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Cloudlifter CL-2 is a two-channel inline mic activator delivering up to 25dB of ultra-clean gain per channel to dynamic and ribbon microphones, powered entirely by 48V phantom. It is the CL-1 circuit doubled, for a stereo pair or two separate mono sources.
Two channels, so a stereo ribbon pair or a two-host podcast runs off one box.
A single Cloudlifter covers one microphone. The moment you are recording a stereo ribbon pair, a two-person interview, or a drum kit with two low-output dynamics, you need matched gain on both sides. The CL-2 provides that in one enclosure rather than two boxes and two power draws.
Each channel uses the same patented discrete Class A JFET circuit as the CL-1, with no transformers, capacitors or resistors in the direct audio path. Both channels are independent, so you can run them as a matched stereo pair or as two unrelated mono sources. Built in the United States.
At a Glance
| Brand | Cloud Microphones |
|---|---|
| Model | CL-2 |
| Channels | 2, independent |
| Gain | Up to 25dB per channel |
| Circuit | Patented discrete Class A JFET |
| Power | 48V phantom power, per channel |
| Connections | 2 XLR in, 2 XLR out |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Warranty | Cloud Microphones limited lifetime warranty |
When Should I Choose the CL-2 Over the CL-1?
Whenever you need two channels of gain at once. Stereo ribbon pairs, two-host podcasts, and drum kits using two low-output dynamics all need matched gain on both sides, which two separate CL-1 units make harder to keep consistent.
Does the CL-2 Need Phantom Power on Both Channels?
Yes. Each channel draws its own 48V phantom supply from the connected preamp or interface. A channel without phantom power will not pass signal.
Can the Two Channels Be Used Independently?
Yes. The channels are fully independent, so you can run a stereo pair or two entirely unrelated mono sources through the same unit.
Why Cloud Microphones
Cloud Microphones builds in Tucson, Arizona. The company grew out of Stephen Sank's restoration work on original RCA ribbon microphones and Rodger Cloud's engineering, and it holds the patent on the discrete JFET circuit that every Cloudlifter uses. The Cloudlifter created the mic activator category outright and remains the reference product in it. Ribbon elements are cut, corrugated and installed by hand, and the whole line is manufactured in the United States.