PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface Review (November 2024)

$99.99

Last updated on November 18, 2024 12:46 am Details

Description

In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface, including an overview of its unique features.

Product Description

Whether you are a musician, producer, or podcaster on a tight budget, the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is for you! This simple, handy little audio/MIDI interface has just the right features for basic recording needs, allowing you to plug in and start recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz audio right away. Bus-powered and built to travel, the AudioBox USB 96 makes recording easy.

The AudioBox USB 96 audio interface’s two front-panel combo mic/instrument inputs make it ideal for singer/songwriters, podcasters, and guitar or guitar-bass collaborations. Simply connect a couple of mics and you have an easy-to-use stereo recording system. A mix control lets you control the level between the input signal and computer playback, without hearing annoying delays. You also get a pair of balanced line-level outputs, an ultra-loud, crystal-clear headphone out, plus MIDI I/O, so you can connect your favorite synth or MIDI controller. The result is a simple, affordable, mobile recording solution.

Here is a mobile audio interface in the best sense of the term. We gave the AudioBox USB 96 a heavy-duty steel chassis so it can take a serious pounding and remain completely reliable. Its screaming-loud headphone output ensures you can hear your music loud and clear, even in noisy locations. And it’s USB 2.0 bus-powered, so you can record with it anywhere you can use a laptop. Simply drop it in your laptop bag or slap it on a tabletop.

Whether you’re just getting into recording or are a veteran producer who wants to go mobile, the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface will give you great sound in a bus-powered, rugged chassis that’s ready to hit the road when you are. The perfect companion for any recording software, the AudioBox USB 96 comes equipped with Studio One Artist to provide you with a complete recording solution right out of the box. Check out the AudioBox USB 96 and Studio One at your favorite PreSonus dealer.

The AudioBox USB96 has been responsible for the great sound on countless albums, podcasts, live streams, and Zoom calls. Here at PreSonus, we wanted to honor that with a special 25th Anniversary Edition featuring a sleek, black enclosure. Now you can choose your color: classic PreSonus blue or 25th Anniversary matte black.

Product Features

  • 2 dual-purpose front-panel input channels, each with high-quality mic preamplifiers
  • 2 combo mic/instrument inputs
  • Individual channel-trim controls with 0 to +35 dBu mic gain range
  • 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Mixer control (blends the input signal with the computer playback stream for zero-latency monitoring)
  • Headphone jack with level control
  • Main-output level control
  • LED clip indicator for each channel

Input/Output

  • 1 USB 2.0 port
  • 2 combo XLR/¼-inch mic/instrument inputs
  • 2 balanced ¼-inch main (L/R) line outputs
  • 1 stereo ¼-inch headphone output
  • MIDI In/Out

Digitalia

  • 24-bit resolution and 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sampling rate
  • Professional-grade A/D/A converters (+105 dBu dynamic range)
  • Zero-latency monitoring via internal mixer
  • Compatible with most Mac® and Windows® recording software

Included Software

  • Studio One Artist
  • Studio Magic Software Suite
  • Ableton Live Lite

Physical

  • 1/3U rack-mountable (with optional 3UMR rack-mounting system)
  • Road-rugged construction with all-metal chassis and metal knobs
  • Weighs just 5 lbs (2.3 kg)
  • Powered via USB bus—no wall wart!

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High quality build
  • Affordably priced
  • Exceptionally reputable
  • Positive customer ratings
  • Worth the investment
  • Terrific audio quality
  • Durable chassis
  • 6GB of extra content
  • The full version of Studio One
  • Low latency headphone monitoring
  • Smaller footprint than many competitors
  • Own level dials with clipping indicators
  • 2 combination inputs with Class-A mic preamps
  • 24-bit/96kHz resolution for professional recording

Cons

  • Large in size
  • You’ll have to spend a bit more to buy the Microphone and Headphone version

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface Demo

Our Verdict

The market for plug-and-play AI is extremely competitive these days. You don’t need a lot of money to start generating now that the capabilities have been streamlined and bus-powered. The PreSonus Audiobox 96 has a few features that make it stand out.

Though much of the hardware and circuitry is comparable to that of similarly priced machines, the Audiobox is slightly smaller and has a significantly more sturdy casing. It also provides outstanding value in terms of DAW software and a plug-in suite.

Where to Buy

The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software

$99.99
Amazon.com
as of November 21, 2024 7:06 am

Pricing History

Price History for PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW...

Statistics

Current Price $99.99 November 21, 2024
Highest Price $99.99 September 26, 2023
Lowest Price $99.99 September 26, 2023
Since September 26, 2023

Last price changes

$99.99 September 26, 2023

Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In

Best 2 Channel Audio Interfaces (2022)

Best Audio Interfaces Under $100

Additional information

Item Weight

2.01 pounds

Product Dimensions

1.75 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches

Item model number

AUDIOBOX USB 96

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer

No

Date First Available

April 26, 2017

Color Name

Blue

Hardware Interface

USB 2.0

Speaker Size

2

Size

PC/Mac – 2 Mic Pres

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