PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

The workhorse 2-input interface that refuses to die

Best for: Beginners or mobile podcasters who want a durable, no-fuss two-input interface with MIDI and a solid DAW bundle

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The AudioBox USB 96 is a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 interface with two XLR/TRS combo inputs, Class A mic preamps, 24-bit/96 kHz converters, MIDI I/O, and a steel chassis built for travel. Bus-powered and class-compliant, it bundles Studio One Artist and works out of the box on Mac, Windows, and iOS.

Key features

MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power
Class A mic preamps with up to 35 dBu adjustable gain
24-bit / 96 kHz converters, 105 dB dynamic range
USB 2.0 bus-powered, steel chassis
Bundles Studio One Artist DAW

Our take

The AudioBox USB 96 has outlasted almost every competitor at its price point by simply being reliable. The steel chassis survives bag throws that would crack plastic units, the preamps are clean if unexciting, and MIDI I/O is a bonus most entry-level interfaces skip. The bundled Studio One Artist is one of the better starter DAWs in the market. The honest limitation: 96 kHz tops out the sample rate - the 2i2 and Studio 24c both offer 192 kHz - and the preamps lack the gain of newer designs. But if durability and a known-good software bundle matter more than benchmark specs, this still belongs on the shortlist.