Presonus Audiobox Ione Review

Are you looking for a reliable audio interface for recording music? Look no further than the PreSonus AudioBox iOne.

With its impressive 24-bit/96 kHz A/D resolution and 105 dB dynamic range, this device offers professional-grade sound quality at an affordable price.

Plus, it offers plenty of inputs and outputs, a Class-A preamp, and a great software bundle.

So, if you’re looking for a quality audio interface that won’t break the bank, the PreSonus AudioBox iOne is definitely worth a look.

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable price
  • Decent build quality
  • Decent sound quality
  • Great software bundle

I/O and Controls

You’ll find an XLR input, 1/4-inch TRS instrument input, and 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel of the AudioBox iOne. Gain controls with LED lights are also included, making it easy to adjust the levels.

Unfortunately, there’s no switch for instrument input to line level. But, a button for direct monitoring on the front panel allows for easy access.

On the rear panel, you’ll find two USB ports, a Kensington security slot, and balanced TRS outputs.

Recording Quality

It also has a great recording quality, with an A/D resolution of 24-bit/96 kHz and a dynamic range of 105 dB. You get transparency and a fairly flat frequency response with a 3 dB drop-off at 20 Hz. These specs are standard for professional recording and are common for budget-priced interfaces.

The AudioBox iOne has clean preamps that are comparable to other options in its price range, so you can trust that your recordings will sound true to the source. With such great specs, it’s no wonder the AudioBox iOne is a great choice for beginners and bedroom recording artists on a budget.

Preamps

The AudioBox iOne is a budget-priced interface that offers several features. It has an XLR input with a PreSonus Class-A preamp, which provides transparent and comparable performance to other interfaces in the same price range. The frequency response of the iOne is fairly flat, with a 3 dB drop-off around 20 Hz. Its dynamic range of 105 dB makes it suitable for professional recording, and its A/D resolution of 24-bit/96 kHz is standard for budget-priced interfaces. Overall, the iOne is a great option for beginners and those on a budget. However, if you’re looking for a better preamp comparison in a similar price range, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and AudioBox USB 96 are worth considering.

Mobile Recording

Continuing with its features, the AudioBox iOne is bus-powered, meaning no external power source is required, making it ideal for recording on the go.

Its small size and durable aluminum casing make it easy to transport and withstand drops to the floor.

Plus, its wireless recording capabilities allow for easy transfer of audio sessions from its Capture Duo iPad app to the included PreSonus Studio One Artist software.

This combination of portability advantages and wireless recording capabilities make the AudioBox iOne a great choice for recording artists looking to capture ideas quickly and easily wherever they are.

Build Quality

Moving on, the AudioBox iOne features a durable aluminum casing and knobs that are slightly wiggly, though buttons feel a bit hollow. Its construction quality is quite good, considering its price range.

The interface can easily withstand drops to the floor, and its casing is slightly thicker than other budget-priced interfaces. However, the knobs aren’t as tight as higher-priced models, and some users may find the buttons to be a bit too light.

But overall, the AudioBox iOne is a great choice for those looking for an interface with good durability and construction quality.

Software Bundle

Furthermore, the AudioBox iOne comes with an impressive software bundle. Included are PreSonus Studio One Artist, a plugin suite with vintage effects and instruments, and the Capture Duo iPad app for wireless transfer of sessions.

The plugins are available in VST, AAX, and AU formats, ensuring compatibility with different platforms. Studio One Artist is a great DAW for both Windows and Mac, and the Capture Duo app allows for easy and efficient session transfers.

The included plugins provide a wide range of sounds and effects for your compositions. All in all, the AudioBox iOne provides a great software bundle for its price range.

Comparison

Generally speaking, the AudioBox iOne is a good buy when on sale for $70-80, but there are better performing options available for a similar price. For instance, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo offers a better A/D resolution, preamps, and software bundle. Similarly, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best interfaces in the market, with improved preamps and a greater dynamic range. The M-Audio AIR 192|4 also has better A/D resolution and a more stylish look. For those on a budget, the AudioBox USB 96 is a better option than the iOne. All of these products offer a great value for the money spent. Ultimately, it comes down to performance and price comparison when deciding between the various audio interfaces.

Conclusion

The PreSonus AudioBox iOne offers amazing value for money. With its range of inputs and outputs, great recording quality, class-A preamps, and included software suite, it’s a great choice for professional recording, bedroom recording artists, and those on a budget.

It won’t break the bank and it won’t let you down. So, if you’re looking for an audio interface that won’t compromise on quality, the PreSonus AudioBox iOne is the one for you.

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