PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs SSL 2+: Get the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface. The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface wins Preamps, Monitoring and Connectivity. It is the...
The Ruling
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface? Get the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface.
The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface wins Preamps, Monitoring and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $199, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $119.01 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 | SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 7.6/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 5/10 | 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 headphone outputs and TRS outputs to the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $119.01.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface takes headphone outputs (2, +1), TRS outputs (4, +2), preamp gain (62dB, +27dB) and dynamic range (110.5dB, +5.5dB). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $119.01 more than the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Leads on
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
-
TRS Outputs +242
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
-
Preamp Gain +27dB62dB35dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
-
Dynamic Range +5.5dB110.5dB105dB
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.
- Operating System windows, macos
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 2
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O In/Out
- Bus Powered Yes
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 SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface 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 SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface?
The largest gap is headphone outputs, where the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface leads — 2 against 1. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 4 specs. They match on 10 specs, including operating system, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from PreSonus and SSL, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface?
Get the SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface. The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface wins Preamps, Monitoring and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $199, so the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 stays the pick if $119.01 matters more than those specs.
What do the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 and SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 10 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 SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface worth the extra $119 over the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?
The SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface costs $199.00 against $79.99, a difference of $119. The premium buys headphone outputs (2), TRS outputs (4) and preamp gain (62dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.