PreSonus AudioBox GO - USB Audio Interface Review (compact and budget-friendly)

In this video I test the AudioBox GO from PreSonus and check out its audio quality.
Amazon US | PreSonus AudioBox GO: amzn.to/3IH1Ij6 *
Thomann EU | PreSonus AudioBox GO: www.thomann.de/intl/presonus_... *
Support the channel on Patreon: / juliankrause **
00:00 Intro
00:16 Hardware Overview
01:56 Internals
02:44 Build Quality
03:09 Mic Input Performance
04:55 Mic Preamp Performance
06:04 Line Input Performance
06:30 Main Output Performance
07:44 HP Output Performance
09:26 Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon and Thomann Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.

[@OrbitalLizardStudios]

Channels with a smaller but still respectable following always have the most information-dense and straightforward reviews. Best review of this product i've seen. no one else had this amount of measurements and graphs haha

[@JulianKrause]

Correction: The dynamic range of the main out of the Babyface PRO FS is actually 125.5 dB(A) as shown in its review. The graph will be adjusted in future videos. Totally missed the RTL measurements, here you go: Sample Rate 48 kHz (Buffersize / RTL in ms) 16 / 3.7 32 / 4.0 64 / 4.7 128 / 7.0 Sample Rate 96 kHz (Buffersize / RTL in ms) 32 / 4.3 64 / 4.6 128 / 5.3 256 / 8.6 In total a very good performance and the measured times align with the reported times by the driver.

[@eranddroory9987]

Thank you 🙂

[@mandalorian8922]

Thanks for the work Julian. Can you do tests to Apollo twin x, mk 2, mk 1 and Apollo solo? It would be really an interesting video. I would like to ask you for advice about buying an audio interface. After watching your videos and analyzing your legendary table, I realized that motu m2 / m4 is the top one, not counting RME babyface pro fs, Motu ultralite-mk5, although this is also quite debatable. In general, I want to take an audio interface for recording, editing vocals, mixing tracks, etc. Which audio interface would you recommend and take for personal use and why? I generally liked Motu m2 (m4), Volt 276 (476), Arturia minifuse 1 (2). But recently discovered the world of apollo. So I’m thinking whether it’s worth it to overpay so much and take apollo solo. I would like to see your tests and comparisons. In general, something like this.

[@MentalYogaWithElvira]

Hi Julian, can I please ask for your help. I was searching for information on DR-40X and found you video about it. I am grateful for your explanations. I am totally new to sound recording. What I want is a device/microphone/kit/solution to be able to record podcasts/meditation audios with the lowest possible noise. I also want to be able to do it while outside. I don't have opportunity to have studios/quiet rooms. I would love to be able to sit in the garden/forest/jungle/room and be able to record reasonably clear sound. Could you please make some recommendations of products that could do that. DR-40X and similar machines look like they are a convenient thing to have. But what would actually reduce noise that could be carried around? Many thanks!

[@Alex_Martz]

Thanks, the roundtrip latency is actually much better on this cheaper model than its competitors, Also, can you do a test of the roundtrip latencies of the Behringer UMC 202HD ? your video on that model doesn't report the RTL, thanks

[@fangwenzhou5807]

Awesome review! Love all the objective measurements.

[@imlayshall5086]

Those colored comparison diagrams of frequency response and dynamic range really helps quantify the difference of this audio interface from others. Very professional video.

[@granaff]

You make such thorough and good videos. Thank you

[@DanShepperd]

I love your detailed and informative videos. I respect the way you present objective measurements rather than just personal opinion! Please can you review the PreSonus Revelator io24? I recently got one of these to play with, although I tend to use my SSL or Motu for serious work. It's an interesting product with built in processing. Manufacturers seem to be adding more in the way of sound treatment e.g. the 4K button, Air, 1176, etc, so how does the io24 compare? I hope you can get a free demo model. I would offer you mine to test, but I'm in the UK and Brexit means it might be difficult to send to you without customs charges etc - but the offer is there. Keep up your great work - I especially appreciate your info on headphones since some of mine are high impedance. Thanks!

