1. Introduction
The MANAYO DM3 In-line Microphone Preamplifier is designed to boost the gain of dynamic and passive ribbon microphones by 28dB, ensuring clear audio amplification. This compact device integrates seamlessly into your audio setup, providing a clean gain stage before your audio interface or mixer.
2. Product Overview
The MANAYO DM3 is a compact, durable in-line preamplifier. It features standard XLR male and female connectors for easy integration into existing microphone setups. Its robust construction ensures reliability in various recording environments.

Figure 1: Front view of the MANAYO DM3 In-line Microphone Preamplifier, showing the XLR male connector.

Figure 2: Rear view of the MANAYO DM3 In-line Microphone Preamplifier, showing the XLR female connector and MANAYO branding.

Figure 3: Angled view of the MANAYO DM3 In-line Microphone Preamplifier, highlighting its compact cylindrical design.
3. Setup
To set up your MANAYO DM3 Preamplifier, follow these steps:
- Ensure Compatibility: Verify that your microphone is a dynamic or passive ribbon microphone. The DM3 is not compatible with condenser microphones.
- Phantom Power: Confirm that your audio interface or mixer provides 48V phantom power. The DM3 requires 48V phantom power to operate.
- Connection Method 1 (In-line):
- Connect your dynamic/ribbon microphone to an XLR cable.
- Connect the other end of the XLR cable to the XLR male input of the MANAYO DM3 preamplifier.
- Connect the XLR female output of the MANAYO DM3 preamplifier to your audio interface or mixer's XLR input.
- Connection Method 2 (Direct to Microphone):
- Plug the XLR male input of the MANAYO DM3 preamplifier directly into your dynamic/ribbon microphone.
- Connect an XLR cable to the XLR female output of the MANAYO DM3 preamplifier.
- Connect the other end of the XLR cable to your audio interface or mixer's XLR input.
- Activate Phantom Power: Turn on the 48V phantom power on your audio interface or mixer.

Figure 4: The MANAYO DM3 preamplifier connected in-line between a microphone and an audio interface, demonstrating a typical setup.
Video 1: Official MANAYO video demonstrating the connection process for the DM3 microphone preamplifier. This video shows how to connect the DM3 to a microphone and an audio interface, including activating phantom power.
4. Operating Instructions
Once connected and phantom power is supplied, the MANAYO DM3 will automatically provide a clean 28dB gain boost to your dynamic or passive ribbon microphone signal. No additional controls or adjustments are required on the preamplifier itself.
- Gain Adjustment: Adjust the input gain on your audio interface or mixer as needed. The DM3 provides a fixed gain, allowing you to set lower gain levels on your interface for a cleaner signal.
- Monitoring: Monitor your audio levels through your audio interface or mixer to prevent clipping and ensure optimal recording quality.
Video 2: Official MANAYO product display video for the DM3 mic pre-amp, showcasing its compact size and simple operation.
5. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gain | 28dB |
| Input Dynamic Range | 102dB |
| Output Noise | <6uV |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20KHz |
| THD+N | <0.05%@1KHz |
| Impedance | 200Ω |
| Item Weight | 7.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3.74 x 0.75 x 0.75 inches |
| Color Name | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Audio Interface, Audio Mixer, Dynamic microphone |
| Connector Type | XLR |
6. Troubleshooting
- No Audio Output:
- Ensure 48V phantom power is activated on your audio interface or mixer. The DM3 requires this power to function.
- Verify that your microphone is a dynamic or passive ribbon type. The DM3 is not designed for condenser microphones.
- Check all XLR cable connections for secure fit and proper orientation.
- Confirm that the gain knob on your audio interface is not set to zero.
- Noticeable Buzz or Noise:
- Ensure all connections are secure. Loose connections can introduce noise.
- Test with different XLR cables to rule out a faulty cable.
- Reduce the gain on your audio interface. The DM3 provides a significant boost, so your interface may not need as much gain as before.
- Isolate the issue by testing the microphone directly with the interface (without the DM3) to determine if the noise originates from the microphone or the preamplifier.
7. What's in the Box
- MANAYO DM3 In-line Microphone Preamplifier (Black)