Reddit mentions of Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Activator

Kyle's Setup

Microphone (Shure SM7B) - https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=shure+sm7b&qid=1549674292&sr=8-2

That runs into a clean gain booster, Cloudlifter (I didn't know he wasn't running this since he got his Shure in 2014. Once I learned that, I had him get one and he's been running that for about a month and a half now) https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1549674274&sr=8-5

Which goes into his mixer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTKI10A/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now if someone wanted to run this setup, I would say don't get the Behringer, they have problems but most of the time they're fine. But you want to get a Focusrite Scarlett https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1549674274&sr=8-12 or Mackie Onyx https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Producer-Interface-Bundle-Polishing/dp/B07GJWQQM3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=mackie+onyx&qid=1549674443&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 (I recommend the Onyx but they're both fucking great, used both, currently running the Mackie in my new studio setup)

Taylor's Setup

Same exact setup as Kyle, even though I told them to get him this Blue Micrphone TUBE arm: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Compass-Premium-Tube-Style-Broadcast/dp/B078MLBGRM/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=blue+microphone+arm&qid=1549674585&sr=8-5

It's a way better arm. Kyle is using the standard Rode arm & either that's what Taylor's got now or he's using a super cheap ass one. But no way that cheap ass one would work with the Shure's weight, so he probably got a rode. But I recommended they both get the Blue tube arm.

Woody's Setup

Microphone (Electro-Voice RE20):

His preamp/mixer is all in his rack that's mounted with his PC which is down by his knee. I forget what he's using cause it's been many, many years since he built that thing.

The microphone arm he is using is the cadillac of microphone studio boom arms the K&M 23860: https://www.amazon.com/23860-Microphone-Desk-Arm-Black/dp/B00AXMM0L2?tag=paidinsi-20

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The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are the gold standard for radio and podcast production in studios. You can't go wrong. But if you get the SM7B then you need a pre-amp or something that's going to give you an additional 20-40db of clean gain.

If you don't have that Cloudlifter and just use it with that mixer, then you have to crank the fuck out of the gain which greatly increases and raises your noies floor. So you'll be audible and sound good, but you'll still get lots of white noise/background noise.

In my setup it's the Shure SM7B, Mackie Onyx, Cloudlifter, Blue Mic arm and quality XLR cables. When I plan to expand and add more microphones to do several people in studio productions. I'll create a rack unit VERY similar to what Lefty is currently running. With an electricity conditioner and the same preamp he has that I researched on my own and it's perfect for getting the clean gain added that you need so you don't need the cloud.

Hola!

Arranqué el proyecto Economista del medio el año pasado como una forma de llevar el laburo de analista de consultoría macroeconómica a un espectro de población más amplio, lo cual implica menos jerga y biribiri financiero. Este año se sumó la periodista de Infobae Jorgelina Do Rosario y empezamos a cambiar el formato del programa: hemos ordenado los temas y sumamos las entrevistas que le dan un valor agregado enorme al oyente. Estamos muy contentos con el resultado hasta ahora, tanto en calidad del material como en escuchas.

De la misma manera que como mejoró el material también mejoró el hardware con el cual grabamos. En su momento empecé con un mixer Behringer Xenyx 1202FX, un micrófono Shure SM58, unos auriculares Audio Technica M40x y una Zoom H4n. Luego de mi viaje a Japón me traje micrófono un Audio Technica 4040 (large diaphragm condenser) y ahí terminó el avance en hardware en 2016. En términos de software editaba (y sigo editando) el archivo crudo con el Logic Pro X de Apple.

Este año invertimos y nos trajimos (via Amazon Europa) un mixer Allen & Heath Zed60 10fx y un segundo micrófono Audio Technica pero el AT875r (un shotgun cortito condenser que es una maravilla). De backup tenemos dos micrófonos Audio Technica 2100 (los que son USB/XLR) que en relación precio/calidad son muy recomendados para los podcasters amateurs. En resumen, nuestro lineup de materiales es de primera calidad y para explotarlo al máximo, estamos intentando mejorar el tratamiento acústico del área donde grabamos para minimizar ruidos indeseados.

Como te decía, estamos muy contentos con las escuchas (en número general y en público en particular, es decir, los quienes). Hemos recibido comentarios de gente que nos sorprendió y eso nos motiva. Todavía no es LA masividad en escuchas pero queremos estar acá invirtiendo en esto para que cuando explote el podcasting en Argentina (porque va a pasar, que no te quepa la menor duda) tener una buena base y experiencia para seguir proyectándonos.

Lo lindo es que se están acercando algunos sponsors interesados en el material asi que significa que hay proyección a futuro. La verdad que al día de hoy estamos muy a gusto y cómodos laburando en el proyecto, que es para nosotros ahora lo más importante.

