PreSonus AudioBox USB Audio Interface

Updated April 1, 2019 |  by Hollagully

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The PreSonus Audiobox is a wildly successful USB audio interface adored by a wide ranging audience from beginners to professionals. This simple audio interface is equipped to record any signal, including MIDI, in professional 24-bit resolution and 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rate, making it one of the best money-to-value options in its class.

PreSonus hold a strong reputation for designing outstanding microphone preamps in their products for all price levels. The PreSonus Audiobox is loaded with 2 Class-A mic preamps that offer high headroom, low noise, and plenty of gain allowing you to fully capture the integrity of the incoming signal.

presonus-audiobox-usb-best-audio-interface

PreSonus Eris E5

Specifications:

  • 2 balanced “combo” XLR/¼” mic/instrument inputs
  • 2 balanced ¼” main (L/R) line outputs
  • Individual channel-trim controls with 0 to +35 dBu mic gain range
  • 48V phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Mixer control (for zero-latency monitoring)
  • Professional-grade A/D/A converters (+102 dBu dynamic range)
  • 1 USB 1.1 port
  • MIDI I/O
  • Headphone output with volume control
  • LED clip indicator for each channel
  • 24-bit resolution and 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rate

Pros:

  • Very competitively priced considering its features
  • Durable, mostly constructed of metal
  • Quality preamps
  • Zero-Latency monitoring
  • MIDI I/O a big bonus
  • Included software is feature rich, great for podcasters and beginners
  • Extremely portable, great for gigs and nomad producers

Cons:

  • No S/PDIF or ADAT expandability

Whether you’re new to recording, a seasoned professional, or a podcaster who’s looking for a more compact, mobile solution, the Audiobox USB offers an incredible sound in rugged design. It features all the necessary features for basic recording and extreme ease of use to get you recording into nearly any major DAW immediately.

The front panel features two “combo” style inputs (XLR, TS, TRS) ready for any instrument or microphone. Microphones connected via XLR will enjoy the benefits of the mic preamps which become automatically bypassed when instruments plugged in via 1/4”, at which point the AudioBox USB becomes an instrument preamplifier. Two Input Gain/Trim Control dials manage the gain structure of these connections: XLR—40 dB of variable gain (-10 to +30 dB), TS ¼-inch—60 dB of variable gain (0 dB to +60 dB).

Singer/songwriters, podcasters, and all guitar players will enjoy the Mix Control dial that allows precise control of the level between the input signal and computer playback. This lets the talent adjust the mix perfectly with zero delay in the headphones, all from the front panel. Connect your choice of condenser microphone in any of the two inputs as they are both equipped with 48V phantom power, and be sure not to have this on if using a ribbon mic.

Lastly on the front panel are controls for the main out being sent to your speakers, and your headphone volume level. Outputs connections for these 1/4” TRS and are found on the rear panel, along with MIDI I/O for connecting your favourite synth or MIDI device.

Compatibility:

Mac OS X 10.6 or higher
Minimum: Intel Core Duo 1.5 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM
Recommended: Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel iCore processor or better, 4 GB or more RAM


Windows Operating Systems (32- or 64-bit) Windows 7, Vista
Minimum: Intel Core Duo or AMD Athlon™ X2 processor, 2 GB RAM
Recommended: Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X4 or better, 4 GB or more RAM

Further Reading:

To help you out on your quest for the right audio interface for your home studio, we’ve included links below to detailed reviews of a few models that would make a great runner up to the Apogee Duet.

We’ve put together The Ultimate Guide to Audio Interfaces that will teach you all the essentials to make an informed decision in getting your home studio connected and up and running in to time. 

Alternatives:

Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 USBUAD Apollo Twin MkII ThunderboltApogee Duet

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©2023 Hollagully

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