Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $46
Budget/Beginner
$119
$300+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Samson MDA1 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the Samson MDA1 1-channel Active Instrument Direct Box, a budget-friendly solution for musicians seeking clean, rich sound. This active DI box is ideal for both studio and live performances. It is capable of faithfully transmitting the signal of your guitar, bass guitar, or synth, directly to the front of house or your recording setup. Its custom transformer covers the full audible spectrum, extending from 18Hz all the way to 35kHz, capturing the richness of your instrument's sound in all its glory.
The Samson MDA1 is not just about sound quality. It's also built to last, with a rugged 14-gauge steel housing that can withstand nightly abuse and noisy conditions on the road. It also features a -15dB attenuation switch to prevent hot signals from overloading your DI. The MDA1 can operate on either a 9-volt battery or phantom power, making it a versatile choice for different performance setups.
Key Features:
- Converts an unbalanced, 1/4" instrument-level signal to a balanced, XLR line-level signal
- 15dB input attenuator for handling hot signals
- Custom STL transformer that covers the full frequency spectrum (18Hz-35kHz)
- Rugged 14-gauge steel housing for durability
- Thru output for integration with stage amp setups
- Ground lift to reduce hum in some environments
- Can operate on 9-volt battery or phantom power
- Ideal for sending bass guitar, synthesizer, or acoustic guitar signals to a mixer/recording console
- Excellent for studio re-amping and guitar modeling
Product 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. |
FAQs
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How does the Samson MDA1 active direct box handle power supply?
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The Samson MDA1 can be powered by either a 9V battery or 48V phantom power, offering flexibility for both studio and live performance settings.
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What is the primary function of the Samson MDA1 active direct box?
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The Samson MDA1 is designed to convert high-impedance instrument signals to low-impedance balanced signals, making it ideal for connecting instruments to mixing consoles or audio interfaces.
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Does the Samson MDA1 have a ground lift feature?
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Yes, the Samson MDA1 includes a ground lift switch to help eliminate hum and noise caused by ground loops.
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Can the Samson MDA1 handle high-level signals without distortion?
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The Samson MDA1 features a -15dB pad, allowing it to handle high-level signals without distortion, making it suitable for both passive and active instruments.
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What input and output connections does the Samson MDA1 offer?
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The Samson MDA1 provides a 1/4" instrument input, a 1/4" thru output, and a balanced XLR output, ensuring versatile connectivity options for various audio setups.
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