PreSonus AudioBox 96 Recording Bundle User Manual

Introduction

The PreSonus AudioBox 96 Recording Bundle is a comprehensive solution for audio recording, designed for musicians, podcasters, and content creators. This bundle includes the AudioBox 96 USB audio interface, a cardioid condenser microphone with accessories, and the Studio One Artist Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, along with the Studio Magic Plug-In Suite. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your recording equipment to achieve high-quality audio production.

What's in the Box

Verify that all components listed below are present in your package:

• 1 × AudioBox 96 Audio Interface
• Download code for Studio One Artist Software
• 1 × USB Type-B Cable
• 1 × Studio Condenser Microphone
• 1 × XLR Microphone Cable
• 1 × Microphone Shockmount
• 1 × Microphone Stand
• 1 × Pop Filter
• 1 × Pair of Recording Headphones
• Download access for additional software

Product Overview

AudioBox 96 USB Audio Interface

The AudioBox 96 is a 2-input, 2-output USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface. It features high-quality preamps and digital converters for clear audio capture.

Front Panel Controls

Image: Front panel of the PreSonus AudioBox 96, showing input jacks, gain knobs, 48V phantom power button, mixer knob, and main output knob.

• Mic/Inst Inputs (1 & 2): Combo jacks for XLR microphones or 1/4-inch instrument/line-level signals.
• 48V Button: Activates +48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
• Gain Knobs (1 & 2): Adjust input level for each channel. The associated 'Clip' LED indicates signal overload.
• Mixer Knob: Blends the direct input signal ('Inputs') with the playback signal from your computer ('Playback') for zero-latency monitoring.
• Main Knob: Controls the output level of the main stereo outputs.
• Power LED: Indicates the unit is powered on.

Rear Panel Connections

Image: Rear panel of the PreSonus AudioBox 96, displaying USB port, MIDI In/Out, Main Outputs (L/R), and Headphones output.

• USB Port: Connects the AudioBox 96 to your computer for power and data transfer.
• MIDI In/Out: Standard 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI devices.
• Main Out (L/R): Balanced 1/4-inch TRS outputs for connecting to studio monitors or an amplifier.
• Phones: 1/4-inch stereo output for headphones.

Condenser Microphone

The included cardioid condenser microphone is designed for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with clarity and detail.

Image: Close-up view of the PreSonus cardioid condenser microphone.

Image: PreSonus cardioid condenser microphone mounted in its shockmount on a stand.

The microphone requires +48V phantom power, supplied by the AudioBox 96 interface. The included shockmount reduces handling noise and vibrations, while the pop filter minimizes plosive sounds (P, B, T) for cleaner vocal recordings.

Studio One Artist DAW Software

Studio One Artist is a powerful Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that provides tools for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering your audio projects. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a comprehensive suite of virtual instruments and effects.

Image: A general overview of the Studio One Artist software interface, showing multiple tracks and various plugins.

Image: A detailed view of the Studio One Artist arranger window, displaying audio and MIDI tracks.

Image: Studio One Artist interface showing integrated lyrics and musical score editing features.

Setup

1. Software Installation

1. Register Your Product: Visit the PreSonus website and register your AudioBox 96 using the provided download code. This step is crucial to access and download the Studio One Artist software and Studio Magic Plug-In Suite.
2. Download and Install: Follow the instructions on the PreSonus website to download and install Studio One Artist and any necessary drivers for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
3. Install Plug-Ins: Install the Studio Magic Plug-In Suite as directed by the PreSonus installation guide.

2. Hardware Connection

1. Connect AudioBox 96 to Computer: Use the supplied USB cable to connect the AudioBox 96 to an available USB port on your computer. The unit is USB bus-powered and does not require an external power supply.
2. Assemble Microphone Setup: Attach the microphone to the shockmount, then secure the shockmount to the microphone stand. Position the pop filter in front of the microphone.
3. Connect Microphone: Use the XLR microphone cable to connect the condenser microphone to one of the Mic/Inst inputs (1 or 2) on the front panel of the AudioBox 96.
4. Connect Headphones: Plug your recording headphones into the 'Phones' output on the rear panel of the AudioBox 96.
5. Connect Studio Monitors (Optional): If you have studio monitors, connect them to the 'Main Out L/R' 1/4-inch TRS outputs on the rear panel of the AudioBox 96.

Operating

1. Initial Power On and Driver Recognition

Once connected via USB, your computer should automatically recognize the AudioBox 96. The Power LED on the front panel will illuminate.

2. Configuring Studio One Artist

1. Launch Studio One Artist: Open the software after installation.
2. Select Audio Device: In Studio One's preferences (Options > Audio Setup), select the PreSonus AudioBox 96 as your primary audio device.
3. Create a New Song: Start a new project and configure your desired sample rate and bit depth (e.g., 24-bit, 96 kHz).

3. Recording Audio

1. Activate Phantom Power: If using the condenser microphone, press the 48V button on the AudioBox 96 front panel.
2. Set Input Gain: Speak or play into the microphone. Slowly turn up the corresponding Gain Knob (1 or 2) until the 'Clip' LED flashes only occasionally during the loudest parts. Avoid constant clipping.
3. Monitor Your Sound: Adjust the Mixer Knob to balance the direct input signal with the playback from your computer. This provides zero-latency monitoring. Adjust the Main Knob for speaker volume and the headphone volume for headphone monitoring.
4. Arm Track in Studio One: In Studio One, create an audio track and arm it for recording (usually a red record button on the track). Select the correct input (e.g., Input 1 for Mic/Inst 1).
5. Record: Press the record button in Studio One to begin recording.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the AudioBox 96 and microphone. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the equipment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Cable Management: Ensure cables are not kinked or strained to prevent damage.
• Software Updates: Regularly check the PreSonus website for software and driver updates for Studio One Artist and the AudioBox 96.

Troubleshooting

No Sound Output

• Check Connections: Ensure all cables (USB, XLR, headphones, monitors) are securely connected.
• Volume Levels: Verify that the Main and Headphone volume knobs on the AudioBox 96 are turned up. Check volume levels within your operating system and Studio One Artist.
• Mixer Knob: Adjust the Mixer knob to ensure you are hearing either the input, playback, or a blend of both.
• Software Settings: Confirm that the AudioBox 96 is selected as the audio output device in Studio One Artist and your computer's sound settings.

No Input Signal / Microphone Not Working

• Phantom Power: Ensure the 48V button is engaged for the condenser microphone.
• Gain Knob: Turn up the corresponding input gain knob (1 or 2).
• Microphone Cable: Test with a different XLR cable if available.
• Studio One Input: Verify that the correct input (e.g., Input 1) is selected and armed for recording on the track in Studio One.

Distorted Audio

• Input Gain: Reduce the input gain using the corresponding knob on the AudioBox 96 if the 'Clip' LED is constantly lit.
• Software Levels: Check for clipping within Studio One Artist's mixer channels.

Software Issues (Studio One Artist)

• Drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers for the AudioBox 96 installed from the PreSonus website.
• System Compatibility: Verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Studio One Artist.
• Reinstallation: If problems persist, try reinstalling Studio One Artist.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official PreSonus website. For technical support, driver downloads, and additional resources, please visit the PreSonus support page:

www.presonus.com/support

Ensure you have your product serial number ready when contacting support.