Update: After reading the full manual on the product, I learned that, regarding Latency, that using the MIx knob and putting it all the way to the right when playing will make the delay tolerable and it does in practice today. Along with wiring the inputs and outputs differently (Instrument in and output to PA input and Midi out to it's port on Audio box). Also lowering the buffer to 64 for recording, if the laptop can handle it without distortion, is better, and raising the buffer on playback to 2048. I also learned, reading the Presonus document on Latency, that there are different levels of equipment with lower latency. The model 24c of the same box has USB-C which is much faster, but you need a computer or Android that has that to take advantage of it. Or the really expensive Quantum products are the top of the line. So with my current USB older type I'm going to declare victory with the box (although I'm taking a star away for all the software pain that one goes through.)
I got the Audio unit about 4 days ago. The packaging is fine and there is nothing missing, per se. But safe to say the photos of software included above are just that. Photos. There is one sheet of paper that sends you the Presonus website and that's where the hours of fun begins (long before you bother with wiring up the box) assuming you have an interest in using Studio One. If not, well then it will be easy to setup and use. But let's assume you do want to use Studio One and all the Plug In's offered, it is a long journey. I literally spent the better part of 16 hours downloading and installing the various software and having issues activating the new version of Artist. A phone call went nowhere as they no longer offer phone support for installation issues. (And I am a 20 year IT professional). As another person said, the Plug In's send you one at a time to various websites, most of which use different methods from one another to register and finally to download the single plugin they offer for free. Hours and hours of time. And many of the things I did required searching to get the answers how to do things.
As an example, the Audio box comes with a small manual with the minimum assistance. I finally realized there is zero info that will help with the Midi connections or with the details in the software. A Google search finally found the full manual for the box and all the details.
The box itself is well made. Knobs function well and I see no weakness's. The Stick on rubber feet are a bit cheesy, but other than that, it's solid.
The last thing I will say about it was once I finally got it up and working fully, there is a bit of latency with a Midi keyboard running through the box and to a laptop with a USB connection. I would say it's a given that Midi to USB is going to have some latency. Even upping the buffer size in the box Control software didn't improve that. I think if that is a major concern, you probably need to have a computer that has Midi built into it rather than USB.
There are hundreds and hundreds of pre-programmed instruments in Studio One 4, and when I played many through a Mixer and Amp to speakers at normal volume, I would say that most are average to above average. A digital mimic of the real thing. And response to a Midi keyboard is marginally effective to the actual instrument. I like some of the piano's and the Tenor Saxophone sounds good as vibrato is added. But there are many instruments, like the Trumpet and other Saxes that have no vibrato and, as I read, you can't add it to the patch. So I guess I see limited value to the setup.
The main value I see will be my playing an instrument into the PA and out to the laptop and recording it. Even if there is a lag, it can still be synced later. I haven't tried that yet and listened for a lag. But I will and I'll add it later as an update.
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From the manufacturer
High-Definition Recording Made Easy.
AudioBox USB 96: 2x2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Simple, reliable, and portable.
Whether you are a musician, producer, or podcaster on a budget, the AudioBox USB 96 has just the right features for basic recording needs, allowing you to plug in and start recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz audio right away. Bus-powered and built to travel, the AudioBox USB 96 makes recording easy.
Features
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Just the right size.The AudioBox USB 96 audio interface’s two front-panel combo mic/instrument inputs make it ideal for singer/songwriters, podcasters, and guitar or guitar-bass collaborations. Simply connect a couple of mics and you have an easy-to-use stereo recording system. A mix control lets you control the level between the input signal and computer playback, without hearing annoying delays. You also get a pair of balanced line-level outputs, an ultra-loud, crystal-clear headphone out, plus MIDI I/O, so you can connect your favorite synth or MIDI controller. The result is a simple, affordable, mobile recording solution. |
Roadworthy and ready to travel.Here is a mobile audio interface in the best sense of the term. We gave the AudioBox USB 96 a heavy-duty steel chassis so it can take a serious pounding and remain completely reliable. Its screaming-loud headphone output ensures you can hear your music loud and clear, even in noisy locations. And it’s USB 2.0 bus-powered, so you can record with it anywhere you can use a laptop. Simply drop it in your laptop bag or slap it on a tabletop. |
Built for the studio and the road.Whether you're just getting into recording or are a veteran producer who wants to go mobile, the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface will give you great sound in a bus-powered, rugged chassis that's ready to hit the road when you are. The perfect companion for any recording software, the AudioBox USB 96 comes equipped with Studio One Artist to provide you with a complete recording solution right out of the box. Check out the AudioBox USB 96 and Studio One at your favorite PreSonus dealer. |
A classic that deserves celebration.The AudioBox USB96 has been responsible for the great sound on countless albums, podcasts, live streams, and Zoom calls and here at PreSonus, we wanted to honor that with a special 25th Anniversary Edition featuring a sleek, black enclosure. Now you can choose your color: classic PreSonus blue or 25th Anniversary matte black. |
World-class recording software included
While the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface works with virtually all Mac and Windows audio-recording software, it comes with a free license for PreSonus’ Studio One Artist DAW, giving you a complete recording solution. Built by creative people for creative music production, Studio One is easy to learn and enables you to compose, record, and produce your masterpiece without getting distracted by the tools. Studio One also enjoys a robust online community of enthusiastic and helpful users you can turn to for advice.
Make your own magic.
The included 2020 Studio Magic software suite includes Ableton Live Lite, tutorials from Melodics, 6 virtual instruments, and 9 effects plug-ins in VST, AU, and AAX formats... all unlocked for use inside Studio One Artist with a retail value of over one thousand USD!
Customer reviews
Perfect for starting with electronic music and podcasting.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2021
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.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2021
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2020
Size: USB 96 (Blue/Silver) - 2 Mic PresStyle: Audio InterfaceVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
It also works well with my Shure SM58 mic, just have to turn up the gain on the box to around 45.
Size: USB 96 25th (Matte Black) - 2 Mic PresStyle: Audio InterfaceVerified Purchase
Perfect for EMG pickups and GarageBand
By Phil on August 18, 2022
This has worked perfectly for recording guitar tracks (of the rock and metal variety) with my guitar that has an EMG 81 pickup. I pair it with GarageBand and the BlueCat Destructor plugin.By Phil on August 18, 2022
It also works well with my Shure SM58 mic, just have to turn up the gain on the box to around 45.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
Size: iOne (Metallic Blue) - 1 Mic PreStyle: Audio InterfaceVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2022
Size: USB 96 25th (Matte Black) - 2 Mic PresStyle: Audio InterfaceVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2021
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.
Size: USB 96 25th (Matte Black) - 2 Mic PresStyle: Audio InterfaceVerified Purchase
Perfect for starting with electronic music and podcasting.
By A. Arroyo on May 4, 2021
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.By A. Arroyo on May 4, 2021
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.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2022
Size: USB 96 25th (Matte Black) - 2 Mic PresStyle: Audio InterfaceVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Music Fanatic
Not impressed
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Fretworm
Presonus Audiobox USB 96
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Butybambam😉
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Starting to wind me up
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StevenG
Good quality interface, which also includes great bundle of software.
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