Por otro lado, una de las cosas más copadas que me pasó es poder grabar con una persona que conozco y confío de hace muchos años. Al principio hacerlo solo era más un desahogo pero laburar con alguien en esto, que aparte sabe y se mueve en el medio, tiene algo muy especial y divertido. Ese es un item que taché de mi lista de pendientes.

En materia de proyección a futuro y ToDos, creo que seguir mejorando y buscando calidad para ofrecer el mejor producto disponible en el mercado. En materia de hardware todavía tengo la espinita clavada por el Shure SM7b con su respectivo Cloudlifter pero por ahora estamos muy contentos con el equipo con el cual grabamos.

Saludos!

Hey here! I'm a professional podcaster who streams full-time on Twitch. I hope this will lend some authority to what my answer is I'm about to give you.
First, on the microphones you've chosen. Both are REALLY pretty phenomenal microphones, but they do serve slightly different purposes.
In proper conditions, a broadcast microphone and a condenser microphone can be nearly indistinguishable in quality to each other. Condenser Microphones tend to be a bit more versatile, but also a lot more active in what they pick up. Dynamic Broadcast Microphones on the other hand tend to be a bit less versatile, but also pick up less.
If you have a room that is noisy, has lots of echo/bouncing (hard floors, tall ceilings, hollow desks and walls, I'd HIGHLY recommend looking into a dynamic microphone like (but not limited to) the SM7b.
If you have a well-treated room with little bouncing, echoes, fans, etc. You can probably get a LOT done with a condenser microphone. Please keep in mind, these are GENERALIZATIONS, and not all-out rules on how these microphones work.

 

My recommendation: Neither. Let me finish though. I owned an SM7b for about a year. It sounded great, but is EXTREMELY low impedence so you'll need something like a Cloudlifter CL-1 on top of your 2i4 to drive it properly without a gross amount of noise. Now, I own a CL-1, and it's an amazing little piece of equipment that you can use on just about any microphone to get a nice 15db push of clean gain.
Why not the 2035? Honestly, the 2035 is a fine microphone. Timthetatman (my favorite streamer) uses it from time to time. It's easy to drive, sounds good on the right voice, and with proper treatment is relatively forgiving. If you want to stay in that $150 budget, I love the AT-2035. However, there is one microphone I'd recommend looking at - the Heil PR-40. Podcasters like myself, Garrett Weinzierl, Pat Krane all use this microphone. If your budget can really go up to $350 for a microphone, this baby is pretty amazing. Despite it being a condenser microphone, it picks up less, has rich bass and highs, and is really versatile.

 

All in all, for $150, the 2035 is an amazing microphone that is tried and true. However, if you can push the envelope a little bit on the budget, the Heil PR-40 is an AMAZING microphone I would take a second look into. The SM7b is temperamental, requires a lot to drive, and I worry you wont get out of it what you really want.

If it's not too late to get your Shure back you could buy something like this to boost the gain, https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref

1. He needs to be entertaining to keep viewers. If he's not at the 99.9999th percentile of skill, it's highly unlikely he'll build a following without being highly entertaining. So manage your expectations and help him manage his.
   
   
2. For someone to be entertaining a big part of it is to have a varied life. Conversation about a wide variety of subjects, being happy, healthy, clean, accomplished, etc... As a couple you should be helping each other achieve those things regardless, so maybe take a step back and look at that big picture.
   
   
3. AFK his stream, invite friends to watch it, etc...
   
   
4. Make him his chicken tendies, mountain dew, and open his doritos. Just kidding...
   
   
5. As for equipment and setup... This all depends. The next things I would usually advise would be the best quality camera you can get in your budget, like an actual HD camcorder and figure out how to hook that up. Maybe an IRL streaming backpack setup? Sound treatment for the room can be good, but majority of products you buy for this are snake oil, so do your research. I'll just list off some things that I recommend people as ideas:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWNYGUS/ - Adjustable clamp-jaw mount for cameras like the Logitech C920/922 (the most recommended cameras). Get a better or more unique angle.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACFAULC/ - Pop filters help a lot with audio quality.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017WNJS3M/ - Green screen it up and you can do all sorts of wacky or cool stuff, or it just cleans up the presentation of the stream in general.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Stream-Deck-Mini-Customizable/dp/B07DYRS1WH - The streamdeck mini just came out, pretty useful for doing goofy on-demand stuff with programmable buttons. Some people swear by these.
   
