Presonus Audiobox USB 96 Review

Are you in search of an audio interface that provides premium sound quality at an affordable price? Look no further than the Presonus AudioBox USB 96.

This audio interface is the perfect choice for all levels of music producers, recording artists, and content creators. With its two combo XLR/TRS inputs, Class-A mic preamps with 48V phantom power, and a USB-C port, the AudioBox USB 96 offers great sound in a compact and portable design.

Plus, it comes with PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW and the Studio Magic plugin suite.

Don’t take our word for it, check out this review to learn more about the features and performance of Presonus AudioBox USB 96!

Key Takeaways

  • The AudioBox USB 96 features two combo XLR/TRS inputs with gain control dials and Class-A mic preamps with 48V phantom power.
  • It has a compact size and sturdy metal shell, making it ideal for small setups and ensuring secure inputs and outputs.
  • The audio quality is decent, with a 24-bit A/D resolution at 96 kHz playback, but there is a slight drop-off in frequency response at both ends.
  • The AudioBox USB 96 comes with PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW and Studio Magic plugin suite, making it a user-friendly option for beginners.

Features and Performance

You’ll get plenty of features with the Presonus Audiobox USB 96, including:

  • Two combo XLR/TRS inputs with gain control dials and Class-A mic preamps with 48V phantom power.
  • LED lights to indicate clipping levels.
  • A mixer knob for direct monitoring.
  • USB-C port.
  • MIDI I/O.
  • Balanced TRS outputs.
  • A headphone output on the rear panel.

The gain range is 105 dB and the A/D resolution is 24-bit at 96 kHz playback.

The microphone preamps are transparent and suitable for most purposes, and the overall compact size makes it ideal for small setups.

The gain control and clipping indicators, MIDI I/O, and balanced TRS outputs make it a great choice for beginner recording artists.

Audio Quality and Recording

The recording quality with the Presonus Audiobox USB 96 is decent, making it suitable for young recording artists. With a resolution of 24-bit at 96 kHz playback and a slight drop-off in frequency response at both ends (20 Hz – 20 kHz), the transparent preamps are suitable for most recording techniques.

When making a microphone selection, you’ll benefit from the 105 dB gain range and the Class-A mic preamps with 48V phantom power. You’ll also have the advantage of LED lights that indicate clipping levels, as well as a mixer knob for direct monitoring.

All in all, the Audiobox USB 96 has great features for its price.

Ease of Use and Portability

How else can you benefit from the Audiobox USB 96’s ease of use and portability?

The convenient headphone output placement on the rear panel eliminates the need to search for a headphone jack, making it easy to monitor your sound.

It’s also lightweight and travel friendly, thanks to its small size and secure inputs and outputs.

Additionally, the USB-C port is bus-powered, meaning no external power is required. This makes it easy to move around and set up quickly.

The sturdy metal shell and solid knobs provide an extra layer of protection.

All of these features make the Audiobox USB 96 a great choice for those looking for a convenient and portable audio interface.

Software Bundle

With the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96, you’ll get a comprehensive software bundle to help you get recording right away. The DAW options included are PreSonus Studio One Artist, a user-friendly, suitable for beginners, and compatible with various audio interfaces.

The Studio Magic plugin suite is also included with this package, giving you access to a range of virtual instruments, effects, and samples. This suite provides a good starting point for recording artists and producers to work with and helps bridge the gap between the studio and home recording.

Additionally, the plugin suite is compatible with VST, AU, AAX, and ReWire plug-in formats, allowing you to use your favorite plug-ins.

The PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is a great option for those looking for an affordable, yet comprehensive software bundle.

Compatibility

Furthermore, the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is compatible with a range of audio interfaces, including Focusrite, Audient, Universal Audio, and more. It works with both PC and Mac operating systems, making it ideal for users who prefer either platform.

The interface is also compatible with different DAWs, such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, and FL Studio, giving users the flexibility to work with whatever software they prefer.

Moreover, it’s equipped with a USB-C port, making it compatible with most modern laptops and devices. The USB-C port also ensures a secure connection, so users can be sure their audio is being recorded faithfully.

The PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 makes recording easy and reliable with its wide range of compatibility options.

Comparison

Building on its compatibility with a range of audio interfaces, the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is one of the best audio interfaces under $100. It is a great alternative to other options such as the AudioBox iOne, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Focusrite Scarlett Solo, and Behringer UMC202HD.

When making a price comparison, customers rave about the Audiobox’s value for money, offering great sound quality and features for a budget-friendly price. It has a gain range of 105 dB, class-A mic preamps, and A/D resolution of 24-bit at 96 kHz playback.

Reviews have praised its compact size and portability, as well as its LED lights indicating clipping levels and mixer knob for direct monitoring. The Audiobox USB 96 is a great choice for young recording artists and anyone who wants an affordable audio interface.

Summary

In summary, the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable audio interface with great sound quality and features.

It boasts two combo XLR/TRS inputs, Class-A mic preamps with 48V phantom power, LED clipping indicators, and a mixer knob for direct monitoring.

It also offers USB-C port, MIDI I/O, balanced TRS outputs, and headphone output.

With a gain range of 105 dB, 24-bit at 96 kHz playback, and transparent preamps, this audio interface is suitable for most recording purposes.

Plus, its compact size and bus-powered feature make it highly portable.

Pros and cons aside, the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is best suited for young recording artists and small-scale recording projects.

Conclusion

The Presonus AudioBox USB 96 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable audio interface that offers great sound quality.

It features two combo XLR/TRS inputs, Class-A mic preamps with 48V phantom power, and a USB-C port.

Plus, it comes with PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW and the Studio Magic plugin suite for a complete recording solution.

It’s easy to use, portable, and compatible with most devices.

All in all, the AudioBox USB 96 is an excellent choice for any musician or content creator.

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