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Samson MDA1 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box

1-channel Active Direct Box with Ground Lift, Unbalanced Thru Output, Balanced XLR Output, and -15dB Attenuation Switch

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Item ID: SAMDA1

Samson MDA1 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box

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Samson MDA1 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box

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Q: What is an active direct box and why should I use the Samson MDA1?

An active direct box like the Samson MDA1 uses internal electronics to convert a high-impedance, unbalanced instrument signal into a low-impedance, balanced signal. This helps maintain signal integrity over long cable runs, reduces noise, and ensures a strong, clear sound for mixing consoles or audio interfaces. It's ideal for guitars, basses, and keyboards, providing a professional connection for live sound or studio recording.

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Q: How do I power the Samson MDA1?

The Samson MDA1 offers flexible power options. It can be powered by 48V phantom power directly from a mixing console or audio interface via the XLR output. Alternatively, if phantom power isn't available, you can use a standard 9V battery. This versatility ensures you can use it in various live or studio setups, providing reliable performance wherever you need it.

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Q: When should I use the -15dB pad switch on the MDA1?

The -15dB pad switch on the MDA1 is designed to handle very hot or high-output signals without distortion. If you're connecting an instrument with a strong output, like an active bass or a keyboard, engaging the pad will reduce the signal level before it reaches the direct box's circuitry. This prevents clipping and ensures a clean, undistorted sound for your mixer or interface.

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Q: What is the purpose of the ground lift switch on the Samson MDA1?

The ground lift switch on the MDA1 helps eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops. If you hear unwanted noise when connecting your instrument, engaging the ground lift can break the electrical connection between the grounds of your instrument and the mixing console. This often resolves the issue, ensuring a cleaner audio signal free from interference.

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Q: How do I connect my instrument to the Samson MDA1?

Connect your instrument (guitar, bass, keyboard) to the 1/4" "Input" jack on the MDA1. Use the 1/4" "Thru" output to send your signal to an amplifier or pedalboard, allowing you to monitor your sound. The balanced XLR output then connects to a mixing console or audio interface, providing a clean, low-impedance signal for recording or live sound applications.

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Active DI with 15dB Attenuator

The affordable Samson MDA1 is your ticket to clean, rich sound on a budget. Whether you need a faithful guitar signal to re-amp in the studio, or a discreet way to send your bass guitar or synth to front of house, the Samson MDA1 does a commendable job for the price. It includes a Thru output to go between your instrument and amp without coloring your sound. The Samson MDA1's custom transformer reproduces frequencies all the way down to 18Hz, and its rugged, noise-rejecting chassis stands up to nightly abuse and noisy conditions. The MDA1's -15dB attenuation switch keeps hot signals from overloading your DI.

Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box at a Glance:

Custom STL transformer is rich and dynamic
Steel chassis is built for the road

Custom STL transformer is rich and dynamic

Samson's custom STL transformer sounds great in the MDA1. The STL covers the full audible spectrum and beyond, able to capture all the subharmonic richness of a synth and high-end detail of an acoustic guitar and carry it noise-free to your mixing board or interface.

Steel chassis is built for the road

The Samson MDA1's 14-gauge steel housing resists noise and stage abuse to keep your events running smooth night after night. Sweetwater knows sound professionals can expect years of performance from their Samson MDA1.

Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box Features:

Converts an unbalanced, 1/4" instrument-level signal to a balanced, XLR line-level signal
15dB input attenuator prevents overloading from hot signals
Sends bass guitar, synthesizer, or acoustic guitar to a mixer/recording console
Makes an affordable front end for studio re-amping and guitar modeling
Custom STL transformer covers the full frequency spectrum and beyond (18Hz-35kHz)
Captures subsonic bass and lifelike high-end detail
Reduces noise over long cable runs
Thru output integrates with stage amp setups
Ground lift reduces hum in some environments
Runs off a 9-volt battery or phantom power

Get the rich, full sound of a custom transformer in the Samson MDA1 direct box!

