sE Electronics DM2 Black is an inline Class-A microphone preamplifier in the matte-black DM Black Series finish. The manufacturer's full designation is DM2 TNT. It sits between a passive microphone and the preamp input and adds a switchable +15 or +30 dB of gain.
A ribbon or an old dynamic on an input with no gain left
Passive ribbons and classic dynamics deliver around 1–2 mV/Pa. On a typical interface input offering 55 dB of gain that ends with the control pinned and a noise floor audible in every pause. The DM2 adds 15 or 30 dB of clean gain ahead of the preamp, so its gain control works in the middle of its range, where it is quietest. The DM2's own output noise is 1 µV at 15 dB and 6.6 µV at 30 dB.
Eight load values instead of one imposed on you
A ribbon microphone's tone depends on the impedance it sees at its output — a different value means a different top end and different dynamics. Most preamps offer one fixed figure. The DM2 lets you pick one of eight, from an unusually low 50 Ω up to 10 MΩ, and pull several characters out of the same microphone without touching EQ. Gain stays constant regardless of the load selected, because a dedicated buffer drives the output. Note that the unit works with passive microphones only.
KEY FEATURES
- Inline Class-A preamplifier for passive microphones
- Switchable +15 dB or +30 dB gain
- Eight load impedance settings from 50 Ω to 10 MΩ
- Gain independent of the selected load and of cable length
- Dedicated output buffer with very low output impedance
- Specially selected FETs for a signal boost without colouration
- Matte-black DM Black Series finish
- All-metal housing and gold-plated XLR connector
- Not for condenser or active ribbon microphones
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Gain: 15 dB / 30 dB
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 120 kHz (-0.3 dB)
- Electrical impedance: 135 Ohms, recommended load above 1 kOhm
- Maximum output level: 9.5 dBV (3.0 V) at 0.5% THD
- Output noise level: 1 µV at 15 dB, 6.6 µV at 30 dB
- Power: +48 V phantom (P48 per IEC 61938), 3.1 mA current draw
- Connectors: 3-pin male and female XLR
- Dimensions: 19 mm diameter, 96 mm length
- Weight: 80 g
- In the box: DM2, sE logo sticker, user manual with warranty card
