---
product_id: 37053944
title: "Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box"
brand: "samson"
price: "€ 111.98"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Samson"
url: https://www.desertcart.at/products/37053944-samson-mda1-mono-active-direct-box
store_origin: AT
region: Austria
---

# 48V Phantom & 9V battery power 0dB/-15dB attenuation switch 14-gauge steel chassis Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box

**Brand:** samson
**Price:** € 111.98
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎸 Plug in like a pro, sound like a legend.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box by samson
- **How much does it cost?** € 111.98 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.at](https://www.desertcart.at/products/37053944-samson-mda1-mono-active-direct-box)

## Best For

- samson enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted samson brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Built Like a Tank:** Rugged all-metal 14-gauge steel enclosure ensures roadworthy durability for every gig and studio session.
- • **Hum-Free Performance:** Ground lift switch eliminates unwanted noise, delivering pristine, professional-grade audio.
- • **Dual Power Flexibility:** Runs seamlessly on 48V phantom power or a 9V battery—perfect for any setup, anywhere.
- • **Pro-Grade Connectivity:** Balanced XLR output with 1/4" input and thru jack for effortless integration with mixers and interfaces.
- • **Precision Signal Control:** Two-position attenuation switch (-15dB/0dB) lets you tame hot signals with crystal-clear transparency.

## Overview

The Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box is a professional-grade DI designed for musicians and audio engineers seeking rugged reliability and pristine sound. Featuring a heavy-duty steel chassis, dual power options (48V phantom or 9V battery), and versatile attenuation and ground lift switches, it converts unbalanced instrument signals into balanced mic-level outputs with zero distortion. Ideal for live performances and studio recording, the MDA1 delivers transparent, hum-free audio at a fraction of the cost of premium competitors.

## Description

The MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box provides an easy way to plug a guitar, bass, or keyboard into a mixer or audio interface. The MDA1 uses premium circuit components to convert an unbalanced line or instrument signal to a balanced mic-level output, with the active circuitry powered by a 9-volt battery or 48v phantom power to handle loud and powerful signals such as basses and synthesizers without distorting. Housed in Samson’s S-Max rugged 14-gauge steel chassis, the MD1 is built to be durable and reliable for a variety of live and sound recording applications.

Review: WATCH OUT RADIAL... THE SAMSON MDA1 STOMPS THE J48! (WITH UPDATE!) - I've been wanting a J48 for a long time, but the $200 price tag has kept it out of my and many others reach for years... Enter Samson like a tank thru a guitar store with the venerable MDA1 Active DI! This thing is a road worthy beast, and just as heavy duty as a J48, but is more simplistic, and at $35 bones this thing is a steal for anyone who wants to direct inject into their I/O. The bad ass ground lift switch killed my hum problem too! After having the J48 shoved in my face for years, I just had to crack the case and see what was under the hood of the MDA1 (see images, J48 posted for comparison), and I am very impressed, not with just the heavy duty steel case, but with the very clean solder work and quality 100v/50v caps within it. This is not a generic DI by no means, and it is comparable to Radials $100+ DI's. Works just like a J48, but without all the bells and whistles you don't really need, or will never really use unless your doing an opening gig for Metallica! I tested it on my I/O and it runs off the phantom power, or you can pop in a 9v on stage. Sound is clean, no coloration, and true bypass too! Pound for pound against the J48, the MDA1 stomps a mud hole in the J48's ass when it comes to price vs. performance! The Samson MDA1 will get the job done just as well, and save your wallet from a brand name ass kicking!... Don't hesitate... Get one, or two, before their gone! UPDATE; 5.27.21 Had to order another one of these Samson DI's... The one I reviewed here is still going strong since I bought it a little over three years ago. Does the same dam thing all the other high priced DI Boxes do, I eventually got a used J48 and I can't tell the difference between the two in a DAW or Live pass thru... Clean amp signals to my I/O and DAW, haven't had any problems whatsoever with it. Runs right into the stage mixer no issues. Don't buy hype! Buy a SAMSON!
Review: Good product - I bought this because after doing some research on DI boxes, I wanted to try an Active Direct Box. I feel I'm achieving better sound quality than the passive boxes I own. However, in fairness to passive boxes, mine just might be poor quality. The signal going into my interface and the recordings seems cleaner and less distorted than the results I get from my passive boxes. I power it with phantom power which I find convenient and a money saver on batteries. All in all, I'm very happy with it and it is a good value for the money. It's a keeper.

