Samson

Samson MD2 PRO Stereo Passive Direct Box

4.7 (234 reviews)
XLR

Samson's MD2 Pro packs two Mu-Metal shielded transformers into a rugged steel chassis for pristine stereo DI performance.

$119.00*
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The Samson MD2 Pro Stereo Passive Direct Box solves a common live-sound and studio problem: getting clean, balanced signal from stereo instruments, media players, or laptops into a mixing console or recording interface without introducing noise, hum, or signal degradation. Inside its 14-gauge steel enclosure sit two Samson STLX Mu-Metal shielded transformers — one per channel — that convert unbalanced inputs to balanced XLR outputs while providing galvanic isolation. Mu-Metal shielding is particularly effective at blocking the low-frequency magnetic interference that plagues stages crowded with power cables and lighting dimmers, keeping your signal path quiet even in electrically hostile environments.

Each of the MD2 Pro's two channels features its own 3-position attenuation switch at 0dB, -10dB, and -20dB, allowing you to precisely match the input sensitivity to your source — from a passive bass guitar to a hot keyboard output — without clipping the mixer's preamp. A stereo/mono sum switch adds flexibility for situations where a single console channel is all that is available, and thru jacks on both channels let you pass the original signal onward to a stage amp or monitor without splitting or degrading it. Because it is entirely passive, the MD2 Pro has no batteries to die mid-set and no phantom power requirement to configure. It simply works every time you plug it in, making it a dependable tool for touring musicians, AV installers, and studio engineers who value signal integrity and zero-maintenance reliability.

Key Features

EASY CONNECTIONS: The MD2 Pro easily takes two 1/4" unbalanced line or instrument level signal sources and outputs them as a pair of balanced mic-level XLR signals, allowing for easy connections to mixing consoles or USB audio interfaces.

PREMIUM CIRCUITRY: Built with Samson’s STLX transformer and Mu-Metal shielding, the MD2 Pro’s premium circuitry provides a clean signal with ultra-low distortion.

PASSIVE OPERATION: The MD2 Pro’s signal path is entirely passive, requiring no phantom power or batteries to operate.

SIGNAL SWITCHES: For each output, the MD2 Pro has both a ground lift switch to fight buzz and hum as well as a two-stage pad at -15dB and -30dB for plugging into low-headroom inputs.

SIGNAL SWITCHES: For each output, the MD2 Pro has both a ground lift switch to fight buzz and hum as well as a two-stage pad at -15dB and -30dB for plugging into low-headroom inputs.

PASSIVE THRU OUTPUT: The MD12 Pro’s Thru outputs send dry copies of your signals to a pair of 1/4” outputs for connecting to pedals or amplifiers, perfect for parallel tracking in studio spaces or using amps as a set of monitors on stage.

Specifications

Brand
Samson
Model
MD2 Pro
Type
Stereo Passive Direct Box
Channels
2 (Stereo)
Transformers
2x Samson STLX Mu-Metal Shielded
Attenuation
3-position per channel (0dB / -10dB / -20dB)
Stereo/Mono Switch
Yes
Thru Jacks
Yes (per channel)
Output
Balanced XLR
Chassis
14-gauge steel
Color
Black
Dimensions
7 x 2 x 7 inches
Weight
1.03 pounds

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Dual-channel stereo design in a single enclosure eliminates the need to carry and cable two separate DI boxes
  • Mu-Metal shielded transformers deliver clean signal transfer with excellent rejection of hum and RF noise
  • Per-channel 3-position attenuation switch (0dB / -10dB / -20dB) accommodates a wide range of source levels
  • Passive operation requires no batteries or phantom power, ensuring reliability with zero maintenance
  • 14-gauge steel chassis withstands the rigors of touring and live production

👎 Cons

  • At over one pound, it is heavier than single-channel or active DI alternatives for minimal setups
  • Passive design means slight signal loss compared to active DI boxes, which may matter in long cable runs
  • No ground lift switch is mentioned, which can be a limitation when troubleshooting ground loop hum
  • XLR balanced outputs only — no quarter-inch balanced option for interfaces that use TRS inputs
  • The unit's 7 x 7 x 2-inch footprint takes more pedalboard or stage floor space than a compact single-channel DI

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it accepts unbalanced stereo line-level or instrument-level signals and converts them to balanced outputs, with a 3-position attenuation switch (0dB / -10dB / -20dB) on each channel to match the source level.
No, it is a fully passive direct box that uses transformer-based signal conversion, so it needs no batteries, phantom power, or external power source.
It lets you combine both stereo input channels into a single mono output, which is useful when you need to send a stereo source to a single mixer channel.
Yes, each channel includes a thru jack that passes the input signal onward to an amplifier or monitor, so the DI box can sit inline without interrupting your signal chain.
The MD2 Pro uses two Samson STLX Mu-Metal shielded transformers, which provide superior protection against hum and RF interference.