To record in stereo, open the Audacity preferences. In the “Audio I/O” section, change the number of recording channels from 1 (mono) to 2 (stereo).
First, set Audacity to record in stereo.
Next, plug one end of a stereo cable into the “Line Out” or “Headphone” connector on your tape deck, minidisc player, or stereo system. Plug the other end into your computer’s “Line In” connector. If you do not have a cable that fits both of these connectors, you can find one at an electronics store.
Choose “Line In” as the input source on the Audacity toolbar, and press the Record button. While Audacity is recording, start playing your tape or disc. When you have captured the entire recording, press the Stop button.
Notes:
• Do not plug stereo equipment into your computer’s “Microphone” port, which is designed for low-powered (“mic-level”) signals only. Use the “Line In” port instead.
• Do not connect a turntable directly to your computer. The signal from a turntable is distorted; it must be corrected by passing it through a phono pre-amp or a receiver with a “phono” input.