external audio device won't connect

Question

how do i connect an external tape deck as an audio input

Answer 1

Hi Paul,

Thank you for posting your question here!

An external tape deck cannot connect directly by USB, so it must be connected through an audio input. Use the tape deck’s line‑out (red and white RCA) ports and connect them to your computer’s line‑in using an RCA‑to‑3.5 mm cable, or connect them to a USB audio interface if your device does not have a line‑in port. On Windows, open Sound settings, go to the Recording tab, and select Line in or the USB audio device, then set it as the default input and check the audio levels. If no Line In option appears, your PC likely does not support analog audio input, and a USB audio interface or capture device will be required.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thank you and I appreciate your effort.

Best Regards,

Angelique P.

Answer 2

To use an external tape deck as an audio input in Windows 11, the tape deck must appear to Windows as an audio device (for example, via a USB audio interface or a line‑in jack on the PC or Surface). Once it is physically connected and powered on, configure it in Windows:

1. Connect the tape deck
   • If using a USB audio interface: connect the tape deck’s audio output (usually RCA or 3.5 mm) to the interface’s input, then connect the interface to the PC/Surface via USB.
   • If using a 3.5 mm combo jack that supports input: connect the tape deck’s output to the PC’s audio input jack using the appropriate cable.
2. Set the tape deck as the default input device
   1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Under Input, select the device that corresponds to the tape deck (for example, the USB interface or line‑in) as the input device. Selecting it sets it as the default input.
3. Select the correct device in apps
   • In the recording or audio app being used (for example, a DAW or voice recorder), open its audio settings and choose the same input device selected under Settings > System > Sound.
4. If the device is not detected
   • Open Sound settings and confirm the input device list refreshes after plugging in the tape deck/interface.
   • If using a Surface and a 3.5 mm connection, disconnect and reconnect the Surface Connect cable to re‑detect audio devices.
   • Verify cables are securely connected and try different cables if needed.

If sound is still not coming through from the tape deck, verify that other audio accessories work and that the correct input device is selected, as mis‑selection is a common cause of no audio.

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References:

• Surface sound, volume, and audio accessories
• Troubleshoot Surface sound and audio accessories
• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows