It’s the very nature of human beings to love little simple things. PreSonus AudioBox GO is a great example of this. It is a simple-looking, LITTLE, yet powerful audio interface.
In this post, I will review PreSonus AudioBox GO for you.
This tiny pocket-sized audio interface weighed just about 220g.
AudioBox GO is an entry-level audio interface by PreSonus that best fits bedroom producers, songwriters, and musicians who love to record on the go.
Let’s dive into the review.
PreSonus AudioBox GO Short Intro
PreSonus introduced AudioBox Go as your first interface of you. If you are just starting out your career in music production then this is the best fit for you.
This is a 2 channel audio interface that allows you to use it in your bedroom as well as when you are traveling.
AudioBox GO comes with Studio One Prime, PreSonus’s own DAW, and StudioMagic, a collection of samples, including software instruments, and utilities.
This audio interface is compatible with any other DAW, including GarageBand and Logic Pro X. And, it’s also capable of recording 24-bit/96kHz high-quality audio.
Let’s see its basic and technical features.
PreSonus AudioBox Go Features
PreSonus AudioBox GO is a complete package for novices as well as professionals.
It has some features that you find in only professional audio interfaces such as 24-bit/96kHz recording, mix control, phantom power, USB-C socket, etc.
Basic Features
- This audio interface is an ultra-affordable, ultra-compact, and versatile audio interface perfect for home and mobile recording.
- AudioBox GO has USB-C connection so there is no need for an additional power supply. The best thing is this works with Apple as well as Android devices.
- Inputs: This is a 2-in/2-out audio interface that allows you to connect your instrument along with a mic. It has 1 XLR combi input for the mic and 1 1/4″ TRS input for instruments and line-level signals.
- Outputs: On the back side it has 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS outs which can be connected to your studio monitors. On the front side, you will get a headphone out for silent recording and mixing.
- Mix Control: Mix Control lets you create a perfect blend of inputs and playback to monitor your recordings with zero latency.
- Audio Quality: As I have told you above, PreSonus AudioBox GO is a 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface that allows you to record in the highest possible quality.
- Professional XMAX-L Mic Preamp: PreSonus AudioBox GO is equipped with 48 phantom-powered low-noise, high-headroom Pre-amp which makes it possible to record at its best.
Technical Specifications
- You will get a 24-bit/96 kHz ADA converter which is awesome for an entry-level audio interface.
- USB-C connectivity makes it compatible with all Apple and Android devices.
- It is a USB bus-powered audio interface so you can use it on the go.
- The S/N Ratio is 90 dB which is not close to other professional audio interfaces. It should be above 100dB which would be markable.
- There are 4 sample rate presets ie; 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96. This allows you to record according to your needs.
PreSonus AudioBox Go Pros and Cons
Here are the pros and cons of PreSonus AudioBox GO.
Pros
- This is an ultra-compact, and lightweight audio interface, best for record-on-the-go
- 24-bit/96 kHz ADA converter and 48Volts Phantom power
- Simple to use and plug-and-play
- Bundled software is sufficient for basic recording
- Affordable price range
Cons
- Plastic cabinet
- Not ideal for professional users
PreSonus AudioBox Go: In Detail
Above, I gave some basic information about PreSonus AudioBox GO. Now it’s time to evaluate all its features one by one.
First off,
Size Matters
PreSonus AudioBox is a tiny and compact audio interface. The size and weight of this audio interface are as,
| Height | 1.73” |
| Depth | 3.3″ |
| Width | 4.25″ |
| Weight | 0.24 kg |
So I can say that it’s built to keep “field recording” in mind. The compact size and lightweight make it an ideal choice for field recordists.
Also, if you are a bedroom producer then it’s one of the best audio interfaces for you. It supports almost all DAWs and VST plugins so you can use it in your VST recording too.
This tiny audio interface will fit in your pocket so you can carry this anywhere without worry. That’s the beauty of this ultra-compact audio interface.
What About Inputs and Outputs
PreSonus audio interface has 2 inputs and 2 outputs along with a separate headphone out. Here is the breakdown of the inputs/outputs of this audio interface.
| Inputs | 1×1/4″ TRS input, 1 XLR combo input |
| Outputs | 2×1/4″ TRS outputs, 1 headphone out |
As you can see in the table above, PreSonus has 2 inputs, one is XLR amphibious input which can be used to record mics as well as instruments. You can also use this input for line-level audio devices and instruments such as octopads, synthesizers, etc.
