All user reviews for the PreSonus AudioBox USB

Setup

- MacBook Pro
- OS X 10.8.5
- 4GB RAM
- Logic Pro 9

Overview

The PreSonus AudioBox offers a great variety of features for the money. There are few interfaces in its class that offer the same features for $150 or less (the Audiobox is very easy to find used for less than $100). For Apple users, the Audiobox is practically plug-and-play, and the proper software is provided for PC users as well.

For beginners, it's a perfect entry level interface for basic mono/stereo recording, but it also makes a great "on-the-go" interface for experienced musicians and engineers. The preamps are very usable and the interface is bus-powered via USB, so your band could literally record an acoustic demo of a new song while sitting in a tour van with a microphone and laptop computer.

Now this is not to say that the PreSonus Audiobox does not come with its own set of limitations.

Pros and Cons

While the Audiobox is a great value, it will be easy to outgrow if you choose to expand your setup (I say this from personal experience). Having 2 hybrid XLR/TRS inputs and 2 TRS outputs may keep your setup compact, but it certainly limits your options for recording a multi-instrument setup (full band, drum set, orchestra, etc). You may have to be more creative with microphone choice and placement if you intend to use this box for one-take full band recording, but it is possible.

The preamps are fairly clean, with a decent amount of 'headroom,' but they are definitely not the best out there. The 24-bit converters are on par with its price point, and there's nothing a little "studio magic" can't improve in post-production The control pots are very sturdy, and the unit itself is built into a durable metal casing (again, making it perfect for on-the-go applications).

Latency

It's also worth mentioning that the latency of this unit is a little more than noticeable. The interface includes a mixer control which can be adjusted between input and playback. This is a fancy way of saying that you can choose between monitoring the signal going into the box or the actual recording taking place in your DAW...or a blend between the two (which I have found to be kind of pointless).

I leave the mixer control on the playback setting 99% of the time, because I prefer to hear the actual recording going into the DAW in real time, but the latency for this interface is a bit high if you choose to record that way. Conversely, there is no latency at all if you switch the mixer control to input, but then you're unable to monitor the signal for possible clipping or software effects in your DAW as you record. As I have mentioned before, though, this unit makes up for its limitations in value and price. The latency issue is just something to adjust to as you get used to the Audiobox.

Bottom-Line

The PreSonus Audiobox is an ideal, affordable interface for the beginner who wants to explore the endless possibilities of audio engineering, or the performing musician who wants a quick and easy way to record demos and ideas. As I continue to expand my own setup and graduate to more versatile interfaces, I intend to keep my AudioBox because it's an invaluable tool for portability and quick, no-fuss recording.

I use this card for 3 years as an amateur, exclusively for electric guitar and vocals.

First under windows 7, the system was not stable as indicated in other reviews. Drivers to reconfigure each use or switch between Presonus card and PC sound card.

I am now on mac. The card is detected immediately and works perfectly. The real question is: is that one day we will be able to sound just under windows?

UTILIZATION

I use GarageBand, the issue of drivers do not arise under mac.
The card has a knob for adjusting the output équilbrer between the dry and wet. So I work systematically on its dry, headphones plugged into the headphone jack of the card with a total absence of latency.

No problem to record two tracks simultaneously jack or XLR jack plus (2 inputs are compatible jack / XLR). Note that the card has phantom power for microphones.

I am not using all MIDI.

GETTING STARTED

Being really amateur singing level, I do not have the skills to judge the quality of voice reproduction with the card. However, it seems very satisfactory, although slightly too focused on mediums. The equation is set in a jiffy with the software computer music.

Side guitar, with his dry guitar plugged directly is very well made and slightly compressed, which provides a natural balance between the strings, and a lot of potatoes in the bottom of the spectrum. For my part, I am very satisfied with this aspect, but it is taken into account for the purists who seek a totally transparent sound.

The card works well with various plug-ins and effects processing software. Having my little habits and my own effects, I experimented with my rack connected upstream (between guitar and map), compression is much more experience, including distos / fuzz who find themselves completely overwritten. The sound is very clean exploitable. And any way, record a sound worked is mmmmmaaaaaaaaaaallllllll!

In addition, no difficulty in using the instruments software only, without connected to the instrument card.

