PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen): Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins...
The Ruling
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins Preamps — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $70.00 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 2i2 (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 7.9/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 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.
It gives up preamp gain and dynamic range to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). It is the cheaper of the two, by $70.00.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Popular 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with low-noise preamps and direct monitoring.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes preamp gain (56dB, +21dB) and dynamic range (111dB, +6dB). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $70.00 more than the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Leads on
-
Preamp Gain +21dB56dB35dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
-
Dynamic Range +6dB111dB105dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 10 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- ADAT Expansion No
- Bus Powered Yes
- TRS Outputs 2
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 2i2 (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 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The largest gap is preamp gain, where the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) leads — 56dB against 35dB. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 10 specs, including sample rate, bit depth and phantom power. 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 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins Preamps — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $70.00 matters more than those specs.
What do the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) have in common?
Both share 10 specifications in the catalog, including sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and XLR inputs (2), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) worth the extra $70 over the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) costs $149.99 against $79.99, a difference of $70. The premium buys preamp gain (56dB) and dynamic range (111dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.