A converter is a device that "translates" audio between the analog and digital worlds.

There are two conversion processes, and both are essential in any digital audio system.

1. A/D Converter (Analog to Digital)

The A/D Converter (Analog-to-Digital) is the entry point for recording. It takes a continuous analog signal (from a microphone or instrument) and converts it into a sequence of numbers (digital data) that the computer can understand and store. The quality of this process is defined by parameters such as the sampling rate and the bit depth.

2. D/A (Digital-to-Analog) Converter

The D/A (Digital-to-Analog) Converter is the output port for listening. It does the reverse: it takes the digital data from your computer and converts it back into an analog electrical signal, which can be sent to your speakers or headphones to be transformed into audible sound.

Both converters are fundamental components in any audio interface. Their quality is one of the most important factors for the sound fidelity of a recording and playback system.