--- product_id: 37053944 title: "Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box" brand: "samson" price: "NZ$153" currency: NZD in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "Samson" url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/37053944-samson-mda1-mono-active-direct-box store_origin: NZ region: New Zealand --- # Dual power: 48V Phantom & 9V Battery 2-position 0dB/-15dB attenuation switch All-metal impact resistant design Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box **Brand:** samson **Price:** NZ$153 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🎀 Samson MDA1: The pro’s secret weapon for pristine, punchy direct injection. ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box by samson - **How much does it cost?** NZ$153 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/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 - β€’ **Power Your Way πŸ”‹:** Flexible power options with 48V phantom or 9V battery keep you ready on any stage or studio setup. - β€’ **Built Like a Tank πŸ›‘οΈ:** Rugged all-metal chassis ensures roadworthy durability for every gig and studio session. - β€’ **Hum-Free Ground Lift πŸ”Œ:** Ground lift switch eliminates unwanted hum, delivering crystal-clear audio every time. - β€’ **Pro-Grade Connectivity 🎸:** Balanced XLR output plus 1/4" input and thru for seamless integration with your rig. - β€’ **Precision Signal Control 🎚️:** Switch between 0dB and -15dB attenuation for flawless level matching and zero distortion. ## Overview The Samson MDA1 is a professional-grade mono active direct box featuring a rugged all-metal design, 2-position attenuation switch, and a ground lift to eliminate hum. It offers versatile power options with 48V phantom power or 9V battery, balanced XLR output, and 1/4" input and thru connections. Praised for its clean, uncolored sound and roadworthy build, it delivers studio-quality signal integrity at a fraction of the price 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: Less noise than the audio interface guitar input selector - Works great. This actually has less noise than the audio interface guitar selector. So I now use this for line in on the audio interface vs selecting guitar on the input selector. Much better! ## 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 | #5,942 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 447 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 | | 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) ![Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81JleTBhMrL.jpg) ![Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rn6ElhcfL.jpg) ![Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sK8haEbyL.jpg) ![Samson MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/818JYPk8yrL.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! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Less noise than the audio interface guitar input selector *by T***B on September 15, 2025* Works great. This actually has less noise than the audio interface guitar selector. So I now use this for line in on the audio interface vs selecting guitar on the input selector. Much better! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ solid product *by G***. on October 10, 2025* solid product for the price ## 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 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nz/products/37053944-samson-mda1-mono-active-direct-box](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/37053944-samson-mda1-mono-active-direct-box) --- *Product available on Desertcart New Zealand* *Store origin: NZ* *Last updated: 2026-05-27*