[@AlessandroCometti]

Hi Julian, Ever thought of creating an audio course? I'm sure it would be a success! Cheers

[@raimundolanas4273]

Hello Julian, love your channel and videos. Would you be able to review the Behringer UMC1820 interface anytime soon? Thank you

[@mandalorian8922]

Thanks for the work Julian. Can you do tests to Apollo twin x, mk 2, mk 1 and Apollo solo? It would be really an interesting video. I would like to ask you for advice about buying an audio interface. After watching your videos and analyzing your legendary table, I realized that motu m2 / m4 is the top one, not counting RME babyface pro fs, Motu ultralite-mk5, although this is also quite debatable. In general, I want to take an audio interface for recording, editing vocals, mixing tracks, etc. Which audio interface would you recommend and take for personal use and why? I generally liked Motu m2 (m4), Volt 276 (476), Arturia minifuse 1 (2). But recently discovered the world of apollo. So I’m thinking whether it’s worth it to overpay so much and take apollo solo. I would like to see your tests and comparisons. In general, something like this.

[@sunscapes21]

I bought this last month, actually looked whether julian had reviewed, not finding it ordered it anyway.. I thinks its good for the price though.. tested it with guitar rig 5.. no latency issues, headphones out is fine, the plastic box like julian said is the only con... but they probably brought the price down using plastic (roughly US$ 105).. And separate headphone volume is what made me chose this over the focusrite solo..

[@jcap8391]

I just purchased it to and I think it's really good regardless of it's price. I think people expect the world from budget items. This little thing surprised me

[@deanandthebeans857]

Thanks Julian! - very thorough. Do you know if it works with iPad without problems? Thanks!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Ausgezeichnet Jules!

[@BojanBojovic]

Thanks Julian. It would be great if you could measure some high end preamps and give us the perspective what we get for 10 or more times the money compared to some good interface preamps. :)

[@NoName_4]

I like yours videos!! You are very clear and very informative!! Can you make a review from the new zoom AMS-24?

[@JulianKrause]

I already got one, stay tuned :)

[@ArrakisOCE]

Thanks for the great reviews. Are you aware of a similar 2x2 USB interface but with instrument level outputs as well? I want to use one as an FX bus for my DAW to be able to route a shelf of stereo guitar pedals into the mix.

[@benoittissier58]

There is no need for a Fethead, but it can help move the gain to an area where it's easy to adjust. I saw that on some KZbin channel and it makes sense here. And I"m a big Fethead fan 😊

[@mozogamingyt8381]

U r awesome bro. Love from INDIA ❤

[@nj1255]

One interface that there's not much in-depth info about is the iConnectivity Audio 4c. They had a cheaper one called Audio 2+ a couple of years ago, but it seems that it was discontinued. They seem to be really cheap for the amount of connectivity and routing possibilities you get (comparable with RME, or even better). You can use them with two systems at the same time (PC and Mac mixed), pass through both audio and MIDI between the machines, and much more! If the pre-amps and converters are comparable to the quality you get from Audient, MOTU or RME they could be a real contender for best bang for your buck.

[@Protegit]

Can you test the Motu M4? We're really curious whether there are differences in quality between M2 and M4 like with other interfaces with extended versions!

[@papawintv]

Hi julian can you feature the zoom live trak? Which do you think is more practical audio interface like focusrite or zoom live trak? Thanks in advance. More power to your channel.

[@drewsmudemyoozik]

I subscribe to you to help me make decisions on my next interface purchase. Got my eye on the Apogee Duet 3. Any plans on reviewing that one?

[@IdunDied]

Would be interesting to see how it compares to iloud options or shure x2u as those as the truly small portable interfaces (not that this one is big, those are just more "Inline" so help with cable clutter as well)

[@Mr_A_Mia]

Yooo Julian! I was hoping you’d do this one!

[@luckyirawan]

And.. yes, he is..

[@davidrpinzona9490]

Hi Julian, I'd like to see the test on the IK MULTIMEDIA IRIG PRO I/O or even better a kind of comparative with the similar interfaces.

[@generyu8508]

Hi Julian! Can you do a review of the xtuga e22 interface. It's the cheapest audio interface today in the market. It's 24/192 khz and I wanna know if it really is. Thanks in advance.

[@ShanMichaelEscasio]

Hello..I am a newbie to aufio interfaces. I got the aduiobox go for my birthday last January (only thing i could afford at Php 3,599 (U$67). What i love about this is indeed the clean preamps. I am a keyboardist and i mostly use the audiobox for my keyboard connected via stereo output (if i dont need to do any vocal), and i can also jus use an audio splitter if i want to do keyboard+mic. My minor issue here is when i use my cheap dynamic mic (Samson Q7) with the audiobox, the gain needs to be cranked way up just to get a signal. What could be the cause? My mic has low impedance (or whatever)?

