Cloudlifter CL-1 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
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Cloudlifter CL-1
Inline preamp that adds about 25dB of clean gain for quiet XLR dynamics like the SM7B.
Trade-off: An add-on, not a replacement. It needs phantom power from your interface or mixer.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Popular 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with low-noise preamps and direct monitoring.
Where they differ
| Spec | Cloudlifter CL-1 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $119.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (3,991) | 4.7 (29,359) |
| Inputs | 1x XLR boost | XLR / line |
| Connection | XLR inline | USB |
Only specs where the two actually differ are listed. A teal rule marks the side that wins a row: cheaper on price, higher rated where review counts are close enough to compare. The spec rows carry no winner because which one wins depends on what you are building.
Frequently asked
Is the Cloudlifter CL-1 or the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) better for streaming?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the better value, costing less while holding a comparable rating. The Cloudlifter CL-1 earns its price only if you specifically need what its specs do differently. At current tracked prices the Cloudlifter CL-1 is $129 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is $119.99.
What is the price difference between the Cloudlifter CL-1 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 tracks around $129 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) around $119.99, a difference of $9.01. Prices here are tracked estimates, so check the retailer listing before buying.
How do owner ratings compare for the Cloudlifter CL-1 and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The Cloudlifter CL-1 rates 4.7 out of 5 across 3,991 retailer reviews, and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) rates 4.7 across 29,359. Both figures come from the retailer listing rather than our own testing, and review volume matters as much as the score.
Neither of these is the whole decision. What quality your stream holds depends on the encoder, uplink, and platform around this part, which is what the configurator works out. Ratings are from retailer listings, not our own testing.