PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Get the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) wins Preamps and Creator Features, but only just, and the rest...
The Ruling
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)? Get the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen), narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $159.99, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $80.00 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need mic inputs — get the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
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 Solo (4th Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 7.4/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 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.
On paper the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 takes XLR inputs (2, +1). It gives up loopback and preamp gain to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen). It is the cheaper of the two, by $80.00.
Leads on
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Compact 1-mic USB-C interface for solo creators who need clean voice and instrument input.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) takes loopback (Yes), preamp gain (57dB, +22dB) and dynamic range (120dB, +15dB). It gives up XLR inputs to the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. That costs $80.00 more than the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Leads on
-
LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
-
Preamp Gain +22dB57dB35dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
-
Dynamic Range +15dB120dB105dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 8 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
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- 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 Solo (4th 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 Solo (4th Gen)?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) has and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 4 specs. They match on 8 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 Solo (4th Gen)?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen), narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) wins Preamps and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $159.99, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $80.00 matters more than those specs.
What do the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) have in common?
Both share 8 specifications in the catalog, including sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and headphone outputs (1), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) worth the extra $80 over the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) costs $159.99 against $79.99, a difference of $80. The premium buys loopback (Yes), preamp gain (57dB) and dynamic range (120dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.