# arecord > Sound recorder for ALSA soundcard driver. > More information: . - Record a snippet in "CD" quality (finish with `` 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 `` 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 `` or `` 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`