PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C: Evenly matched, take the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. Nothing on the chart above separates them: on every...
The Ruling
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C? Evenly matched — take the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Nothing on the chart above separates them: on every axis the catalog can score, the two land close enough that calling a winner would be reading noise. With the specs level, $119.01 is the real difference, and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is the cheaper side of it.
At a Glance
How closely these two line up
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 | M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 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.
On paper the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 takes dynamic range (105dB, +1dB). It gives up preamp gain to the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C. It is the cheaper of the two, by $119.01.
Leads on
-
Dynamic Range +1dB105dB104dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C takes preamp gain (55dB, +20dB). It gives up dynamic range to the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. That costs $119.01 more than the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Leads on
-
Preamp Gain +20dB55dB35dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Where they’re identical
These 12 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
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O In/Out
- 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 PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 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 M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C?
The largest gap is preamp gain, where the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C leads — 55dB against 35dB. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 12 specs, including operating system, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from PreSonus and M-Audio, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C?
Evenly matched — take the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. Nothing on the chart above separates them: on every axis the catalog can score, the two land close enough that calling a winner would be reading noise. With the specs level, $119.01 is the real difference, and the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is the cheaper side of it.
What do the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C have in common?
Both share 12 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 M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C worth the extra $119 over the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?
The M-Audio M-Track 2x2M-C costs $199.00 against $79.99, a difference of $119. The premium buys preamp gain (55dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.