PreSonus AudioBox USB®96 USB Audio Interface Owner's Manual

1 Overview

1.1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus AudioBox USB®96. PreSonus Audio Electronics has designed the AudioBox USB96 utilizing high-grade components to ensure optimum performance that will last a lifetime. Loaded with 2 high-headroom, Class A microphone preamplifiers; professional 24-bit 96 kHz converters; a built-in 2x2 USB 2.0 recording and playback engine; MIDI I/O; and more, AudioBox USB96 breaks new boundaries for music performance and production. All you need is a computer with a USB connection, a few microphones and cables, powered speakers, and your instruments, and you are ready to record in the studio or in front of a live audience!

PreSonus Audio Electronics is committed to constant product improvement, and values customer suggestions. This manual is designed to familiarize users with the features, applications, and correct connection procedures for the AudioBox USB96 to help avoid problems during installation and setup.

The manual includes "Power User Tips" for quick expertise and audio tutorials covering topics like microphone placement and EQ/compression settings.

1.2 Summary of AudioBox USB Hardware Features

• 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate
• 2 Class A microphone preamplifiers
• 2 Instrument inputs
• MIDI I/O
• 2x2 USB 2.0 audio interface
• Headphone output
• Analog monitor mixing with playback/input mix control
• Rugged steel chassis
• Includes Studio One™ Artist software
• Compatible with all major audio applications
• macOS®- and Windows®-compatible

1.3 Summary of Studio One Artist Software Features

All PreSonus audio interfaces include PreSonus Studio One Artist recording software, which comes with more than 4 GB of plug-ins, loops, and samples, providing everything needed for music recording and production.

1.4 What is in the Box

The package includes:

• AudioBox USB96 Interface
• 6' (1.8m) USB cable
• AudioBox USB96 Quick Start Guide
• Studio One Key Commands Guide
• PreSonus Health Safety and Compliance Guide

Power User Tip: Companion software and drivers are available for download from your My PreSonus user account at http://my.presonus.com after registering your interface.

2 Hook-up

2.1 Front-Panel Connections and Controls

The AudioBox USB96 features two combo jacks for Microphone/Instrument inputs, accepting either a 1/4-inch phone plug or an XLR plug.

• Microphone Inputs: The XLR inputs on channels 1 and 2 have custom PreSonus microphone preamplifiers suitable for dynamic, ribbon, and condenser microphones.
• Instrument Inputs: The 1/4-inch TS connectors on channels 1 and 2 are for instruments like guitar and bass.

Power User Tip: Dynamic and ribbon microphones typically require no external power. Sending phantom power to a ribbon mic can cause severe damage. Condenser microphones usually require external +48V phantom power. Always consult your microphone's documentation.

Power User Tip: Active instruments with line-level outputs should ideally be connected via a D.I. box to the mic input. Plugging a line-level source directly into the instrument input can risk damage and cause distortion.

48-volt Phantom Power: A button enables +48V phantom power for both microphone inputs. Use with caution, as it is only required for condenser microphones and can damage some dynamic mics, especially ribbon mics.

Input Gain/Trim Control: Knobs provide variable gain:

• Microphone: 60 dB of variable gain (0 to +60 dB)
• Instrument: 40 dB of variable gain (-10 dB to +30 dB)

Clip Indicator: Red LEDs next to trim controls illuminate when the input signal reaches 0 dBFS, indicating clipping (distortion).

Power User Tip: Avoid overdriving analog-to-digital converters to prevent irreversible digital clipping.

Mixer Knob: Blends input signals with playback streams from the computer for latency-free monitoring. At 12 o'clock, input and playback are balanced. Turning left favors input; turning right favors playback.

Power User Tip: For DAW monitoring, set the Mixer knob fully to "Playback" to avoid a doubling effect.

Phones Knob: Controls the volume for the headphone output.

Main Knob: Controls the output level for the Main Outputs (-80 dB to 10 dB).

Power LED: Illuminates red when the unit is powered and synced via USB.

2.2 Rear-Panel Connections

1/4-inch Phones (headphone) Jack: Connect headphones here.

Main Out: These are the main outputs for the AudioBox USB96, controlled by the Main volume knob on the front panel. Connect speakers or headphones directly to monitor playback.

2.3 Connection Diagram

MIDI I/O: MIDI ports allow connection and communication with external MIDI equipment for sequencing and more.

Power User Tip: MIDI is used to trigger or control audio sources. Ensure MIDI data is correctly sent and received. Consult MIDI device manuals for setup.

USB Port: Connects the AudioBox USB96 to your computer via USB 2.0 or 3.0. The unit is bus-powered and does not require an external power supply.

A connection diagram illustrates a typical setup: a computer connected via USB to the AudioBox USB96, with a MIDI keyboard connected to the MIDI ports, microphones to the combo jacks, and speakers/headphones to the Main Out/Phones jacks.

3 Connecting to a Computer

The AudioBox USB96 is a USB 2.0 audio interface with professional audio tools and monitoring controls. Check system requirements at www.presonus.com/products/AudioBoxUSB96/techspecs.

Note: Processor speed, RAM, and hard drive performance significantly impact recording system performance and latency.

