Product: M-Audio DMP2
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted
09/21/2004
at
01:35pm
by
Anonymous
Ease of Use
:
7
This was the model that came out prior to the current DMP-3. As I understand it, it is the exact same model in terms of sound and components, but the DMP-3 has two features that the DMP-2 does not have. The DMP-2 only has a peak/clipping light, rather than a VU meter. I don't miss the VU meter at all. But the other feature is a needed one. The DMP-3 has an input pad so that hot signals don't cause the unit to clip. The DMP-2 does not. What that means is that condensor mics, and even some dynamics, cause the unit to distort. For a long time, I didn't know what to do about this and could only use the unit in the studio, being very careful not to send too hot a signal. Then I bought a $20 Audio-Technica mic pad, with 3 pad settings, that goes on the end of the mic cable. Voila! Now the thing is wonderful and can be used with any mic.
Other useful features are phantom power, a low cut filter, and a phase switch.
Sound Quality
:
9
Excellent sound quality. No coloration, very clean, no noise or hiss at all. Provides a huge amount of gain. This is a basic, good quality preamp without bells and whistles. It does not warm your signal like a tube preamp, just gets it to your sound card or board cleanly. Now that I've solved the clipping problem, I also use the unit live, since it's much cleaner than our mixer's preamps. Use with SM58 live. In studio use with various mics. Sounds great with my Oktava MK319 condenser for vocals.
Reliability
:
10
I bought it used and have had no problems in two years.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never had to deal with them.
Overall Rating
:
9
If you can find one used, I think it's a great bargain, now that you know the trick about using a mic pad (if your mic doesn't have one built in). Then you've essentially got the same thing as the new DMP-3, but a lot cheaper. I'd certainly try to find another if it were stolen or broke.