OVERALL OPINION

Given its price, I found this great card. It is not clear to the quality and finesse of pro gear, but this is not its purpose.

For amateurs, even confirmed it has all the qualities to give you sound very good.

Being my first sound card, I was not looking for something sophisticated and expensive. The audiobox on this point is unbeatable: 130 € for serious use.

Two XLR, IN / OUT noon for keyboards, monitoring output and output jack
Connecting USB, 5 knobs (1 mixer, 1 gain for each XLR, 2 volume)
Small, does not heat ...

I record my bass above and sometimes voice via microphone and other instrumentals, and its laid is very loyal and very good.
However, I also often saves my synth via the sound card, and the sound is compressed, dumoins quality is reduced and it feels. When you connect the headphones on the quality is extremely good synth, but once you reccord and listen to the sound on the DAW, we see a huge drop in quality. Well, it seems to be only audible to synths for now ...

UTILIZATION

I had a problem on a project, probably linked to the card, with many audio tracks map seems to have trouble keeping up .... Problem annoying but observed only once (although on a project with a score track only).

Also, when the computer is pretty loaded, the card can be difficult to follow (that's "cutting" regularly), however with a bit of space in its memory the problem is neutralized.

GETTING STARTED

Easy installation, USB connection, install the Driver and it is usable.
Simplicity is the watchword for this card

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months, this is my first sound card.
I do not feel the urge to get one more expensive, however, I recognize the lowcost nature of the card, even if in the end you can record everything with, I observed a few blackheads.

6/10

Flee this card you will earn money and you will not lose your time.
I ask the engineers Presonus me show me how their card would be really interesting to hear!
Price
Guitar + Tyros 4
Creation Record

UTILIZATION

Impossible to install properly on XP and Vista Drivers
I passed under Linux is a better but can not really convincing

GETTING STARTED

Impossible to correctly configure for recording part of Windows XP, Vista and Linux sound is not top

OVERALL OPINION

6 months
Not first model
Creaking sound
To sell quickly

connections in and out simple and begins when the main mao
2 combo inputs is to say either XLR or jack, two gain settings
2 outputs TRS headphone output with a dry signal mixer and mixed signal
midi in and out
first on a pc but drivers charge each time and pass on mac and hop over problem.
USB connectivity
use with professional studio one 2.6 and a mac book pro 13 COREI5 4GB
it turns

UTILIZATION

Mac no crash
studio one pro 2.6
for now I'm one track after so I do not know

latency 2.3 ms

GETTING STARTED

no installation setup prob either pc or mac, mac not

OVERALL OPINION

this is my first interface and I advice to all those who want to began, it has good performance level preamps and no complaints, even though of course we know that there are many more unfortunate that there is no limiter gain for input signals that can create distortion, but hey should not exaggerate

The choice was made to have a MIDI output in addition to a simple 2-input input interface, which was quite rare.
I use the USB to the software, and the entries have served me for Micro, synth, mixer depending on usage.
To get the sound of my instruments, I could use the mixer, but for the record I connectais Audiobox, instrument by instrument, with only two inputs, it is not the most convenient, but when it starts on form!

UTILIZATION

I had problems for months to look and change drivers on PC because its a parasite was present, but I went Mac now, I connect, I play more problems thank you Apple.
Used in Ableton, no complaints. Studio One was offered as I got into it and I confess that I have adopted for certain components, this software is great.

GETTING STARTED

No problem on Mac, Windows Drivers problem (see dozens of thread on google)

The configuration is really good, a knob for the determination of sound input and USB, the volumes of inputs, the headphone and the simple and very solid overall volume.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 years, this is my first external sound card and I have no regrets since I went Mac.
I appreciate it for its simplicity and robustness, very good quality / price ratio
I would do the same choice with experience, maybe it's worth it to buy used.

I have not chosen by myself, it was offered to me. I use a PC running Windows 7 with 4GB of ram.

It has 2 inputs and 2 outputs + mono headphone output [all in jack] + 1 input and 1 output noon. 48v phantom power and pre-amps.

On a driver interface where you can choose whether it is rotated at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, and the latency of 6 levels (a latency output 3069 samples / 69 ms and a latency of input samples 1068/24 ms latency output 280 samples / 6 ms and a latency input 93 samples / 2 ms).

