DMP3 rackmounting/routing question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Chris F
  • Start date Start date
Chris F

Chris F

New member
I'm probably going to pick up an M-Audio DMP3 today or tomorrow to act as a temporary preamp to use until such a time as I can afford to take my Soundcraft M12 in to have a buzz in the phantom power section repaired. Based on the reviews here and elsewhere, I understand that the DMP3 is a quality preamp which is likely to compare favorably to the pres in the M12. Assuming I like the unit well enough to keep it, what are the rackmounting options for it? I downloaded the manual from the M-Audio site but the specs don't list its size in terms of rack spaces, and I'm curious about how I would mount it into my rack. Is it a 1/3 or 1/2 space unit, or is it some weird hybrid shape that is actually not compatible with rack mounting? Inquiring minds and all... :)

Also, once I have the unit, my preferred routing would be through the board so that I can use the board as a routing device. Sometimes I'll simply be recording practice sessions, in which case I'll want to send the mic signal to a simple standalone CD burner. Other times, it would be nice to route the preamp signal out to my MOTU 1224 through the direct outs for higher quality recording - the M12 is already wired into the 1224 through the direct outs on channels 1-8. To leave my routing options open, would the best way to wire the DMP3 into the system be to take a balanced line out of the DMP3 into the "Line Ins" on the M12, or would this cause gain-staging problems with the M12 pres even if I kept them turned all the way to the "off" position?

Last, if the DMP3 is racked, what's the easiest way to get XLR input cable access to the front of the rack so I don't have to go crawling around to the back all the time.

Sorry for the newbie questions, but this is a HOMErecording BBS, right? :D All non-flaming input welcome, and thanks in advance!
 
...........i got lost reading but I'll answer a couple...the dmp3 is 2 inputs....so it'll be half a rack unit if I'm not mistaken....there are rack tables that you can mount and you can just set the dmp3 on it. that way you can pick it up and plug in the xlr behind it when you wish and set it back down...i belive you can run it through a line in on your mixer but i was told to go straight to the soundcard.
 
Thanks DSR. I've been fiddling with the rack for a little bit since I got it home, and it appears to be just enough taller than a single rack space that it won't fit on the shelf - either that, or I'm a moron...always a possibility. :rolleyes: Anyway, I'll hook it up through the line in on the M12 and see what happens.

The other thing I'm excited about is the M-Audio Solaris mic I bought on impulse while I was at the store. I can't wait to hear it!
 
You are not nuts, I've noticed that too. The DMP3 is *just* a bit too tall to be a nice fit in a rack. Because the inputs are in the back (also an annoyance to me), I got fed up and now leave it out of the rack.

It would be interesting to hear what you think when compared to your M12...
 
smtcharlie said:
You are not nuts, I've noticed that too. The DMP3 is *just* a bit too tall to be a nice fit in a rack. Because the inputs are in the back (also an annoyance to me), I got fed up and now leave it out of the rack.
Click to expand...

I just now figured out (after quite a bit of futzing) that this is how I'm gonna have to do it. You're right, though: it will be easier getting to the inputs on the ****ing thing this way.

It would be interesting to hear what you think when compared to your M12...
Click to expand...

Count on it. :)
 
Yeah, the DMP-3 is simply not a rackmount unit. Also, virtually every preamp of any consequence in existence has its connectors in the back. That's why God invented patchbays.-Richie
 
smtcharlie said:
It would be interesting to hear what you think when compared to your M12...
Click to expand...


I've been recording my DB every night this week, and my initial impressions of the DMP3 are very favorable. Compared to the M12 pres, the DMP3 sounds similar but slightly "warmer" or "fuller", and slightly less edgy. My suspicion is that I would prefer the M12 pres on drums, but I think I prefer the DMP3 for bass at this point. Either way, it was a nice acquisition. Glad I heard enough good things about it here to run out and buy one!
 
Chris F said:
The other thing I'm excited about is the M-Audio Solaris mic I bought on impulse while I was at the store. I can't wait to hear it!
Click to expand...
You won't be disappointed, I can tell you that! I have a deuce of them and use them on everything from vocals to acoustic guitar, to room mic'ing an amp, to drum overheads. I have yet to find a source that they didn't do an excellent job on. Now I'm not saying it's as good as Neumans and the like, but I do think it is one of the best and most overlooked sub $300 mics around.

Of course my avatar would NEVER give away the fact that I like these things :D
 
SOLARIS2001 said:
Now I'm not saying it's as good as Neumans and the like, but I do think it is one of the best and most overlooked sub $300 mics around.

Of course my avatar would NEVER give away the fact that I like these things :D
Click to expand...

No...never. :D

But I agree - I've been using it all wek, and it sure blows away my B1, V67, and Superlux mics. Then again, I'm kinda digging the "omni" vibe, so maybe it's not a fair comparison...
 
Chris F said:
No...never. :D

But I agree - I've been using it all wek, and it sure blows away my B1, V67, and Superlux mics. Then again, I'm kinda digging the "omni" vibe, so maybe it's not a fair comparison...
Click to expand...
Well that's what's great about it! It does an excellent job regardless of whether you're using it in cardiod, figure 8, or omni. Once you take the time to really learn how to use it, the results can be nothing short of stunning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top