PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs PreSonus Studio 24c
A side-by-side look at PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and PreSonus Studio 24c for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The workhorse 2-input interface that refuses to die
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PreSonus Studio 24c
USB-C upgrade over the AudioBox with 192 kHz and cleaner preamps
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | PreSonus Studio 24c | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Beginners or mobile podcasters who want a durable, no-fuss two-input interface with MIDI and a solid DAW bundle | Podcasters and producers who want PreSonus preamp quality, MIDI, and a future-proof USB-C connection in one compact unit |
Key features
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
PreSonus Studio 24c
- USB-C bus powered
- MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
- 2 XMAX-L combo XLR/TRS inputs with 48V phantom power
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters, 115 dB dynamic range
- Independent headphone output with volume control
- Bundles Studio One Artist and Studio Magic plugin suite
Pros and cons
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
PreSonus Studio 24c
Pros
- USB-C native - works with modern laptops without adapters
- XMAX-L preamps are clean and transparent
- MIDI I/O included
- Strong software bundle for the price
Cons
- Two inputs only - same limit as AudioBox
- Plastic chassis is less durable than the AudioBox steel body
- Less brand recognition than Focusrite at the same price
The verdict
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…
Choose PreSonus Studio 24c if
Podcasters and producers who want PreSonus preamp quality, MIDI, and a future-proof USB-C connection in one compact unit.
The Studio 24c is the answer to everyone who asked PreSonus to put a USB-C port on the AudioBox. The XMAX-L preamps are quieter and more transparent than the older design, 192 kHz conversion is now standard, and the 115…