I use "Audacity" for recording audio for test purposes.  I have not
actually listened to anything recorded as I am just making and playing
test waveforms.  As far as I know, it just records what it sees at the
audio input and does not compress or distort in any way other than what
your soundcard might do.  "Audacity" is free.

Best regards,
Spencer Chase
Garberville, Calif.
http://www.spencerserolls.com/