Samson S-Max MD2 Pro - Passive stereo DI box with STLX transformers, mono summing and ground lift

Samson S-Max MD2 Pro - Passive stereo DI box with STLX transformers, mono summing and ground lift

The Samson S-Max MD2 Pro is a passive stereo DI box that combines two high-end DIs in a single 14-gauge steel chassis. Designed to maintain maximum signal integrity in the studio and on stage, it employs two shielded STLX (mu-metal/Faraday) transformers for flat 18 Hz–40 kHz response , ultra-low distortion , and high immunity to hum and RF interference. Each channel features a 3-position pad (0/-10/-20 dB) , Ground Lift switch , and a stereo/mono (sum) toggle , plus parallel IN/THRU 1/4" jack inputs and outputs , and balanced XLR outputs for long runs without noise. Being passive , the MD2 Pro requires no phantom power or batteries .

It's ideal for keyboards , electronic drums , acoustic-electric guitars , record players, and all instrument- and line-level sources; the pad also accepts speaker levels when needed. Note: This model uses only 6.35mm jack connectors for inputs; if you require built-in RCA or 3.5mm mini-jack connectors , the model in the family is the MCD2 Pro .

Main features

• Passive stereo DI with 2 shielded STLX transformers (mu-metal/Faraday) for maximum signal purity.
• 3-position pad per channel : 0/−10/−20 dB (instrument handling, line and speaker output).
• Independent Ground Lift per channel to break ground loops.
• Stereo/Mono Switch (SUM) : Sums L/R and sends the same mono to both XLR outputs.
• Connectivity : 2× IN 6.35 mm (unbalanced) with THRU in parallel + 2× balanced XLR .
• Response : 18 Hz–40 kHz ±0.1 dB, THD <0.03 % (20 Hz–40 kHz), dynamic range >100 dB .
• Impact-resistant, 14-gauge steel chassis for heavy-duty touring use.
• No power : no phantom power or batteries required.

Product benefits

• Clean and stable audio : Converts unbalanced signals to low-impedance balanced signals , perfect for long cables without loss or noise.
• True versatility : from instrument to speaker , the pad prevents clipping and adapts the DI to multiple signal levels.
• Noise Control : STLX + Ground Lift transformers reduce hum and ground loops typical in stages and installations.
• Flexible Routing : THRU allows you to send the original signal to amps/monitors while sending balanced XLR to the mixer.
• Touring reliability : robust metal construction and protected connectors.

Use cases

• Direct : stereo keyboards, electronic drums, pedal boards or players to PA/monitors.
• Studio and broadcast : clean conversion to balanced with summing to mono when the channel is single.
• Facilities : auditoriums, churches and educational centers with long runs and multiple users.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it have RCA or 3.5mm mini jack inputs? No. The MD2 Pro uses a 6.35mm jack for IN/THRU. For RCA/3.5mm, the MCD2 Pro is the appropriate model.
• Can I use it with speaker outputs? Yes. Use the −10/−20 dB pad depending on the level to avoid clipping.
• Does it need phantom power or batteries? No. It's passive .
• What does Mono (SUM) mode do? It sums L/R and sends the same mono signal to both XLRs, useful when the available PA or channel is mono.

Description for projects

Passive stereo DI box with 2 × shielded STLX transformers ; 2 × 6.35 mm jack inputs (unbalanced IN) with parallel THRU ; 2 × balanced XLR outputs ; switches per channel: Pad 0/−10/−20 dB , Ground Lift , Stereo/Mono (sum) . Response 18 Hz–40 kHz ±0.1 dB; max. input +20 dBu (0.35 % THD); THD <0.03 % (20 Hz–40 kHz); dynamic range >100 dB; input impedances 400 kΩ (Stereo mode) / >10 kΩ (Mono mode), output 250 Ω ±20 %; transformation ratio 15:1. Construction: 14-gauge steel; dimensions 155 × 100 × 49 mm; weight ≈0.95 kg. No power required.