Product Reviews

AudioBox 22VSL - USB Interface Reviews

Good but limited...
Features		Quality
Value		Overall
Product Experience	I've heard about it	Closest Store	Port Coquitlam British Columbia
Presonus makes good products but they are a bit pricey when compared to the competition, with no apparent reasons for that. They all have pros and cons and similar quality. This unit, for example, is not designed to take line-level inputs, making it a little limiting if you want to connect a drum machine, keyboard, synthesiser or even an electric acoustic guitar with a built-in pre-amp. At least they are honest enough to tell you this in the manual (page 5). You would need to buy the 44VSL to be able to connect active instruments, but it would cost you $300. A better option would be the NI Komplete Audio 6 for $230, or the Presonus Firestudio Mobile for $275 or the Focusrite Saffire 14 for about $250. These have more line-level connections in their backs. The other small units from Mackie, Focusrite and Steinberg also offer the same quality (again, with pros and cons), but their inputs allow for line-level instruments. The Presonus 22 does not. They are also $50 cheaper. Some have Midi connection, others don't. Some offer USB 1.1, while others have USB 2.0. You will need USB 2.0 or Firewire if you plan to record more than two tracks at the same time (if you have more than two inputs, of course). The new Steinberg UR 22 is a great unit for $150, however, it allows the connection of only one guitar without a DI box, i.e., it has only one Hi-Z input. At the end, think twice before buying these interfaces. You need to know exactly what you will (or may) be playing and what you want to do while recording. Many of these units were launched years ago, so can we expect some upgrades in terms of hardware soon?!?! I hope so. There are still a lot of obsolete equipment out there that allows multiple inputs but only two tracks recording due to the limited connection (USB 1.1) and design. I am now getting into the mixer/interface combo world, but this would be a more expensive option. Anyway, good luck in your search for the "perfect" low cost interface. Do your research. Get to know the unit's inputs, connection to the computer, sampling rate, the "bit", quality of the pre-amps, etc. You will need all of this to make a sound decision. Posted by Dr. N on Mar 29, 2013

Meh
Features		Quality
Value		Overall
Product Experience	I own it	Closest Store	Port Coquitlam British Columbia
I like this interface but it seems like there are a lot better ones out there, theres a weird delay on the midi Posted by Martin on Mar 26, 2013

Presonus rocks!
Features		Quality
Value		Overall
Product Experience	I own it	Closest Store	Port Coquitlam British Columbia
The quality of the build of this little unit is fantastic! It's a solid metal case with minimal plastic. The pots are indexed and have a great feel to them. The sound quality, software setup and features all meet or exceed my expectations. I prefer the rack mount design to any tabletop type - this unit just looks, feels, and behaves like a professional piece of equipment. I'm now a big fan of PreSonus Posted by anonymous on Feb 15, 2013

Great Soundcard!
Features		Quality
Value		Overall
Product Experience	I own it	Closest Store	Mississauga Ontario
Works great for home studios. Posted by anonymous on Jan 15, 2013

Very Good
Features		Quality
Value		Overall
Product Experience	I own it	Closest Store	Calgary North Alberta
Hardware is solid, fantastic home software package Posted by anonymous on Nov 11, 2012

Great package!
Features		Quality
Value		Overall
Product Experience	I own it	Closest Store	Winnipeg Manitoba
This is great I now have the ability to record with microphones, guitar, bass or whatever has a 1/4 output end. That's not all, this package also includes DAW software (one of the best). This makes home recording much easier! Posted by Angelo on Jul 22, 2012