sE Electronics DM3 BLACK Active Inline DI

The sE Electronics DM3 BLACK is a compact active inline DI designed to connect instrument-level sources directly to a phantom-powered XLR input. It provides a practical way to feed guitars, basses, keyboards, drum machines, synthesizers, and similar sources into a mixer, stage box, or audio interface. Its inline format eliminates the need for a separate DI box and an additional XLR cable between the DI and the input.

A 10-megaohm Ultra-HiZ input is intended to place minimal load on passive pickups and other high-impedance sources. This helps preserve the natural character of electric guitars, basses, piezo-equipped instruments, and vintage high-impedance microphones. The DM3 BLACK is suited to live stages, home recording, studio tracking, and portable rigs that need a compact DI solution.

The DM3 uses sE Electronics DYNAMITE technology and a dedicated Class-A output buffer amplifier. Its frequency range is specified at 10 Hz to 120 kHz within -0.3 dB, while the output noise level is rated at 1 µV JIS-A. The buffered output is designed to provide a stable signal to a microphone preamp or other XLR-equipped input.

For high-output sources, the recessed attenuation control provides 15 dB and 30 dB pad settings. The maximum input level is specified as 19, 34, or 49 dBV depending on the attenuation setting. A three-position ground-lift switch includes Off, On, and On+ positions to help address ground-loop hum and, where applicable, additional high-frequency noise or radio-frequency interference.

The matte-black DM3 BLACK uses a 6.3 mm locking input jack and a gold-plated 3-pin male XLR output. It is powered by 48V phantom power supplied from the connected XLR input, so it does not use batteries. At 95.5 mm long and 70 g, it is easy to keep in an instrument case or add to a compact stage or recording setup.

Key Features

• 10 MΩ Ultra-HiZ Input: Helps retain the character of passive pickups and other high-impedance sources.
• Class-A Output Buffer: Buffers the instrument signal for connection to a microphone preamp or XLR input.
• Switchable Input Pad: Selectable 15 dB or 30 dB attenuation accommodates higher-output sources.
• Three-Position Ground Lift: Off, On, and On+ settings help manage ground-loop and interference-related noise.
• Locking 1/4-Inch Input: Helps prevent an instrument cable from being accidentally disconnected.
• 48V Phantom-Powered Operation: Draws operating power from a compatible phantom-powered XLR input.

Design & Installation

The DM3 BLACK has an all-metal inline housing with a discreet matte-black finish. Its compact cylindrical body measures 20 mm in diameter, and the output uses a gold-plated 3-pin male XLR connector. Recessed pad and ground-lift controls are designed to reduce unintended setting changes.

Connect an instrument or playback device with a 1/4-inch instrument cable to the DM3 input, then connect the male XLR output directly to a compatible mixer, interface, preamp, or stage-box input. Enable 48V phantom power on that XLR input before use. Use the pad for overly hot source signals, and select the ground-lift setting only as needed to reduce noise in the particular system.