Microphones are covered extensively in Chapter 9, but for now let's take a look at some of the basics. By themselves, microphones don't put out enough energy to be captured by the recorder; they require microphone preamps to boost their signal. Recorders tend to skimp on the number of supplied microphone preamps, so check the specifications carefully to make sure you have what you need. Based on the number of microphones you'll be using simultaneously, you may need an audio interface.

Let's say you find a great recorder at a great price, but it only has two inputs for microphones and you would like to record four microphones at once. Don't worry; you're not stuck. You have the option of buying external microphone preamps that can plug directly into the line inputs; most recording devices provide plenty of line inputs. Buying more microphone preamps means spending more money, so do your homework when you choose a recorder. The microphones themselves have a wide range of prices, from $50 to as high as several thousand dollars.