I have a few audio tapes of music that is not commercially available, and I'd like to convert them to mp3 files. I bought an Ion Tape2Go which is usb powered. The supplied software is, unsurprisingly, for Windows. I'd like to try working in Linux, specifically, capturing the streams to edit in Audacity. However, the output is, by default, fed back to the computer via the usb cable. There is a headphone socket - maybe it's possible to connect that to the microphone socket on the laptop?

SystemSettings > Multimedia > Phonon does recognise the device, even when it's only connected by the usb cable, so I'm not without hope. I assume I need to select that as the recording device (does that mean the input device?) I could really use some help from someone who has connected oddities in the past

Play around a little and anything is possible - well, almost It needs more confidence than skill. First, SystemSettings > Multimedia > Phonon > Recording section - set the USB device to the top of the list. In Audacity, set both input and output to Pulse. That's all there is to it! I couldn't believe how easy it is.

Addendum:

If you have "Automount removable drives" set, it is essential to disable this while you are working on this project. You will need to restart after disabling the mounts.