Cloudlifter CL-1 vs Rode PSA1+
A side-by-side look at Cloudlifter CL-1 and Rode PSA1+ 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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Rode PSA1+
The broadcast boom arm standard, upgraded with spring damping
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Cloudlifter CL-1 | Rode PSA1+ | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Permanent desk studio setups with heavy broadcast microphones like the Shure SM7B or Rode PodMic |
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
Rode PSA1+
- Supports microphones from 94 g to 1.2 kg weight range
- 37" horizontal reach and 34" vertical travel
- Spring damping for smooth, controlled arm movement
- Fully integrated internal cable management channel
- 360-degree rotation at base and elbow
- Mounts via C-clamp or threaded desk insert (both included)
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
Rode PSA1+
Pros
- Spring damping makes repositioning smooth and precise - clear upgrade over PSA1
- Internal cable routing keeps the desk clean without aftermarket cable clips
- Weight range handles every major broadcast mic including heavy-hitters like SM7B
Cons
- Fixed desk installation - not designed to pack away or travel
- Full extension requires significant desk clearance around the mic position
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 Rode PSA1+ if
Permanent desk studio setups with heavy broadcast microphones like the Shure SM7B or Rode PodMic.
The original PSA1 was already the default choice for serious desk studios, and the PSA1+ genuinely improves on it. The spring damping makes positioning feel deliberate rather than floppy, and the internal cable channel is a real quality-of-life improvement -…