Gearank High Notes
- 2022.09: Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone Preamp Under $200
- 2021.03: Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone Preamp Under $200
- 2020.04: Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone Preamp Under $200
- 2018.02: Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone Preamp Under $200
- 2017.02: Highest Rated Dynamic Microphone Preamp Under $200
Gearank Recommended
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Sound On Sound | Paul White | 96/100 |
| Recording Hacks | Matthew McGlynn | 99/100 |
| TapeOp | Mike Jasper | 94/100 |
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Overview
This preamp is a bit different to most others because it’s designed to work with Ribbon and Dynamic microphones that don’t take phantom power – instead the CL-1 uses the phantom power to produce 25dB gain with virtually no noise or coloration of the signal.
Cloud Microphones actually call it a Mic Activator rather than a preamp, and others refer to it as a mic booster.
Demo
Watch this video to see how effective it is at boosting a Shure SM7B vocal dynamic mic: