How do I record from vinyl records, cassette tapes, or minidiscs?
First, set Audacity to record in stereo. Next, plug one end of a stereo cable into the “Line Out” or “Headphone” connector on your tape deck, minidisc player, or stereo system. Plug the other end into your computer’s “Line In” connector. If you do not have a cable that fits both of these connectors, you can find one at an electronics store. Choose “Line In” as the input source on the Audacity toolbar, or in the Audio I/O tab of Preferences (Vista) or Apple Audio-MIDI Setup (OS X). Next press the Record button. While Audacity is recording, start playing your tape or disc. When you have captured the audio you want to record press the Stop button. Vinyl or shellac records can also be recorded into Audacity with a special type of turntable that connects to the USB port of your computer. These turntables need to be set up differently from those that connect to your line-in port. For instructions on setting up USB turntables, see USB_turntables on the Audacity Wiki. There is also a detailed
