---
product_id: 37053944
title: "MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box"
brand: "samson"
price: "R1903"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Samson"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/37053944-mda1-mono-active-direct-box
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Dual power: 48V Phantom & 9V Battery 2-position 0dB/-15dB attenuation switch All-metal impact resistant design MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box

**Brand:** samson
**Price:** R1903
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎤 Samson MDA1: The pro’s secret weapon for pristine, punchy direct injection.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box by samson
- **How much does it cost?** R1903 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/37053944-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

- • **Power Your Way 🔋:** Flexible power options with 48V phantom or 9V battery keep you ready on any stage or studio setup.
- • **Built Like a Tank 🛡️:** Rugged all-metal chassis ensures roadworthy durability for every gig and studio session.
- • **Hum-Free Ground Lift 🔌:** Ground lift switch eliminates unwanted hum, delivering crystal-clear audio every time.
- • **Pro-Grade Connectivity 🎸:** Balanced XLR output plus 1/4" input and thru for seamless integration with your rig.
- • **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

Samson's MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box combines premium sound circuitry with durable, roadworthy construction, providing high-quality signal connection solutions for live sound and recording studio applications. The MDA1 operates on either batteries or phantom power and allows clean, balanced lines to be sent from your guitars and basses.

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: Performed perfectly - Performed perfectly

## 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 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #8,048 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #14 in Recording Signal Direct Boxes |
| Brand | SAMSON |
| Color | Blue |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 442 Reviews |
| Enclosure Material | Stainless Steel |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00809164018063 |
| Item Type Name | Signal Direct Box |
| Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Samson |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Mfr Part Number | SAMDA1 |
| Model Name | MDA1 |
| Model Number | SAMDA1 |
| Output Channel Quantity | 2 |
| UPC | 809164018063 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 2 years. |

## Images

![MDA1 Mono Active Direct Box - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sK8haEbyL.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!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Performed perfectly
*by B***G on February 21, 2026*

Performed perfectly

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best direct injection box I have owned so far.
*by C***Y on August 18, 2023*

Easy to use. Has all the important features. I like the attenuation pad switch and the on/off button for the active circuit powered by an onboard 9v battery. It still outputs thru the unit to my guitar amp when the active XLR output to the PA is switched off with the button. The sound quality is great and the unit is mostly quiet and free of PA 'pops', if you pay attention and don't start yanking on things while the PA is hot. Connections along the chain to the power amp of the PA are sensitive. Disconnecting a reverb pedal from a hot PA input line might cause a booming sound like kicking an old Fender amp with an inboard reverb tank while turned up. A loud and expensive sounding sound erupts! You have to be careful. I can see people taping the cable connections. You have to pay attention before unplugging your guitar. Turn off the PA. Switch off the active direct box. Avoid more than a couple connected effects pedals because those patch cable connection are susceptible to easily triggering popping in the PA. Very loud mini shorts actually. Happens when tiny sparks jump around at the sites of cable connections. You can't actually see these sparks. They occur in the electrical circuit at the jack site interfaces.

## 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 South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-04-01*