PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Universal Audio Volt 2
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 vs Universal Audio Volt 2: Get the Universal Audio Volt 2, narrowly. The Universal Audio Volt 2 wins Preamps, but only just, and...
The Ruling
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Universal Audio Volt 2? Get the Universal Audio Volt 2, narrowly.
The Universal Audio Volt 2 wins Preamps — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. 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 | Universal Audio Volt 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Universal Audio Volt 2. It is the cheaper of the two, by $119.01.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
Universal Audio Volt 2
2-in/2-out USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and analog-inspired tone shaping.
On paper the Universal Audio Volt 2 takes preamp gain (55dB, +20dB) and dynamic range (112dB, +7dB). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. 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.
-
Dynamic Range +7dB112dB105dB
Wider converter dynamic range means less noise between the quietest and loudest parts of a take.
Where they’re identical
These 11 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
- 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 Universal Audio Volt 2 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 Universal Audio Volt 2?
The largest gap is preamp gain, where the Universal Audio Volt 2 leads — 55dB against 35dB. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 11 specs, including sample rate, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from PreSonus and Universal Audio, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 or Universal Audio Volt 2?
Get the Universal Audio Volt 2, narrowly. The Universal Audio Volt 2 wins Preamps — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. 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 Universal Audio Volt 2 have in common?
Both share 11 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 Universal Audio Volt 2 worth the extra $119 over the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96?
The Universal Audio Volt 2 costs $199.00 against $79.99, a difference of $119. The premium buys preamp gain (55dB) and dynamic range (112dB). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.