M AUDIO DMP3
M Audio DMP3 Dual Mic Preamp
Reviews : Preamp
Paul White
With the increasing popularity of computer recording systems, mic preamps have moved out of the niche market and into the mainstream. The M Audio DMP3 is a dual-channel mic preamp with analogue outputs, which also incorporates high impedance instrument inputs enabling it to double as an instrument DI box. Power comes from an included mains adaptor and the simple steel case is designed to sit on the desktop rather than in a rack.
The two channels offer a maximum gain of 66dB, with jointly switched 48V phantom power, and there are moving-coil VU meters and peak LEDs that light 3dB prior to clipping. The only other user controls are low-cut filters, at 75Hz (18dB/octave), and channel phase invert buttons on the rear panel. All connections are on the rear panel (balanced mic XLRs, unbalanced instrument jacks, balanced output jacks).
Though simple in concept, the DMP3 is very well specified, with generous gain. Line-level inputs (nominal +10dBV) can be handled safely, while the output stage will deliver up to 22dBV -- good news for those with level-hungry audio interfaces to feed. The instrument input has a 100k(omega) impedance, which is technically a little on the low side for use with guitars, but it works really well in practice. Like most good preamps, this one has a wide frequency response, flat within 1dB from 20Hz to 80kHz, and both inputs are extremely quiet, with Gain controls which are nicely progressive -- although the knobs are rather prone to coming off their spindles. The use of solid-state circuitry (based on high-quality integrated amp chips) produces a clean, uncoloured sound with no obvious character or vices, allowing your microphones to dictate the sound rather than the preamp. 
pros
Low noise with plenty of gain.
Neat desktop styling.
cons
Knobs could be a tighter fit.
summary
The DMP3 delivers extremely good performance at an affordable UK price.
information
£199 including VAT.
Midiman +44 (0)871 717 7100.
www.midiman.com
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Sound On Sound : Est. 1985