sE Electronics DM2 T.N.T is an active inline preamplifier for passive dynamic and ribbon microphones, powered by 48V phantom and designed to plug directly onto the microphone's XLR output. Compared to its predecessor, the DM1 Dynamite, the DM2 adds two switchable gain levels (+15 dB and +30 dB) and an eight-position rotary impedance selector spanning 50 Ω to 10 MΩ — a range with no equivalent in any other device of its class. The all-metal housing (19 mm diameter, 95.5 mm length) ships with a small screwdriver for operating the recessed switches.
Input impedance as a tone-shaping tool
The load impedance presented to a passive dynamic or ribbon microphone directly affects its frequency response, output level, and bandwidth. The DM2 offers eight positions: 50 Ω, 200 Ω, 360 Ω, 1.5 kΩ, 2.7 kΩ, 6.8 kΩ, 100 kΩ, and 10 MΩ. Conventional preamps typically land between 1.5 and 2.5 kΩ; Rupert Neve favoured approximately 6 kΩ in his later designs. The DM2 covers everything from very low impedances — which add bass weight and narrow the bandwidth of ribbon microphones — to 10 MΩ, which opens up an extremely bright and wide-bandwidth character. With dynamic microphones, the same impedance selector acts as a subtle tonal corrector without touching an EQ — a flexibility absent from any conventional preamp. Both the slide switch (gain level) and rotary switch (impedance) are recessed into the housing; the included screwdriver is required to change either, preventing accidental mid-session shifts.Gain, self-noise, and the output buffer
In +15 dB mode the output noise measures 1 µV (JIS-A); in +30 dB mode it measures 6.6 µV. By comparison, the DM1 was specified at 9 µV — the DM2 in high-gain mode is approximately 2.7 dB quieter. A dedicated output buffer maintains the gain level and output impedance (135 Ω) independently of the cable length downstream and the load impedance of the destination preamp, so the signal level does not drop on long cable runs or low-impedance console inputs. The 10 Hz–120 kHz bandwidth at –0.3 dB ensures the DM2 does not alter the response of any ribbon or dynamic microphone with ultrasonic output. Gold-plated XLR contacts maintain reliable signal connection over years of use. The DM2 requires 48V phantom power and is not compatible with condenser microphones or active ribbon microphones.KEY FEATURES
- Active inline preamp for passive dynamic and ribbon microphones
- Two gain levels: +15 dB (lower noise) and +30 dB (maximum boost) — slide switch
- 8 input impedance settings: 50 Ω / 200 Ω / 360 Ω / 1.5 kΩ / 2.7 kΩ / 6.8 kΩ / 100 kΩ / 10 MΩ
- Class-A circuit with hand-selected high-grade FETs — transparent signal boost without coloration
- Dedicated output buffer — consistent gain regardless of load impedance or cable length
- Output noise: 1 µV @ +15 dB / 6.6 µV @ +30 dB (JIS-A)
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 120 kHz (–0.3 dB)
- Recessed switches with included screwdriver — protected against accidental adjustment
- All-metal housing (cobalt blue finish)
- Gold-plated XLR connector — reliable, loss-free signal connection
- Power: 48V phantom (IEC 61938)
- Note: not compatible with condenser microphones or active ribbon microphones
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 120,000 Hz (–0.3 dB)
- Gain: +15 dB / +30 dB (switchable)
- Max output level (0.5% THD): +9.5 dBV (3.0 V)
- Output noise: 1 µV @ +15 dB / 6.6 µV @ +30 dB (JIS-A)
- Output impedance: 135 Ω
- Recommended load impedance: greater than 1 kΩ
- Input impedance (switchable): 50 Ω / 200 Ω / 360 Ω / 1.5 kΩ / 2.7 kΩ / 6.8 kΩ / 100 kΩ / 10 MΩ
- Power: 48V phantom (IEC 61938), current draw 3.1 mA
- Connector: 3-pin XLR (male and female), gold-plated contacts
- Diameter: 19 mm (0.75 in)
- Length: 95.5 mm (3.76 in)
- Weight: 80 g (2.82 oz)
