Review: DMP3 vs Grace Designs Model 101

[chadsxe]

Well I finally got my new Grace Designs Model 101 at about 7pm last night. This will be the first of a few reviews I am going to do as I get more time to A/B the 101 and DMP3. Do to time (homework) I was only able to do one test, DI on guitar. Yeah, I know this is not really something most people would use it for, but I left my Bass at my rehearsal spot so guitar it is. When I first got the DMP3 and used it as a DI I was more then impressed. What I “thought” I heard was a very clean accurate sound. Well now I realize I was stupid. The 101 makes the DMP3 sound like it’s in a box. It almost seems like the DMP3 doesn’t cover the frequency range as accurate as the 101. Either way, as a DI on guitars the 101 is much more accurate, crisp, and clean. Now this is not to say that I am not going to be able to find a use for the DMP3, just not as a DI anymore.

As a side note both the DMP3 and the 101 are built like tanks.

I will be doing live vocal A/B’s tonight.

[DonF]

My cheapskate, bean-counter mentality must ask: Is the Grace 7-1/3 times as good as the DMP3? (That's how much more it costs per channel.)

Will you be posting your A/B comparisons anywhere?

Thanks,
Don

[kragbax]

Looking forward to your opinions/test. Always good to read real world tests comparing equipment.

Can't always compare the price to performance ratio and make decisions based totally on that. The question should instead be something like, "Does the 101 help make the music your creating sound better? Was the cost of the unit worth it to you?" If you've only got $150 to spend - and that's it - then the 101 isn't even a consideration. The DMP3 (as he mentioned) did an admirable job. But if you've got the dough and want the best sound possible, the 101 (upon his initial trial review at least) seems to be a viable choice.

Of course there's more to it and it's all just one persons opinion anyway, but still ...
I always like to read comparative reviews - looking forward to more on this one.

-Krag