<p>We are a small church and have been recording sermons for 7 years now. We initially used a cassette deck, but quickly switched to using the computer not only to record, but to play audio including CDs. Though we primarily record sermons from the pulpit, we've had need to record other events such as special music or presentations.</p>
<p>Software - There are now many full-featured freeware/open-source applications, however we started using the WaveEditor included in Nero Burning ROM and have stuck with it. We needed something that not only recorded, but also allowed easy editing such as cleaning up the beginning and end. Additionally, we needed the ability to save/convert to WAV, MP3, and WMA formats. We also used the software to clean up the sound when we've had mike problems. Though not used on a regular basis, we've used wavosaur and Audacity and the free edition of WavePad. We use a spreadsheet to track all our recordings and a simple naming method to catalog 6 years worth of recordings on a 200 Gbyte drive (20100124A1.wma - is the 1st recording in the AM service on Jan 24, 2010)</p>
<p>Computer Hardware - We're on the 2nd computer in the sound booth, and both used the internal sound from RealTek HD. We've NEVER had any problems with static or noise. We pipe the sound in throgh the Line-In and pipe it out a simple splitter to two channels on the sound board for easy control of "split tracks" at the sound board.</p>
<p>Sound Harware - We use a Behringer 1832FX sound board with 2 sub-channel outputs in addition to a monitor and stereo main outputs. We use one sub-channel to go to our PA amp which powers speakers in our lobby and nursery and the other sub-channel to our computer. We purchased a "boundary" mike (Nady CRM-40) to pick up ambient sound in the worship area. This mike is not fed back into the house sound, but feeds the sub-channels to give those not in the room (and the recording) a better sense of what it sounds like in the room. That way the recording (and PA) also has the piano and congegation sound instead of just a worship leader's voice in the mike.</p>