Operating an audio interface does not strictly require a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) if your goal is merely to route system audio, listen to media, or participate in voice communication applications. However, if you intend to record multi-track audio, capture instruments, apply virtual studio technology plugins, or produce music, a DAW is essential to interface with the hardware inputs. The audio interface functions primarily as an external sound card and conversion utility, while the DAW acts as the software environment where the recorded audio data is processed, arranged, mixed, and finalized.