PreSonus, 2 Audio Interface, Blue, PC/Mac-2 Mic Pres (AUDIOBOX USB 96)

PreSonus has been around for very long. I had an old Firewire version but it was $180 back then. I was surprised how cheap it was for $99 and it had MIDI in/out too. It makes a more expensive one for higher bit rate but who cares? I use it for a bedroom home studio so this perfect. It plugged in right away and the PreSonus name showed up on my DAW and editing software so I'm happy. It also has L/R 1/4" output jacks and 1/4" headphones too. The headphone output is a little weak but my 250-ohm headphones by Beyer so they're aren't very powerful anyway. I'm going to add a little $79 Behringer 6-channel with 2-band EQs, so that will resolve that! If you need a nice little Presonus USB Audiobox, go for it.

I bought this with a gift card because my M2 and my Edirol are older and do not work well with WIN 10. I got tired of trying to get them to work and decided to give PreSonus a chance. I initially had problems getting it to work with my CakeWalk ( old stuff , I know) and tried their Studio One 5. I am now working with it a little here and there and it seems to be OK. Stable, at least. I have my eye on the Tascamm Studio 2 and may resort to the expense if this thing doesn't give me the results I want. I haven't been playing that much recently. We'll see.

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.

My first experience with Presonus was the AudioBox 22 VSL using Studio One Pro the original release for Windows 7. Not a great experience! Today I received the Presonus AudioBox USB 96 and I have to say I am pleased! The reviews I have read made me nervous and had me believing I made a mistake. All evidence to the contrary! I've had no issues downloading Studio One 5 Artist and getting the AudioBox USB 96 up and running! My condenser mic sounds fantastic and my Music Man Bongo 6 bass sounds just as fat as it does live!Experiences vary, so I can only tell you about mine! In short, I am a satisfied customer!

Awesome product! For the price, it rocks! I am a total newbie to computer based recording, and had long put off the purchase. I'm glad that I finally took the plunge! With the included Studio One software, I was recording inside of an hour. Didn't take too long to figure out some of the effects (like reverb), and there are a dump load of Youtube videos available to learn from, which is a plus for me. This is an excellent product to purchase for the beginner, and even the experienced musician!

My son asked for this as a gift and said that it has been amazing and he is glad that we purchased this one and not something that was significantly more expensive.

I use the Presonus USB 96 for hooking up one or two professional mics to my laptop. Love that the box offers 48vPhantom, as well as gain (aka volume) adjustments. I can monitor with headphones either through the box itself or the headphone jack on my computer. The box operates from USB powering, so it is portable and can be used with my laptop away from the desk. And I am a professional Hollywood sound mixer, so I know good audio products.

I was looking for an audio interface to do vocal and acoustic guitar recording. The Presonus AudioBox was exactly what I was looking for. It's very easy to use, and I like that I can use either XLR or 1/4" connectors, in both ports. The construction is very robust. IT's not cheaply made. Then, to top it off, as a bonus it came with Presonus Studio One Artist DAW software, which is also easy to use. I highly recommend this product!