Recording audio from a hi-fi to a laptop

[jpbl68]

Can I use the microphone socket to connect to my hi-fi using a jack to split-jack cable? Not sure about the terminology, the cable I have has a headphone jack at one end and is divided into a red and black plug at the other (male & female, l & r). I was going to connect the split end to the back of my hi-fi and the headphone style jack to the microphone socket.

 

[bandphan]

you need line level input, see if your you can change the mic input to line.

 

[jpbl68]

I've gone into 'Sounds and Audio Devices Properties', under the tab 'Audio' and heading 'Sound Recording' (which has a picture of a microphone by it) I have the option of chosing between 'Connecant AMC Audio' (currently selected) and 'Modem #1 Line Record' (it's an XP laptop). Is this what I need to select and will I need to download new software in order to record?

 

[bandphan]

I've gone into 'Sounds and Audio Devices Properties', under the tab 'Audio' and heading 'Sound Recording' (which has a picture of a microphone by it) I have the option of chosing between 'Connecant AMC Audio' (currently selected) and 'Modem #1 Line Record' (it's an XP laptop). Is this what I need to select and will I need to download new software in order to record?

you will need software for recording. I use cooledit pro which is now adobe audition, soundforge is another. If line record means line level then the answer is yes.

 

[Biggiesized]

Audacity is a great, open source program you can use.

 

[CRIMSON PEARL]

I was wandering the same thing. I need to transfere MD files to CD.