Cloudlifter CL-1 vs Triton Audio FetHead
A side-by-side look at Cloudlifter CL-1 and Triton Audio FetHead 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
See site
Check price on Amazon
Triton Audio FetHead
27 dB of Class A FET gain in a 130mm in-line body
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Cloudlifter CL-1 | Triton Audio FetHead | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Podcasters and broadcasters using low-sensitivity dynamic mics who need a slim, transparent gain stage that sits right at the mic body |
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
Triton Audio FetHead
- 27 dB amplification at 3000 ohm load
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 100 kHz (+/- 1 dB)
- Class A FET circuit, 22 kohm input impedance
- Powered by 24-48V phantom power, balanced XLR in/out
- Compact form factor: 130 x 30 mm
- Compatible with dynamic and ribbon microphones
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
Triton Audio FetHead
Pros
- Extended 100 kHz frequency response adds air to dynamic mics
- Slim cylindrical body sits flush on the mic with no bulk
- Transparent Class A gain with a clean noise floor
Cons
- Requires 48V phantom power - dead without it
- Single channel only
- Slightly less gain than Cloudlifter CL-1 (27 dB vs. 25 dB - CL-1 claims up to 25 dB peak)
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 Triton Audio FetHead if
Podcasters and broadcasters using low-sensitivity dynamic mics who need a slim, transparent gain stage that sits right at the mic body.
The FetHead and the Cloudlifter CL-1 compete directly for the same use case, and the choice often comes down to character versus utility. The FetHead's 27 dB gain and 10 Hz - 100 kHz bandwidth give it a slightly extended…