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Bish · Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:24 pm Post subject: Cloudlifter... anyone using one?

I did a quick search here and found a single reference to this little unit. I was wondering if anyone out there was actually using one?

The problem I have (or think I have), is that I've just bought myself a Shure SM7b, and while I'm really happy with the sound I'm getting (particularly for narration), I'm not 100% happy about having to crank up the pre-amp to 11 to get a usable level.

Cheers
Peter
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Yes, Other than the fact that you'll need another XLR cable, it works great.

Also, understand that functionally speaking, you need phantom power- so in a crude sense, you are turning a dynamic mic into a condenser mic.

You can get 20-25 dB of clean gain. You may or may not notice it coloring the sound in the slightest fashion.

Used it on an SM-58 and an EV RE 27, but haven't tried it on a 7B yet- thinking about getting the 7B, so I am interested in hearing your results.

georgethetech · Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 2:51 pm Post subject:

For what it's worth, the reviews I've read were quite favorable. Curious about using in conjunction with a MicPort Pro and a SM7b.
Would love to hear results...
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Billy James · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 5:56 am Post subject:

Cloudlifter works like a champ with industry standard dynamics that are low-gain problem children like the RE20 family. The SM7B has never sounded better. I also ran my personal example of the fabled Shure SM5B thru one, and was mighty impressed. Plays nice with the MicPort Pro too: I plugged the M Hobo Tounge

right into the CL's output XLR. This would be an interesting compact combo for road warriors. A great piece of kit for anybody who works with dynamics. (Plus, if you needed to, you could beat a guy to death with it. The thing's built like a tank.)

Mike Sommer · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:08 pm Post subject:

Since it's only providing about 20db of make up gain, along with a 3000Ω resistor on the front end-- this should help it play well with dynamic and ribbon mics when boosting levels. Can't go wrong here.

Condenser mics on the other hand may be a different story.
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D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

I can check again, but if memory serves, it doesn't work with condenser mics at all as I recall (for reasons that I could speculate would have something to do with what the Cloudlifter is doing with the phantom power).

I don't have a ribbon mic myself, but if I did, would probably leave a Cloudlifter or FET Head attached to it permanently, just to protect it from phantom power ruining the mic.

Mike Sommer · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:35 pm Post subject:

You are correct, it is reserved for non powered Ribbons and Dynamic Microphones.
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The Blog:
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

dwpthe3rd · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:46 pm Post subject:

Bish · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:02 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the info (& PM) so far. I'll probably be trying one of these things out and I'll report back. As I say, I still think (for me) it's a want, rather than a need, but it'll save my pre-amp being turned up to 11.

Cheers
Peter
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

DanG · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 11:08 pm Post subject:

here's something you can try and alot cheaper. I have used this before getting my Grace M101. http://tritonaudio.com/index.php?sectionid=4&option=com_content&task=category&id=17&Itemid=33

Bish · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 8:28 am Post subject:

Thanks for the info Dan. I'll look into the FetHead as well... with the current exchange rate, it looks to be about $100 (that's using the 70 Euro from their website). I sort of like the funky retro look and the pseudo Neumann diamond logo as well Smile

Edit: I opted not to go for the "paralysis by analysis" option (which I usually do) ... I checked the reviews, which all seemed on par with the reviews of the Cloudlifter, and placed an order for the FetHead. It's $50 cheaper and will connect directly to the SM7b, meaning one less cable (read: point of failure) as well.

Cheers
Peter
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

D Voice · Been Here Awhile Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 232

Do let us know what you find.

georgethetech · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:23 pm Post subject:

A good price and reliable source is Zen Pro Audio. It's $100 there. They also have the Phantom version which does pass phantom power to the mic for low output condensers.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Bish · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:44 pm Post subject:

I actually went via ZenPro... they seem to have a pretty fast, and quite personal service (Warren Dent). Their website gives out the vibe that they are a small family business that tries harder...I had a shipping confirmation within minutes of placing the order. I may well add them to my list of preferred suppliers (especially as they promise a price match if you've got a coupon from somewhere else).

They ship from SC, and I'm in NY... so I suspect that Irene may get in the way of a fast delivery... and there's a good possibility that I won't have power anyway... but I'll report here when I've got it in my signal path.

Cheers
Peter
_________________
Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.