Cloudlifter CL-1 - Boost, but Does it Change Your Sound? - Detailed Review

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Do you need it? How much boost do you really get and does it change the sound of your mic? Find out what the Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator / booster really does.
Using the SM7B, my detailed review of the Cloudlifter CL-1 microphone booster includes setup, audio tests, and analysis for both boost and microphone coloration.
Hear and find out if you need a Cloudlifter with the Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio 710, ART Voice Channel, or DBX 286s.
Check out detailed measurements of frequencies and boost using a 20-20000Hz sine sweep and see how I measured noise the CL-1 will introduce into your signal chain.
After watching my review, you will understand exactly what to expect when you add the Cloudlifter CL-1 to your audio chain.
Links:
Cloudlifter CL-1: amzn.to/3Ih5Mb8
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd gen: amzn.to/3IXAXai
Shure SM7B: amzn.to/3IXN5Iu
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Do This First:
To get the most out of your recording or streaming space, I recommend sound treatment including acoustic absorption panels. This is the single biggest way to improve your audio before investing in other gear. You can make your own, or I highly recommend GIK Acoustics as they manufacture some of the best quality panels available at an excellent value.
Check out GIK Acoustics here: www.gikacoustics.com/ref/131/
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Book a One-on-One Zoom Appointment with me for assistance and recommendations to help you create or upgrade your home or project studio. I help musicians, producers, and content creators! Visit my website for more information: askdrtk.com/coaching/
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction - What is the Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator/Booster
00:59 Audio Test - CL-1 Spoken Word Comparison using the Scarlett 8i6
01:44 How I Setup the Cloudlifter
02:10 Does the CL-1 Change the Sound of Your Microphone?
03:17 Sine Sweep 20-20000Hz Detailed Frequency Boost and Coloration Test
04:11 Boost Tests including Signal Level vs Noise Floor
04:55 Self Noise Tests
07:00 Testing the CL-1 with Multiple Preamps
07:50 Build Quality and Features
08:30 Final Thoughts and CL-1 Value Proposition
#cloudlifter #microphone #homestudio
(Some links are affiliate links that may provide a small commission to askdrtk without cost to you or influence of my content or opinions. Thanks for clicking! askdrtk is a member of amazon associates and other affiliate programs.) Disclaimer: askdrtk.com/disclaimer/

Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 13

@askdrtk 2 года назад

Over and above the tests I included in this review, impedance across your microphone chain will influence tone, so depending on which preamp or interface you are using you may find some microphone coloration. Preamps and boosters with variable impedance address this issue, however I will say the CL-1 is widely compatible and transparent across many preamps I have used including those I tested the CL-1 with in this review. I also wanted to thank Michael Hotten for commenting on my Focusrite AIR video sharing his experience with the CL-1 while in AIR mode on his Clarett 2 Pre. The CL-1 is very transparent on the Clarett interfaces, but using AIR mode, which is an analog circuit on the Clarett and Clarett+ interfaces, changes the input impedance and leads to coloration. Check out Michael's comments below my Focusrite AIR video for more info on his conversation with Focusrite. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HXSMaY4kALU.html As always, Thanks for checking out my review!

@kiiroMADE Год назад

Great review! You deserve more views!

@askdrtk Год назад

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

@iggybeatstv Год назад

looks like you're in a pretty controlled environment. Cloud lifter is needed when you have a lot of outside noise neaby so that you can keep that gain at a minimum

@stupendousmusic4190 Год назад

I'm a big Cloudlifter fan Their mics are great too👍🏻

@askdrtk Год назад

There are other great choices for performance, quality, and value, but if it has to work every day, without thinking about it, there isn't much more that needs to be said. Cloudlifter gear is rock solid. 👍

@3jackdaw168 2 года назад

Great video! Always excited for the next upload! I actually got the Clark Teknik CT-1 after watching your video about it. You've mentioned that one had coloration. Do you think the coloration from the CT-1 vs the transparency of the CL-1 that much of a difference? Because I might consider finally getting a CL-1. I know it wont matter in post but I do my audio 90% live so was wondering if the upgrade is worth it.

@askdrtk 2 года назад

Thanks Jack! I would say it is not necessary to upgrade. The small amount of coloration from the CT-1 is not going to be an issue. Your gear will produce great audio either way. The CL-1 does offer some additional gain which is nice when you have very long cable runs, but again, in a home studio environment and with the gain available to you, there isn't a need. If we were talking 100-200 foot cable runs, it would be different. I'm going to be reviewing a few more boosters in the near future, but for an upgrade to be worth it there would have to be a significant improvement, unless of course we just love gear (as we do) lol.

@VaseLu Год назад

Great video, thanks! I have an SSL 2, and I assume its preamps would be good enough for the SM7B. Still, if I buy it, I'm getting the cloudlifter too for good measure, haha.

@askdrtk Год назад

Thanks! The SSL 2 preamps have enough gain for the 7B. A booster is a good option imo as it allows you to not have to turn the gain up so much on the SSL which gives you a greater range of adjustment. Cheers!

@ClaireMcHardy 2 года назад

I use the SE Dynamite. Best product packaging ever! Im assuming its about the same. I use it with my Zoom H4n while in USB mode. The zooms preamps are pretty terrible around the 35 DB mark. I can run my RE320 at about 5 DB gain on the zoom. I am actually in the market for a new, clean interface with mic pres, live channel monitoring and if not too much to ask perhaps some effects before it hits the computer. Any recommendations?

@askdrtk 2 года назад

I do like the sE and will have a video with it up soon (and yes the packaging is fantastic) plus I am hoping to try the new "TNT" soon (it has adjustable boost and impedance). In terms of interface recommendations, it would depend on how many mic preamps / IO you are looking for as well as where you would like to keep the budget. For an interface without effects, the new Focusrite Clarett+ interfaces have outstanding converters that perform far above their price point ( I have the new Clarett+ 8 pre and MOTU 128es in my studio). Best value in terms of IO and mixing/monitors is the Scarlett 18i20 3rd gen imo (this is a very popular choice which is why I use it often in my RU-vid videos). The 3rd gen has upgraded mic preamps and Focusrite Control offer excellent mixing and monitoring flexibility. For an interface with built-in effects, although more expensive, the RME Babyface Pro FS is an outstanding choice in terms of sound quality and performance. As I mentioned above, I have also been using a MOTU 128es in my studio for quite some time. It also has outstanding converters and works with both usb and Thunderbolt, but it is getting a bit long in the tooth... For an affordable option with effects, the PreSonus Revelator io24 is the hands down winner. There are other great choices as we are very fortunate to be at the point where even very affordable interfaces perform as well as flagship models from even ten years ago. Sorry for the very lengthy reply, but I hope this provides some ideas.

@ClaireMcHardy 2 года назад

@@askdrtk Ok awesome. Will do some googling about the above mentioned. Thank you!