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Average Price: $275

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$501+

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Description

Dive into the realm of professional-grade recording with the Presonus Audiobox 1818, a powerhouse audio interface designed for producers, bands, and audio engineers alike. Its standout feature, the XMAX preamps, ensures pristine audio capture, setting a benchmark for quality. Perfect for both studio and live settings, this versatile unit bridges your musical creativity with the digital world effortlessly. With its robust build and comprehensive I/O options, the Audiobox 1818 stands as a beacon for those seeking to elevate their sound without the complexity.

Key Features:

  • 8 XMAX preamps for professional-grade sound quality
  • Comprehensive I/O options for versatile connectivity
  • Includes Virtual StudioLive plugins for enhanced mixing capabilities
  • Ideal for recording full bands, solo artists, or rehearsals
  • USB connectivity for easy integration with your DAW

Product specs

Brand PreSonus
Model Audiobox 1818VSL USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 24-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity USB
Digital Input Format ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Digital Output Format ADAT/Optical, S/PIDF
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 8
Number of Analog Outputs 10
Number of Channels 38
Number of Digital Inputs 10
Number of Digital Outputs 10
Number of Headphone Outputs 1
Number of MIDI Inputs 1
Number of MIDI Outputs 1
Number of Mic Preamps 8
Sample Rate 96 khz

FAQs

What are the main connectivity options for the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL?

The PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL offers USB 2.0 connectivity, 8 XLR/TRS combo inputs, 10 TRS balanced outputs, ADAT/optical, and S/PDIF digital connections, along with MIDI I/O.

Is the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL is compatible with both Windows and macOS platforms.

How many mic preamps does the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL have?

The PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL features 8 mic preamps, allowing for versatile recording options.

Does the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL require an external power supply?

Yes, the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL is not bus-powered and requires an external power supply.

What sample rate does the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL support?

The PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL supports a maximum sample rate of 96kHz.

Does the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL include any bundled software?

Yes, the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL includes PreSonus Virtual StudioLive and Studio One Artist 2 software.

Can the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL be rack-mounted?

Yes, the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL is designed to be rack-mounted with its 19-inch format.

RecordingStudio9.com

RecordingStudio9.com

Reviewing PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL Audio Interface

Video thumbnail for Reviewing PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL Audio Interface by RecordingStudio9.com

Reviewing PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL Audio Interface

RecordingStudio9.com

RecordingStudio9.com

Video thumbnail for PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL USB 2.0 Audio Interface - PreSonus AudioBox by American Musical Supply

PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL USB 2.0 Audio Interface - PreSonus AudioBox

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL USB 2.0 Recording System Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL USB 2.0 Recording System Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for PRESONUS AudioBox 1818VSL by session

PRESONUS AudioBox 1818VSL

session

session

Video thumbnail for PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL, 44VSL, 1818VSL Interfaces - NAMM 2012 - AudioSavings by audiosavings

PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL, 44VSL, 1818VSL Interfaces - NAMM 2012 - AudioSavings

audiosavings

audiosavings

Video thumbnail for PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL 24Bit/96K USB 2.0 Recording interface - w/ AC Adapter by Amplified Acoustics

PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL 24Bit/96K USB 2.0 Recording interface - w/ AC Adapter

Amplified Acoustics

Amplified Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Presonus AudioBox 1818vsl - Обзор микшера (от группы Naruzko) by Naruzko Official group

Presonus AudioBox 1818vsl - Обзор микшера (от группы Naruzko)

Naruzko Official group

Naruzko Official group

Reviews

PROS

  • Durable construction; survived a fall from a moving car

  • Compatible with older versions of Universal Audio

  • Allows downgrade for VSL software use

  • Superior to Presonus Studio 192 in onboard DSP FAT Channel processing

  • Versatile for various recording setups (drums, analog mixers, outboard gear)

  • Good sound quality with low latency

  • Preamps are praised for their quality

CONS

  • Shipped without correct power cord, causing inconvenience

  • VSL software discontinuation complicates usage

  • Requires older operating systems for full feature access

  • Presonus's lack of support for older product offerings

  • Onboard FAT Channel processing not supported with current drivers

  • Confusing default headphone output routing

  • Main output and Line 1-2 are redundantly the same

  • Low track boost capability; does not boost sound sufficiently

  • Can experience driver instability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Presonus Audiobox 1818.

