Cloud Microphones is now shipping the new Cloudlifter Zi Vari-Z Instrument DI and Mic Activator, bringing its popular Cloudlifter technology to guitar players, bass players, keyboard players and more.
The Zi gives players control over their tone and loads of ultra-clean gain when going direct or miking up their amp.
“While typical DI boxes are one-dimensional, our new Cloudlifter Zi packs a dual punch for instrumentalists,” said Rodger Cloud. “It maximises your instrument or mic’s signal strength and also lets you contour your tone by manipulating the impedance load. Going direct just got a whole lot more fun.”
The CL-Zi’s variable impedance “Z” knob and high-pass filter work in tandem to create tone shaping through the manipulation of impedance loading. It customises the tone before the gain stage of the signal path.
It also has a three-position gain switch allowing for minimum gain, more gain, or the maximum gain available (up to approx. +25db for microphones or 12dB for instruments), allowing players to access clean gain and a lower noise floor for many studio or stage applications, from an electric guitar player that uses amp modelling or an acoustic guitar player, bass player, or keyboardist going direct.
As with all Cloudlifters, the Zi can be used with dynamic microphones to increase gain before feedback on stage or ribbon microphones to boost signal quality in the studio.
The Cloudlifter CL-Zi is now available at authorised dealers for $449 MSRP, $379 MAP.
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Controlled Chaos (Emphasis on “Controlled”)