Nagra ARES-BB User manual

WARNING:
The ARES
-
BB has a built
-
in charger (charge current = 300mA).
NiCd or Ni-Metal-Hydride cells can be used.
WHEN USING THE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY, CHECK THAT THE
CHARGER SWITCH INSIDE THE BATTERY COMPARTIMENT IS “OFF”
BEFORE INSTALLING DRY CELLS.
PN 2019 615 150
NAGRA ARES
-
BB
MANUAL
Version: J
un. 2004

Issue: January 2004 Page 2
CONTENTS Page
1DELIVERED WITH........................................................................................ 4
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES..................................................................... 4
3 INSTALLING THE FLASHCARD. .................................................................. 4
4 POWER ON, POWER OFF........................................................................... 4
5 CONTRAST. ................................................................................................ 4
6 BUTTONS. .................................................................................................. 5
7 ARES-P II or ARES-BB DIFFERENCES........................................................ 5
8 FIRST TIME SWITCH ON............................................................................. 6
9 MAIN DISPLAY DESCRIPTION. ................................................................... 6
Status of the ARES-BB ................................................................................ 6
10 RECORD (2), REWIND (3), STOP (4), PLAY (5), FORWARD (6), MARKER
(14) KEYS...................................................................................................... 7
10.1 RECORD KEY (2)................................................................................ 7
10.2 REWIND KEY (3) AND FORWARD KEY (6) .......................................... 7
10.3 STOP KEY (4)...................................................................................... 8
10.4 PLAY KEY (5) ...................................................................................... 8
11 LEVEL ADJUSTMENT................................................................................ 8
11.1 OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT........................................................... 8
11.2 INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT............................................................... 8
11.3 THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT............................................................... 9
12 CENTER & ARROW KEYS........................................................................10
13 LED MODULOMETER...............................................................................10
14 MAIN MENU. ............................................................................................10
14.1 DIRECTORY MENU. ...........................................................................10
14.1.1 HORIZONTAL SCROLLING. .........................................................12
14.1.2 VERTICAL SCROLLING. ..............................................................12
14.1.3 QUIT DIRECTORY. ......................................................................13
14.1.4 TITLING, “NFS” MODE ONLY........................................................13
14.1.5 ERASING TAKE(S), “NFS” MODE ONLY. ......................................13
14.1.6 DELETE, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY...................................................14
14.1.7 DELETE TO END, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY......................................14
14.1.8 RENUMBER, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.............................................14
14.1.9 RENUMBER ALL, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY. .....................................14
14.2 LOUDSPEAKER. ................................................................................14
14.3 TOOLS...............................................................................................14
14.3.1 DATE AND TIME. .........................................................................14
14.3.2 CARD FORMATTING, “NFS” MODE ONLY....................................15
14.3.3 CARD FORMATTING, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY................................15
14.3.4 FORMAT REPAIRING, “NFS” MODE ONLY...................................15
14.3.5 PROGRAM SELECT. ....................................................................15
14.3.6 CONTRAST..................................................................................16
14.3.7 VERSION. ....................................................................................16
14.4 TEMPLATES, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY...................................................16
14.5 SETTINGS MENU. ..............................................................................17

Issue: January 2004 Page 3
14.5.1 INPUT FILTER..............................................................................17
14.5.2 ALC..............................................................................................17
14.5.3 ALC THRESHOLD. .......................................................................17
14.5.4 ALC REACTION SPEED. ..............................................................18
14.5.5 BEEP...........................................................................................18
14.5.6 COMPRESSION, “NFS” MODE ONLY. ..........................................18
14.5.7 FILE FORMAT, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY..........................................18
14.5.8 BACKLIGHT. ................................................................................18
14.5.9 OUTPUT MODE. ..........................................................................19
14.5.10 OUTPUT LEVEL. ........................................................................19
14.6 AUTO RECORD, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY..............................................19
14.7 MIKE ..................................................................................................20
14.7.1 48V PHANTOM MIKE POWER. .....................................................20
14.7.2 MIKE TYPE, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY. .............................................20
15 LOCKING THE SETTINGS. .......................................................................21
16 LOCKING THE KEYPAD. ..........................................................................21
17 AUTO POWER OFF..................................................................................21
18 MESSAGES..............................................................................................21
18.1 IN “NFS” MODE ..................................................................................21
18.2 IN “FAT 16” MODE ..............................................................................22
19 SOFTWARE UPDATE ...............................................................................22
20 MENU TREE ARES-BB, “NFS” MODE .......................................................23
21 MENU TREE ARES-BB, “FAT 16” MODE ...................................................25
22 INPUTS, OUTPUTS & SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................29
22.1 LEFT SIDE .........................................................................................29
22.2 OUTPUT SIDE ....................................................................................29
22.3 SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................30
23 ARES-BB “NFS” MODE, PC SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION.......................31
23.1 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, “NFS” MODE, USING A PC PCMCIA SLOT.....31
23.2 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, “NFS” MODE, USING A PC USB PORT...........31
24 ARES-BB “FAT 16” MODE, PC DRIVERS & INSTALLATION.......................32
25 SAFETY/COMPLIANCE ............................................................................33

