Staying true to the design of their immensely popular MSS-10, Martech started with the same custom transformer for their MSS-01 Direct Box to provide a sonically superior passive path that accommodates both balanced and unbalanced sources. From there, the designers at Martech added an active input to lighten the load when required for use with vintage guitars and basses.

A transformer is often used in a passive direct box to match the high impedance output of an instrument to the low impedance input of a mic preamp. By lowering the impedance of the signal, that signal is less susceptible to interference and can drive longer distances without the high frequency signal loss associated with the capacitance of the cable.

The Martech MT-1005 input transformer has a 10:1 ratio, dividing the output impedance of the instrument by 100 while multiplying the mic preamp input impedance by 100. Mic preamps have input impedance that ranges from 1.5kW to 10kW, which when reflected across the transformer will range from 150kW to 10kW. Some vintage instrument pickups can sound dull and lifeless when driving less than 500kW rendering the MT-1005 unsuitable for these instruments. Adding a FET to the front end would fix the input impedance at high value, but at what cost to the transparent sound of the transformer?

The MSS-01 combines the best of both worlds in the ultimate passive direct box by adding an active path meant addressing issues such as power supply and headroom. The design decisions made by Martech are what puts the MSS-01 apart from the pack. Adding large power reserve capacitors for maximum headroom and optimized supply rails provide 40 volts peak to peak for clean operation. This kind of circuit is found in many high-end German condenser microphones rather than in a standard FET direct box.

Adding a little Martech design magic to minimize the characteristic ‘tzzzz’ of a FET, Martech went over the top to create a direct box that inspired Al Schmitt to comment “Fantastic!! Warm, but uncolored” and Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver) to comment "Fantastic piece of gear! Present, and in your face."

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