Cloudlifter CL-1 vs Rode WS2 Windshield
A side-by-side look at Cloudlifter CL-1 and Rode WS2 Windshield 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 WS2 Windshield
Foam windshield designed for Rode large-diaphragm studio mics
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Cloudlifter CL-1 | Rode WS2 Windshield | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Home studio podcasters using Rode studio condensers or broadcast dynamics in imperfect acoustic environments with drafts or HVAC noise |
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 WS2 Windshield
- Foam construction, 10 g weight
- Dimensions: approx. 110 mm H x 85 mm W/D
- Compatible with NT1-A, NT2-A, NTK, K2, NT1000, NT2000, Podcaster, Procaster, Broadcaster
- Attenuates wind noise and plosive bursts
- Designed specifically for Rode large-diaphragm mics
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 WS2 Windshield
Pros
- Exact-fit design for Rode large-format mics with no improvisation needed
- Negligible weight addition to the mic
- Useful in outdoor or drafty indoor environments
Cons
- Rode-specific fit - not compatible with non-Rode microphones
- Foam accumulates dust and debris over time
- Not a substitute for a pop filter on close vocal recording
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 WS2 Windshield if
Home studio podcasters using Rode studio condensers or broadcast dynamics in imperfect acoustic environments with drafts or HVAC noise.
The WS2 is a focused, utilitarian product: it fits Rode large-format mics correctly, adds minimal mass, and reduces wind and plosive problems in spaces with air movement. It is not a replacement for a proper pop filter for close-mic vocal…