Audio Interfaces
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96vsSSL 2 MKII
Compare PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and SSL 2 MKII side by side. See pricing, features, and which is right for your podcast.
Pricing Comparison
| Tier | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | SSL 2 MKII |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $230 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | SSL 2 MKII |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| Outputs | 2 | 2 |
| Preamps | 2 | 2 |
| Sample Rate | 96kHz | 192kHz |
| Bit Depth | 24 | 32 |
| 48V Phantom Power | ||
| Direct Monitoring | ||
| MIDI |
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Pros & Cons
Pros
- $79.99 list price undercuts most 2-input interfaces
- MIDI ports that budget interfaces at this price usually skip
- Steel chassis and bus power suit mobile recording
Cons
- USB 2.0 Type-B connector, so newer laptops need an adapter
- Tops out at 96kHz
- Preamps are functional rather than quiet enough for very low-output dynamic mics
SSL 2 MKII Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4K circuit adds warmth without plugins
- 116.5dB dynamic range is among the best at this price
- 64dB gain handles dynamic mics without an inline booster
Cons
- No MIDI ports
- Costs more than competitors with the same I/O count
- 4K circuit effect is subtle; some won't hear a difference
The Verdict
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is best for:
- →Beginners who don't want to spend much
- →Anyone who needs MIDI ports on a budget
- →Simple mobile recording rigs
SSL 2 MKII is best for:
- →Podcasters who want that warm analog coloring on their voice
- →Anyone using a gain-hungry dynamic mic like the SM7B
- →Home studios where you want fewer plugins in the chain
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper: PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or SSL 2 MKII?
- PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 costs less. Both are one-time purchases: AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary is $79.99 against $230 for SSL 2 MKII.
- What is the main difference between PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and SSL 2 MKII?
- PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 covers MIDI, which SSL 2 MKII does not. Nothing on the compared feature list goes the other way.