A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is software that runs on your computer for recording, editing, and producing music, while an audio interface is a hardware device that connects microphones and instruments to your computer with professional sound quality. DAWs handle all the digital processing, mixing, and effects, whilst audio interfaces convert analog signals from your gear into digital information the DAW can work with. You need both for professional recording – the interface captures sound, the DAW processes it.
A DAW is essentially a complete recording studio inside your computer. It lets you record multiple tracks, edit audio, add effects, mix songs, and create finished productions all in one software package. Popular DAWs include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Cubase, each with their own strengths for different music styles.
At its core, a DAW gives you multi-track recording capabilities. You can record vocals on one track, guitar on another, drums on several more, then layer and arrange them however you want. The software includes virtual mixing boards, effects processors, and instruments that would cost thousands in hardware form. You can cut, copy, paste, and manipulate audio just like editing text in a document.
Modern DAWs also handle MIDI sequencing, letting you program virtual instruments, create beats, and compose music without recording any actual audio. They come packed with synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and orchestral instruments you can play with a MIDI keyboard or even draw in with your mouse. The mixing capabilities let you adjust volumes, add reverb, compress dynamics, and polish your tracks to professional standards.
An audio interface is a box that sits between your instruments or microphones and your computer. It converts the analog electrical signals from your gear into digital data your computer can understand, and converts digital audio from your computer back to analog for your speakers or headphones. Think of it as a translator between the physical and digital worlds of music.
The main reason you need an interface is that your computer’s built-in sound card isn’t designed for music production. It lacks proper inputs for microphones and instruments, doesn’t provide phantom power for condenser mics, and introduces latency (delay) that makes recording difficult. Professional interfaces solve these problems with high-quality preamps that boost microphone signals cleanly, multiple inputs for recording bands, and low-latency monitoring so you hear yourself in real-time.
Quality interfaces also feature better analog-to-digital converters than consumer sound cards. This means cleaner recordings with less noise and more accurate sound reproduction. They typically include balanced outputs for studio monitors, headphone outputs with separate volume controls, and often MIDI connections for keyboards and controllers. The difference in sound quality between a laptop’s headphone jack and a proper interface is immediately noticeable.
Your audio interface acts as the bridge between the physical world of microphones and instruments and the digital world of your DAW. When you plug a microphone into your interface, it amplifies the signal through its preamp, converts it from analog to digital, then sends that digital information to your DAW via USB, Thunderbolt, or other connection. The DAW receives this as an audio stream you can record, edit, and mix.
Setting up this partnership starts with installing your interface’s drivers on your computer. Once installed, you select the interface as your audio device within the DAW’s preferences. The DAW then recognises each input on your interface as a separate recording source. You might assign Input 1 to record vocals, Input 2 for guitar, and so on. The interface handles all the conversion work whilst the DAW focuses on recording and processing.
During playback, the process reverses. Your DAW sends digital audio to the interface, which converts it back to analog signals for your speakers or headphones. Most interfaces offer direct monitoring, letting you hear your input signal with zero latency whilst recording. This hardware monitoring bypasses the computer entirely, solving the delay issues that plague built-in sound cards. The interface essentially becomes your DAW’s ears and mouth, handling all audio going in and out of your computer.
You can absolutely use a DAW without an interface if you’re working entirely with virtual instruments, samples, or pre-recorded audio files. Many electronic music producers create entire tracks using only software synthesizers, drum machines, and samples, never needing to record external audio. For MIDI programming, beat making, or arranging existing audio loops, your computer’s built-in audio is perfectly adequate.
However, you’ll hit limitations quickly if you want to record vocals, guitars, or any external instruments. Your computer’s microphone input (if it has one) produces poor quality recordings with high noise levels. There’s no phantom power for condenser microphones, no proper gain control, and significant latency makes it nearly impossible to record whilst listening to other tracks. You also can’t record multiple sources simultaneously.
The built-in audio works fine for casual listening and basic production tasks. But the moment you want professional sound quality, need to record real instruments, or plan to monitor on proper studio speakers, an interface becomes essential. Think of it this way: you can write and arrange music without an interface, but you can’t capture quality recordings without one. Many producers start with software-only setups then add an interface when they’re ready to record vocals or collaborate with other musicians.
Start with a free or affordable DAW first, then invest in a quality interface when you’re ready to record. Many excellent DAWs offer free versions – Reaper has an evaluation period, GarageBand comes free with Macs, and Cakewalk by BandLab is completely free for Windows. This lets you learn the basics of music production courses and digital recording without spending money upfront.
Your production style determines which becomes priority. Electronic producers working with samples and virtual instruments can create professional music for months or years with just a DAW. But if you’re a singer-songwriter or band wanting to record demos, get a decent interface quickly. A good entry-level interface (£100-200) paired with a free DAW often produces better results than an expensive DAW running through poor-quality computer audio.
For most beginners, this combination works well: start with a free DAW to learn the basics, then buy a simple 2-input interface when you need to record. Interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or PreSonus AudioBox include basic DAW software, giving you both tools in one purchase. As you develop your skills through practice and music production courses, you can upgrade to more advanced software or hardware based on your specific needs. Remember, you can always expand your setup – but you can’t make quality recordings without the right foundation.
Understanding the relationship between DAWs and audio interfaces helps you make smarter decisions about building your studio. While they serve different purposes, they work together as a complete recording system. Whether you start with software or hardware depends on your immediate goals, but eventually, you’ll want both to unlock your full creative potential.
At Wisseloord, we’ve watched countless producers grow from bedroom setups to professional studios. The key is starting with what you need now and expanding as your skills develop. If you’re ready to learn more, contact our experts today.