Cloud Microphones announced the latest addition to their Cloudlifter series of Mic Activators, the Cloudlifter Zi.
Cloudlifter Mic Activators are compact inline processors that use the phantom power from your mixer or preamplifier to add up to 25dB of ultra-clean gain to the signal, maximizing the clarity and strength of output from any microphone that does not require phantom power itself — such as dynamic and ribbon mics. Designed to allow your preamp to work less strenuously, its noise floor is dramatically reduced and effective frequency response is improved in both recording and live sound applications, as is gain before feedback in the latter.
The Cloudlifter Zi applies the same technology to instruments with high-impedance (Hi-Z) outputs, such as electric guitars, basses, low-output piezo pickups used with acoustic guitars, or vintage electro-mechanical Stage pianos that employ a passive output.
A ¼” high-impedance “thru” output can pass your instrument’s signal to a combo amp. Since this output is buffered, it can be used at the same time as the XLR output with none of the loading effects or tone loss associated with traditional direct boxes. This is ideal for both live performance and recording sessions where you want to track direct and miked-cabinet signals for later mixing.
Like all Cloud products, the Cloudlifter Zi is handcrafted entirely in the USA using environmentally sustainable methods.
The Cloudlifter Zi is priced at $479 MSRP / $399 MAP, and is expected to ship no later than January 2017.
