M-Audio DMP3 Preamp Review

October 10th, 2007 | Category: Gear

M-Audio DMP3I bought the M-Audio DMP3 Dual Microphone/Instrument Preamp a few months ago to add another two preamps to my system. I chose this preamp because of my positive experience with the preamps in my M-Audio Omni Studio, which are reportedly based on the DMP2, predecessor to the DMP3. I’ve been using the DMP3 for a few months, and am pleased with the preamp despite one major flaw.

Features

The DMP3 features two solid-state preamps with both Hi-Z and Lo-Z inputs on the rear of the unit. The Lo-Z XLR input is for microphones and direct boxes, while the Hi-Z 1/4″ TRS jack accommodates high-impedance instruments like acoustic and electric guitar. Also on the rear of the unit are buttons to invert the phase on each channel. On the front panel, each preamp has a gain knob and two buttons. The first button switches the “gain range” from high gain (32dB to 66dB) to low gain (6dB to 36dB). The second button engages a low-cut filter on the channel. Also on the front are a main power button, and a phantom power button which turns on +48v phantom power for both channels. Some budget preamps reportedly supply less than 48 volts, but I measured the DPM3 and it actually supplies 49.6v.

The front panel is dominated by two large, round VU meters that show your input level. There is also a clip LED that lights when the unit is about to clip. According to the manual, the light comes on when the input is 4dB below clipping.

Sound

The DMP3 sounds transparent. It does a great job of getting the signal from the microphone(s) into the computer without adding any noticeable color. I don’t have any world class preamps to compare it with, but I’ve used bad budget preamps before (including a starved-plate “tube” pre I had for two days) and I can say that the DMP3 does not get in the way when I want to make a recording. I have used it on drums, guitar amps, acoustic guitars, percussion, and even as a bass guitar DI. I have used it with dynamic mics and large and small diaphragm condensers. In all cases, I was able to get the sounds I wanted and get on to making music.

One Flaw

While it sounds great, there is one terrible flaw in the DMP3 – it is too tall. When I ordered it, I expected to screw it into my rack shelf next to my half-rack-sized M-Audio Omni Studio. While the DMP3 is indeed half a rack in width, it is over 1U tall by a few millimeters. Instead of fitting neatly in its place, the preamp sits sloppily on my desk in front of the rack, cables disappearing into the black hole behind it. I can’t think of a good reason for making it this way. A few millimeters shorter, and it would have been a great design.

DMP3 Hangs Out
The DMP3 has to sit on my desk while the output cables snake back into my rack.
DMP3 Too Tall
The DMP3 is a few millimeters too tall to fit in a rack space

Conclusion

Despite the size problem, I think the DMP3 is a good preamp for a home studio. The most important trait of a preamp is how it sounds, and the DMP3 is fantastic in this regard. Two channels of transparent inputs with VU meters and phantom power is hard to beat.

Where to Buy

I’ve been a satisfied Zzounds customer for over 8 years. I buy most of my gear from them. Their prices are low and they usually have free shipping.
M-Audio DMP3 Dual Microphone/Instrument Preamp

8 comments

8 Comments so far

  1. Smurf August 17th, 2008 11:36 am

    “but I’ve used bad preamps before (including a starved-plate “tube” pre I had for two days) ”

    Which one was this, if I may ask? I have narrowed down my choices to the DMP3 or the Studio Projects VTB-1. They both have 60db of gain available, which is what I want for the ribbon mic I am getting. And since I am a OMB that records only other solo artists mostly I can go either 1 channel (VTB-1) or two like the DMP3.

    The one you returned would not happen to be the SP VTB-1 would it? Now, if it was either Behringer MIC100-200, or the Art Tube MP units I don’t blame you! (I had all of them for a few weeks each, and the pre’s in my UB802 mixer was better)

    Thanks in Advance for any info!

  2. Dave August 17th, 2008 9:26 pm

    It was some ART preamp that doesn’t seem to be made anymore.

  3. Third Take » SansAmp Bass Driver DI vs. Behringer Bass V-AMP Pro October 5th, 2008 3:45 pm

    [...] fairly easy – you just plug it in and go. I’ve had decent results plugging straight into my DMP-3, setting the gain, and pressing Record. However, decent results are not always good enough. I want [...]

  4. paul May 18th, 2010 6:23 pm

    I use the DMP3 into Summit Audio Mini Tube Leveler into power amp for my bass. A total secret weapon that always has people asking about the quality of my sound. I also use both items back in my home studio so they are very versatile.

  5. david July 14th, 2010 9:51 am

    Is it possible to plug 2 headphones in the 2 balanced outputs for monitoring purposes while recording?

  6. Dave July 14th, 2010 9:58 am

    No, the outputs need to be connected to your audio interface so you can record the signal from the preamp.

  7. david July 14th, 2010 10:37 am

    @Dave: what i was thinking of, of course! Was assuming it was a USB audio interface

  8. xolani August 6th, 2011 6:30 am

    I am using a M AUDIO solaris mic condenser I was wondering I f I may add some M audio DMP3 what will I come out with?

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