PreSonus AudioBox 96 Review

The PreSonus AudioBox 96 is a 2×4 USB-C audio interface aimed at home studio musicians, podcasters, and content creators looking for an affordable way to record and produce music and audio. With 96 kHz sampling rate, Crystal Preamps, and intuitive Studio One Artist software included, the AudioBox 96 provides professional quality recording and production capabilities in a compact and easy-to-use package.

In this detailed review, we will take an in-depth look at the features, sound quality, pros and cons, and overall value offered by the PreSonus AudioBox 96 audio interface.

Key Features

• 2 combo XLR/TRS mic/line/instrument inputs
• 2 balanced TRS line outputs
• 4 balanced TRS line inputs
• 96 kHz sampling rate
• 24-bit resolution
• USB-C connectivity
• Loopback recording
• +48V phantom power
• Dynamic articulation next-generation Crystal Preamps
• Studio One Artist Recording Software included

Inputs and Outputs

The PreSonus AudioBox 96 provides 2 combo XLR/TRS microphone/line/instrument inputs on the front panel, making it easy to connect microphones, keyboards, guitars, and more. Each input has +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.

Around back, there are 4 balanced TRS line inputs as well as 2 balanced TRS line outputs. Having dedicated line inputs and outputs allows you to connect outboard gear like hardware synthesizers, external preamps, and compressors.

With a simple stereo in/out configuration, the AudioBox 96 provides plenty of I/O for small home studios, podcasters, streamers, and mobile recording setups. It covers the basics well.

2,817 Reviews

PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist DAW Recording Software

• Value-packed 2-channel USB 2.0 interface for personal and portable recording.
• 2 high-quality Class-A mic preamps make it easy to get a great sound.
• 2 high-headroom instrument inputs to record guitar, bass, and your favorite line-level devices, plus MIDI I/O.
• Studio-grade converters allow for up to 24-bit/96 kHz recording and playback.
• Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software including Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic Plug-In suite.

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Crystal Preamps and 96 kHz Sampling

Under the hood, the AudioBox 96 is equipped with PreSonus’s Crystal preamp technology. The dynamic articulation design provides ultra-low noise and high headroom, resulting in a transparent, pristine recording signal.

Combined with up to 96 kHz sampling rate and 24-bit resolution, the AudioBox 96 captures your audio sources with impressive quality and bandwidth for its price range. The high sampling rate allows you to record with clarity and dynamics.

Loopback Recording

A handy feature of the AudioBox 96 is loopback recording, which allows you to record the audio streaming through your computer internally. This makes it easy to record podcasts, gameplay streams, and other audio originating on the computer.

The AudioBox 96 shows up as both a microphone input and audio output in your system settings, enabling bidirectional loopback recording with essentially zero latency. This makes editing, monitoring, and syncing loops a breeze.

Studio One Artist Software

Bundled with every AudioBox 96 is a copy of PreSonus’s Studio One Artist recording software. Studio One Artist provides a simple yet powerful DAW for capturing and producing multitrack recordings.

With drag-and-drop workflow, unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, and a selection of virtual instruments, effects, and amp/cabinet simulators, Studio One Artist has everything you need for basic home studio production tasks. It’s a versatile software companion for the AudioBox 96 interface.

Sound Quality

Given its affordable price point, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 delivers impressively clean, accurate audio quality. The Crystal preamps provide pristine gain with wide dynamic range to capture the nuances and texture of any audio source.

Recordings are rendered with clarity, presence, and impressive depth. There is very low self-noise and crosstalk, even when pushing the gain levels. The 96 kHz/24-bit resolution provides extra recording bandwidth for airy overheads, detailed vocals, and lush instrument tones.

Overall, the conversion quality is very good for this class of audio interface. The sound is transparent and neutral, allowing your audio sources to retain their natural character, rather than coloring the sound.

Ease of Use

Setting up the AudioBox 96 is quick and easy. Simply install the drivers, connect to your computer via USB-C, plug in mics, instruments, and other gear, and it’s ready to record. Controls are intuitive and clearly labeled.

The built-in loopback functionality integrates seamlessly with your system settings for fuss-free computer audio capture. Phantom power, input levels, and output levels can all be controlled right from the front panel.

