Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 USB recording system is an excellent solution for achieving high-quality, professional-sounding recordings no matter where you are. The AudioBox USB is a USB bus-powered audio recording interface loaded with 2 microphone/instrument inputs with 48V phantom power, 2 balanced TRS outputs, and MIDI I/O so you can stay portable without sacrificing your sound. The AudioBox USB also comes with Studio One Artist music creation and production software which has the same platform and intuitive interface as Studio One Pro but with an unlimited track count so you can start recording right out of the box.

PreSonus Audio has won numerous awards for designing quality microphone preamplifiers for all price levels. The AudioBox USB is loaded with preamps that deliver high headroom, low noise, and high gain to give you pure, full, and rich sound. Most USB recording devices operate at a 16-bit sample rate and use converters with dynamic ranges of less than 90dB which gives you a pinched and relatively small sound. The AudioBox USB, however, uses professional-grade analog to digital converters with a dynamic range of 102dB and 24-bit sample rate so that the digital conversion is big, quiet, and musical, making it one of the best sounding USB bus-powered interface on the market.

The AudioBox USB is bus-powered giving you the flexibility you need with no wall warts, line lumps, or power cables. Just plug in to a powered USB port and you are ready to record. The AudioBox USB is housed in an all-metal chassis with metal knobs able to withstand the rigors of travel and your touring adventures. Just toss the AudioBox USB in your laptop bag and mobilize your music creation and production. Whether you're recording your shows, creating a mix on the plane, or writing songs in your hotel room, the AudioBox is ready to go.

Podcastage

Podcastage

PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 Review / Test / Explained

Video thumbnail for PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 Review / Test / Explained by Podcastage

PreSonus AudioBox USB 2x2 Review / Test / Explained

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen) VS Presonus Audiobox 96 Studio - Which should you buy? by Reuben Chng

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (2nd Gen) VS Presonus Audiobox 96 Studio - Which should you buy?

Reuben Chng

Reuben Chng

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PreSonus Black Audiobox 2x2 USB 2.0 Recording System.

Features and functionality

  • Some users find the +48V phantom power button unstable, causing static and affecting audio quality over time.

    Source
  • Some users express frustration with accidentally turning the wrong knobs due to the interface's design while gaming in low light conditions.

    Source
  • The Audiobox USB iTwo version includes an optional instrument gain switch, which some users find beneficial for avoiding clipping issues noted in the USB 96 model.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report noise issues with unused XLR inputs unless the volume wheel for those inputs is muted.

    Source
  • Users mention that the PreSonus Audiobox 96's technology feels outdated, affecting its noise floor and performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Motu M2 is frequently highlighted as having cleaner preamps and better meters compared to the PreSonus Audiobox 96.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its low price, the Audiobox 96 is considered less favorable due to its aging design and higher noise floor, suggesting better alternatives in the same price range.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Frequent Windows updates reportedly cause driver instability, resulting in high gain buzz even with the gain set to zero.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When connecting to an iPad, the Audiobox is recognized as an external audio source, but this functionality is inconsistent with some Android devices like the Samsung M51.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wormhole_audio

Perfect first interface.

I was recommended this interface by a family member when i first got into audio, and this thing was great. I've dropped this from about 3ft in the air onto a paved driveway, and it wasn't phased. I've traveled with it, toggled the phantom power several thousand times by now probably, and the only issue is now that its older, the pots are a bit scratchy, and sometimes when you're adjusting volume, the volume will be unbalanced from L/R. But it was $100, and has had a rough life. The "Mixer" knob on this is a hidden gem, perfect for sending vocals back to a vocalist with no latency, and being able to blend in the music also. Have since upgraded for more inputs.

zak_putnam

I'd go with Focusrite Scarlett

This one can be a little laggy at times, doesn't have as high of a sample rate, and they are the same price.

Genre Usage

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

More PreSonus Audio Interfaces

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides