PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Universal Audio Volt 2
A side-by-side look at PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and Universal Audio Volt 2 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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Universal Audio Volt 2
Two inputs of UA preamp DNA with a vintage character switch
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | Universal Audio Volt 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 who want genuine analog character in their preamp path without entering the plugin subscription world |
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
Universal Audio Volt 2
- 24-bit / 192 kHz converters
- 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power
- Vintage mic preamp mode (610 tube circuit-inspired)
- USB 2.0 class-compliant, iOS compatible
- Front-panel instrument input (Hi-Z)
- Stereo line outputs and headphone output
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
Universal Audio Volt 2
Pros
- Vintage mode adds real analog character - not a plugin
- Class-compliant on Mac, Windows, and iOS
- Two XLR inputs for dual-mic setups
- Clean, solid build with metal chassis
Cons
- Vintage mode is on or off - no blend control
- USB 2.0 (not USB-C) - may need an adapter on newer laptops
- No MIDI I/O
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 Universal Audio Volt 2 if
Podcasters who want genuine analog character in their preamp path without entering the plugin subscription world.
Universal Audio built the Volt line for people who want UA heritage without UA prices. The Vintage mic preamp mode is the standout feature - flip it on and you get a subtle compression and harmonic coloring that flatters spoken…