Using Audacity to digitize reel to reel tapes.
Digitizing from reel to reel using Audacity.
See discussion of using Audacity for vynil.
Scroll down to step 4 and follow the directions, but using the reel-to-reel as your source input.
At this time (February 2013) we are using the Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel deck. Click here to open the operator's manual. Page 7-10 discusses tape threading and playback.