Cloudlifter CL-1 vs Heil Sound PL-2T
A side-by-side look at Cloudlifter CL-1 and Heil Sound PL-2T for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Cloudlifter CL-1
Up to 25 dB of transparent gain for passive dynamic and ribbon mics
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Heil Sound PL-2T
36-inch overhead broadcast boom trusted by radio professionals
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Cloudlifter CL-1 | Heil Sound PL-2T | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters running low-output dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20, or any ribbon mic into an interface or recorder with weak preamps | Broadcast-style home studios and podcasters who want an overhead mic position with a clean, cable-managed look |
Key features
Cloudlifter CL-1
- Up to +25 dB of gain for passive microphones
- Draws power from standard 48V phantom power
- Does not pass phantom voltage to the mic - ribbon-safe
- 3 kohm input impedance, Class A JFET circuit
- Rugged solid steel chassis with XLR in/out
- Handcrafted in Tucson, Arizona; limited lifetime warranty
Heil Sound PL-2T
- 36-inch reach, fully articulating design
- Internal spring system, factory-balanced
- Removable cover plates for internal cable routing
- Supports up to 2.5 lb of microphone and mount combined
- Standard C-clamp for desks up to 1.5 inches thick
- 5/8-27 thread stud, compatible with standard shock mounts
Pros and cons
Cloudlifter CL-1
Pros
- Essential fix for low-output dynamics like the SM7B on underpowered preamps
- Ribbon-safe - blocks phantom power from reaching the capsule
- Transparent gain character with no audible coloration
Cons
- Requires 48V phantom power from the downstream device
- Single-channel only - two mics need two units
- Adds an extra XLR connection in the signal chain
Heil Sound PL-2T
Pros
- Broadcast-grade build quality with decades of radio use behind it
- Internal cable routing is cleaner than external velcro routing
- Overhead position keeps the arm out of camera frame
Cons
- 2.5 lb load limit can be tight with heavy mics plus heavy shock mounts
- Overhead positioning requires more vertical clearance than front-facing arms
- Older design - no integrated XLR cable option
The verdict
Choose Cloudlifter CL-1 if
Podcasters running low-output dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B, Electro-Voice RE20, or any ribbon mic into an interface or recorder with weak preamps.
The Cloudlifter CL-1 solves a specific problem cleanly: the Shure SM7B and similar broadcast dynamics need roughly 60 dB of clean gain to hit a healthy recording level, and many interfaces and portable recorders cannot deliver that without audible noise.…
Choose Heil Sound PL-2T if
Broadcast-style home studios and podcasters who want an overhead mic position with a clean, cable-managed look.
The PL-2T has been a radio and broadcast staple for decades and transfers well to podcast studios that prioritize an overhead, out-of-frame mic position. The topless cable routing is a genuine practical advantage - the mic cable is hidden inside…