[@crazyKurious]

Julian, how do you setup your mic ? Are you using a shotgun ?

[@lambda7652]

I think the flat part in the THD+N graph is actually the noise and not the distortion?!

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

I wonder if you could replace the plastic shell with a metal one

[@pedropiteira7188]

Hi, Julian. Do you think this is a good upgrade from an 2012 M-audio fast track usb MK2? I just buy this audio interface and i by tour review i feel that i made a bad decision...

[@RobJMeronek]

Would you know how much voltage you should run this with if you’re not hooking it up to your computer’s USB port?

[@yenu]

can you do a review on the new Razer Audio Interface?

[@fernandagunsanchannel]

could u do presonus revelator review?

[@lawrence78]

Hey guys, I currently wanting to replay my audio interface since my little solo 2nd is broken for quite a long time. I am using a pair of DT770 pro 250 Ohms and a Shure SM58 I was thinking about the Audient iD4 mkii or the Motu M2. Which one of those audio interfaces are gonna be more suited on powering up headphone and mic better in terms of gain. Thanks a lot I'm sorry if I sound like a noob kind of new to this. Edit, I don't want to get over 200€ budget.

[@oracularmusic]

Can anybody please tell me if the XLR/combination line level input is stereo?

[@andreassonnenschein1250]

Ich brauche ein kleines Audio-Interface um mal mit dem Mini-PC und meinen Instrumenten schnell aufzubauen und nicht zu viel Platz zu brauchen. Ich glaube mittlerweile, dass dieses der beste Kompromiss ist.. Ich brauche keinen Instrumenteneingang und Mikro eher selten. Ein wenig "schick" sollte es auch sein.. Ich hatte auch erst das Presonus Revelation iO44 im Auge, aber ich glaube so sehr ich auch die Beleuchtung und das kleine Display "neckisch" finde, ist das kleine Ding mit "richtigen" Tasten doch besser unterwegs.. Oder kannst du noch was anderes empfehlen?

[@Gurwindersingh-tj9er]

Please tell me which one is best audio interface arturia mini fuse 1 or personus box go

[@user-bh2pq9sr9c]

Hi Julian! How about Studio L?

[@manutecpodcast]

Hi can you please explain what is Sensitivity something -45dB or -45dB or -36 dBV/Pa at 1 kHz Thank you

[@schnappchenede4330]

Hallo, du machst interessante Videos die eine gute Aussage geben. Schade das du das PreSonus AudioBox GO nicht mit dem Presonus revelator io24 verglichen hast. Das revelator hat zwei Mikrofoneingänge und eine angeblich gute Software.

[@pierbover]

Julian, is your headphone output chart available somewhere? Like a Google Sheets. It would be very helpful to be able to compare different models easier than with an image.

[@Cafebas_]

Hi, I would like to know if we hear our voice directly in the headset when I speak

[@mghareeb1000]

Can you check usb pre 2 and why the price too high ?

[@andrecepeda1]

As always, excellent video, congrats! Do you think this small dynamic range is relevant for using it as a guitar amp modeler? I intend to use it both with instrument level and with line level (when I use my pedals) I still consider the audiobox go as a candidate due to its price, portability and compatibility with android devices, but I may reconsider it if this interface is simply not good enough.

[@Rick-kb]

Did you end up buying or got any other alternative? If you're using this how's the quality?

[@andrecepeda1]

@@Rick-kb No, I ended up buying a new multi effects instead of an audio interface.

[@maykolllopez1585]

@@andrecepeda1that’s the way she goes sometimes lol

[@maykolllopez1585]

@@Rick-kb I’ve been using it for a couple of months now, i haven’t found the need for a D.I. Box and my guitar recordings sounds good.

[@felmorbass]

Julian, I'm searching for audio interface to use with Android mobile device. This is a good option?

[@Robekc]

Hi Julian. Since its compatible with android devices, would there be a drop in sound quality/gain/output received by a connected android handphone to record to an android apps like Open Camera, Starmaker singing apps, etc?