   For higher end stuff for audio, put this stuff in a wish list if he does start to take off:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M - Probably my most recommended mic for people wanting to get into the more serious stuff.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dbx-286s-Microphone-Preamp-Processor/dp/B004LWH79A - Probably the best entry level audiophile grade mic preamp. This is endgame for streamers personally, it's way beyond what most people have and it will give him an edge.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04 - Cloudlifter CL-1. This is a must if you ahve a Shure SM7B, excellent high end filter that will absolutely remove all noise.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2-Outlet-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B003BQ91Y6/ - Further eliminates noise from dirty power. Everyone who wants a decent XLR high-end setup wants something like this.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZEDi-10FX-Compact-Interface/dp/B01ATAK5MS - This is an excellent mixer+audio interface combo, if you are going XLR you'll want a mixer. It's 4x4 USB, which for the price is a great value, and it's preamps and lines are notoriously silent. I bought the last version of this which was a 4x2 interface on a great sale, and couldn't be more pleased.
   
   There's a lot more you can get of course. A simple small table rack to rack mount these things... But it all depends, the sky is the limit with this stuff. Just giving you ideas of how you can go nuts with it.
   
   But at the core of it, if he's not organically growing by being consistent and working hard at it and trying to improve... Maybe he's just not entertaining enough? It is what it is. Don't think that buying this stuff really makes any difference, it only does if you are already able to gain viewers in the first place.

The Sure SM7B takes around 60-65db to get good levels, so while you can run it directly through an entry level interface, you won't get the best results that way. However, there is a solution (apart from starting with a higher cost interface). You can always buy a Cloudlifter or Fethead in the future if you get a gain-hungry dynamic, as they provide about 15db of clean gain before it gets to the preamp, essentially making 50db gain interface have 65db of gain, allowing you to use the SM7b or RE20 without a new interface.

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As far as what is "good" it really depends on what mic you are using. If you are only using condensers, it would only need ~50db at the most, and likely that would be higher than you would ever use. If you plan on using a dynamic, having 60+ db is best, although they get expensive as you get into preamps with 70-75db of gain. Using a cloudlifter can help overcome that limitation though, so don't worry too much about high gain unless you plan on using it soon.

Hey all,

I'm getting ready to go big on a microphone setup, but I want to get a few extra opinions on the hardware that I have selected to make sure it is both sufficient for each other as well as the best price to performance. I'm really looking for some GREAT quality but not needing something for full on production.

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Here is a list of the items and below is a screenshot of the cart if people don't want to click on the individual links.

Audient iD14

Shure SM7B

CL-1 Cloudlifter

RODE PSA1

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable 6 ft

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable 1.5 ft

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https://i.imgur.com/T08p76s.png

What about something like the Cloud Filter then?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MQSV04/?coliid=I2DQHVH3448V9Kr
I just have a problem of the scarletts gain not being good enough on its own.

The Podcaster is a decent mic. The XLR version, Røde Procaster is better and, along with the EV RE20, and the Shure SM7b, are genereally considered some of the best broadcast mics on the market, so any of those should be a safe bet if you want that round, warm, radio host sound.

The Focusrite 2i2 is a decent interface for the price, it will however need a preamp, as it alone lacks the gain to run these mics. You can save money by buying an inline preamp, like the Triton Fethead or the CL-1 Cloudlifter. They will up your gain something like 20db, giving you more than enough.

This will all be expensive though, so maybe space the purchases out over a few months and just keep using the Podcaster in the meantime?

Dynamics mics can be good with that kinda stuff because they don't pick up a lot of the other noise that's going on. The flip side is they're quiet, if you use a mic like the 58 you may find yourself wanting a hotter signal, you can remedy that with something like the Cloudlifter which is used frequently in conjecture with the Shure SM7B (probably the most popular mic for voiceover stuff).

If you're going for a top tier professional setup the Cloudlifter+SM7B is probably where you'll end up anyway so it might be worth it to just go there now. The AT2035 you linked is another Condenser mic and will be pretty much as sensitive as your Yeti, that's kinda their mo.

To everyone downvoting me, I own the interface OP has, as well as the same mic. I work in video production and have years of professional experience working both with and as an audio engineer. The interface OP bought is a consumer-grade, desktop interface that is designed to work with low output impedance microphones. The SM57 is a high output impedance mic and cannot be properly amped by the preamps in the interface OP bought. Just because it doesn't require phantom power doesn't mean the mic doesn't require powerful amplification.

It's one thing to not understand OP's problem. It's another to bash the guy that does and is actually providing useful information.

OP, these are your options for budget mic preamps:

https://www.amazon.com/ART-TubeMP-Tube-Microphone-Preamp/dp/B0002GZZNY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520860354&sr=8-4&keywords=mic+preamp

https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1520860504&sr=8-26&keywords=mic+preamp

I've used both and the Cloudlifter is the better unit, but both will do just fine.

Oh, interesting. You know, dynamic microphones can be interesting things. I vastly prefer them to condenser mics, but some dynamic mics need additional gain while others are perfectly fine without. Looks like yours need a little extra gain.

