Audio not recognized on USBAudio 2.0

I have MacOS Big Sur 11.5.2 and Audacity 3.0.4

I’ve connected my tape player to the USB port and when sound is playing and I record, it shows no sound coming through. It recognizes the USB connection and I have my mic slider all the way up. I even tried restarting Audacity with the connections still connected. Any ideas out there? See screenshot of what I have. I recorded with the tape playing full sound, straight line down the middle.
Screen Shot 2021-09-20 at 2.09.08 PM.jpg

What is the make and model of the tape player?
– Bill

It’s a Victrola multiplayer VTA-270B(A). Cords are plugged into the RCA output in the back.

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Does that device have a USB output?

Does Audacity have permission to access the “microphone”? See: https://forum.audacityteam.org/t/no-recording-level/51788/1

If you go to Apple (menu) > System Preferences > Sound > Input and play a tape, does the input level meter bounce?

– Bill

I just updated my MacBook Pro OS to 11.6 Big Sur, same issue. I took screenshots while playing the tape with your suggestions/questions.

It does not have a USB output. RCA output in back, miniplug for headphones, and miniplug for AUX input.

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From the screen shot from Audio MIDI Setup we can see that “USBAudio2.0” device has one audio input. It is probably meant for a microphone. It is not appropriate for recording a stereo source.

In your screen shot of Sound Preferences the input level meter shows zero, which indicates that no audio is getting into the Mac.

You many want to look into getting a Behringer UCA-202 or similar audio-to-USB device.

– Bill

Thanks Bill!

This is the cord I’m currently using: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PJNJFTH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I’ll look into your suggestion. Thanks again!

Dave D

Is this the one you are talking about? The model number you listed doesn’t exist.

https://smile.amazon.com/Behringer-U-Phono-UFO202-Audiophile-Interface/dp/B002GHBYZ0/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Behringer+UCA-202&qid=1632185664&sr=8-3

They are similar. The UFO has a line/phono switch.
[u]UCA202[/u]
The [u]UCA222[/u] has a digital input.

Thank you!