........Most open-reel tape can handle more recording input without saturation, but keeping it in the safe zone is fine.
I got the urge to get the Behringer UFO202 from Larry (speakerman1). A few members, here, are using these inexpensive audio interfaces. It should arrive this coming week. There's an abundance of free software downloads available with the UFO202, including Audacity.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/UFO202.aspx
Nando.