Realtek HD Audio Input: Line or Stereo? or USB Audio Codec?

[joincto]

I am an experienced software developer but new (very) to multimedia.

I am trying to transfer my vinyl recording to Ipod and/or CDs.
I am using my wonderful Technics SL1700Mk2 => ART USB phono Plus pre-amp => USB port on iMAC running windows XP (booted to XP using bootcamp)

In Audacity 1.3 beta, in the list of possible input devices,I see:
Microsoft sound mapper
Realtek HD Audio Input: Microphone
Realtek HD Audio Input: Line
Realtek HD Audio Input: Stereo
Realtek HD Digital Input

I don't understand whether I should use item #3 (Line) or #4(Stereo)

On the Msoft "Sounds and Audio Devices Properties", under the Audio tab (control panel=>Sounds and Audio Devices + Audio)
I see that under the default device for sound recording I have these choices:
USB Audio Codec
Realtek HD Digital Input
Realtek HD Audio Input

Why don't I see the "USB Audio Codec" in audacity, and should I set Msoft's default device to item 1 (USB Audio Codec) or 3(Realtek HD Audio Input)

Also, while I'm on the subject, what installed Realtek on my system. IS that the bootcamp solution to providing
a windows driver for Imac hardware. Is it necessary? Is it good?

You'll see from these questions that I don't really know what I'm talking about.
Any help most gratefully appreciated.

Rob Stevens

[steve]

The USB device needs to be connected to the computer and recognised by the operating system before you start Audacity, otherwise Audacity will not see the device.

Why are you using the Windows version of Audacity on a Mac?

[joincto]

Steve

Thx for you (very) speedy reply.

You ask, why am I using windows on a MAC.
Good question. Chiefly because I am doing other work right now with software that only runs on windows.

Would you advise me to just do everything under OSX?

Another very dumb question: how do the audio drivers recognise that there is an audio signal
input on a standard USB interface?

[steve]

I've no idea what subtle differences there are between running Windows in Bootcamp on a Mac and running Windows natively, but I bet there are differences. After a quick look on Google, you'd not be the first person to have a problem with USB when using Bootcamp.

It is generally (where possible) better to run programs that are native to the OS, so I would advise trying the Mac version of Audacity 1.3.13 http://audacityteam.org/download/

I don't use Macs, but one of the Mac guys will probably be able to help you, so I'll move this topic to the Mac part of the forum.

The operating system should be watching the USB ports to see if any new devices are added. When you plug in a USB device (such as a drive, a sound card, a microphone...) the operating system will load the appropriate driver and the device will become available to programs running on your computer. Audacity scans the computer for available audio devices when it is launched, so USB devices are only detected by Audacity if they are already connected. If you open Audacity first and then connect the USB device, Audacity will not know that it is there.

Let us know how you get on with the Mac version of Audacity 1.3.13