PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review
2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
- Musicians, Podcasters, Producers
- USB Type-A Connectivity
- 2 Class-A Mic/Instrument Preamps
- 1 Headphone Output, 2 Line/Monitor Outs
- 24-Bit / 96 kHz AD/DA Conversion
- Bus Powered / Mac, Windows
- Phantom Power, Direct Monitor, MIDI I/O
- Simple Controls and LED Indicators
- DAWs, VIs, Plug-Ins, Loops, and Samples
- 1/3 RU Rackmountable Steel Chassis
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 103,006 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. For example, 85% of 50,633 users who have commented on the Value for money of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 73 Reviews
Great sounding DACs and Preamps!
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Steven on Guitar Center
Pros: This is an excellent inexpensive portable audio interface. The sound is great--whether you are using a dynamic mic, a condenser mic, or plugging in a guitar. Clean and pristine sound. Very nice DACs and preamps. You get great bonuses, too, with a free plugin suite and the Studio One Artist DAW software. Cons: The supplied USB cable was bad. Kept disconnecting (getting a device failed to initialize message after 2 minutes of recording). I had to swap it out with another cable which solved the problem. The Audiobox is also a little quirky to set up. Make sure you plug it into a USB 2.0 port--NOT USB 3.0! Also, always use the same port, otherwise Windows will create an "unknown" device. ... More
Great sounding interface, fantastic DACs and preamp.
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Steven on Guitar Center
Well, first, the sound is fantastic. Clean, quiet, pristine sound. I think this unit has excellent DACs and pre-amp. Installation can be tricky on a Windows workstation. Make sure you plug this in a USB 2.0 port and not USB 3.0. Also, don't change the port--always use the same port, otherwise you'll create an "unknown device" if you plug it into a different USB port from the first one you used. Another issue was the supplied USB cable was faulty. The AudioBox kept disconnecting until I swapped it out with another USB cable I had. The AudioBox cable seems to work fine with other devices so maybe the Audiobox isn't very tolerant of cables that aren't top notch quality. It's a fantastic unit. I would give it 5 stars except the supplied USB cable was an issue with the unit. ... More
Less than impressed
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Jester on Guitar Center
For the price, this system is a let down. WARNING: DO NOT attempt to use the provided USB cable, it will BREAK the USB connection! Switch the USB cable out for one that fits an M-Audio device instead. The Drivers don't install correctly. Had to override the installation process several times. Downloaded from the presonus web site after restarting my PC twice... third times a charm. The loops and sound samples are a joke. Sound like they are from a cheap midi keyboard... only dub-step folks would like this. Even the add-ons which are somewhat pricey in my opinion, still sound like toys... not real at all. Getting the "free" software takes a very long time... patience is a virtue. I bought this while building my recording studio, so I don't expect it to last more than a few months, which is fine since I'll have an upgraded device buy then. ... More
This is my 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Presonus USB boxes purchased.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by Joseph on B&H Photo Video
I bought 4 of these AudioBox USB 96 for my grandkids. When it comes to quality audio, I trust Presonus. This is a portal into the music world. This is a box that opens the door to your voicing and musical recording dreams. The included Studio One entry level music recording Studio One software is phenominal and has many of the very same effects and features as the Studio One Artist and/or Professional. The pros all know. This includes multiple track recording capabilities, Pro Microphone connection with Phantom power and hard wire instrument connectivity. Plug in a Mic or a Guitar. There are super software musical instruments profiles included in the software and if you add a MIDI Keyboard, you've entered a whole new world of making sound that will blow your mind. It even includes the old fashion MIDI keyboard connection on the USB96 box. MIDI = Musical Instrument Digital Interface. But a USB MIDI keyboard is more now. Have fun. ... More
Piece of junk
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Kyle on Guitar Center
Literally doesn't work - The first bad sign I noticed was a lack of its own power supply. It draws its power from the USB port on your computer. Phantom power is useless. I've had multiple condenser microphones that just don't work unless you're physically grounding the microphone and unit by hand. Not a cable issue, not a microphone issue...only thing left...interface issue. Continually makes noise that goes into inputs rendering any recording function completely useless. In addition to physically creating weird sounds that bleed into your tracks, your playback sounds also somehow bleed into your recorded tracks as well. Works okay as a playback machine...that's about it. I wasn't expecting a lot with this interface and it still disappointed. Not good for a beginner. Not good for an intermediate. Not good for advanced. Not good for anything or anyone. ... More
Ads
1st was defective, replacement is great
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Mark on Guitar Center
The first unit I took home had a problem: the headphone output wouldn't give me enough microphone level. The monitor level from the computer was great, but when I turned the balance control (nice feature, by the way) almost all the way toward the headphones I could barely get enough level on the mic. Also, when the balance was turned towards the mic the low frequencies coming from the DAW would bleed into my headset very loudly. ** No hassles at GC for an even exchange and the replacement works great! Only thing I don't like is that the software doesn't seem to always change the sample rate properly. It takes a couple of tries before it takes and stays on 44.1 which is where I need it for my current project. Win 7, USB 2, Cakewalk Bandlab ... More
Easy installation and a well-made product.
