PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen: Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Preamps...
The Ruling
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Preamps, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $599.99, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $520 matters more than those specs.
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 5.8/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 2/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 takes bus powered (Yes). It gives up ADAT expansion and TRS outputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. It is the cheaper of the two, by $520.00.
Leads on
-
Bus PoweredYesNo
Bus power means the interface runs off USB alone — no wall adapter to carry or find a socket for.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen takes ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (10, +8), headphone outputs (2, +1) and preamp gain (60dB, +25dB). It gives up bus powered to the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. That costs $520.00 more than the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Leads on
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ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
-
TRS Outputs +8102
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
-
Preamp Gain +25dB60dB35dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Where they’re identical
These 8 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Operating System windows, macos
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- MIDI I/O In/Out
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
The clearest difference is ADAT expansion, which the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen has and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 5 specs. They match on 8 specs, including operating system, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from PreSonus and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Preamps, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $599.99, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $520 matters more than those specs.
What do the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen have in common?
Both share 8 specifications in the catalog, including operating system (windows, macos), sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit) and phantom power (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen worth the extra $520 over the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen costs $599.99 against $79.99, a difference of $520. The premium buys ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (10) and headphone outputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.