A sampler for taking samples for direct analysis from a molten metal bath, particularly a molten iron, the sampler comprising: - a carrier tube having an immersion end; and - a sample chamber assembly (7, 7', 7") arranged on the immersion end of the carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly (7, 7', 7") comprising a flat cover cover plate and a housing, wherein the housing comprises: - an immersion end which has a first opening for an inflow conduit and an opposing end having a second opening for a gas coupler, - a first face (23', 23") extending between the immersion end and the opposing end, the first face (23', 23") having a first depression (27', 27") proximate the immersion end and a second depression (29', 29"), the first depression (27', 27") being an analysis zone and the second depression being a ventilation zone, a portion of the analysis zone overlying a distribution zone which is in direct flow communication with the first opening and configured to receive the molten steel from the inflow conduit, - wherein the first depression (27', 27") has a cross sectional circle segment profile along a central longitudinal axis that is concavely shaped or wherein the first depression is defined by an elongated triangularly shaped indentation, - wherein the cover plate and the housing are configured to be assembled together to form a sample cavity (25', 25") including the distribution zone, the analysis zone and the ventilation zone, such that an analysis surface of a solidified steel sample formed within the sample cavity lies in a first plane, and - wherein the first and second openings are spaced apart from the first plane. - a carrier tube having an immersion end; and - a sample chamber assembly (7, 7', 7") arranged on the immersion end of the carrier tube, the sample chamber assembly (7, 7', 7") comprising a flat cover cover plate and a housing, wherein the housing comprises: - an immersion end which has a first opening for an inflow conduit and an opposing end having a second opening for a gas coupler, - a first face (23', 23") extending between the immersion end and the opposing end, the first face (23', 23") having a first depression (27', 27") proximate the immersion end and a second depression (29', 29"), the first depression (27', 27") being an analysis zone and the second depression being a ventilation zone, a portion of the analysis zone overlying a distribution zone which is in direct flow communication with the first opening and configured to receive the molten steel from the inflow conduit, - wherein the first depression (27', 27") has a cross sectional circle segment profile along a central longitudinal axis that is concavely shaped or wherein the first depression is defined by an elongated triangularly shaped indentation, - wherein the cover plate and the housing are configured to be assembled together to form a sample cavity (25', 25") including the distribution zone, the analysis zone and the ventilation zone, such that an analysis surface of a solidified steel sample formed within the sample cavity lies in a first plane, and - wherein the first and second openings are spaced apart from the first plane. - an immersion end which has a first opening for an inflow conduit and an opposing end having a second opening for a gas coupler, - a first face (23', 23") extending between the immersion end and the opposing end, the first face (23', 23") having a first depression (27', 27") proximate the immersion end and a second depression (29', 29"), the first depression (27', 27") being an analysis zone and the second depression being a ventilation zone, a portion of the analysis zone overlying a distribution zone which is in direct flow communication with the first opening and configured to receive the molten steel from the inflow conduit, - wherein the first depression (27', 27") has a cross sectional circle segment profile along a central longitudinal axis that is concavely shaped or wherein the first depression is defined by an elongated triangularly shaped indentation, - wherein the cover plate and the housing are configured to be assembled together to form a sample cavity (25', 25") including the distribution zone, the analysis zone and the ventilation zone, such that an analysis surface of a solidified steel sample formed within the sample cavity lies in a first plane, and - wherein the first and second openings are spaced apart from the first plane.