tldr/pages/linux/arecord.md

# arecord

> Sound recorder for ALSA soundcard driver.
> More information: <https://manned.org/arecord>.

- Record a snippet in "CD" quality (finish with `<Ctrl c>` when done):

`arecord {{[-vv|--verbose --verbose]}} {{[-f|--format]}} cd {{path/to/file.wav}}`

- Record a snippet in "CD" quality, with a fixed duration of 10 seconds:

`arecord {{[-vv|--verbose --verbose]}} {{[-f|--format]}} cd {{[-d|--duration]}} {{10}} {{path/to/file.wav}}`

- Record a snippet and save it as an MP3 (finish with `<Ctrl c>` when done):

`arecord {{[-vv|--verbose --verbose]}} {{[-f|--format]}} cd {{[-t|--file-type]}} raw | lame -r - {{path/to/file.mp3}}`

- List all sound cards and digital audio devices:

`arecord {{[-l|--list-devices]}}`

- Allow interactive interface (e.g. use `<Space>` or `<Enter>` to play or pause):

`arecord {{[-i|--interactive]}}`

- Test your microphone by recording a 5 second sample and playing it back:

`arecord {{[-d|--duration]}} 5 test-mic.wav && aplay test-mic.wav && rm test-mic.wav`