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Tech Specs

Type: Active Direct Box
Channels: 1
Pads: -15dB
Ground Lift: Yes
Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument)
Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (thru), 1 x XLR (balanced out)
Power Source: 48V Phantom Power / 9V battery
Height: 1.95"
Depth: 3.38"
Width: 5.0"
Weight: 1.34 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number: SAMDA1

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Reviews

5.0

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Summary: The MDA1 provides a very accurate representation of what you input into it, appears very well-constructed, suits my intended purpose well, and is therefore an exceptional value.
I bought the Samson MDA1 to use with my passive basses in a live setting. I have observed through recording that an active DI seems to preserve more detail and punch in the low end. Live, some of my amps have DIs, but I may not always be able to use my amp. Some amp DI levels are dependent upon the gain level, and most sound persons I have worked with do not prefer this dependence.
The unit is solid with a metal case. The battery compartment lid is plastic, and hinges on the terminal side of the battery. Push in on the terminal side of the battery to remove it, while taking care to not let your finger slip; you could inadvertently break the lid. I couldn't remove the battery by trying to push on the bottom (non-terminal side) of the battery. The power light on the MDA1 is very helpful, and automatic switching from phantom power to battery is noiseless. The MDA1 should be compared to other active stand-alone active DIs such as the Radial Pro48 and Countryman Type 85, but I have neither. The 15dB attenuation is useful for high output instruments.
I conducted a simple comparison test: I recorded electric guitar and bass with two preamp/DIs that I know well, then with the MDA1. The first preamp was a bass-amp brand tube preamp. The output selected was pre-eq, runs through half of the first tube, and the DI's output volume is not variable. The second preamp is from an Acoustic Image Clarus 1 Series III amplifier. The output selected was pre-eq. The Clarus DI output level is dependent upon the gain level, so I set the gain to about 12:30-1:00. The MDA1 output was not further attenuated. The channel input on the PreSonus AudioBox USB DAW interface was set to minimum in all cases. The recorded level was approximately the same in all cases. The results to my ears: All three are similar and all three sound very good. The sound of the MDA1 and Clarus DIs are very similar. The MDA1 is the most natural or balanced-sounding of the three. The Clarus has an enhanced bottom end (girth). The tube preamp has a greater extension (sparkle) in the high end. The difference in treble extension was more noticeable with the guitar. The difference in the bass frequencies was more noticeable with the bass guitar. I do now use the MDA1 for recording; one channel through the MDA1 without eq; and another channel through another preamp with eq. I hope this review has been helpful.

I confess I didn't get mine from Sweetwater, owing to very poor planning on my part. I'm sorry!! However, it does exactly what it needs to do, which is to accurately represent the unbalanced signal it's getting and send it to the mixer/DAW where I can EQ things to my heart's content. I use it as a dedicated interface from my wireless guitar "bug" to the mixer. It's built like a TANK. The battery/phantom power option is oh-so-convenient when hooking up to a computer interface where there's no phantom power. I have a very expensive passive DI that I can't imagine I'll be using ever again except maybe in the studio and probably not even then. Love how these boxes smooth out the truly offensively harsh signals that come out of cheap keyboards.

You can spend a lot more money, but why?

Best bang for the buck in the business. These things are well made, and sound fantastic. I've spent far more for less quality. Do not drop $ on a DI. You aren't getting anything better than this. I gig a lot. It's my only job. I've been beating on this thing for four years now and it's as great as the day I bought it. I don't foresee having to replace it any time soon. If I ever do need another, I'll just buy this one again. The performance to cost ratio can't be beat. Phantom power or battery option is a great feature. And batteries last forever.

Fantastic little box! I just recently purchased 2 of these to run guitar DI tracks to my DAW. The passive DI I've used in the past left a lot to be desired…weak and lifeless. The MDA1 boxes gave me a clear and robust signal with zero loss of the lower frequencies. The ground lift came in handy to deal with a ground loop on one of the rigs. This will enable me to REALLY use my DI tracks with plug ins for some cool mojo. Thanks Samson!