3.1 Installation for Windows

The Universal Control installer, including ASIO and WDM drivers, is available from your My PreSonus user account after registration. Follow the installer's instructions carefully, and do not connect the AudioBox USB96 until prompted.

Power User Tip: Temporarily disable anti-virus programs during installation.

3.1.1 Universal Control (Windows)

This software allows control over Sample Rate (44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz) and Safe Mode (Input Buffer Size) for optimizing performance.

3.2 Installation for Mac OS X

The AudioBox USB96 is a class-compliant Core Audio device in macOS. No driver installation is needed; simply connect it to your computer.

3.3 Using the AudioBox USB96 with Popular Audio Applications

The AudioBox USB96 is compatible with any audio-recording application supporting Core Audio or ASIO. Consult your application's documentation for specific setup instructions.

• Ableton Live: Set Driver Type to ASIO, Audio Device to ASIO PreSonus AudioBox USB96, and configure Input/Output channels.
• Apple Logic: Enable Core Audio in Preferences > Audio > Devices, select PreSonus AudioBox USB96, and relaunch. Enable custom I/O labels via Options > Audio > I/O Labels.
• Avid Pro Tools 10+: In Setup > Hardware, select AudioBox USB96. In Setup > Playback Engine, select AudioBox USB96.
• Cakewalk Sonar: Set Driver Mode to ASIO. Configure drivers in Options > Audio > Drivers and set Playback/Recording Timing Masters.
• Cubase: In Devices > Device Setup, select VST Audio System, choose PreSonus AudioBox USB96 as the ASIO Driver, and configure VST Connections.

4 Studio One Artist Quick Start

All registered AudioBox USB96 users receive Studio One Artist software for recording, mixing, and production.

Power User Tip: Discount upgrades to Studio One Professional are available at https://shop.presonus.com/products/software/studio-one-prods.

4.1 Installation and Authorization

After installing drivers and connecting the interface, install Studio One Artist by logging into your My PreSonus account and registering your AudioBox USB96. The product key will be automatically registered.

Downloading and Running the Studio One Installer: Download the installer from your My PreSonus account.

4.2 Setting Up Studio One

Studio One Artist is designed for seamless integration with PreSonus interfaces. Upon launch, it opens to a Start page with document management, device configuration, artist profile, news, and tutorials.

4.2.1 Configuring Audio Devices: On the Start page, select "Configure Audio Device" to choose the AudioBox USB96 from the Audio Device menu and adjust buffer block size.

4.2.2 Configuring MIDI Devices:

External MIDI controllers and sound modules can be configured via the External Devices window. Ensure any necessary drivers for third-party MIDI hardware are installed first.

• Setting up a MIDI Keyboard controller: Connect MIDI Out of controller to AudioBox MIDI In. In External Devices, click Add, select your controller (or "New Keyboard"), specify MIDI channels, and set Receive From/Send To ports.
• Setting up an External MIDI Sound Module: Connect MIDI Out of sound module to AudioBox MIDI In. In External Devices, click Add, select your instrument (or "New Instrument"), specify MIDI channels, and set Send To port.

4.3 Creating a New Song

4.3.1 Configuring Your Audio I/O:

From the Start page, select "Create a New Song." In the New Song window, name your song, choose a directory, and select a template (or "Empty Song"). Set sample rate, bit depth, song length, and time format. The "Stretch audio files to Song tempo" option is useful for loops.

In Song Setup, the Audio I/O Setup tab allows enabling inputs and outputs. It's recommended to create mono inputs for each interface input and stereo inputs if needed. Outputs can be configured, with the Audition Select menu choosing the playback output for auditioning files.

Power User Tip: Use the "Make Default" button to save I/O configurations.

4.3.2 Creating Audio and Instrument Tracks:

Use the "Add Tracks" button in the Arrange window to create tracks. You can customize track name, color, effects, and input/output sources. Choose "Audio" for audio files or "Instrument" for MIDI data controlling virtual instruments or external MIDI devices.

4.3.3 Recording an Audio Track:

Create an audio track, set its input to Input 1, and connect a microphone. Enable Record Enable on the track and adjust the input level on the interface to near maximum without clipping.

4.3.4 Adding Virtual Instruments and Effects:

Drag and drop plug-ins and instruments from the browser onto tracks. Effects can also be dragged between channels or as chains. Audio and MIDI files can be dragged into the Arrange view to create new tracks or add to existing ones.

5 Technical Information

5.1 Specifications

Added Bonus: PreSonus' Recipe for Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried Red Kidney Beans
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
• 6-8 C vegetable stock
• 1 Tbs. Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 fresh parsley
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 smoked ham hock (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse red beans in cold water.
2. In a pressure cooker, heat olive oil on medium high. Sauté onion, celery, bell pepper, beans, and ham hock (if using) until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in Old Bay, parsley, and salt.
4. Add vegetable stock until beans and vegetables are covered.
5. Close pressure cooker and bring to full pressure on high heat.
6. Reduce heat to low while maintaining full pressure. Cook for 40 minutes.
7. Allow pressure to drop naturally (20-30 minutes).
8. Remove lid and crush with a potato masher until creamy.
9. Correct seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
10. Serve over rice with hot sauce and grilled Andouille sausage (optional).