What is the purpose of an audio interface in recording?

The purpose of an audio interface in recording is to convert analog signals to digital for processing. This function is crucial because most recording and production software operates in a digital domain, meaning that analog audio sources—like microphones or instruments—need to be transformed into digital data. This conversion allows the audio signals to be manipulated, edited, and mixed using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other software tools.

By bridging the gap between the analog world and the digital realm, audio interfaces enable musicians and producers to capture high-quality sound and maintain fidelity during the recording process. In addition to conversion, many audio interfaces also come with built-in preamps, which can amplify the signals to optimal recording levels, but their primary role remains in signal conversion.