Audio Interface

The hardware bridge converting analog voltage from mics and instruments into digital data for your DAW via high-quality AD/DA converters.

An audio interface is the command center of any modern studio (home or pro). It replaces a computer's basic sound card with dedicated preamps, phantom power (48V), and high-resolution converters (often 24-bit/192kHz). Whether you are plugging in a Shure SM7B via XLR or a Fender Stratocaster via a Hi-Z instrument input, the interface ensures low-latency monitoring and signal integrity. Industry standards like the Focusrite Scarlett series or Universal Audio Apollo units provide the essential I/O needed to route balanced signals to monitors and headphones without the electronic noise floor typical of consumer hardware.

https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/all-about-audio-interfaces