I use it for my shots sound microphones "room", making dynamic microphones to record the guitar by plugging directly, and its connectivity noon.

UTILIZATION

Plug and play was not super stable for me, but the drivers are stable once installed, and I had more problems. Never had to SHIFT.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is no problem. one branch, we put the cd and instructions are followed.
The rest is pretty simple.

I quickly looked at the manual for doing something, I recall more how it is done. But the box is rather intuitive.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had more than 2 years. I have not tried another model.

The feature I like most is the knob "mixer" which allows to mix the sounds that I plug in and the sound coming from my PC (which avoids the latency).

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
2 XLR / JACK, noon (keyboard), USB powered, metal box

With what tools you use?
Bass G & L L2000 - Guitar .. keyboard .. micro

For what purpose? For model, its input for Guitar Rig or Crockos Reaper

My config? i5 laptop, windows 7, 4Gb memory

UTILIZATION

Use?
Nothing to say except that initially I was surprised by the knobs who notched race.
Powered by USB.
The latency is not great but good with my little system.

GETTING STARTED

The installation is made finger in the nose, no crash, no compatibility issues.

OVERALL OPINION

I must have been 3 years for the price I have no complaints, the construction is good the connection is good, the knobs hold up.
I am satisfied with my purchase for my little amateur use.

I needed a sound card 2 inputs + 2 single outputs for recording and live.

UTILIZATION

As driver, I use both the PreSonus driver (which works) and Asio4All.
I plugged into Ableton Live.

The audio goes well, I have read 8 tracks simultaneously without any problem (I did not need more) to an acceptable latency.

on the other hand, big problem, my model should have a default sound is sometimes found completely stopped for a split second, so I did not ask him for excessive calculations.
It is very painful when it happens live ... The sound engineers to whom I showed it did not really know what was going on, it will probably send it for review.
For recording at home is doing well, this kind of problem happens from time to time but it is rare.

GETTING STARTED

Easy installation, there is only the plug, no particular problem.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for six months, it's cool if it is not the problem (which began four months after purchase) interrupt the sound, and it probably relates to my model.

What I like most is the strength and minimum space due to its shape.
What I like least: the knobs are fairly reliable even at zero was a bit of sound. it is not conducive to use as mixer / preamp.

Tight money, very solid case, very simple configuration.
To start in the recording is perfect.

Simply connect to the computer via USB and then plug his stuff.
The software comes with studio one is not bad either.

Personally I'm using it to record my songs (pop rock style) and it helps to have a good record, very clean.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use.

For drivers I do not know.

GETTING STARTED

Mac no installation!

No problem so far!
Manual can be a bit hasty but looking on the internet is what is documented.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had six months and I'm happy for my use. To start in the recording and computer music is perfect.

With the experience I would do this choice, with a very good value for money.

Card works with small PC configuration, ideal to start. My config was 2GHZ Dual core, 2GB RAM, 150 HDD (XP sp3 and Vista 32 laptop)

UTILIZATION

Used with Cubase sx 5 and 6 artist, very low latency (one of the lowest in this range at the time), midi keyboard for VST latency more pronounced depending on your hardware.

GETTING STARTED

Very easy installation, driver findable on site, taking easy hands.

OVERALL OPINION

Quality / price at the time, beat, it's the card that I really started to worked on PC, from the Hardware type machines MPC, MV, and other BAR.
Save time and money to model. I have since changed, but stayed true to Presonus with 44 VSL.Sans hesitation, I do it again this choice.

Purchased for use in FL Studio with a tower (Windows 7 64-bit, Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM). Easier access because I work with a tower, I had before the EMU 1212M (PCI). A midi keyboard maudio midi input, output to active monitors output to my stereo, can enter two instruments or vinyl, or platinum. A well-designed headphones output, sufficient volume settings.

UTILIZATION

The driver asked me worry Windows 7 because the Presonus site, the link to the stable drivers stated "beta" while it is good. Quickly resolved. Very low latency (5ms)

GETTING STARTED

Easy to install, config nonexistent, it works on branch.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for 6 months I did not change. It is a simple, robust, small but effective interface.

