PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review: A Detailed Look

Let’s dive right into the nitty-gritty world of music production equipment. Today, we are focusing on a specific product that has been making waves in the audio industry – the PreSonus AudioBox iOne.

Our comprehensive PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 review will illustrate why this product is turning heads, and better yet, how it can be a game-changer for you! We’ll explore this fantastic piece of equipment in great detail – from aesthetics to audio conversion, leaving no stone unturned.

To provide you with a direct answer to whether the PreSonus AudioBox iOne is worth your attention or not – It most definitely is.

When you consider its sleek design combined with an unbeatably clear sound quality and versatile connection options, it’s hard not to see why this product stands out among its competitors. Plus, add in its user-friendly interface and quality audio conversion features; it’s without doubt an all-rounded solution for any audio recording needs.

FeatureDescription
ModelAUDIOBOX 96K 25TH
Channels2 (2 in, 2 out)
Sample RateUp to 24-bit/96 kHz
PreampDual mic/instrument combo inputs with +48v phantom power
ConnectivityUSB 2.0
SoftwarePreSonus Studio One Artist DAW
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer (Mac or Windows)
Other FeaturesLatency-free monitoring, MIDI I/O
Dimensions13.97 x 13.97 x 4.45 cm
Weight911.72 grams
ColorBlack
Power SupplyUSB bus-powered 

Unpacking the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

Opening up a new product is always an exciting experience and unpacking the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is no different. Immediately upon receiving the box, you will be greeted with clear product branding and durable package design, which is a positive first impression right off the bat. The packaging itself seems well thought out, geared towards preserving the integrity of the product during transport.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review:

Upon opening the box, you’ll quickly see how neatly everything is arranged inside. The neatness of packing coupled with its professional appeal definitely piques my interest to explore more about what’s included within it. As you dig in deeper into this unpacking experience, things can only get more thrilling as every element contributes to a clear picture of a quality audio interface device.

The actual contents packed inside include: The Presonus Audiobox itself; which is packed securely to avoid any kind of damage, a standard USB cable for connecting your Audiobox to your computer, a user manual offering clear instructions for setup and usage; aiding users at all levels, even if they’re beginners just venturing into audio recording or professionals looking forward to expanding their existing gear.

Enclosed with these primary items may also be some bundled software offerings; which exemplify value addition by this brand.

Also Read: PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review: A Detailed Look

Compact and Portable Design

One of the main benefits of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is its compact design. This audio interface is not only small but also lightweight. Consequently, it is very portable, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals who record music on the go or have limited space in their home studios. You will appreciate how easily this compact device fits into your backpack or even a large pocket!

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review: Compact and Portable Design

The portability of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 does not compromise its durability. Built with a heavy-duty steel chassis, it can withstand regular travel and use while still delivering top-quality performance. Plus, with all major ports situated at the rear, there’s minimal chance of any accidental disconnections when moving around. So you can freely carry this audio box without worrying about damage.

Size-wise, this device pleasantly surprises me as well! Its dimensions are approximately 5.5 inches (14 cm) wide by 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) high by 5.5 inches (14 cm) deep making it truly pocket-sized. And despite its small size, it doesn’t compromise on functionality or features thanks to its clever design layout which hosts all necessary connections and controls in a neat format within such small dimensions!

Sound Quality

The audio quality is perhaps the most important aspect of any sound device and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 doesn’t disappoint. One of its greatest strengths is its impressive audio resolution. Equipped with a resolution of up to 24-bit/96kHz, this small device manages to deliver unmatched clarity and detail, giving professional musicians and recordists everything they need for creating high-quality music tracks.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review: Sound Quality

Now let’s delve into its sound reproduction capacity. An audio interface is only as good as its ability to reproduce sound accurately, and that’s another area where the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 shines.

The device provides balanced frequency response across the spectrum, enabling it to deliver clear highs, resonant lows, and smooth mids perfectly. This makes it widely effective for several applications including recording vocals, acoustic instruments or digitizing records.

