Description
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, heavy-duty, and portable 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. Two front-panel combo mic/instrument inputs make it ideal for singer/songwriters, podcasters, and guitar or guitar-bass collaborations. 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. Its screaming-loud headphone output ensures you can hear your music loud and clear, even in noisy locations. Bus-powered, built to travel, and with the most complete recording software package of any interface in its class, the AudioBox USB 96 makes recording easy—there’s no wonder why it’s our best-selling interface of all time.
From the Manufacturer
Bus-powered USB 2.0 audio interface with two Class A mic preamps; superior 24-bit, 96 kHz recording; two instrument/line inputs; easy-to-use Mixer knob lets you blend input and playback for a custom monitor mix; balanced line outputs; MIDI I/O; plus a complete recording software package with Studio One Artist and the Studio Magic Suite.
Kwan L. Lowe –
Good controls, good sound reproducionI’m not even a hobbyist so take this as you will. I needed a way to pull in two sound inputs for a training video. It was problematic to have two USB inputs to the OBS Studio app I was using on Windows 11. When both mics were plugged in it was giving errors about USB bandwidth. An external audio interface was the recommended solution.Setup was easy enough. No external drivers needed, just plug it in to the USB port. I’m using dual Audio Technica AT2020 mics and a set of cheap monitoring headphones. Windows detected the device and it was immediately available in OBS Studio.Configuring the contols took a little longer. I found that I had to turn the gain on both mics almost all the way up. There’s just a small area where the input was loud enough without suddenly hearing a lot of background white noise. I.e., it didn’t gradually get louder but sounded almost like a switch was flipped.Once recorded the sound was quite good. This may be more to do with the mics themselves, but there was no background noise as I’d heard in the headphone monitor.The device also worked fine with a Linux desktop.Only concern I had is that the USB interface is the older style. I don’t know if this limits the bandwidth of if it evern matters, but it’s just another cable to carry around.
TheFoozer –
Not much direction on setting it up but works wonderfully when you figure it out.My setup consists of an iPad Pro with the Apple USB-C HDMI USB adapter. I wrestled with this thing to get the iPad to recognize the PreSonus device. Tried multiple USB cables thinking it may be a compatibility issue etc. Turns out all you need to do is connect the USB PC/Mac Power cable to your iPad and leave the Device USB port empty on the back. It will pick up immediately! Using the Apple USB-C HDMI USB adapter will allow for USB-C power so you can run all night long. Works perfectly with GarageBand and other apps that allow for third party devices.Link for Apple USB Adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-USB-C-Digital-Multiport-Adapter/dp/B07WF96FY5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=13UKYH8C8PRZ1&keywords=USB-C+Digital+AV+Multiport+Adapter&qid=1672275042&sprefix=usb-c+digital+av+multiport+adapter%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685
IT Joe –
Good valueIt records good clean audio signal to the computer. All the functions work, the microphone preamps are clean and have adequate gain. I have it paired with a AT-2035 and a Rhode podmic. The podmic needs an additional preamp, like the cloudlifter, since it is a dynamic microphone. It’s odd to have the headphones jack in the back of the unit instead of the front, but it functions. The bonus software was nice, but the “sonus one” application seems to only work with this interface. Overall this was a good purchase for the price
Customer –
Works just as expectedI was oddly satifisified by the quality of this. People complain about the sound interference, but I have had this issue with a 1700 dollar mixer before. However, what makes this entirely worth the price is that it comes with some 500 dollars worth of free software, including at this time Studio One 6 Artist.
