MD1 - Audio Equipment SAMSON - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Passive Mono Direct Box
Brand	Samson
Model	MD1
Frequency Response	18 Hz to 40 kHz ±0.1 dB
Maximum Input	+20 dB at 0.35% THD
Dynamic Range	> 100 dB @ balanced output
Noise Floor	-117 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 0.03% from 20 Hz to 40 kHz
Input Impedance	400 kΩ
Output Impedance	250 Ω ±20%
Transformer	Samson STL, 15:1 ratio
Ground Lift Function	Disconnects XLR pin 1 (output)
Connectors	6.35 mm unbalanced jack (In & Thru), balanced XLR (output)
Construction	14-gauge steel chassis
Dimensions (L x W x H)	127 mm x 86 mm x 49.6 mm (5" x 3.38" x 1.95")
Weight	680 g (1.49 lb)
Power	Passive, no external power required
Maintenance	Clean with a soft dry cloth
Safety	Use in accordance with instructions; do not expose to moisture
Spare Parts / Repairability	Contact Samson or an authorized distributor for repairs
General Information	Designed for live and studio applications, converts unbalanced signals to balanced

Frequently Asked Questions - MD1 SAMSON

What is a direct box (DI)?

A direct box converts high-impedance unbalanced signals to low-impedance balanced signals, allowing long cable runs without signal loss.

How do I connect my instrument to the MD1?

Plug your instrument into the INPUT jack (6.35 mm). Use the THRU output to send the signal to an amp, and the BALANCED OUTPUT (XLR) to the mixing console.

What does the GROUND LIFT switch do?

The GROUND LIFT switch disconnects the ground (XLR pin 1) to eliminate hum or buzz caused by ground loops.

Does the MD1 need power?

No, the MD1 is a passive box: it requires no external power or batteries.

What types of signals can I connect to the MD1?

You can connect drum machines, keyboards, guitars, signal processors, and any high-impedance audio source.

What is the frequency response of the MD1?

The frequency response is 18 Hz to 40 kHz with a variation of ±0.1 dB, ensuring accurate sound reproduction.

How can I reduce noise when using the MD1?

Use the balanced output (XLR) which offers common mode rejection (CMR), and engage the GROUND LIFT if needed.

What cables should I use with the MD1?

For input: an unbalanced 6.35 mm jack cable. For output: a balanced XLR cable. The THRU output also uses a 6.35 mm jack.

Can the MD1 be used in the studio?

Yes, the MD1 is suitable for both studio and live use thanks to its premium audio circuit and robust construction.

How do I maintain the MD1?

Clean the unit with a soft dry cloth. Avoid moisture and chemicals. For any repairs, contact Samson.

USER MANUAL MD1 SAMSON

MD1 Mono Passive Direct Box

SAMSON MD1 Mono Direct Passive Box

Quick Start Guide

SAMSON®

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.

Private household in the 28 member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).

For Countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for a correct method of disposal. By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

Copyright 2016, Samson Technologies Corp.

v3

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, and outboard signal processors.

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 INPUT THRU

3 GROUND BALANCED OUTPUT UIFT

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 amplifier or monitor system.
3. GROUND LIFT – When the switch is engaged, the input ground (pin-1) is disconnected.
4. BALANCED OUTPUT – Male XLR low-Z connector.

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.

• 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)

XLR, balanced (Output)

Construction 14 gauge steel chassis

Dimensions 5" x " 3.38" x 1.95"

127mm x 86mm x 49.6mm

Weight 1.49lb

680g

Block Diagram

graph LR
    A["Input"] --> B["Transformer"]
    C["Thru"] --> A
    B --> D["Balanced Output"]
    D --> E["Ground Lift"]

1 INPUT 2 THRU

3 GROUND BALANCED OUTPUT UFT

graph LR
    A["Input"] --> B["Transformer"]
    C["Thru"] --> A
    B --> D["Balanced Output"]
    D --> E["Ground Lift"]

1 INPUT 2 THRU

3 GROUND BALANCED OUTPUT UFT

Transformer Samson STL

graph LR
    A["Input"] --> B["Transformer"]
    C["Thru"] --> A
    B --> D["Balanced Output"]
    D --> E["Ground Lift"]

graph LR
    A["Input"] --> B["Transformer"]
    C["Thru"] --> A
    B --> D["Balanced Output"]
    D --> E["Ground Lift"]

1 INGRESSO 2 THRU

3 GROUND UIFT 4 USCITA BILANCIATA

graph LR
    A["Input"] --> B["Transformer"]
    C["Thru"] --> A
    B --> D["Balanced Output"]
    D --> E["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