[@user-xf3ve1ri6t]

When is Behringer STUDIO L? You were measuring by streaming.

[@PROzra4nij]

Small interface battle? AudioBox Go vs Shure MVI vs Shure x2u?

[@lovetocrack3443]

I need to know which audio interface under 300-400$ has the lowest latency for guitar amp plugin(neural dsp archetype)to play live guitar with my band

[@SianaGearz]

Hey there's an inexpensive, absolutely tiny, knobless interface from Germany, ESI Maya22 USB. Do you think you'll have an opportunity to take a look at it?

[@WhySoLoud]

So why do they bundle a bunch of vst plugins from many mfgrs ("over $1000 value", PreSonus says) as a come on to buy the GO box yet none of the vst plugins are supported for use? I'm seriously questionng my purchase after three days of fighting with this thing.

[@ALMM14]

Does it have its own Driver?

[@proshunview]

Hey Julian! Nice review man! I am planning to buy an interface but can't decide among Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, UA Volt 2 and Arturia Minifuse 2. Can you suggest one among them for recording vocals as well as guitars?

[@zdravkodimitrov]

I highly recommend the MOTU M2, excellent sound quality, build and latency. Plus an amazing screen, drivers and a headphone amp.

[@proshunview]

@@zdravkodimitrov Thank you so much man! I'll do a li'l research about M2.

[@DanShepperd]

@@zdravkodimitrov Good suggestion about the MOTU. I've got various interfaces and the MOTU M2 is my default because it just works so well. In my experience the UA Volt 2 is ok, but I think it's worth saving for the 276 model which offers more. However if I could only have one interface then it would be the MOTU, so I totally agree with the suggestion - Proshun, go with the MOTU if you can. Good luck!

[@qwe1231]

@@proshunview Check out Julian's review for the M2, as well as the latest chart comparisons which show how good the M2 remains compared to the most recent competition.

[@proshunview]

@@DanShepperd Thank you so much for your valuable suggestion brother! I am definitely gonna check out the M2!

[@alexanderaseffa]

Hi Julian, check out Zoom F3 when you get a chance.

[@GilbertoMzD]

PreSonus Revelator iO24? Please?

[@nicolassoto1605]

When the Review of ZOOM UAC-2?

[@silversoldier07]

is it good for Music Recording ??????

[@anthonyroberts9232]

Cool portable audio interface for a vocal track or mono instrument track but no real time stereo input just a stereo output with no midi connection port but still ok for basic stuff on the go.

[@ChristianBrugger]

Am I not finding it, or is this review missing Round Trip latencies?

[@DragonboltBlastter]

Still no premium interface reviews? Steinberg AXR4, Avid Carbon or UAD Apollo

[@georgewhittam3705]

The RME stuff is WAY premium, and he buys them with his own money. I bet if you sent him one he'd review it for you, though.

[@DragonboltBlastter]

@@georgewhittam3705 Too be honest, I don't mind buying it for him (borrowing it for 1 day, so I can take it back same day, our countries are adjescent to eachother), this way we the only way we the viewers can get objective data of these three interfaces. I don't mind spending BIG money on interfaces AS LONG the specifications are worth it... and JK is the only objective reviewer on youtube.. Other youtubers just make noise on their guitars and call the interface good lol.

[@jonadeilvlogs2819]

Review please audio box itwo.... I think it is really awesome and different

[@InaktiverUser]

kann ich am output 2x TS auf klinke benutzen? (2x Monoklinke 6,3 mm male --> Miniklinke 3,5 mm stereo male). oder sollte ich lieber 2x TRS auf klinke benutzen? (2x Mono/Stereoklinke 6,3 mm male --> Miniklinke 3,5 mm stereo male). Da TRS ja glaub ich mono & Stereo sound wiedergeben kann wäre es doch egal welche variante ich nehme oder? möchte vom focusrite 2i2 output in ein Miniklinke 3,5 mm anschluss vom handy rein um dort meinen interface sound wiederzugeben fürs livestreamen, hab bereits eine lösung gefunden aber in dieser wird nur ein ganz normales Miniklinke 3,5 mm zu Miniklinke 3,5 mm AUX Kabel verwendet und das focusrite hat ja 2 output anschlüsse und nicht nur einen. ich hoffe du kannst mir bei gelegenheit weiter helfen und vielen dank für deine zeit falls du das lesen solltest :) Lieben gruß

