In article , unruh
wrote:
On 2013-02-13, Davey wrote:

Having read the whole article now, one question: Can I use the Mic
Input on my laptop, which already has a built-in Mic, as a Line Input,
or is there going to be some horrid mis-match? I have a tape deck
nearby, and I would like to send its output into the laptop, but it
only has the Mic Input.

In principle yes. However most mic inputs have a dc voltage on them to
power the FET on the microphones. Thus your line out should make sure it
has a capacitive output or you could have a fight.

You may also find that the mic input clips 'line' level voltages since a
mic input may have a preamp stage which can't cope with such 'high' levels.
Any hardware gain adjustment may be after this stage. This, again, all
depends on the specific hardware in the box.

In general I'd be wary of the analogue stages of hardware in a normal
computer. Might be OK. But a dedicated special purpose external 'sound
card' may well give much better results.

Slainte,

Jim

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