Best Audio
Interfaces
for Studio
Recording
-
Overall: 9/10
-
Best Feature: 8 Unison mic preamps
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best Audio
Interfaces
for Mobile
Recording
-
Overall: 7/10
-
Best Feature: High-headroom instrument inputs
-
TedScore™: 7/10
Best Overall
Audio Interface
-
Overall: 8/10
-
Best Feature: 2 Dual-Purpose Front-Panel Input Channels,
-
TedScore™: 8/10
When I first encountered the AudioBox PreSonus, I was looking for an affordable yet robust audio interface that would fit seamlessly into my mobile and home recording setups.
Its USB 2.0 connectivity and compact design quickly piqued my interest, as did its promise of high-quality sound and ease of use. The AudioBox GO, in particular, caught my eye with its lightweight design and versatile recording options, perfect for someone on the move.
For musicians, podcasters, and producers who crave portability without compromising on sound, the AudioBox PreSonus might be the game-changer.
If you’re wondering whether this audio interface could be the missing piece in your recording setup, keep reading to find out!
Technical Specifications
Exploring the PreSonus AudioBox interfaces reveals fascinating features designed for modern recording needs. These devices prioritize ease of connectivity, robust audio quality, and versatile recording capabilities.
Recording Capabilities
With the AudioBox USB 96, recording becomes seamless and efficient. I appreciate its support for 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution, which ensures pristine sound quality. This precision allows me to capture all the nuances in my recordings, whether I’m working with vocals or instruments.
The inclusion of two combo mic/instrument inputs supports versatile recording setups. Whether I’m recording vocals with a microphone or plugging in a guitar, the AudioBox handles it beautifully. With phantom power available, I can also use condenser mics, expanding my options for professional-sounding recordings.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
PERFECT FOR: artists with small bedroom setups
FEATURES: Comes with 2 dual-purpose front-panel input channels, each with high-quality mic preamplifiers
OTHER INFO: Individual channel-trim controls with 0 to +35 dBu mic gain range
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
- Has 2 combo mic/instrument inputs
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
- Headphone jack with level control
- LED clip indicator for each channel
- Includes Studio One Artist, Studio Magic, and Ableton Live Lite software
- The preamps are transparent but may not be sufficient for more professional use
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Connectivity and Ports
The AudioBox USB 96’s connectivity options are robust, letting me easily integrate it into any recording setup. It features USB bus-powered operation, making it highly portable, which I find crucial for on-the-go sessions.
Two balanced line-level outputs ensure seamless connections to monitoring systems. A headphone output provides zero-latency monitoring, which is crucial for keeping my recordings tight and in sync.
The MIDI interface adds further flexibility, helping me connect external keyboards and other MIDI devices smoothly.
Audio Quality and Performance
The AudioBox USB 96’s impressive audio quality is due to its studio-grade converters. These ensure a wide dynamic range, so my recordings feel vibrant and alive. The unit boasts a total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.008%, meaning the audio output remains clear and true to the source material.
The AudioBox USB 96 delivers exceptional performance with its zero-latency monitoring feature. This feature allows me to monitor my tracks in real time without any delay, which is critical when I aim for precise, synchronized recordings. The combination of these features makes the unit a valuable tool in my recording arsenal.
Software and Compatibility
As I explore AudioBox, I find a wealth of software features designed to transform audio experiences. PreSonus products’ compatibility with a variety of systems further enhances their versatility.
Included Software
The Studio One Artist software suite stands out as a robust Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) platform. With its intuitive interface, I can effortlessly create, record, and edit music. It’s been a game-changer for musicians like me.
Another gem in the package is the Studio Magic Suite. Packed with virtual instruments and effects, this suite expands my creative palette.
It provides everything from lush soundscapes to cutting-edge audio effects, making my audio production process seamless and dynamic.
Enhancements and Learning
Compatibility is crucial, especially when I’m diving into recording sessions. The AudioBox is fully compatible with major operating systems. This ensures that I can focus on my creativity without technical interruptions.
For those starting in music production, PreSonus offers music tutorials and sound samples.
These resources are invaluable for learning and mastering the craft of the audio output. With class-A mic preamps and bus-powered functionality, AudioBox serves both podcasters and musicians, effortlessly ensuring high-quality recordings.
More Audio Interface Recommendation
Universal Audio Apollo x8p
PERFECT FOR: professional and studio recording
FEATURES: 8 Unison mic preamps
OTHER INFO: Realtime UAD HEXA Core processing
Universal Audio Apollo x8p
- Talkback mic for communication between artist and engineer
- High-quality sound emulation
- Can handle simultaneous use of plugins and recording without latency issues
- Large I/O count (18 ins/22 outs)
- Expensive
- Requires external power supply
- No Thunderbolt 3 support
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
PERFECT FOR: professional studios and home recording alike
FEATURES: Eight-mic preamps with switchable Air mode
OTHER INFO: High-headroom instrument inputs
- Dual headphone outputs with individual-level controls
- Affordable
- Supports Thunderbolt 3
- Variety of input/output options
- Software can be finicky
- Some users report reliability issues
- No onboard DSP processing
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
AudioBox PreSonus
Summary
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a complete recording solution that caters to musicians and producers alike. With its heavy-duty steel chassis, this interface is built to withstand the rigors of both studio and live settings.
It features a screaming loud headphone output, ensuring that you can monitor your sound clearly while using its high-quality microphone preamps. The included recording software makes it easy to start recording right away, whether you’re working on guitar and bass collaborations or solo projects.
The mix control lets you adjust your input signal alongside computer playback, while the Unity Gain feature ensures optimal levels for your recordings. The gallery image features the PreSonus AudioBox in action during an exciting session of guitar bass collaborations, showcasing the seamless integration of sound.
For those new to the AudioBox, the owner’s manual provides all the information you need to make the most of just the right features and get started with confidence. With the guidance of a veteran producer, the musicians create a rich and dynamic recording that highlights the versatility of the AudioBox.
There’s more…
If you’re looking to elevate your recording experience, check out the Best Professional Audio Interface Revealed for insightful reviews and recommendations on top audio interfaces that deliver outstanding performance and sound quality.
