Best $300 interface on the market!

After having dealt with s series of lackluster audio interfaces such as the M-Audio Fast Track,NI Audio Kontrol 1 and the utterly disappointing Yamaha MOX interface,I was in dire need of an upgrade in quality and I needed more than 2 inputs anyhow.
This is my first significant upgrade & my first piece of Presonus hardware and I must say,I am shocked at the sheer build quality,sonic fidelity and the versatility of this magnificent interface!
The preamps certainly live up to Preonus's reputation,as recording vocals clean, is a rare pleasure,since a smattering of reverb is all that's needed..to make your vocals stand out in a mix.
There are no restrictions with this unit in terms of monitoring,as regardless of the situation in my DAW,my external audio source is never cut off.
This unit works seamlessly with your PC,yet it also works independently as a stand alone mixer...as I can listen to my Kurzweil PC3LE6 without my computer powered up,which is a new concept to me.
For some reason,the bright blue face & the light gray appearance as it's portrayed online,makes this box seem like cheap plastic...but it's nothing of the sort.
It's actually metal throughout and has a beautiful brushed navy blue face on it!
The front controls are very smooth & precise and are hermetically sealed,which is quite impressive for the coin!
Based on everything I've researched and have previously owned,the 44VSL offers the most pristine features & value...which is unbeatable and unbelievable!

Couldn't ask for anything better

I'm truly blown away with this integrated system.

Pro:
* Very quiet.
* Preamps are warm without being balmy.
* Software integration (VSL) works as advertised. Having the ability to record dry but send effects back to the monitor/headphones is really good.
* Studio One V2 integration works well. Still learning the software, but really like the quality of the software, plugability (VST, AU and Rewire). The Melodyne is a real sweetner that sets this apart from others.
* Well worth the price for the the excellent quality of both hardware and software.

Cons:
* Software packaging and licensing was really confusing. I got an Studio One V1 media with a V2 license key. Nothing described the license as being V2. Had to download all the GB of software. The downloading took forever. Seemingly with V2, no help reference guide in the installation. I resorted to buying groove3.com video for learning S1v2.
* No carrying/protective bag or case. Really needs it since it is a portable solution.

Knowing now what I know, would I have bought something else? No. Other than the irritant with software installation and documentation, I'd buy this solution all over again. This is truly a well integrated solution that is flexible in of itself or to integrate into other DAW software soltuions.

Couldn't ask for anything better

I'm truly blown away with this integrated system.

Pro:
* Very quiet.
* Preamps are warm without being balmy.
* Software integration (VSL) works as advertised. Having the ability to record dry but send effects back to the monitor/headphones is really good.
* Studio One V2 integration works well. Still learning the software, but really like the quality of the software, plugability (VST, AU and Rewire). The Melodyne is a real sweetner that sets this apart from others.
* Well worth the price for the the excellent quality of both hardware and software.

Cons:
* Software packaging and licensing was really confusing. I got an Studio One V1 media with a V2 license key. Nothing described the license as being V2. Had to download all the GB of software. The downloading took forever. Seemingly with V2, no help reference guide in the installation. I resorted to buying groove3.com video for learning S1v2.
* No carrying/protective bag or case. Really needs it since it is a portable solution.

Knowing now what I know, would I have bought something else? No. Other than the irritant with software installation and documentation, I'd buy this solution all over again. This is truly a well integrated solution that is flexible in of itself or to integrate into other DAW software soltuions.

Outside the Box!

Although the AudioBox 44VSL is generally viewed as a recording/montoring interface, for the most part, I came to buy it to use as the main audio output source for my laptop after the built-in 1/8 in. audio output jack failed to function any longer.
After some thought, and the fact that I believe in multi-purpose apps, I decided to"Kill 2 Birds with One Stone" and upgrade from my first choice [ the basic AudioBox] to the 44 VSL.
The decision turned out to be the right one.
Thinking "outside of the box", I use the USB out for my laptop output, an Insert Cable to feed my TC Helicon near field monitors from the Headphone Output, the Midi In/Out for one of my keyboards, and the Main Outs for a keyboard amp.
Using the VSL software then allows me to have the "4" front panel inputs for a mic, guitar and any other two inputs of my choice.
The use of the output /mix combo allows for a nice balance for a my
"mini-rig" setup.
It's also nice to know that if the software glitches for some reason, that I can still use all of the front panel inputs to get me through the night if needed.
I do hope, however, that some "software upgrades" will be forthcoming from Presonus, to address the few "down-sides" of unit. These would include:
1- A resizeable screen view.
2- A channel indicator like the StudioLive, to let you know where you are at all times [When editing in the Fat Channel etc.]
This might include the labeling of preset/FX choices from the browser.
[ Ie; When you select an FX, the name of it doesn't show under the Reverb/Delay "down arrow" select.] ("What Reverb is this?")
3- Fix the issue of the "highlighted" brower selection disappearing after a "Save" etc.
4- Perhaps some numbers along side of the faders.[ Whether they are actual db levels or not...anything would be useful.]

In closing, I must say that these issues do not reflect upon the performance of the unit, but they are "small annoyances" and "WishList" ideas.
As with my StudioLive 16.4.2, the AudioBox 44VSL has become one of my best buying decisions that I have made to add to my on-going collection of high quality equipment. [ Purchased mostly from Sweetwater!]
Thanks Sweetwater and Presonus.
"Uncle" Walt [Guitar/Keyboards/Vocals ]

PS: Kudos also for Mike A. at Sweetwater for his help in making my decision on this purchase. Mike is always there for me.

Great interface, a little bait and switch on Studio One

Using the AudioBox 44VSL to record track ideas and overlays in songwriting. The unit itself is great. Solid construction, pretty self-evident, works great on Windows XP system. The unit itself should get five stars. For the price of other brands, you even get the Studio One DAW, which as I am learning, is pretty amazing. Given the value, I wasn't too disappointed to learn that the Studio One Artist version isn't what one might call "fully functional," in that you have to upgrade to Producer ($200) to be able to import or export files as MP3s. This makes it easier to share files with other band members. But you do get rights to put the software on up to five computers (i.e., band mates), so it wouldn't be the worst thing just to keep things in the Studio One format. But with Producer, you get a boatload of other effects and fills that is more than I'll probably ever need. Even with the upgrade to Producer, the value is still pretty great, compared to buying another interface unit and then having to pay full freight for the software. For my home recording and garage band use, this thing is pretty great. The format of Studio One took a little learning for a complete DAW novice, but now that I'm in, I find it's very intuitive to work with. For another $200 I could upgrade to Professional, but I think that's beyond my current ability to utilize. If I were an easy grader I would have given Studio One five stars, but four stars from me really is a high compliment - on balance 4.5 for the package (even with the upgrade to Producer).

great

it's a great box for somebody who wants to record something simple and fast.