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An <u>audio interface</u> is a device that is used to transfer audio streams (usually analog) to and from a computer, allowing recording and playback for DAW software. They typically include microphone, instrument-level, RCA, SPDIF, and AES-EBU inputs, as well as monitor, headphone, and auxiliary/line-out outputs. Often they will interface [[MIDI]] in addition to audio.
Interfaces vary in form factors and how they connect to the computer. Early interfaces were PCI cards that had to be inserted into the computer's motherboard. Modern ones may use a PCI or PCI-e card, or use USB 2, USB 3, or a Firewire connection. Some early interface interfaces consisted of nothing but a PCI card and a break out cable that split into various jacks to connect to audio cables- all the controls for the inputs were controlled via software. Most interfaces nowadays consist of a hardware box meant to either sit on a desktop or live in a rack- the box provides various controls in addition to the input/output jacks.
Setting up an audio interface can be a bit daunting at first. Hopefully this page provides generic information that may clear up confusion common to most interfaces.