PreSonus AudioBox iOne review

Today, we’ll be reviewing the PreSonus AudioBox iOne audio interface. There’s a lot of competition in this price range, but the PreSonus seems to hold its own. Let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer.

PreSonus AudioBox iOne audio interface review

Our verdict on the AudioBox iOne 3.0

While there isn’t anything wrong with the iOne, it isn’t the best interface in its price bracket.

Folks on a budget may benefit from having one of these by their side until they’re ready to upgrade, but that’s the best we can say.

Check availability and price: Sweetwater Amazon

I/O and controls 4.0

The unit has an XLR input, a 1/4″ TRS instrument input, and a 1/4″ headphone output, all of which are located on the front panel. Both inputs have their own designated gain controls and 48 V phantom power for the XLR.

AudioBox iOne audio interface (front panel)

The gain controls are accompanied by small LED lights which flash red when clipping is present. To our dismay, the instrument input has no way to switch to line level.

The device also has a button to engage direct monitoring, a master control, and a headphone volume control.

AudioBox iOne audio interface (rear panel)

Turning around to the rear panel, you’ll find two USB ports, a Kensington security slot, and well as two balanced TRS outputs.

Recording quality 3.5

The iOne offers an A/D resolution of 24-bit/96 kHz. This is standard for professional recording.

It offers a dynamic range of 105 db, which is rather common for budget-priced interfaces similar to this.

Preamps 3.5

The XLR input features PreSonus’s Class-A preamp, which has a fairly flat frequency response.

Unfortunately, there is a 3 dB drop-off around 20 Hz, although this isn’t the worst thing in the world.

The preamps are transparent, and hold their own against most other interfaces in this price range.

At home studio 4.0

The iOne is great for beginners, as well as artists with small bedroom studios. It’s rather unimposing, and can accommodate most setups.

Mobile recording 4.5

Thankfully, the unit is bus-powered, so you won’t have to worry about forgetting any external power sources.

Its small size is great for travel, making this an ideal interface for recording demos on the road.

Build quality 4.0

Overall, the build is respectable. The unit is wrapped in a durable aluminum casing, and can take a couple of drops to the floor.

The knobs are a little bit wiggly, and the buttons feel a bit hollow, but this shouldn’t pose any serious issues.

Software bundle 5.0

The AudioBox iOne comes with PreSonus Studio One Artist and the Capture Duo iPad app. That has you covered for DAWs on both platforms.

One of the cool things about the Capture Duo app is that you can wirelessly transfer a session over to Studio One Artist on your computer.

It also comes with a very nice plugin suite that includes emulations of vintage effects and instruments.

Those plugins are all available in VST, AAX, and AU formats, so you can use them in any popular DAW.

Compared to other audio interfaces

Here are several alternatives to consider in comparison to the PreSonus AudioBox iOne.

You can also check out our picks for the best budget audio interfaces and the best units under $200.

AudioBox iOne vs. AudioBox USB 96

Definitely get the AudioBox USB 96, the iOne is fairly more expensive with not much to show for the price increase.

Check out our PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 review

AudioBox iOne vs. Focusrite Scarlett Solo

The Scarlett Solo has far better A/D resolution, preamps, and a better software bundle. If you have the extra cash, the investment is completely worth it.

Check out our Focusrite Scarlett Solo review