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Syrac on Guitar Center
Great unit, especially since Guitar Center had the black one. I was in Sam Ash an hour before and they had the blue one but I didn't get it. Later I was in GC and saw they had a black one and figured it was a decent price so I got it. I don't know what it is about limited edition releases of certain pro audio items but when they come in black I seem drawn to them. I also have the Arturia Beat Step Pro and their Keystep, both in black. Both are great if you're looking for great controllers and sequencers. Either way the AudioBox came with some decent software and Studio One 4 which I love. -20190607 ... More
Piece of junk , with noisy pre-amps and muddy sound
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Ben on Guitar Center
My go to DAW took a dive and I needed to record my wife's new song. I first tried my Microsoft Surface Notebook computer and the internal Mic to record her song along with a a free download of Audacity. The results were OK, about what I expected, nothing like my goto daw. So being on a budget and reading reviews on line, I decided to buy the PreSonus USB 96 from the Guitar Center. When I went to pay for it, the salesman said there are no returns on this item (even though it was brand new in a box) because it has software that must be registered. I was a little apprehensive about buying the item under those conditions, but I was in a bind and besides that I read good things online about the PresSonus USB96. I took it home loaded the software and experimented with it for a day. After the first day I tried to do a recording and it produced a very low quality horrible reproduction, very muddy, lifeless. The pre-amps in the PreSonus USB 96 are incredibly noisy. I thought I was doing something wrong so I read more about the software, in hopes that I could figure out what "I" was doing wrong. After 3 more days of learning (total waste of time) the software, I tried to do another recording, again it was horrible!! The phantom 48 volt mic supply has nowhere near enough voltage to supply my condenser microphone and the other mics I had sounded bad as well. The Presonus USB 96 is a piece of junk. The first recording I did on my notebook with the internal mic and Audacity was easily twice as good as this PreSonus USB 96 piece of junk! Very disappointed about the Guitar Center return policy. They should no longer sell this PreSouns USB 96 piece of junk to other unsuspecting customers!!! ... More
Product is great, customer service is terrible.
Presonus AudioBox USB 96K 25th Anniversary Edition Audio Interface
Reviewed by NewSweetwaterCustomer on Guitar Center
I love the product. I previously used the USB 96 for 5 years before replacing with the same but newer. However, I ordered for pick-up in store, and it was said to be in stock. When I got the store, they did not have it. The store associate tried to sell me some similar but just shy of double the price. When I cancelled the pick-up in store order and placed another for delivery, the store associate did something sketchy involving a gift card, and I paid cash for the new order. It has been 2.5 weeks with no refund and I am being told to wait another 1.5 weeks. The customer service is bad. ... More
Instant upgrade of my editing station!
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by Misael on B&H Photo Video
We wanted something good that doesnt break the bank for VOs. A friend recommended us this and whoa, amazing performance for the price. I find the location of the knobs a bit odd but its not a big deal taking into account that it came with a great software bundle (Studio One). Works well with Audition for PC and the RODE Broadcaster.