This input has 48 Volts phantom power which allows you to connect the condenser microphones with PreSonus AudioBox Go.
Another one is a 1/4″ TRS, in which you can connect your guitar, bass, etc. You can also use this for the second input of a line-level stereo device.
There are 2 TRS 1/4″ outputs given to connect your studio monitor with this interface. There is a headphone out provided on the front side of the audio interface to connect a headphone with it.
Controls
Controls are also very simple. This includes two gain knobs for the inputs, one mix knob to balance the input and output in real-time, one big knob for master volume, and one knob for headphone out.
This is a very simple setup perfect for novices.
I personally like the mix knob which allows you to monitor the input and output without any latency. This is really awesome for those who don’t want to mess with the sophisticated routing of audio interfaces.
AD/DA converter and Sound Quality
The ADA converter of PreSonus AudioBox Go provides you with 4 sample rate presets ie; 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96. You can use any of them according to your storage capacity and computer speed.
Also, this is a 24-bit audio interface so you can record in HD quality.
Sound quality is acceptable and similar to most of the entry-level audio interfaces.
However, the S/N Ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) is 90 dB which is not as good as other audio interfaces in the same price range. If you don’t know, the S/N ratio is responsible for the in-built noise of the device.
So, it is not as quiet as other audio interfaces that deliver the S/N ratio above 100 dB.
What about Build Quality?
The body of PreSonus AudioBox Go is built with plastic material so it’s not durable enough for rough use. The knobs are also built with plastic composites.
I think the use of plastic composites relates to cost-cutting and making it lightweight.
But, if you are manufacturing a device for mobile use, it should be made of materials durable.
People can manage a few grams of extra weight but compromising the durability due to weight is not good in my personal opinion.
By the way, please let me know in the comments, what you think about the build quality of PreSonus AudioBox Go.
It would help others to make better decisions.
Included Software is Sufficient?
If I would say that PreSonus AudioBox Go is a software-rich audio interface then this is not wrong.
Well, you will get a complete software package sufficient to record your projects.
Studio One Prime: The first software you will get with AudioBox GO is Studio One Prime. This is the in-house DAW of PreSonus. You will get this DAW completely free with this audio interface.
Studio Magic software bundle: PreSonus also provides Studio Magic software bundle which includes Studio Magic software bundle, Brainworx bx_opto, Brainworx bx_rockrack, Cherry Audio Surrealistic MG-1 Plus Synthesizer, Cherry Audio Voltage Nucleus, Ghosthack Essential Sounds, iZotope Neutron Elements, Klanghelm SDRR2tube, KV331 Audio Synthmaster Player, Lexicon MPX-i Reverb, Mäag Audio EQ2, Melodics, Native Instruments REPLIKA, Output Movement, Soundsnap, SPL Attacker Plus, UJAM Virtual Bassist ROWDY, UVI Model D.
This is one of the biggest plugin suites in the audio recording field. You will get all these plugins with PreSonus AudioBox GO.
Music Tutorials: You will also get some music tutorials that help you in music production with PreSonus AudioBox GO.
So, I would say that PreSonus AudioBox GO is a complete audio production package for newbies, songwriters, musicians, and bedroom producers.
My Verdict About PreSonus AudioBox GO
From my point of view, this is a perfect audio interface to kickstart your music production career. However, don’t expect pro-quality sound like any high-end audio interface.
PreSonus AudioBox GO is an ideal audio interface for,
- Audio production students and novices.
- Bedroom producers
- Songwriters
- Field recording
- And, musicians
But, it’s not ideal for producers like me, because I expect much more from an audio interface.
So, my verdict is, if you are in one of the above lists then this best fits you but if you want more from an audio interface then don’t with it.
FAQ
Is PreSonus AudioBox GO a good audio interface?
Yes, it is a good entry-level audio interface.
Can I use PreSonus AudioBox GO for outdoor recording?
PreSonus AudioBox GO is a bus-powered audio interface so you can use it without an external power supply.
Does PreSonus AudioBox GO have come with 48Volt Phantom power for condenser mics?
Yes, you can use condenser mics with this audio interface.
Is PreSonus good for professional recording?
It depends on your expectations. If you are a bedroom producer then this is a great audio interface for you but it’s not the best fit for professionals.
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