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Connecting your stereo equipment
Most hi-fi sources produce line-level stereo. You need the right cable and a line or USB input.
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Common cables
| From | To PC | Cable |
|---|---|---|
| RCA outputs (red/white) | 3.5 mm line-in | RCA-to-3.5 mm stereo |
| RCA outputs | USB interface | RCA-to-RCA or RCA-to-6.35 mm |
| Headphone jack | 3.5 mm line-in | 3.5 mm or 6.35-to-3.5 mm (keep volume moderate) |
| Optical/coaxial digital | Interface with S/PDIF input | Toslink or coaxial |
Connection checklist
- Turn everything down before connecting.
- Use a record/tape out or line out where available; its level is fixed and clean.
- Select the input in Windows and in the recorder.
- Play the loudest passage and set levels; see Setting the recording volume.
Specific sources
- Record players (LP) need a phono preamp.
- Tape decks connect at line level.
Common questions
Do I need a special cable?
Usually a stereo RCA-to-3.5 mm cable from the amplifier’s tape or line output to the PC’s line-in jack. Laptops without line-in need a USB audio interface.
Why is the recording very quiet or very loud?
Microphone inputs expect a much weaker signal than line outputs. Use line-in where possible and set the level in Windows Sound settings before recording.
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