Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen vs PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
A side-by-side look at Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen and PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
The best-selling starter interface just keeps getting better
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PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The workhorse 2-input interface that refuses to die
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| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Solo podcasters or vocalists who need one XLR mic input, solid preamp quality, and zero driver headaches | Beginners or mobile podcasters who want a durable, no-fuss two-input interface with MIDI and a solid DAW bundle |
Key features
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
- 1 XLR mic input with 48V phantom power
- 1 Hi-Z instrument input (front panel)
- USB-C bus powered
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters
- Switchable Air mode for high-frequency presence boost
- 2 x 1/4" TRS monitor outputs
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 Solo 4th Gen
Pros
- Best-in-class preamp quality at this price point
- Air mode adds instant presence without EQ plugins
- USB-C - compatible with modern laptops without dongles
- Compact, bus-powered - takes zero desk space
Cons
- Only one XLR input - no co-host capability
- No MIDI I/O
- No direct monitoring blend knob (monitor mix is software-controlled)
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 Solo 4th Gen if
Solo podcasters or vocalists who need one XLR mic input, solid preamp quality, and zero driver headaches.
The Scarlett Solo remains the interface millions of beginners start with - and for good reason. The preamp is clean, the Air mode adds useful presence on vocal-heavy content, and USB-C bus power means one cable handles everything. The hard…
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…