Thanks Derm, but specifically where do I set the default audio device - I've looked in several places and not found one that worked!

Hello.

You will make yours settings via the control panel like under Seven.
If you do not know how to open the control panel, follow this link
http://www.howtogeek.com/116382/how-to-access-the-control-panel-in-windows-8/
That was easier under Seven (and I do not use 8)

Open the sound icon - you get something like this picture (link below)
http://dominotes.fr/vegas/cpsound/1.jpg
As you can see, my integrated Creative Xfi is selected - and "as default"
Tascam is my usb audio box - it's disabled.


Activate the tascam ( your usb device) device by selecting it - right click -> enable.
You can chhose to deactive your internal sound card.
In my case, I select Creative Xfi right clic -deactivate.
It will disappear from the list.
If you want to display it right clic in the window on a blank line and select
-dispay deactivated peripherals
-display disconnected peripherals

You will get something like the below link:
http://dominotes.fr/vegas/cpsound/2.jpg

You can now selet the recording tab and select / deselect which entries you want.
You can also re route windows sounds to your usb device !!!

Now, Audacity or other recording software will use your Usb sound box !!!
And if you unplug it, you will not be able to listen to anything unless you reactivate your internal soundcard.

Didier.