I just record myself on my phone, to get an idea how I sound. It can be very revealing, in a "cringey" sort of way.

If I want a recording to sound more professional I hire someone. There lot's guys all over town with home and remote studios and they charge very reasonable prices. I guess I'd save some money learning recording technology on my own, but I keep busy enough just learning my instrument.

Also I don't really feel like anyone cares enough to listen to my music enough to go through all hassle of recording. YouTube is overflowing with demos as it is. Give someone your CD that you worked so hard on, and it will likely be in the trash before too long.