From Amp to Laptop

What it does is to take in an analog line level signal (from a TT/preamp or a tape deck or an FM tuner etc) and turn it into a digital signal, and then delivers that signal via a USB lead and plug. The input to the device is normally via a pair of RCA leads/plugs - some of them also allow for digital inputs.

I use the Edirol UA-1EX (still available in some paces but replaced now by the Cakewalk UA-1G) the other device that folk us is the Behringer UCA-202 (Steve uses one of these). The Edirol is more expensive but has the advantage of having volume controls on the device to manage the signal level (and it has digital input which I used for my MiniDisc conversions). See this sticky thread: https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/sound-card-reviews/8375/1

Do NOT feed the line level output from your amp to the line in of the computer as you may damage the onboard souncard. Most laptops these days only have a mic input and so with these use of an external USB soundcard to manage a line-level signal is essential.

WC