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, generell sind TS Stecker in symmetrischen Ausgängen keine so gute Idee, da Ring und Sleeve mit so einem Stecker kurzgeschlossen werden. Viele Geräte sind darauf konzipiert soetwas auszuhalten, aber eben nicht immer. Idealerweise, nimmt man TRS stecker, bei denen nur die Tip und der Sleeve verdrahtet sind. Den Ring lässt man einfach unangeschlossen. Damit kann nichts passieren. Dummerweise habe ich solche Kabel noch nirgens gesehen, weshalb man die immer selbst bauen muss. Solltest du das Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen haben, sind TS Stecker laut Handbuch in Ordnung: "Either ¼” TRS (balanced connection) or TS (unbalanced connection) jack plugs can be used" Alle Angaben ohne Gewähr ;)

[@InaktiverUser]

@@JulianKrause ok super! du hast mir echt weiter geholfen vielen dank für deine zeit und mühe :)

[@JeffyG]

I've had mine since Feb 2022 and I'm giving up. The input gain is just too low for dynamic mics. I'm done, I want my money back.

[@kyron42]

Hey Julian you missed the headphone show.

[@sunscapes21]

headphones out is fine..

[@amlanbose1462]

Presonus studio 26c ... Review pls

[@carlosserrano3985]

Get a Motu M2, way better than Studio 26c.

[@amlanbose1462]

Motu is excellent ... But there is quality control issue ... In some units ... I listened ... What is your suggestion regarding this ...? .. .. ..

[@carlosserrano3985]

@@amlanbose1462 Audient ID14 mkII.

[@uhu4677]

Finally an interface in this formfactor, which has the Mic-Input on the back! 🤩 But then this sub-mediocre performance and cheapish build-quality. 😖 If this was 40€, it could at least be an option as a low-budget interface.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

Well, considering how much all interfaces go for, and relative specs, this one is a king of its price bracket and it still is a low budget interface. He makes all the issues seem like a huge deal, but you won't have any problem with normal recording like keyboards or guitars with it at all. Plus, where the interface shines is its audio quality, which the guy in the video completely left out. It's got 24 bit audio, which is almost unheard of for other interfaces in the same price bracket and the frequency range also is higher than all of its competitions.

[@uhu4677]

@@Eric-dd8bk 24bit is standard, and as he showed the audio quality is below the competition.

[@spishco]

100.5dbA "Not great, not terrible". Hmm, dBA and Roentgen are the same thing? :P

[@JogieGlenMait16]

The plastic body is a deal breaker for me. Focusrite Solo is already compact anyway.

[@MiguelAriasS]

Greetings! There are points like the bundle included software, that, in the case of PreSonus is a bang for the buck. I think that should be taken into account as well.

[@TheINFJChannel]

It comes with studio one prime which is free anyway. The only bonus is an extra chunk of effects.

[@eranddroory9987]

No round trip latency test? That's a bit disappointing ..

[@sunscapes21]

no latency issues..

[@eranddroory9987]

@@sunscapes21 lol.. Dude.. It's not about latency issue but a measurement of the RTL at different samplerates.. 🙂

[@JulianKrause]

I just pinned a comment ;)

[@bricomage]

You really don't like it !! The measurement are not so bad, the quality, except plastic is not so bad (it don't fail like behringer), output is better than M-AUDIO but you prefer those tow last (sorry, english is not my mother tong)...

[@mawo1096]

Why people still waste money on theses overrated brands? lol Chinese Aliexpress "no brand" interfaces are all metal made, very good preamps, solid interfaces. i'm using a Muslady 222a, no problem with latency, preamp sound strong even with my Sm57, phantom can run a U87 with no problem. The sound is very clear, better dynamic range than my SSL2 and looooot better than my Zoom UAC2 (now sold). Sorry Presonus lol

[@ee1yd]

because 'no one' knows about them, who in their right mind would trust a random insertnamehere name from AliExpress over just paying the extra funds for something that is well known and reviewed

[@mawo1096]

@@ee1yd Who would trust? Me lol... Its 2022, no need to pay for brands anymore. People just need to realize this.

[@biggoofybastard]

In Canada the Muslady is $30 more expensive, and would take 3 months to arrive.

[@cbureriu]

it's such a crap