It works, but I'm a novice and not sure its set up correctly yet.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Donald D. on Reverb
I've plugged it in, and did a short sound check with a dry guitar into Reaper DAW. The drivers I got from Presonus didn't recognize the unit at first; using the ASIO drivers picked it right up and I was able to do a test. There was an echo in the test recording with no effects used, so when I get time I will try again and troubleshoot it properly. I'll update this review when I have a few miles on it. Its a discontinued unit, but it should still work once I get the driver issue corrected.
Affordable Home Studio interface.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
The price is right, and setup is a breeze. Perfect for a home studio or beginner's audio workstation. I would not recommend it to use for your next CD. It is powered from the USB buss. The mic preamps don't have much headroom and it is noisy (-56db at the lowest gain setting-- it gets higher when you turn up the gain) When the warranty runs out I may try to retrofit an external power supply to see if that makes it better. The only playback output is the headphone jack but it is made for 60 ohms so it will drive a line input. Not bad just not great. ... More
Works for Podcasting and the programs you already have
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by Kelvin on B&H Photo Video
i got this, arrived when it said it was supposed to, took no time to set it up to do what i needed, simple for anybody that isn't extremely tech savvy; just read the instructions if you can't, they are simple enough. The mic i got work perfectly with this, i actually pieced together my podcast set up using this and i chose this over that red box (not naming names.) So if you are questioning this, i suggest that the choice is simple.
An all around great product!
Presonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording System
Reviewed by Donald on Guitar Center
I use this interface with my mobile recording rig. I recently used it while on the road. I really like not needing a power source other than the USB port on my computer to run it. I was able to use it in along with my NI Maschine MK3. The included Studio One 3 Artist DAW that came with the package also convinced me to change DAWs and upgrade to Professional. The converters on this interface are superb and very clean. An all around great product!
Works fine once you have the right drivers
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by Str82ThePoint on B&H Photo Video
Great product except the manufacturer needs to keep the current drivers posted on their site. Only through an online ticket did we receive the link to the right driver. 6 hours wasted trying to fix the issue. Once fixed though she works like a champ!
Awesome Interface!
Presonus AudioBox USB 96K 25th Anniversary Edition Audio Interface
Reviewed by Ben, F on Guitar Center
This is a great little interface that grows with you as you add instruments to your recording setup. I am a novice musician that is exploring recording my own sound. The AudioBox USB Audio Interface was easy for me to set up and start using right away. It probably has even more features and uses that I haven't used yet, since I have no idea what I am doing, musically. But, it is helping me create and record sounds of which I am proud, which is the whole reason why I bought it.
Video Call/Two Person Podcast Treasure Trove
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by Noel on B&H Photo Video
Fabulous deal for the price & easy-to-use equipment. I decided to start a podcast three weeks ago and have already recorded & edited my first episodes with the hardware & software included in the kit. The headphones don't feel like great quality but do have great sound.
Presonus AudioBox USB 96
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Alex J. on Reverb
This is a great little interface for the money! I purchased this product as my first interface. The main selling factor for me was the Studio One 3 Artist Software and the included extras. The software is great and the hardware itself feels very well built and sturdy. Presonus makes great products!
Perfect audio
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Desktop 2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface (Blue)
Reviewed by Randy on B&H Photo Video
This unit is working perfectly to turn our audio feed into a form that can record our parking lot services. We create an audio file that can be emailed out to the congregation for them to listen to at home. Give them an opportunity to hear an actual service. Hear the Pastor's voice like in the good old days of regular service. But from the parking lot.
Easy Operation
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface
Reviewed by Michael T. on Reverb
I purchased to connect a stereo output setup to my (Mac) computer. No software needed, it worked accordingly to plan. The mixer feature was helpful to balance the signal going to/from the computer, so I could monitor as I played. This may be par for the course for breakout boxes like this, though I've no reason to be disappointed.
