Interesting post,

In my experience, the more components, the more headaches. Simple all-in-one units are widely available, inexpensive, and the microphones quality is light years beyond any leading smartphone manufacturer.

My friend used to bring his little Tascam DP-40 to practice, that thing is amazing and you can generally find it under a hundred dollars.

Also, if you are using the 3.5mm audio jack, DI boxes are primarily for Audio Out. You need to find a DI that uses a triple band TRS. The third band is your Mic in on the 3.5, and is actually not as common as you'd imagine.

C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.

Mikke - PG Music