[CentOS] recording sound: how 2 control recording level?

Hi gang!

I'm trying to record (to .wav files) sound coming in on the line input
of my sound card (in this case, output of a tape deck).

For LISTENING purposes, I can control the level with the Gnome Mixer.

However, the RECORDING level is not affected by the mixer. As a result,
the recorded audio is badly clipped and horribly distorted.

I don't understand enough about how this stuff works to have a clue 
how to troubleshoot this problem.

Can someone offer helpful advice?

Thanks!
-- 
---- Fred Smith -- fredex at fcshome.stoneham.ma.us -----------------------------
    "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of
     heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
------------------------------ Matthew 7:21 (niv) -----------------------------
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