USB device is recognized but no sound [SOLVED]

Hello all,
I just purchased an ION Tape Express to digitize a collection of cassettes of interviews with deceased family members. I was planning to use the included software, but it turns out to be a nightmare, so I’m hoping to use Audacity instead.

When I connect the ION via USB, Audacity recognizes it in the list of microphone inputs. However, when I press play on the device, no audio is registered in Audacity. I’ve just downloaded the most recent version of the software (2.1.2) hoping that would help, but same issue. I’m on a Mac using El Capitan (10.11.6).

A screenshot is attached of what I see when I hit play on the ION and record in Audacity.

Any help is much appreciated!

Make sure that USB PnP recording device is the Tape Express. If you are not sure, open Sound in the Mac’s System Preferences, then disconnect and reconnect Tape Express and observe the name of the device that disappears and reappears.

Restart Audacity if you have disconnected and reconnected.

Then try turning the recording volume up (the slider with the microphone symbol):

Also see Recording with USB turntables or USB cassette decks - Audacity Manual.


Gale

You must also hit “record” in Audacity…

It was the microphone slider!!! Thank you so much!