What are the differences between a sound card and an audio interface, and how do they impact audio quality and performance?

A sound card is a built-in component of a computer that processes audio signals, while an audio interface is an external device that connects to a computer to improve audio quality and performance. Audio interfaces typically offer higher quality converters and preamps, resulting in better sound quality compared to most sound cards. They also often have lower latency, allowing for more real-time audio processing.