Cloud Microphones
Cloud Microphones 44 Passive Ribbon Microphone
Best vintage inspired sound for professional studio recordings.
This passive ribbon microphone merges classic aesthetics with contemporary recording needs. It's designed for louder sources or close micing, offering a passive output. A matching black CL-1 Cloudlifter is included, providing exceptionally clean gain. Crafted with premium components sourced and assembled in the USA, its ribbon motor design honors the 1930s RCA 44 while incorporating modern materials and technology for reliable performance in today's studios.
$1199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1555
/ 3373
#1555 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+73%
Above average
Polar Pattern
Bidirectional
/ Bidirectional
Who it's for
- Audio engineers seeking a timeless, natural sound for vocals and acoustic instruments.
- Professional studios needing a dependable, long-lasting ribbon microphone for daily use.
- Recording artists and engineers using advanced stereo miking or superior off-axis rejection.
Who should skip it
- Home studio users without high-quality, high-gain preamps or a tight budget.
- Producers needing a versatile microphone for diverse genres and bright mixes.
- Novice engineers or those in environments with less careful microphone handling.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Captures the legendary warmth and smooth top-end of vintage ribbon mics.
Gain Versatility
Bundled Cloudlifter ensures clean, quiet signal for even the softest sources.
Build Integrity
Hand-assembled in the USA with premium components built to last decades.
Off-Axis Rejection
Excellent side nulls provide precise isolation in busy studio environments.
SPL Handling
Robust design comfortably manages high-volume sources without compromising audio fidelity.
Mounting Flexibility
Internal shock-mounting and wide range of motion simplify complex mic placements.
Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Bidirectional
Frequency Response
20 Hz to above 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
138 + dB SPL above 1 kHz
Output Sensitivity
-28 dBv/Pa
Output Impedance
150 ohms
Ribbon dimensions
.19" wide, 2.35" long, 1.8 microns thick
Mount
180-degree range of motion
Internally shock-mounted
Know before you buy
Passive ribbon microphones typically require a significant amount of clean gain to reach optimal recording levels. The included CL-1 Cloudlifter provides that necessary boost, ensuring you get a strong, noise-free signal from your preamp.
Yes, the Cloud 44 is designed to handle high sound pressure levels, rated for over 138 dB SPL. Its passive output is specifically suited for loud sources where you don't want to overload the internal electronics of an active microphone.
A bidirectional, or figure-eight, pattern captures sound equally from the front and back of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides. This is ideal for capturing two singers facing each other or for isolating a specific instrument while minimizing bleed from other sources in the room.
While ribbon microphones are inherently delicate, the Cloud 44 features modern materials and internal shock mounting to improve reliability. It also comes with a 2-year warranty specifically for the ribbon element, plus a limited lifetime warranty on all other parts.
The microphone itself is passive and does not require phantom power. However, the included CL-1 Cloudlifter does require 48V phantom power from your interface or preamp to function.
The Cloud 44 honors the classic aesthetic and sonic character of the original RCA 44, providing that signature warm, smooth ribbon tone. By utilizing modern manufacturing and premium components, it offers that vintage sound with better consistency and reliability for contemporary studio workflows.
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