M-Audio DMP3 User Guide

Ve r. # DMP3-121701

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

DMP3 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Front & Rear Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

DMP3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Setting the Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

VU Meters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Hi/Lo Gain Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Low-Cut Rumble Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Phase Inversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Phantom Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Limited Lifetime Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

DMP3

Users Manuual

AUDIO

TM

2

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the M-Audio DMP3 Microphone/Instrument Pre­Amplifier. The DMP3 gives you two completely independent channels of
high gain, ultra low noise pre-amps in a sturdy desktop unit. Each channel
provides low impedance microphone inputs on XLR connectors with
optional phantom power, plus an alternate high impedance instrument
input on 1/4" TS jacks. The DMP3 outputs can be used as balanced or
unbalanced via its 1/4” TRS jacks.

Microphones, guitars with magnetic or piezo pickups, and any instrument
that needs a boost in gain to "line level" will benefit from the superior sonic
quality of the DMP3. Two separate gain ranges are conveniently selectable
from the front panel for each DMP3 channel. Low cut "rumble" filters for each
channel eliminate unwanted low-end noise, while individual phase inversion
switches ensure that you will always achieve the greatest result when using
the DMP3 in a stereo or dual mic situation. Large, classic VU meters give an
excellent visual representation of the DMP3 output levels.

DMP3 Features

•2 independent XLR, fully balanced mic inputs.

•2 alternate, independent 1/4” unbalanced, high impedance inputs,

impedance matched for ideal performance with electric and acoustic

guitars and other high impedance mics or instruments.

• Each preamp channel provides two gain ranges to accomodate a variety

of output levels from microphones and instruments.

• Exceptional frequency response, extremely flat throughout all frequencies.

• Separate low-cut filters for each channel with switch and LED indicator.

•Separate gain controls for each of the pre-amplifiers.

• Individual phase inversion switches for each channel.

•VU meters for each preamp channel gives excellent visual reference of

output levels.

• Individual clip LEDs for each pre-amp channel indicate peak levels.

• XLR 48v phantom power can be switched on or off for both mic inputs,

with an LED indicator.

• Dual-purpose independent 1/4” outputs accept either tip-ring-sleeve

plugs for balanced outputs or tip-sleeve plugs for unbalanced outs.

• Sturdy desktop unit with a handsome, vintage look.

3

Front & Rear Panels

Front Panel

1. Gain Adjustment Knobs: Separate gain controls for pre-amp channels A

and B adjust the output volume levels independently. Full counter­clockwise is the minimum gain position, while full clockwise is
maximum gain.

2. VU Meters: These VU meters show output level, calibrated to correspond to

digital peak meters, where 0 VU is approximately 3dB to 6dB below clipping.

3. Clip LEDs: The Clip LED will light when that input signal is too strong

and is about to distort, or “clip” (4dB below clipping). If this LED remains
lit for more than a few moments, reduce the gain adjustment knob setting.

4. Low Cut LEDs: The "Low Cut" LED, when lit, indicates that the Low Cut

Filter switch has been engaged for the corresponding channel.

5. Hi/Lo Gain Switch: This switch will set the “gain range” (or, amount of

gain possible) for the corresponding input channel. Once the gain range
is set, gain is adjusted via the Gain Adjustment Knobs. In the “Out’
position, the gain range is 32dB to 66dB (Hi gain). In the ‘In’ position, the
gain range is 6dB to 36dB (Lo gain). See sections, “Setting the Gain” and
“Hi/Lo Gain Switches” for more information.

6. Low Cut Filter Switch: Pressing and locking this switch to the ‘In’

position engages the Low-Cut filter for the associated channel. Pressing
and releasing to the ‘Out’ position disengages the filter.

7. Main Power LED: When the proper power supply is applied to the DMP3

and the Main Power switch is switched to the ‘On’ position, this LED will
light, indicating that the unit is powered up.

8. Phantom Power LED: When lit, this LED indicates that phantom power

has been switched on for both of the mic pre-amp channels.

9. Main Power Switch: This switch, when pressed and locked to the ‘In’

position, switches the DMP3 power on.

10. Phantom Power Switch: When this button is pressed and locked to the ‘In’

position, phantom power (48v) will be sent to both XLR In 1 and XLR In 2.

2

3 3
4 4

6

5

6

5

7
8

9

10

1

4

Rear Panel

1. 9vAC Power Supply Jack: This power jack accepts a 9v AC 1 Amp 2.5mm

power supply. This power supply is included with your DMP3, and
ONLY the proper supply should be used.

2. Output Jacks A and B: These 1/4” TRS jacks are the main outputs for the

pre-amps. Using a TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) 1/4” plug, the DMP3 will
provide a balanced line-level output. Using a TS (tip-sleeve) 1/4” plug,
the outputs will be unbalanced.

3. Phase Inversion Switches: Each switch will invert the phase of the signal

for the selected channel 180 degrees (see section, "Phase Inversion").

4. High Impedance Instrument Inputs Aand B: These high impedance (100k

Ohm) inputs are optimized for guitars or high impedance microphones.
These jacks are 1/4” TRS, and will accept either 1/4” TRS or TS plugs
(balanced or unbalanced, respectively). When an instrument is plugged
into this jack, the corresponding channel’s XLR input is disabled.

5. Microphone Inputs A and B: These are the balanced, low impedance

microphone inputs to the pre-amp channels. NOTE: When phantom
power is engaged, power is sent to the ground wire on BOTH of these
channels. An XLR jack is disabled when an instrument is plugged into the
corresponding 1/4” jack .

1

2 4

5

3