If your microphone is hard to power, you need a preamp like the CL-1 Cloudlifter to get it the juice it needs. Your USB interface isn't going to magically work with high-end dynamic mics, so the CL-1 Cloudlifter is the way to go if you need an inexpensive workaround.
Getting into the world of recording can seem daunting, but there's never been a better time to do it. There are plenty of decent USB mics out there for novice podcasters, and even rock-solid professional units are a little more attainable than they once were. However, recording is a very expensive endeavor, and one you can screw up. It's entirely possible to buy the wrong equipment and be stuck saving up money to fix the problem—for example, many people buy the extremely good Scarlett 2i2 USB microphone interface, and try to pair a microphone with it that needs a lot more gain than it can provide. That's where the Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter comes in.
In short, the Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter powers your dynamic mic properly without forcing you to throw out your USB interface—it's what's called a preamp: something that boosts the microphone's signal before it gets to the interface (literally, "pre" + "amplifier"). If you've noticed your recordings are very quiet or that turning the gain up makes them very noisy, you need a preamp like the CL-1 Cloudlifter.
This little box plugs into your microphone and USB interface to boost gain by 25dB.
This product exists mostly because there's a strange idea out there that you absolutely need a high-end mic like the Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE 20 to get good sounding recordings, and that's simply not true. While they are incredible microphones, every step of your recording needs to be appropriately managed. If it isn't, you won't be getting the results you want.
The CL-1 Cloudlifter rescues people with mismatched equipment by squeezing every possible volt out of your computer by using your interface's phantom power (that 48V button on the front). When you toggle the phantom power, the CL-1 Cloudlifter will convert that into roughly 25dB of gain without adding as much noise as cranking that gain dial would. However, keep in mind that the power available to your interface is limited by your computer: if you're not using a port that can carry enough current, you'll run into issues.
Who should use the Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter?
This product is purpose-built for people who want to record themselves, but are using the wrong microphones for their equipment. The truth of the matter is that not everyone needs a Shure SM7B—chances are good that you're not using the equipment that can best be paired with it, so the CL-1 Cloudlifter is a great way to ensure quality recording while you're saving up for a better DC-powered interface or rack unit.
The CL-1 Cloudlifter is perfect for someone who only needs one microphone, or as a stopgap for a more comprehensive preamp or interface.
It may seem harsh, or that I'm calling you readers out for not knowing what to buy, but I'm not. Sometimes you can only afford one piece of hardware that you want to keep for the long haul, and a good microphone is usually the thing people go for. However, that's really putting the cart before the horse. Microphones of all stripes have really come a long ways, and there are plenty of affordable options that work fantastically well for around $100. For example, the Shure SM58 comes to mind.
Low levels need higher gain to fix, and if you have a high-end microphone, you could have to deal with this if you're using a USB interface.
The CL-1 Cloudlifter is perfect for someone who only needs one microphone, or as a stopgap for a more comprehensive preamp or interface. However, you may not even want to upgrade if you aren't trying to coordinate an entire multi-speaker podcast—this unit works really well on its own.
Does the Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter work well?
Toggling the phantom power on the Scarlett 2i2 will power the CL-1 Cloudlifter, and give you 25dB of clean gain to play with in your recording.
If your preamp meets those criteria, it works well. I should know, as I've been using one on the SoundGuys Podcast from Episode 3 onward. While any recording is going to need some tweaking here and there to be perfect in every way you want it to be, a preamp like the CL-1 Cloudlifter will make sure you don't have to butcher your tracks too badly if you have a power-hungry mic.
Should you buy the Cloud Microphones CL-1 Cloudlifter?
While the CL-1 Cloudlifter is a somewhat niche product, it has its uses for someone who can't spare an outlet for a DC-power amplifier or preamp. Additionally, it'll help in a pinch if you're on-location or need to clear up your desk a bit. At roughly $150, it's not cheap, but neither is buying a more powerful interface. If you couldn't resist the temptation to get a high-end mic and now need more juice: consider the CL-1 Cloudlifter as a solution to your power problems.