Mind-map your studio i/o

Here's a tip from Devin Townsend: use a mind-mapping tool to document all the i/o in your studio.

If your audio interface only has a couple inputs, this sort of thing would be unnecessary. But as you accumulate more gear -- a larger interface, ADAT expansion, external mic pre's, etc -- it's incredibly beneficial to map it all.

This map was made with a tool called Coggle. The free version of the app is adequate for a basic map/diagram like this.

Another option is to use Xmind. It offers more color options, and a significantly less clumsy method of modifying/shaping the arrows. If you use the built-in topic/subtopic method, the tool will automatically format and arrange the items. Or use "floating" topics if you prefer having more control over placement. Here's a later edition of the above, created in Xmind.