to these technologies, other popular means for field recording have included the analog cassette (CAC), the DCC (Digital Compact Cassette), and the MiniDisc. The latest generation of recorders are completely digital-based (hard disk/Flash). It is also possible to use personal electronic devices, (e.g., a smartphone or tablet), with software, to do field recording and editing. In addition to recording and editing, the process of field recording also involves these skills. Ability to monitor (observe the relevant signals to ensure recording and settings are correct), control levels (correct decibel range and headroom), create neat documentation (handling, annotating, and tagging the recorded material), clean up (cutting out unwanted noises, processing, etc.), and file management. Basic Techniques There are three basic techniques that involve the placement of field recording microphones which result in varying directivity. The three techniques are known as A/B, XY, and M/S. A/B In other words, A/B is known as the spaced pair. A/B, or the spaced pair is formed by setting two separate microphones (either cardioid or omnidirectional) in parallel with one another. There is intentional space left between the two microphones in order to capture a wide stereo image of a desired sound. This technique is often utilized in an indoor recording of multi-string instrumental settings, music ensembles, and so on. XY XY is the most frequently used stereo recording technique. It typically involves setting a complement pair of microphones in a coincident (XY) pattern. This technique is used to replicate the way in which our ears function (see binaural hearing). XY as a technique is dependent on the delay of sound that arrives at one of the microphones a minuscule fraction of a second sooner than the other. This way, the technique produces a remarkably rich sense of ambiance. However, there is a downside to this technique, as it is fixed in the way that widening or shrinking to control the ambiance is not a possibility. M/S Unlike XY, the M/S technique was created to allow for control over the level of ambiance. The logic behind it is that the Mid microphone functions as a center channel, and the Side microphone adds additional ambiance that can either be intensified or subtracted. This can take place either live during the recording or afterwards during editing. Physically the layout involves a directional microphone as the center, with an omnidirectional microphone placed 90-degrees off-axis from the sound source. This layout