A. Arroyo –
Perfect for starting with electronic music and podcasting.There are plenty reviews here that is obvious 1) they have no clue how this works and 2) somehow expect a $1000 audio interface for $99? Well this box has everything you’ll need for current and FUTURE needs. Why? Chances are you are starting to make music using your iPhone. This works perfect but you’ll need the Camera Connection Kit (CCK, $35~) and an original one if you want to save a LOT of headaches later. If you are using your laptop then no need for the CCK.This has MIDI IN/OUT an integral part of electronic music. You might not need it now but later when buying hardware, you’ll be happy you picked one box with MIDI. With the CCK you’ll be able to record video with DIRECT LINE IN AND IN STEREO. No horrendous sound from the phone internal mic. Connecting this box to the iphone/Ipad and you’ll have crystal clear sound. Yes you’ll also need mics (like shure sm57 and cables) but is worth it. Just go to youtube and you’ll hear the difference. So for podcasting like having 2 mics for the conversation while using the phone for VIDEO is just amazing. Add a Sandmarc iPhone lens and you’ll be golden.This works with ASIO beautifully. PreSonus has been working with ASIO for years and it shows. Other more obscure audio interfaces could be more finicky with WIndows but since PreSonus has already sold thousands of these things they have gotten plenty reports already to have it fixed. The more popular the item, the more chances you’ll have finding solutions in forums, Reddit, etc.The included software is adequate as well. Obviously they wont include the full version (full version of Ableton is $750 ffs) Ableton Live Lite is 8 tracks with plenty free sounds and synths so is a good way to give it a go. This isnt a 30 day trial or anything, the limit is 8 tracks and if you buy full version then tracks are limited only by how powerful is your computer. So those reviews about software not working… sorry person, this hobbie aint for you. Cannot say about PreSonus’ Studio One since I dont use it.For the negatives I think the knobs are somewhat crowded and that the volume knob would be cool to have a big one on top like other audio interfaces but inmy case, once I find the sweet spot I rarely touch the knobs and control volume and other things in the software. Also no knob on top allowed me to put the ipad on top which has a magnetic case so it’ll stick securely with the audio interface (didn’t plan it but hey, better then expected!). I would recommend it to a friend and I wouldn’t sell mine even if I have a big mixer, it too damn versatile when you know all it’s possibilities.
Erick Garcia –
GNU+Linux FriendlyNo Dislikes so far, my first audio interface and I am happy with it. Works out of the box on all the Linux distros I’ve tested so far. It is powering a Sennhesier E935, have to use max volume to hear it well, no audio quality issues with the microphone either. I am using Audiotechnia M50x headphones plugged into the interface, way better than using my motherboards input/output jacks.
P (free willy) Diddly –
May be suceptable to interference problems for some users.My PC isn’t the most ‘noisy’ of devices but it has issues with it. This noise gets picked up and destroys the signal in my Audiobox. The cable it came with was not shielded (Why?? This is audio not fun and games.) so I switched to a shielded cable to barley better results. I then spent $35 on a more professional shielded cable and that solved the problem only enough to use most (keyword) of the time. The Support team did not think there was an interference problem but none of their attempts to fix the problem worked. Meanwhile… They were kind though.So the Audiobox doesn’t have proper shielding within itself, AND with the supplied unshielded cable (disappointing). I would like to mention that any audio device that doesn’t come with a shielded cable should probably be questioned heavily before purchase. Audio is super susceptible to interference and it can ruin the signal to your headphones and with he right gear you can absolutely hear it. Be careful. And Audiophiles beware.The sound quality when it did work, was absolutely okay. It is what it is and there’s not much to really say. Audio is audio and it sounded like it to me. The knobs are nice, but really I don’t know what else to speak about for this Box o’ Audio.For $100 more you can get a UR 22C from Steinberg and it has more features and better sound capabilities. I’ve been trouble free with it while using at the same time as my my Headbox S2 Digital and I love them both. When buying audio products, evaluate your choices. If you think you’re going to upgrade to something just a little bit better than what you’re getting now, you probably are better off spending a little more money. I know in this instance, I regret my purchase, especially when there was a better product sitting right there in my face.So if your mic doesn’t work but your headphones do, or your audio sounds crunchy and your mic isn’t working, and you know it works through other devices, get a refund or have a sledgehammer ready and buy something else. I am reluctant to send this to a friend to use.
TrustMe –
Overall, does a good job, but… WORST KNOBS ever!Sonically, it does the job nicely. I really appreciate the ability to mix the level of the new signal with the playback. It would be nice to have meters instead of a single 0dB light, but I could have spent more, so that’s on me. However, if you want to use the knobs for any reason, forget it. Small, stumpy, and smooth as a baby’s bottom. Nearly impossible to get a grip when adjustment is necessary. Even the giant volume knob is a pain. I would blame the sweet-looking finish on these things for making finger tip traction impossible.
Shameka C. –
GreatI needed a new PreSonus audio interface. My old one was worn out so I purchased this version. I use it for singing. PreSonus never fails me.
Phil –
Perfect for EMG pickups and GarageBandThis has worked perfectly for recording guitar tracks (of the rock and metal variety) with my guitar that has an EMG 81 pickup. I pair it with GarageBand and the BlueCat Destructor plugin.It also works well with my Shure SM58 mic, just have to turn up the gain on the box to around 45.