The audio input on a Hi-fi Stereo VCR deck goes to dedicated audio tracks. Some of them have input volume controls for the audio-ins, others have only automatic volume controls.
The sound on these units is extremely high-quality--unlike the the sound on mono decks.
Best quality is achieved in the hi-speed mode.
I have paid as much as $400 for one of these decks, but now they can be purchased on sale for less than $100.
DonM