My own recommendation would be to use LabVIEW as your software. LabVIEW makes DataSocket binding as easy as right-clicking on a front panel object. If you are more comfortable programming in a text-based environment, then ComponentWorks would be my next recommendation.
There have been many applications where individuals just use their PC's sound card to record sound using built-in sound recording and signal processing inside LabVIEW. However, for cleaner sound processing, I'd suggest you take a look at National Instrument's DSA boards (NI 4551 and NI 4552). Check out their specs at http://www.ni.com/catalog.