What is Audio Interface?

An audio interface allows you to connect instruments and mics to your computer via firewire of USB. These usually contain the a/d converters and eliminates the need for a sound card because the processing is done within the interface itself. Interfaces come in a variety of styles and sizes depending on what exactly you need. Personally I run the MBox 2 Mini. It has two 1/4" inputs and an XLR input as well as coming with Pro Tools LE.

Interfaces eliminate the need for a mixing console because all of your mixing can then be done within your computer. Personally I like being able to move faders and things like that, but for the price, I can live with just clicking and dragging. It makes editing incredibly simple.