Additionally, numerous users commend the device for having low noise preamps which helps maintain audio purity whilst recording or playing back tracks. The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 proves being compact does not mean compromise in delivering superior sound quality – truly worth every penny!

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Connectivity Options

One of the standout features that make PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 different from its competitors is its wealth of connectivity options. Ensuring a flexible and efficient approach for all types of audio setups, this product boasts the following key options:

  • USB Connection: This feature allows you to connect your PreSonus AudioBox directly with your computer through a simple USB cable. This option enhances portability and makes it easy to transfer data quickly.
  • Microphone Inputs: Tailored towards singers or podcasters, it comes with two microphone inputs. These balanced XLR inputs mean you can plug your microphones straight into the box without needing an additional mixer.
  • Instrument Inputs: Similar to mic inputs, it also includes instrument input ports. Guitarists, bassists, or keyboardists will find this highly useful as they can directly plug in their instruments.
  • Headphone Output: The headphone output lets you listen to your mixes directly from the device by plugging in headphones. It’s a handy feature when wanting to focus on minute details in audio without external disturbances.
  • MIDI Connection: An uncommon but much-needed addition to such devices helps connect any MIDI compatible devices like synthesizers or drum machines effectively.

These robust and diverse connectivity options solidify the position of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 in today’s competitive market by providing users one hub for all their recording needs.

Interface of PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

In the world of professional audio interfaces, ease of use tends to make a difference, accompanying sound quality. The user-friendly interface becomes a key descriptor when we discuss PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.

Interface of PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
  • Easy Installation: Setting up a new audio interface cannot be simpler than this. Once you connect the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 to your system, it’s just a matter of minutes for software recognition. The driver installation is automatic on most popular operating systems and accompanying Studio One Artist Software makes installation almost effortless.
  • Straightforward Controls: There are no complex switches or hard-to-understand buttons in this unit. All controls over audio routing and volumes are incredibly user-friendly owing to their physical design and digital representativeness.
  • Intuitive Software Integration: While using DAWs(Note: A DAW is Digital Audio Workstation software used for recording and mixing music), its integration seems very smooth. It works with virtually any recording software on Mac or Windows platforms.
  • LED Indicators: You will notice front-panel LED indicators that assist in real-time visual feedback about signal clipping (excessive levels). So keeping track of relevant information is now easier than ever.

The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 truly simplifies your work process making it an important equipment not just for professionals but hobbyists as well who don’t prefer getting lost in technical intricacies while working on their music projects. By giving plain-language explanations in instruction manuals or packaging ‘complex’ functions in easily understandable interactions, they make usability an advantage even for users at the beginner level leading towards making complex tasks more accessible.

Conversion Quality

With PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, you get a top-notch ADC that ensures capture with utmost precision and minimal noise interference. Furthermore, it supports sample rates up to 24 bit/96 kHz; therefore you can record high-quality audio files.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review: Conversion Quality

In contrast, the DAC, or Digital-to-Analog Converter plays an equally significant role in most audio devices due to its responsibility of converting digital numbers into actual sound you can hear through your speakers or headphones. PreSonus Audiobox is known for an excellent DAC that provides crystal-clear reproduction of digital signals back into an analog format without losing any details along the way.

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Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Superior sound qualityMay need additional drivers for software compatibility
Compact and portable designNo inbuilt DSP effects
User-friendly interfaceLimited on-device control options
Impressive connectivity options

Conclusion

The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a complete package for anyone desiring high-quality audio performance in all circumstances. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for mobile studios, while its superior sound quality ensures a crisp and clean audio experience.

The multitude of connectivity options enables seamless integration with various pieces of equipment, and its user-friendly interface means you can focus more on your music rather than technical issues.

However, every product has some shortfalls and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is no exception. Despite its pros, the conversion rates may not satiate some audiophiles and those seeking extra features might find it lacking.