AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface

Here's my take on this entry-level audio interface from a novice perspective. Firstly, the setup process was refreshingly simple. The AudioBox 96 is USB-powered, and connecting it to my computer was as easy as plug-and-play. The included Studio One Artist software, while offering powerful features, was surprisingly user-friendly for someone just starting out. The quick start guide provided clear instructions, making the initial setup smooth and hassle-free. The build quality of the AudioBox 96 is robust, giving a sense of durability despite its compact size. The metal chassis feels solid, and the controls have a reassuring responsiveness. This is particularly beneficial for someone like me who's still learning the ropes and may not be as gentle with their equipment. The two combo mic/instrument inputs are perfect for a beginner's setup. They accommodated my dynamic microphone and electric guitar with ease, and the 48V phantom power was a welcome addition for future microphone upgrades. The clear LED indicators helped me monitor input levels, avoiding the common pitfalls of recording too hot or too low. The audio quality exceeded my expectations. The 24-bit resolution and 96 kHz sampling rate provided crisp and detailed recordings, even with my limited experience in mixing and production. The low-latency monitoring was particularly beneficial, allowing me to hear myself in real-time without any distracting delays. For someone just getting into recording and producing music, the AudioBox 96 includes all the essentials without overwhelming with unnecessary features. It strikes a fantastic balance between simplicity and functionality, giving beginners the tools they need to explore their creativity without feeling intimidated. In conclusion, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 is a fantastic entry-level audio interface for beginners. Its straightforward setup, sturdy build, and impressive audio quality make it an ideal choice for those taking their first steps into the world of home recording. Whether you're a singer-songwriter, podcaster, or aspiring producer, the AudioBox 96 offers a solid foundation for your creative journey.

As a guy, who plays all the things, in a weird basement full of all of the aforementioned "things", and their cables attached to clumsy musicians... where was I? This has been a really solid interface. Aaaand there's a bunch of great software that comes with it. So. Now you're saying to yourself, "**** I sure was hoping I would get to learn a new DAW!!!" Calm down, sassy. This is really intuitive. The latency is unnoticeable, your processor becomes your choke point. It really cleaned up my sound and STILL WORKS!!! (End SpongeBob narrative).

Does exactly what it says it will do. Great sound. Very sturdy, and not to big. I like that it is also a Midi interface. Only thing I might change is the size of volume knobs, and how clearly they are labeled, but you usually only have to set them once and then do the rest in computer. It also comes with free access to some outstanding software. For about $180 you can’t go wrong with this unit. Only draw back with this is the headphones and mic are only mid range quality but they work fine. Also this unit was being used as a gift and I had to ship over seas. Shipping cost was almost as much as the item itself. Luckily I was splitting the cost with a friend.

DON'T buy for live! I got this to use with DJ software. I wanted to mix and process two mics in the software then send them with the music out the monitor outputs. Even with the mix knob turned all the way to "Playback", the Inputs leak into the monitor out. You can never fully mute the inputs. There is also a noticeable delay. I could change the sample rate with the app, but I could not find any latency settings. Otherwise, seems to be a nice recording interface.

Not a lot to say when a product does exactly what it is supposed to do with no problems. There was an earlier version with a blue front faceplate which, from what I understand, had a few problems and some customer complaints. This 25th Anniversary updated version with the black faceplate addresses those problems, including overdriving the mic input preamps when plugging in a line source or a guitar. (Many of the online manuals and instructions strongly warn against plugging in a line source. This applies to the older blue faceplate version) Currently, I am running a Mackie mixer's Control Room outputs into the PreSonus, driving my Audacity DAW with no problems, and plenty of adjustment and headroom. Be sure to download and install the driver first before plugging in, and use the provided USB 2.0 cable. Not all cables are equal. That old printer cable you've had lying around won't work!

The Audibox USB 96 installed fairly easily from the Presonus provided ASIO drivers on their website. The midi implementation worked okay in Ableton, but it could not out perform my old Roland UA-25 EX on handling latency and the interface tired my CPU ceiling far sooner than previously experienced. More importantly, I almost immediately noticed that I was getting signal bleed-thru from an external synth plugged into the inputs of the Audiobox. This continued with the mixer knob fully turned to playback, and with the input volumes turned to zero. That’s unacceptable, but worse was the hum experienced through the headphones while listening to plugins and VST instruments. Do yourself a favor and pickup a used Roland UA-25 EX instead. I always had a clean signal through it, and it has more features. I was wrong to think products had improved over time and I would see better performance from something newer in that same price range. I think I’ll have to spend around $150-$200 to improve on what I have now.

Ended up getting a used one for a lot cheaper the same week, but presonus makes great equipment and the few I have used has worked great. I will buy again if anything happens to the one I have that is of my doing.

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.

parfait

La compre hace un año y ha funcionado correctamente. La calidad de grabación y reproducción es buena además de que por el precio y tener incluidas conexiones MIDI es un gran plus. Los plugins que vienen incluidos son muy buenos en especial el Lexicon reverb, MAAG Audio EQ2 y el Output Movement.

Ich verwende das Interface für ein Kondensatormikro. Nachdem ich mir ein neues gekauft habe, wollte ich nicht länger das Behringer UM2 haben, da klügere Leute meinten, dass es dem Mikro nicht gerecht wird. Und sie hatten recht, die Tonqualität ist einfach besser. Ich hatte weder mit dem Anschluss der Hardware noch mit der Installation der Software das geringste Problem und kann das Interface als Anschluss für ein Mikro 100% empfehlen.

I have been using Presonus hardware for sometime and happy with it. Not rated the top, but value for money and worth the Studio One prime comes with it.

This audio interface is an excellent addition to my recording studio. I bought a previous model, the Audiobox iTwo, some 10 years ago and the unit still operates just as if I bought it yesterday. The rugged metal construction of the AudioBox 96, along with the sound quality, are a great combination for long term, frequent use. Cool Studios thoroughly recommends this unit and don't be fooled about the fantastic price range, this is a TOP piece of equipment. Whether you are recording any kind of Audio, or including your midi setup for recording too - it just works!!!