# Recording

## Audio interfaces

An [**audio interface**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_card#Professional_soundcards_.28audio_interfaces.29) does two things:

1. It converts analog signals created by a mics\\/headsets into digital streams suitable for recording.
2. It converts digital streams sent by computers or mobile devices into analog signals suitable for headphones\\/headsets and speakers.

If you have a USB mic or headset, the audio interface is built in.

If you have XLR mics, you'll need to buy an audio interface.

| Input                                                         | Price | Inputs | Interface Type | Phantom Power |
| ------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- | ------ | -------------- | ------------- |
| [Mackie Oynx BlackJack](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VZG550/) | $100  | 2 XLR  | USB            | Yes           |

## Mixers

I'm Team Audio Interface (or recorder, although you can't do a mix-minus Skype setups with a Zoom H6). But in an attempt to be fair and balanced:

**Mixer**

* ☑︎ Physical knobs and sliders are cool and fun
* ☑︎ If compressor/limiter, useful for live/live-to-tape scenarios
* ☒ Built-in USB output typically only 2 channels
* ☒ Built-in A2D hardware typically offers mid-range quality

**Audio interface**

* ☑︎ Captures one track per input (easier to process, edit)
* ☑︎ Typically better A2D hardware
* ☑︎ Typically supports better sample rates/resolutions
* ☑︎ Allows for a far more compact setup, easier to store/transport
* ☒ Clumsier for live/live-to-tape scenarios

### Software

#### iOS

* [Capture for iPad](http://www.presonus.com/products/Capture-for-iPad)
* [Spire: Multitrack Music Recorder](https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1013021109) by iZotope (free)
* [MultiTrack DAW](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/multitrack-daw/id329322101?mt=8) by Harmonicdog ($10)

## Mixers

| Mixer                                                             | Price | Inputs | Interface Type | Phantom Power |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- | ------ | -------------- | ------------- |
| [Mackie ProFX8v2 8-Channel](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VUU77XW/) | $230  | 4 XLR  | USB            | Yes           |

## Single-enders vs. multi-enders

## Example scenarios

### One person + USB mic

Traditionally, podcast recording setups included a [mixer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixing_console), whose job is to mix several audio inputs — for example, multiple mics — into a stereo output suitable for recording.

Lately, "mixer-free" setups are becoming more popular.

## Processing

(TBD)

## Tips & Tricks

* **DO** record and save and edit on your primary drive (vs. an external or network drive). You can always copy or move files after.