Samson

Samson MD1 Mono Passive Direct Box

XLR

The Samson MD1 delivers clean, balanced audio from any unbalanced source with rugged, road-ready passive reliability.

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Overview

The Samson MD1 Mono Passive Direct Box serves a fundamental role in any live sound or recording setup: converting an unbalanced, high-impedance instrument signal into a balanced, low-impedance signal suitable for long cable runs to a mixing console. Built around a Samson STL transformer, the MD1 handles this conversion without requiring any power source, making it an extremely reliable link in your signal chain. Whether you're running a bass guitar, acoustic pickup, or keyboard into a front-of-house board, the MD1 provides a clean, noise-free path that preserves your tone.

The unit's all-metal, impact-resistant enclosure is built to survive life on the road, and its simple layout—1/4" input, 1/4" thru, balanced XLR output, and a ground lift switch—keeps operation intuitive. The thru jack lets you split your signal to a stage amp while simultaneously feeding the PA, and the ground lift switch is invaluable for eliminating the hum that plagues multi-equipment setups. For musicians and sound engineers who need a dependable, set-it-and-forget-it DI solution without the complexity or cost of active alternatives, the MD1 delivers exactly what's needed.

Key Features

EASY CONNECTIONS: The MD1 easily takes a 1/4" unbalanced line or instrument level signal source and outputs it as a balanced mic-level XLR signal, allowing for easy connections to mixing consoles or USB audio interfaces.

PREMIUM CIRCUITRY: Built with Samson’s STL transformer and Mu-Metal shielding, the MD1’s premium circuitry provides a clean signal with ultra-low distortion.

PASSIVE OPERATION: The MD1’s signal path is entirely passive, requiring no phantom power or batteries to operate.

BUILT TO LAST: The MD1 is housed in a 14-gauge steel chassis, built to withstand the rigors of the stage and studio alike.

GROUND LIFT: The MD1 has a ground-lift to help fight buzz and hum with the flick of a switch.

PASSIVE THRU OUTPUT: The MD1’s Thru output sends a dry copy of your signal to a 1/4” output for connecting to pedals or an amplifier, perfect for parallel tracking in studio spaces or using the amp as a monitor on stage.

Specifications

Brand
Samson
Model
MD1
Type
Mono Passive Direct Box
Transformer
Samson STL
Input
1/4" (with Thru)
Output
Balanced XLR
Switch
Ground Lift
Construction
All-metal, impact-resistant

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The MD1 is a passive direct box that uses a transformer to convert the signal, so it requires no external power source whatsoever.
The ground lift switch disconnects the ground pin on the XLR output to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops between your source and the mixing console.
Yes. The MD1 has both a 1/4" input and a 1/4" thru jack, allowing you to send your instrument signal to your amp and the PA simultaneously.
It uses a Samson STL transformer, which handles the impedance matching and signal balancing from unbalanced 1/4" input to balanced XLR output.
Yes. It features an all-metal, impact-resistant enclosure designed to withstand the rigors of live performance and frequent transport.