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Average Price: $18

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Description

When you're setting up for a gig or laying down tracks in the studio, having the right gear can make all the difference. Enter the Samson S-Direct Plus, a versatile direct box that seamlessly bridges the gap between your instrument and the mixing console. Whether you're a touring musician or a budding recording artist, this direct box is designed with functionality and reliability in mind. With its switchable input level, it effortlessly accommodates both instrument and speaker signals, making it ideal for a variety of audio setups. Plus, the 48-volt phantom power capability ensures you're always ready to go, whether you're plugged into a professional sound system or using a 9-volt battery on the go.

The S-Direct Plus also features a switchable ground lift, which helps eliminate unwanted hums and buzzes, ensuring clean and clear audio output. And with a 1/4" link output, you can easily connect to multiple devices without hassle. This direct box is as rugged as it is reliable, making it a staple in any musician's toolkit, whether you're jamming in your basement or performing on a big stage.

Key Features:

  • Handles both instrument and speaker levels with switchable input level
  • Operates with 48-volt phantom power or 9-volt battery with auto shut-off
  • Switchable ground lift to reduce noise and interference
  • 1/4" link output for easy connection to multiple devices

Product specs

Brand Samson
Model S-Direct Plus S Class Mini Stereo Direct Box
Finish Blue/Black
Year 2010s
Categories DI Boxes

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Samson S-Direct Plus DI Box?

The Samson S-Direct Plus is designed to convert unbalanced audio signals to balanced signals, reducing noise and interference, especially over long cable runs. This makes it ideal for connecting instruments like keyboards and guitars to mixers or PA systems.

Does the Samson S-Direct Plus require a power source?

Yes, the Samson S-Direct Plus can be powered by either a 9V battery or phantom power from a mixer, providing flexibility in various recording and live sound environments.

Can the Samson S-Direct Plus handle stereo inputs?

Yes, the Samson S-Direct Plus features stereo inputs, allowing you to connect devices that output stereo signals, such as keyboards, directly to a mixing console.

Is the Samson S-Direct Plus suitable for both live and studio use?

Absolutely, the Samson S-Direct Plus is versatile enough for both live performances and studio recording, offering reliable signal conversion and noise reduction in both settings.

What are the main connectivity options on the Samson S-Direct Plus?

The Samson S-Direct Plus provides 1/4" input and output jacks, as well as an XLR output for balanced signal transfer, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.

Ryen Lee

Ryen Lee

[Review]Samson s Direct Plus Stereo Active Direct Box Is Studio Quiet And Built like a Tank

Video thumbnail for [Review]Samson s Direct Plus Stereo Active Direct Box Is Studio Quiet And Built like a Tank by Ryen Lee

[Review]Samson s Direct Plus Stereo Active Direct Box Is Studio Quiet And Built like a Tank

Ryen Lee

Ryen Lee

Video thumbnail for Active Direct Box: Ground lift does not fix ground loop! by Bassguitarist1985

Active Direct Box: Ground lift does not fix ground loop!

Bassguitarist1985

Bassguitarist1985

Reviews

PROS

  • Stereo and mono options provide versatile connectivity for different setups

  • Eliminates buzzing and white noise effectively, ensuring clean sound output

  • Reliable performance for over 10 years, indicating durability

  • 1 Mega Ohm input impedance works well with guitar and synth sources

  • Flat frequency response delivers a clean and balanced sound

  • Convenient phantom power operation, no need for batteries

  • Ideal for live performances and touring musicians

  • Affordable pricing allows for easy expansion of gear collection

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Samson S-Direct Plus.

Features and functionality

  • The Samson S-Direct Plus offers up to a 96K sampling rate, making it suitable for high-resolution recording needs.

    Source
  • The Samson S-Direct Plus includes a 1/4" thru output, which is ideal for sending an unbalanced signal to an amp while recording a balanced signal with an interface.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's been noted that using a Samson S-Direct Plus as a buffer can significantly improve older interface inputs, especially those with low impedance.

    Source
  • The Samson S-Direct Plus is recommended for recording electric guitar direct signals alongside mic’d amp signals, allowing for later experimentation with virtual amps and cabs in a DAW.

    Source
  • The Samson S-Direct Plus is suitable for live keyboard setups. Owners use it as a cost-effective solution without feeling the need to upgrade.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Samson S-Direct Plus is seen as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive DI boxes like Radial, offering similar basic functionality for less money.

    Source
  • While Radial is often mentioned as a premium brand, users find the Samson S-Direct Plus sufficiently robust for both live and studio settings without noticeable transparency loss.

    Source
  • Users find the Samson S-Direct Plus comparable to the Focusrite 18i20 for bass use, especially with EMG active pickups, though they see room for improvement with both.

    Source

User experience

  • Active DI boxes like the Samson S-Direct Plus are convenient as they can run on phantom power, which simplifies setup for users.

    Source
  • Owners have used the Samson S-Direct Plus for live keyboard setups, finding its dual functionality convenient and reliable enough to avoid upgrading to pricier alternatives.

    Source
  • Owners have used the Samson S-Direct Plus for guitar and bass, noting it as a satisfactory option for those who use amp simulations.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a Samson S-Direct Plus before an older interface like the M-Audio Fast Track Pro can enhance guitar DI clarity due to impedance matching.

    Source

Other

  • For better DI quality with raw piezo pickups, users suggest considering alternative options like the Fire Eye DeeEye for enhanced performance.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cezhar_arevalo

Very nice for Stereo gear

I use it for connect keyboards to mixers in stage

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Danny Elfman uses Samson S-Direct Plus

Danny Elfman

Singer, Guitarist

Oingo Boingo

...
Verified via YouTube

The Samson S-Direct Plus box can be seen on the left of Elfman's studio rack during the 2015 "Exilarte" interview.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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