Usual quality
Imac running osX snow leopard 10.6.8
MIDI guitar and piano

UTILIZATION

Very stable drivers without updates. Latency OK.
I use garageband primarily and only with looping.

GETTING STARTED

With Mac, I connected it, turned it on and that's it.
I never had the need of a manual, it's very easy to use.

OVERALL OPINION

I've used it since 2010 and it's my first soundcard. I don't need much. I use it to record my guitar, listen to music and make some demos here and there.
My only regret is that Presonus didn't make this audiobox mountain lion-compatible, so I'm stuck with snow leopard and I'm afraid it will not work correctly If I decide to upgrade.
I would definitely buy it again.

j I hesitated with an external sound card brand tascam and I think I have chosen well by investing in audiobox. material quality is solid. the sound is very good. I use acid pro 7 with either windows xp or windows 7. I used in the making track home studio for hip hop. on the other hand I didn cabin just a little foam to insulate. no complaints.

UTILIZATION

j on xp but I struggled a bit on windows 7 it goes nickel.

GETTING STARTED

easy instalation. no specific configuration. some problems with xp. the manual is clear.

OVERALL OPINION

it has been nearly 2 years. I tried one alesis ISO2 I prefer audiobox. c is the most robust least I do not see too much fault can be the number two microphone inputs but they have left a bigger that I saw. very good value for money. yes I remake this choice.

I had a computer later on (2010) so this is my first sound card
I chose the following good return webzine, its price, its robustness (all metal)
- Used for audio: macbook> audiobox> mackie mixer> amp> speakers
- To connect guitar, bass, mic, drum machines, synths, sampler while the jack 6.35

UTILIZATION

I had read that some galleys level driver, I have not had this problem being on mac
Used with cubase, near-zero latency

GETTING STARTED

Installed, no problem, plug n play with mac
I'm a big noob and I did not encounter any problems or incompatibility config
I never opened the manual!

OVERALL OPINION

So it's three years since I used no other models used before, my judgment will be limited
I like its simplicity, robustness
negative: it is true that it is a pity we can lower the input gains below-10db because a guitar with humbucker that even mini clip ... but not mess with my strat simple, ditto for the p-bass or other electronic devices
I think I have read different opinions on it sounded 'cardboard', this is not the impression it makes me,,,
checkez my songs on soundcloud to get an idea!

I bought this soundcard for its price and for its solid metallic aspect.
I use it mainly to record guitar and vocals over usb on windows 7 pro 64 bits.

UTILIZATION

I haven't had any problems with the drivers.
I usually use it with Presonus studio one 2 professional with almost no latency.

GETTING STARTED

The installation and the setup couldn't be simpler. It is so easy to use that I haven't used the manual in two years of good and loyal service, during which this small blue box hasn't given me any compatibility nor any other sort of problem.

OVERALL OPINION

I've used this soundcard for two years.
I didn't try any other model before, the solid impression it gave me was enough to convince me.
What I like the most are its looks, ease of use and, especially, its price.
There is nothing I don't like. In my opinion, it is perfect in every respect. With such a price, what else could you ask for?
Excellent value for money. I don't have it anymore because I got a top range soundcard, whose price is obviously not the same.
If I had to buy another one, I'd buy this one again with my eyes closed. I would even by two at the same time to be sure I have one in case it doesn't work correctly, which I doubt, considering the quality of Presonus products.

I have used the PreSonus AudioBox USB for many small projects and not that it sounds bad, it is about as good as you are going to get in this price range. I have tried a few different microphones with this interface and none of them really out shined another one. The preamps in this mic are what concerned me the most because they seemed to be very noisy and they did color my sound. Now I didn’t expect to get studio quality with this interface but I didn’t expect to get a cleaner recording.

UTILIZATION

This interface is built very well though and is made out of solid material and the knobs on the face of the unit are made well and not out of plastic and they will not break off or “stick” easily. This interface is only a 2 in and 2 out interface that has 2 preamps, 2 ¼ outputs, MIDI in and MIDI out and it comes with recording software (Studio One).

GETTING STARTED

It was very easy to set up, and working with it in Studio One was very simple and easy though I didn’t like that recording program much at the time because I felt like adding effects didn’t seem as fluid as they do in other DAW’s.

