PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Review 2026

Pricing

Best For

• Beginners who don't want to spend much
• Anyone who needs MIDI ports on a budget
• Simple mobile recording rigs

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Frequently asked questions

How much does PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 cost?

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 has one plan: AudioBox USB 96 at $95 as a one-time purchase.

Is PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 free?

No. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 has no free plan. The cheapest way in is AudioBox USB 96 at $95 as a one-time purchase.

Is the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 worth it?

At $95 it covers the basics well: two Class A preamps, 48V phantom power, direct monitoring, MIDI in and out, and a steel chassis. The preamps are functional rather than special, it tops out at 96kHz, and the USB 2.0 connector means an adapter on newer laptops. It is a sensible first interface for a two-mic podcast.

What comes with the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?

The box includes Studio One Artist and a plugin bundle, so recording can start without buying separate software. The interface itself offers 2 inputs and 2 outputs at 24-bit/96kHz, 48V phantom power, direct monitoring, and MIDI I/O. Note that the original blue model is being phased out at some retailers and the 25th Anniversary Edition in black is the current variant.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2?

Both are 2-in/2-out interfaces with two preamps and 48V phantom power. The AudioBox is $95, includes MIDI ports and Studio One Artist, and caps at 96kHz. The Scarlett 2i2 is $225, runs at 192kHz with 69dB of gain, and adds Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and Air mode, but has no MIDI. The AudioBox is the budget and MIDI option; the 2i2 is the easier one to set levels on.