Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Quick Hit: Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Zi Review

Quick Hit: Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Zi Review

The pro-audio gurus serve up a super-simple means of massaging acoustic tones through impedance control.

In studios and onstage, there are many ways to control a direct injection signal from an acoustic source—from basic DI boxes to board preamps to equalization. But few fixes are more simple or satisfying than the Cloudlifter Zi, a phantom-powered preamp/DI that excites the signal of your acoustic guitar (or just about any other microphone or instrument) and boosts level and clarity while staying dead quiet. It also offers an impressive range of tone colors from a control set that’s intuitive and a delight to use by feel.

There’s inadequate space here to describe the engineering underpinnings in detail. But part of the magic is under the hood, where a hand-wound CineMag transformer kicks instrument-level signals in the pants before they hit the preamp. The combination of the two adds smooth headroom. But dialing in higher impedance is like putting a magnifying glass on an acoustic guitar—adding low-end clarity and body, and airy detail in high frequencies. You can also get creative, less natural tones by combining the high pass filter and various impedance signals. Indeed, this sturdy little box conceals a trove of unexpected signal enhancing and tone sculpting tools.

Test gear: Martin 00-15 with L.R. Baggs Element electronics, Fender Jazz Bass, Apogee Duet audio interface, Mackie PA.

 

Ratings

Pros:
Surprising range of tones from a simple control set. Very low noise floor. Sturdy, high-quality construction.

Cons:
Slightly expensive compared to other simple DIs.

Street:
$379

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Zi
cloudmicrophones.com

Tones:

Ease of Use:

Build/Design:

Value:

This wonky Zim-Gar was one of many guitars sold by importer Gar-Zim Musical Instruments, operated by Larry Zimmerman and his wife.

The 1960s were strange days indeed for import guitars, like this cleaver-friendly Zim-Gar electric.

Read MoreShow less

In line with the MOOER’s recent expansion on the MSC range, the company is excited to announce the new MSC50 Pro, an Alder-bodied electric guitar with gloss finish, available in the new Magic Crystal color.

Read MoreShow less

See and hear Taylor’s Legacy Collection guitars played by his successor, Andy Powers.

Read MoreShow less

The Oceans Abyss expands on Electro-Harmonix’s highly acclaimed reverb technology to deliver a truly immersive effects workstation. The pedal is centered around dual reverb engines that are independently programmable with full-stereo algorithms including Hall, Spring, Shimmer and more. Place these reverbs into a customizable signal path with additional FX blocks like Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, or Bit Crusher for a completely unique soundscape building experience.

Read MoreShow less