Electronic – Audio Capacitor Values

Some rotary Pot's com in Linear, Audio and reverse Audio (where audio=log taper)

Actually it is "quasi"-log scale and not precision logarithm.

Notice it has a rapid transition from two different linear slopes. which gives you more sensitivity over a wider range of audio inputs rather than an apparent Off to ON effect if using a linear pot. If one adjusts audio equipment over a 30 dB range, that might occur in the 1st 5% of a Linear pot.

Such as

Many options may be selected when you order.

Precision Log pots would be mcuch more expensive than

The LM386 amplifier's inputs are an internally biased differential pair, with common mode input range extending to the indicated ground, V_ee, or actually 0.4 Volts below ground.

In order to not disturb this internal biasing, the input signal must be capacitively coupled (or perfectly ground-referenced) - a capacitor in series on the input line is needed.

Next, for a voltage gain of 200, the input signal peak to peak needs to be under 1/200 of the output voltage range of the amp. While I could not find this specified in a quick scan of the datasheet, if we assume 7 volts output voltage range with a 9 Volt supply, the input signal needs to be under 35 mV peak to peak, to avoid clipping the signal. Clipping would result in mild to severe distortion of the output - though this does not explain the complete lack of signal you find on output.

If the incoming signal is higher than this 35 mV P-P, a potentiometer as an attenuator on the input is suggested.

Once these fixes are done, please revert with results, so the answer can be added to if needed.