sE Electronics DM1 BLACK Inline Microphone Preamp

The sE Electronics DM1 BLACK is an active inline microphone preamp made to add usable level to passive dynamic and passive ribbon microphones. It installs directly in the XLR signal path between the microphone and a mixer, audio interface, or standalone mic preamp. Its fixed gain helps low-output microphones reach a stronger level before the receiving preamp must be turned up aggressively.

This compact booster is suited to podcasting, voice-over work, recording, broadcast setups, rehearsal rooms, and live sound systems using passive microphones. It requires a connected preamp, mixer, or interface that supplies 48 V phantom power. The DM1 uses that phantom power to operate, while it is intended only for microphones that do not themselves require phantom power.

The DM1 BLACK supplies 28 dB of gain with a neutral, balanced operating character intended to preserve the connected microphone's natural sound. Its dedicated output buffer is designed to keep the gain consistent across connected loads. The low-impedance output is also intended to support longer balanced cable runs while helping reduce susceptibility to RF interference, buzz, and hum.

Its Class-A, transformerless FET circuit is engineered for low-noise microphone signal boosting. The preamp has a 10 Hz to 120 kHz frequency range rated at -0.3 dB, allowing it to accommodate the full bandwidth of common voice and instrument microphone applications. With a maximum output level of 8.3 dBV at 0.5% THD, it is designed for proper gain staging into standard microphone preamp inputs.

The DM1 BLACK is a practical upgrade for a passive mic setup when the existing preamp lacks sufficient clean gain. Its slim cylindrical body fits in-line without requiring rack space, external power supplies, or controls. Use it with a quality balanced XLR cable and set the receiving preamp's gain for the desired recording or live level.

Key Features

• Fixed 28 dB Gain: Raises the output level of low-output passive microphones before the mic preamp.
• Passive Mic Compatibility: Designed for passive dynamic and passive ribbon microphones.
• Class-A FET Circuit: Uses selected FET electronics and a transformerless signal path.
• Dedicated Output Buffer: Maintains consistent gain across connected load conditions.
• 48 V Phantom Powered: Operates from P48 phantom power supplied by the connected preamp.
• Gold-Plated XLR Connectors: Provides durable, balanced 3-pin microphone connectivity.

Design & Installation

The DM1 BLACK uses a slim, rugged all-metal housing with a matte-black finish. Its cylindrical enclosure measures 19 mm in diameter and 95.5 mm in length, making it easy to place at the microphone end of an XLR cable or in-line elsewhere in a balanced mic connection. Gold-plated XLR connectors and the road-ready metal construction are intended for studio and stage use.

Connect the microphone to the DM1's female XLR input, then connect the DM1's male XLR output to the microphone input of a mixer, interface, or mic preamp. Turn on 48 V phantom power at the receiving device so the DM1 can operate. Do not use it with condenser microphones or active ribbon microphones, because those microphones also require phantom power.