OVERALL OPINION

This interface is very affordable though and will get the job done, you will get an “ok” quality recording with it in your home/bedroom but I wouldn’t take it any farther than that. It will get your Demo quality at best and depending on your skills as an engineer you will need to really use some EQ’ing techniques in your DAW and boost some of the high end frequencies and cut a lot of lows to get a cleaner sound out of it. But at this price point it would be great for a first time home musician.

Not having a sound card, it was my first purchase (ie limited budget).
The initial goal is to reduce latency in a sequencer + use VST on this point, the map was very helpful to me.

UTILIZATION

Stable drivers, no worries.

GETTING STARTED

Easy tested Cubase, FL Studio, Studio One, Ableton Live. Never worry.

OVERALL OPINION

After purchasing a Korg M3 and the use of audio inputs, then there big disappointment. Clip it too much. I ended up buying more efficient.

+ Latency (for beginners)

- Audio (synth worksatation). Note that I have not tested guitar or microphone

So I was looking for a sound card that works on any PC with any system (Windows, Mac, Linux) and so the fact that it is usb compatibility "usb-audio" and its correct price I was attracted to this map.

I use it for a little while, whether to listen, make small recordings, etc ... This is a good Swiss army knife.

Beware, it only works in 44.1 or 48kHz.

UTILIZATION

No need driver, this is the big advantage of the standard "usb-audio". Many speakers, microphones, usb, etc ... use this standard and it is very convenient. On Presonus stuff proposes to install, I've never used.

The real trick sucks on this card is the 2 inputs are necessary conditions in the pre-amps. So for example if you want to transplant an output console or another, it is not practical: should lower the master, etc ... or have a console which resets the output level at the micro level.

Linux, can use it with no problem Jack.

GETTING STARTED

You plug it waits a few seconds, and it works. On all the systems I've tested, no problem. No major problems. This is the only thing really top this card.

Otherwise it remains a material bin entry level anyway.

OVERALL OPINION

For two years, I would say.

It is very simple to use. It fulfilled its job. Too bad it is not possible to enter in at the line level.

The preamps are average, also converters (facing the RME or Echo, for example, are no photo).

It is a good value for money, but hey, it's worth it to take better if you can afford it.

I bought a parallel sound card Echo Audiofire 2 because I wanted more quality audio inputs without pre-amp, etc. ... It is more compact but less convenient (driver, power supply, etc ...) I keep the Presonus for its practicality.

At the time I was just starting with recording and the sales assistant at Woodbrass recommended me this sound card.
I currently use it with a $600 Studio Projects T3 mic, which isn't the best match. The higher quality of the mic's diaphragm and tube are completely ruined by the poor quality integrated preamp of the Audiobox.
I use it primarily to record vocals with a 3.7GHz processor and 8GB RAM.
Monitoring system: Alesis M1MKII

UTILIZATION

The drivers are not very stable. I have to reinstall them every two months on average.
Presonus' technical support isn't the best in my opinion, no driver updates for years (since it came out in fact). Moreover, the ones included on the CD that comes inside the box don't work, you have to download them form the manufacturer's website according to your system.
The latency is high, but that's something inherent to USB audio peripherals, around 6ms at the input and 30ms at the output. It's alright to record demos but not for a studio.
With a good PC you can play back about 30 channels simultaneously but the card makes some noise.

The (detented) potentiometers aren't very precise and the internal phantom power generates quite some noise, which we can nevertheless get rid off by cutting the low-mids.
No XLR for the outputs — a big disadvantage of the card.

GETTING STARTED

Installation is very easy, since it's connected via USB.
However, as I mentioned before, you must go to Presonus' website to get them.


OVERALL OPINION

I've used it for two years and it was my first sound card. I now have an Avid Digi 003 Rack and the difference is huge.
Nevertheless, for the price (less than $150) and despite its flaws, this card is a good product to start out with in a home studio.
What I like the most about it is its minimalism, and what I like least is its lack of a sound character.

In my experience, this card is definitely better than an M-Audio (which sound metallic) or an entry-level Apogee with only two buttons, so I would definitely recommend it in this price range.