Samson MD1 Direct Box Quick Start Manual

Quick Start Guide

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Copyright 2015, Samson Technologies Corp.
v1
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: [phone]
www.samsontech.com

Introduction

A direct insertion box, or DI box, converts unbalanced high impedance signals
to balanced low impedance signals. This provides the facility to run long
cables without deterioration of the signal, as well as connecting audio signals
to a mixer’s microphoneinput.

Samson’s S-Max Direct Boxes combines premium sound circuitry with durable,
roadworthy construction to provide high-quality signal connection solutions
for live and studio applications. The Samson MD1Professional Mono Passive
Direct Box offers a variety of DI solutions for live sound and recording appli­cations. You can connect all kinds of audio signals like those from keyboards,
drum machines, mixers, guitars, outboard signal processors and even from the
powered speaker output from an amplifier.

Samson’s STL transformer delivers an extended, flat frequency response,
ultra-low distortion, and eliminates hum and RF interference. The MD1 bal­anced output provide a clean signal, that is less susceptible to noise when
compared to an unbalanced cable, which allows for running longer lengths of
cables.Another benefit from a balanced connection is CMR (Common Mode
Rejection), which provides cancellation of interference (hums and buzzes),
while leaving the original signal pure.

The THRU jack enables you to tap off the signal from the input and pass the
signal to an amplifier or monitor without affecting the original sound.This can
eliminate the need for miking the guitar amplifier, which in many cases is
preferable, especially as more bands are using in-ear monitors.

With proper care and maintenance, your MD1 will operate trouble-free for many
years. Should your direct box ever require servicing, a Return Authorization (RA)
number must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this
number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON
(1-800-372-6766) for an RA number prior to shipping your unit. If your direct
box was purchased outside of the United States, contact your local distributor
for warranty details and service information.

Callouts

1 2

1. INPUT – 1/4” hi-Z input jack for connecting for instruments or line level

signals.

2. THRU – 1/4” output for passing the input signal through to a stage ampli-

fier or monitor system.

3. GROUND LIFT – When the switch is engaged, the input ground (shield) is

disconnected.

4. BALANCED OUTPUT – Male XLR low-Z connector.

3 4

Setup

The MD1 can be quite useful on stage or in the studio for connecting unbal­anced audio sources or instruments with pickups. By utilizing the MD1, the
signal can be sent cleanly for long distances while benefiting from the low
noise and common mode rejection provided by the balanced low-level output.
The diagram following shows a typical hook-up for an acoustic guitar connect­ed to an acoustic guitar amplifier and a PA system.

00-09 HALL

• Set the volume controls of your audio system to the off position.

• Connect your instrument or other audio source to the MD1 INPUT jack.

• Connect the THRU output to a monitor speaker or sub-mixer.

• Connect the BALANCED OUTPUT to the microphone input of a mixer or

other audio device.

• Raise the level of the audio system to the appropriate level.

• If you hear a hum or buzz set the GROUND LIFT switch to the LIFT

position.

Specifications

Type Mono Passive Direct Box

Frequency Response 18Hz to 40kHz ±0.1dB

Maximum Input +20dBu 0.35% THD

Dynamic Range >100dB @ Balanced Output

Noise Floor -117dB

Total harmonic distortion <0.03% from 20Hz to 40kHz

Input impedance 400kΩ

Output Impedance 250Ω ±20%

Transformer Samson STL

Transformer Ratio 15:1

Ground Lift Disconnects XLR pin-1 (Output)

Connectors 1/4” Phone Jack, unbalanced (In & Thru)

Construction 14 gauge steel chassis

Dimensions 5” x “ 3.38” x 1.95”

Weight 1.49lb

XLR, balanced (Output)

127mm x 86mm x 49.6mm

680g

Block Diagram

TransformerPad

Balanced

Output

Ground Lift

Samson Technologies Corp.

45 Gilpin Avenue

Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816

Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)

Fax: [phone]

www.samsontech.com