Navigating Studio One Artist is straightforward as well, thanks to the drag-and-drop workflow and included tutorials. PreSonus’s interface is beginner-friendly while still providing tools for more advanced producers and composers.

Overall, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 interface and included software are designed for simplicity and ease of use. Everything works smoothly right out of the box.

Pros

• Excellent value for the price
• Crystal preamps provide pristine audio quality
• 96 kHz/24-bit resolution captures wide frequency range
• Simple USB-C connectivity
• Built-in loopback recording
• Easy to use controls and software
• Solid construction and durability

Cons

• Only 2 XLR mic inputs (no ADAT expandability)
• No dedicated headphone output
• Studio One Artist has limited features compared to Pro version
• No +4dBu settings for connecting professional gear

Who Is the AudioBox 96 For?

The PreSonus AudioBox 96 hits a sweet spot of quality, features, and affordability for home studio musicians, podcasters, and content creators. With two XLR inputs, it has just enough I/O for basic tracking and recording needs.

Musicians can connect mics and instruments to lay down song ideas or demos. The high-quality preamps will capture sound sources cleanly. With overdubbing and MIDI instruments in Studio One Artist, simple compositions can be assembled into full productions.

For podcasters, the AudioBox 96 provides pro-level audio capture through the Crystal preamps. Loopback recording enables fuss-free interview recordings, podcast audio, and computer audio capture. The neutral sound quality is ideal for speech applications.

Overall, the AudioBox 96 is a versatile prosumer-level interface for small home studios. It’s a significant step up from basic consumer audio interfaces in sound quality and features, while keeping the price low.

Conclusion

With its great sound, intuitive design, andincluded recording software, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 is an excellent value audio interface for home studio musicians, podcasters, streamers, and content creators who want greater quality and capabilities than basic consumer models provide.

The Crystal preamps and 96 kHz resolution capture your performances with clarity and precision. Easy connectivity, built-in loopback functionality, and the bundled Studio One Artist software DAW make recording and producing your music simple and straightforward.

There are interfaces with more I/O and advanced features, but they come at a significantly higher price. For just over $100, the AudioBox 96 punches well above its weight.

Overall, if you are looking for an affordable home studio interface with professional quality sound, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 deserves strong consideration. It provides an accessible gateway into computer-based digital recording and production.

FAQs

Does the AudioBox 96 work with iOS or Android devices?

No, the AudioBox 96 is a USB-C class compliant audio interface designed to work with Windows and Mac computers. It does not have connectivity options for mobile devices.

What comes in the box?

The AudioBox 96 package includes the interface unit, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and Studio One Artist recording software download. A USB-C to USB-A cable can be purchased separately if your computer does not have USB-C ports.

What is the latency?

At 96 kHz sample rate, the roundtrip latency is approximately 3.5 ms, which is impressively low. Even at 48 kHz, latency is very manageable at less than 5 ms.

Can I use the AudioBox 96 for live streaming?

Yes, the AudioBox 96 works well for streaming thanks to the zero-latency direct monitoring capability and loopback function for capturing audio internally from your computer. Just be sure to select it as your mic/output device in your streaming software.

Does the AudioBox 96 work with the Studio One Professional DAW?

Yes, while the AudioBox 96 comes bundled with Studio One Artist, it is also fully compatible with the paid Studio One Professional version for more advanced editing, virtual instruments, and effects. An upgrade path is available.

Conclusion

In summary, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 offers an excellent balance of professional-grade audio quality, flexible connectivity, and ease of use at an affordable price point. For home studio musicians and content creators looking to take a step up from basic consumer gear, it’s a compact, high-value interface that delivers great results.

2,817 Reviews

PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist DAW Recording Software

• Value-packed 2-channel USB 2.0 interface for personal and portable recording.
• 2 high-quality Class-A mic preamps make it easy to get a great sound.
• 2 high-headroom instrument inputs to record guitar, bass, and your favorite line-level devices, plus MIDI I/O.
• Studio-grade converters allow for up to 24-bit/96 kHz recording and playback.
• Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software including Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic Plug-In suite.

Check Price on Amazon