Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen vs PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
A side-by-side look at Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen and PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
Four inputs, MIDI I/O, and the Scarlett preamp you already trust
See site
Check price on Amazon
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The workhorse 2-input interface that refuses to die
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Producers or podcasters who need two clean mic preamps, room for outboard gear, and MIDI connectivity in one box | Beginners or mobile podcasters who want a durable, no-fuss two-input interface with MIDI and a solid DAW bundle |
Key features
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with independent 48V phantom power
- 2 additional 1/4" TRS line inputs (rear)
- 4 balanced TRS outputs
- MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
- USB-C, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 120 dB dynamic range
- Up to 69 dB of mic preamp gain
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
- 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
Pros and cons
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen
Pros
- Two clean preamps handle dual-mic podcast setups
- Four balanced outputs for flexible monitoring routing
- MIDI I/O included - less common at this price
- Independent 48V per channel (mix condensers and dynamics freely)
Cons
- Only one headphone output
- Larger footprint than the 2i2 - takes more desk space
- Line inputs are rear-panel only - not ideal for live instrument switching
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Pros
- Steel chassis - genuinely road-durable
- MIDI I/O included at an entry-level price
- Class-compliant on Mac, Windows, and iOS
- Solid Studio One Artist software bundle
Cons
- 96 kHz max sample rate - no 192 kHz recording
- Preamps have less gain than newer designs
- USB-A only - older connector standard
The verdict
Choose Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen if
Producers or podcasters who need two clean mic preamps, room for outboard gear, and MIDI connectivity in one box.
The 4i4 is where the Scarlett line starts making sense for more complex setups. Two XLR preamps handle a host and a guest simultaneously, the four balanced outputs let you route to two separate monitor pairs or an external headphone…
Choose PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 if
Beginners or mobile podcasters who want a durable, no-fuss two-input interface with MIDI and a solid DAW bundle.
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…