms
• High-Pass Filter frequency is variable from below 20 Hz to over 200 Hz
• Dual gain settings allow for a +12 dB or +25 dB increase
• Increases gain before feedback ratio in live & public address performances
• Self-contained design requires only phantom power
• Compatible with tube, battery, or power supply driven microphones
• Protects any passive ribbon with no transfer of phantom
• Utilizes Patent Pending Class A, Discrete JFET circuitry
• Rugged, road ready and portable, for studio, stage and broadcasting
• Handcrafted entirely in the USA

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. 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: 2. I lost my foam windscreen for this mic, any recommendation for replacements?

A: Please review the following item. Auray WSF-2029 Foam Windscreen for Shotgun Microphones - (29cm) BH #AUWSF2029 • MFR #WSF-2029 https://bhpho.to/3GGDIgJ

Q: 3. Only works with Phantom Power?

A: Yes, the Deity Microphones S-Mic 2S Shotgun Microphone operates using phantom power only.

Q: 4. 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: 5. I bought this mic as my first boom, but I need a boom pole and all the reviews I read complain about poor quality. Can you rec a solid boom pole and boom pole holder for studio use that is moderately priced?

A: There are numerous boompoles that are good quality and compatible for use with the Deity S-Mic 2S such as the On-Stage MBP7000 Microphone Boom Pole (B&H # ONMBP7000), Rode Boompole (B&H # ROBP), Rode Mini Boompole Compact Microphone Boom Pole (B&H # ROMBP), K-Tek KIP Graphite Interview Boompole (B&H # KTKIP), K-Tek KE-69 Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole (B&H # KTKE69), K-Tek KE-89 Avalon Series Aluminum Boompole (B&H # KTKE89), or the Cavision SGP525F 5-Section Mixed Fiber Boom Pole with Fixed Top (B&H # CASGP525) are all good options. For a boompole holder, you could use the Auray Boom Pole Holder ((B&H # AUBPH) with a grip head like the Impact Grip Head for Lights and Accessories - 2.5" Diameter (B&H # IMKCP200).

Q: 6. will this mic fit perfectly in the XLR handle for the Sony FX30? not loose? just right?

A: The Deity Microphones S-Mic 2S Moisture-Resistant Short Shotgun Microphone will not fit perfectly inside the Sony FX30 camera bracket, a spacer will be required, we recommend this item: Auray Rubber Spacer Sleeve for XLR Shotgun Microphones on Camcorders B&H # AURSSMCAM45 MFR # RSSM-CAM45

Q: 7. Can you flip one of the screws so that one screws "up" and the other screws "down" or are they both locked in that position?

A: Yes, the threaded bushings on the bottom of the Gator Frameworks Mic Mount Bar can be removed with a flathead screwdriver so you can position the screws as needed.

Q: 8. Can you use the lavalier mode and connect it to an iPhone so you can use a lavalier to record audio on the iPhone?

A: Yes, the Tula Mic by Tula Microphones can be used in LAV mode with a separate lavalier microphone to record audio on an iPhone.

Q: 9. How many inches is it from the very tip of the XLR end to the begining of the notches?

A: Deity has not provided this specific measurement for the Deity Microphones S-MIC 2S unfortunately.

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).