If it is the microphone that's the source of your troubles, you might instead look at returning the mixer and either getting another microphone, or get something that'll help provide extra gain to your mic.

For nothing more than gain boosting, the CloudLifter is a good item. However, it's expensive and that's all it does. Alternatively, a vocal processor might be another good way to go. I use a DBX 286s and swear by it. Rock solid, does compression, gain boosting, noise gate, all sorts of stuff in one. Looks like that Amazon link doesn't have good options for purchasing one, but I imagine you could find one in a local/online store (I'm not familiar with what you have in the UK, so I'll leave that to you).

I suppose the alternative to the alternative is to just edit stuff in post. That's always viable and it's the least expensive option. Now that you know it's the mic and not your mixer, it at least points towards what you may want to do in the future. In the interim, I'm not sure how friendly Audacity is to use with screen readers, but that's a good piece of software that's free. I apologize if we've already discussed Audacity, but I'm writing this on the fly.

And of course, grab another mic (swipe a friend's or something) just to be sure it's the mic and then you know you're set and can decide what direction you want to go.

Cheers.

I like the SM7 too. Though, if you go that route, pick up a Cloudlifter too. The level is quite a bit lower than most other mics, unless you have fantastic preamps you'll find yourself in the top 15% of your preamp most of the time without a little boost up front from the Cloudlifter (or equivalent).

Thanks for your reply! I like the RE20 package, the mic itself sounds crisp and with post-processing, absolutely tantalizing. For the mixer, I agree with the switch to the Scarlett Focusrite Solo. Is it necessary to pick up a preamp as well? I'm looking at the Cloudlifter CL-1 which has received glowing reviews.

A good affordable mic for vox and guitar is a Shure SM57. They make versions specific for vox and for guitar, but they are pretty good for both for the money.

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It's a solid industry standard.

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But depending on your interface you may want to also pick up a Cloudlifter or a Dynamite to get a better signal.

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Lots of people do just fine with the Shure SM57. I'd start there if I were you.

For a single PC with a Dynamic microphone I'd use a Cloudlifter (to power the Shure SM7B), an XLR microphone interface (Focusrite is highly recommended around here), and Voicemeter banana for controlling all your audio sources.

Voicemeter banna is a software mixer that will give you the functionality of a hardware mixer you just won't have the physical controls on your desk, but with it you'll be able to adjust the EQ, Compression and more to get you the same crisp sound.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Interface-Bundle-Polishing/dp/B07CVNRCFB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=xlr+interface&qid=1557191384&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1557191682&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=shure+sm7b&qid=1557191710&s=gateway&sr=8-2

not only 400 for the mic, but to get it to sound right, you need a cloud filter (150$), a mixer (apprx 200$), stands, popfilters, etc etc.

To get one of these shure mic's running properly, expect to drop roughly 1000 dollars.

I use a Heil PR 30B (the B is important!) for myself, and Shure SM 58s for my guests. I feed these through Cloudlifter pres, and really like the sound that I get, fwiw....

https://smile.amazon.com/Heil-Sound-Large-Diaphragm-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B003HZUUA0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486619091&sr=8-2&keywords=Heil+pr+30

https://smile.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0179T2CM8/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1486619133&sr=1-2&keywords=Shure+sm58

https://smile.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1486619315&sr=1-1&keywords=cloudlifter

A cloudlifter is a device you plug in between your interface and mic. It uses the phantom power to boast the gain without noise. Here is a link from Amazon.

Cloudlifter from Amazon

I would be willing to guess your room is not acoustically treated and that is why your getting a sibilant sound from the c214.

Also for your sm57 you could use this if you are shy on turning up the gain on your ur12.
https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter/dp/B004MQSV04/

You really need to better define a budget here. "Extremely pricey" is super subjective.

For me, my setup is an ElectroVoice RE-20, into a CloudLifter CL-1, that leads into DBX 286s, Native Inustraments Komplete Audio 6. Then I'm using a RSA Intruder headphone amp as an output into either a pair of JH Audio JH-16s or the more casual, open back AKG K7xx Massdrop Edition.

It's a setup I built over time (and for a more uses than just Let's Plays), but to me, it's not something I consider "extremely pricey". Expensive, sure, but so is my Ford Fusion. It's all a matter of perspective.

a cloud lifter will go a long way to add some clean gain heres a amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464293068&sr=8-1&keywords=cloud+lifter and heres a link to a comparison with a sm7b https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYDQ-ptG6p4

I mean the gain on my scarlett2i2, while the windows setting is at 100% aswell. On my mic there are two settings. First -10 db and 0 db (its set to 0 db) and something called "Low cut" with one option being a straight line and the other option being a line with an edge (its set to the straight line)

Everything below 100% gain is reported as too quiet by my teammates. Do I need something like this cloudlifter ?