Recording mix

The RCA to 3.5mm would be the preferred way to go, have you verified that audacity is recording any input at all with an iPod or some other device? If you can get that test to work, you know audacity is recording and it is not an audacity/macbook problem. From there you could try a different RCA to 3.5mm cable, and if it still is not working, make sure the output of the mixer is sending a signal.

Were you going to try an RCA/USB cable to USB/3.5mm cable? I am not sure if audacity can read anything other than from the Macbook audio in cable – plugging sound input to the USB connector might not work.

In any case, the straighter the line, the better the signal quality will be.

You could also try twisting the RCA connectors to make sure they are getting solid connection. Sometimes they get a small amount of corrosion from just the moisture in the air, twisting them might fix it. Maybe try cleaning the RCA connectors with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. I had a problem a few years ago with a new setup – one channel would always cut out. Turns out the fix was taking the stylus off the tonearm and cleaning the tonearm connectors with a swab and rubbing alcohol. Problem went away.

Would this be an option?

http://www.reloop.com/reloop-tape

If you want to record only once and at home then yes, maybe pricey. The alternative being all kinds of cables and hookups giving you headaches. Again, for a one time fix, this is probably not for you.

On the other hand, if you plan on doing this more often and even at other venues when you are playing out with whatever kind of gear, I think it’s a brilliant piece of kit to own. Add a USB-stick and you are good to go.

Greetinx.