## Features

- All-metal, impact resistant design
- 2-position 0dB/-15dB attenuation switch
- Ground Lift switch
- 1/4" Input and Thru, Balanced XLR output
- 48V Phantom and 9V Battery power options

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B015OGAID8 |
| Audio Output Mode | Balanced XLR |
| Best Sellers Rank | #6,036 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #11 in Recording Signal Direct Boxes |
| Brand | SAMSON |
| Color | Blue |
| Connector Type | 6.35mm Jack, XLR |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 452 Reviews |
| Enclosure Material | Steel |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00809164018063 |
| Item Type Name | Signal Direct Box |
| Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Samson |
| Material | Steel |
| Mfr Part Number | SAMDA1 |
| Model Name | MDA1 |
| Model Number | SAMDA1 |
| Output Channel Quantity | 2 |
| Power Source | 48V Phantom and 9V Battery |
| Sound Profile | Neutral/Transparent |
| UPC | 809164018063 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 2 years. |

## Images

![Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Oo2y06KNL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ WATCH OUT RADIAL... THE SAMSON MDA1 STOMPS THE J48! (WITH UPDATE!)
*by B***B on August 3, 2018*

I've been wanting a J48 for a long time, but the $200 price tag has kept it out of my and many others reach for years... Enter Samson like a tank thru a guitar store with the venerable MDA1 Active DI! This thing is a road worthy beast, and just as heavy duty as a J48, but is more simplistic, and at $35 bones this thing is a steal for anyone who wants to direct inject into their I/O. The bad ass ground lift switch killed my hum problem too! After having the J48 shoved in my face for years, I just had to crack the case and see what was under the hood of the MDA1 (see images, J48 posted for comparison), and I am very impressed, not with just the heavy duty steel case, but with the very clean solder work and quality 100v/50v caps within it. This is not a generic DI by no means, and it is comparable to Radials $100+ DI's. Works just like a J48, but without all the bells and whistles you don't really need, or will never really use unless your doing an opening gig for Metallica! I tested it on my I/O and it runs off the phantom power, or you can pop in a 9v on stage. Sound is clean, no coloration, and true bypass too! Pound for pound against the J48, the MDA1 stomps a mud hole in the J48's ass when it comes to price vs. performance! The Samson MDA1 will get the job done just as well, and save your wallet from a brand name ass kicking!... Don't hesitate... Get one, or two, before their gone! UPDATE; 5.27.21 Had to order another one of these Samson DI's... The one I reviewed here is still going strong since I bought it a little over three years ago. Does the same dam thing all the other high priced DI Boxes do, I eventually got a used J48 and I can't tell the difference between the two in a DAW or Live pass thru... Clean amp signals to my I/O and DAW, haven't had any problems whatsoever with it. Runs right into the stage mixer no issues. Don't buy hype! Buy a SAMSON!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good product
*by H***R on May 28, 2021*

I bought this because after doing some research on DI boxes, I wanted to try an Active Direct Box. I feel I'm achieving better sound quality than the passive boxes I own. However, in fairness to passive boxes, mine just might be poor quality. The signal going into my interface and the recordings seems cleaner and less distorted than the results I get from my passive boxes. I power it with phantom power which I find convenient and a money saver on batteries. All in all, I'm very happy with it and it is a good value for the money. It's a keeper.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ p-Bass must have going to board
*by L***Y on May 7, 2026*

works great' just what i needed for my passive P-bass at church

## Frequently Bought Together

- Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box
- Pyle Premium Direct Injection Audio Box - 2.36" x 4.09" Passive DI Unit Hum Eliminator w/ Input Attenuator to Connect Guitar & Bass, 1/4'' Impedance Transformer Connector to Balanced & Unbalanced XLR
- Samson S-Max MD1 Passive Mono Direct DI Box,18Hz40kHz, 0dB/-15dB

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*Product available on Desertcart Austria*
*Store origin: AT*
*Last updated: 2026-07-09*