Software and compatibility

  • The bundled Studio One software with the Presonus Audiobox is often overshadowed by Reaper's flexibility and affordability, which many users prefer for extended trial options and a $60 purchase cost.

    Source
  • Early 2011 MacBook users report persistent crackling issues with Audiobox 1818VSL recordings, even when using the latest driver version 1.3.

    Source
  • Some users discovered that closing the VSL software can resolve crackling issues when monitoring and recording through ADAT setups.

    Source
  • Two 1818VSLs cannot function on the same PC due to driver conflicts, but using two PCs with different drivers resolves this issue.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users note potential noise issues in Presonus preamps compared to the all-around positive feedback on Focusrite preamps, impacting recording clarity for detailed instruments like drums.

    Source
  • The Audiobox 1818VSL's VSL monitoring software offers limited latency adjustments, restricted to sample rate and fast vs. safe settings.

    Source
  • Stand-alone mode is essential for ADAT use; check interface manuals to confirm compatibility without computer connection.

    Source
  • Setting ADAT clock on Universal Control software is crucial for syncing two 1818VSLs across different PCs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 was purchased for $425 after negotiating, suggesting price flexibility at retailers like Sweetwater, which could influence purchasing decisions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Legacy driver versions may offer better performance for certain setups; thorough testing of older drivers is recommended for persistent issues.

    Source

User experience

  • Users who purchased the Audiobox secondhand may need to navigate registration issues for technical support access, depending on the original owner's registration status.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Behringer ADA8200 preamps are reportedly superior to the VSL's, enhancing overall recording quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Aggregate device feature on Mac can merge two interfaces, effectively doubling inputs and outputs without ADAT.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chuck_cohen

A great and powerful interface in its day

In many ways, this interface surpasses the current Presonus Studio 192, as its onboard internal DSP FAT Channel processing was not limited to just the input channels only, ...but also had processing for all of the output pairs as well, thus eliminating the need for outboard speaker-management processing (compression/limiting/gating/EQ). The problem unfortunately is that Presonus does not like to support its older product offerings, and purposely discourages those who have them by discontinuing drivers for supporting features (in this case, the "entire" onboard FAT Channel processing which does not work anymore with their current Universal Control driver package). At this time Presonus no longer even offers the "legacy" driver packages on their website, ...so if you didn't download these and save them, you're out-of-luck.

i_am_dost

Home studio AND pro audio interface

Wanna record drums ? Wanna send your DAW outputs to an analog mixer ? Wanna use outboard gear like expensive compressors and fancy reverbs ? Or simply wanna have a big, pro looking and rackable audio interface ? Cheap, nice preamps, easy to use.

Issues : - VSL software was supposed to let you route headphones out and etc, but the software is discontinued. Not really an issue. - Default headphones output is Line 7-8, not Line 1-2 like you would find on a Focusrite Scarlett. - Even if there are 10 line outputs, Main out and Line 1-2 are the same outputs. - That's about it

M

A great recording interface to begin with.

This was my second recording interface. It is built well. I do not like though how low tracks can be because the device does not boost the sound to my liking. Overall it is a great piece of hardware.

yasnozar

Good

Smooth sound, good preamps. Sometimes it straying driver.. The deal in the system or the total voltage drop in our network. Not bad fat channel for each input . Low latency.

crothgeb

Nice sound, support lacking

This thing has great preamps and a nice software mixing interface but the Persons can be a little slow to support OS updates.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Scallon uses Presonus Audiobox 1818

Rob Scallon

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via Photo

In this post rob shows his cats in their favorit sopt in his studio. They can be seen on top of his Personus 1818 interface. He uses this interface to record all the parts for his songs and videos.

See how Cobus Potgieter uses Presonus Audiobox 1818

Cobus Potgieter

Drummer

...
Verified via Cobus Potgieter

The recording interfaces Cobus uses according to his site, are the Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL and the Presonuse Digimax D8.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Presonus Audiobox 1818, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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