Issue: January 2004 Page 4
1DELIVERED WITH.
1 Jack 6.3 mm (90 degrees) connector, 1 user manual, 1 USB cable, 1 CDR with Ares Import and
Digigram Import software.
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES.
On the rear side of the machine, loose the 2 “thumb” screws until the battery box can be removed. To
open the battery compartment, slide the inner cover until it is fully open. If dry cells are used verify that
the battery compartment switch is in the OFF position. Install the 6 “AA” cells observing the polarity
and replace the inner cover. Lock the battery compartment back to the machine.
Important note:
When using the external power supply, check that the switch on the battery compartment is set to
“OFF” before installing dry cells.
In the OFF position, the charger circuitry is not activated and if an external power supply is connected,
the machine will run from external supply and not from the batteries.
When an external power supply is connected to the Ares-BB, the green led turns on. During charge,
the yellow led turns on. The Ares-BB charges with approx. 300 mA. Charging stops automatically
(yellow led starts blinking slowly and finally turns off). If the charger switch is turned on and no
batteries are installed while the machine receives external power, the yellow led starts blinking fast.
3 INSTALLING THE FLASHCARD.
Insert the flashcard on the right side of the machine and push it fully home (eject button fully out).
Compact flash cards must be installed using an adapter.
NOTE: The software version, for the Ares-BB V2.00 and higher allows using linear and Strata flash
cards,ATA cards, compact flash cards and Micro-drive cards.
Important note:
When running the machine in the FAT 16 mode, only ATA, Compact flash cards and Micro-drive cards
can be used.
4 POWER ON, POWER OFF.
Press the “POWER ON” button (1) for 1 second and the machine switches on. To switch “OFF” the
machine push the same button again for 1 second.
Attention: the machine cannot be switched OFF during RECORD.
5 CONTRAST.
If the display contrast is not set properly at power on, switch off the machine, keep the “RIGHT” arrow
key (12) pressed while turning on the machine. This brings the machine directly to the contrast menu.
Adjuststep-by-step with the “UP” (9) or “DOWN” (11) arrow keys to increase or decrease accordingly.
Once the correct contrast is found, press the “CENTER” key (13) to store the new setting in the
machine. Press the “LEFT” arrow key (10) to quit the menus. The factory setting has the value “32”.

Issue: January 2004 Page 5
6 BUTTONS.
1Power ON / OFF
2Record, Marker key
3Rewind, skip backwards key
4Stop key
5Play key
6Forward, skip forwards key
7Reduce input sensitivity or playback
level key
8Increase input sensitivity or
playback level key
9Up arrow key or increase output
level key
10 Left arrow key
11 Down arrow key or reduce output
level key
12 Right arrow key
13 Other menu or execute key
14 Marker
15 Keypad lock
7 ARES-P II or ARES-BB DIFFERENCES.
ARES-P II & ARES-BB: Is equipped with a USB 1.1 connector. In the “FAT16” mode only, the
machine is recognized as an external removable hard drive. It also has a built-in speaker, Phantom
power, Vortex filter and accepts compact micro-drives up to 2 GB.
The ARES-BB is functionally identical to the ARES-P II. It offers the USER XLR input & output
connectors and an ergonomic table-top operation. It gives a 20% increase in autonomy thanks to the
additional batteries and can offer a Lithium-Ion pack as an alternative. The ARES-BB cannot use the
NP-MICE/NP-MICES Electret microphonecapsules.
Without any software options installed, the card is formatted “FAT 16” and is directly compatible with
Windows or Mac O/S. The recorded files are Broadcast Wave Format (xxx.wav). Only PCM can be
recorded (not compressed).
If equipped with the software option I, the machine emulates also an ARES-P. In the “NFS” (Nagra File
System) mode, compressed MPEG files can be recorded. In the “FAT 16” mode, the maximum bit rate
becomes 384kb/s 48kHz stereo.
Only ATA, Compact flash or Micro-drive cardscan be used in the “FAT 16” mode.
If equipped with software option I & II, the machine also emulates an RCX220. This means that in the
“NFS” mode, via USB, Windows recognizes the machine as an external soundcard and in the “FAT
16” mode as an external removable hard drive.
Important note:When making linear recordings (WAV) the range of media that can be used is
restricted. The card must be capable of writing data at high speed. A stereo recording at 48kHz
requires a data rate of 2 x 16 bits x 48000 sampling frequency divided by 8 bits per Byte gives a data
rate of 192 kBytes per second.

Issue: January 2004 Page 6
8 FIRST TIME SWITCH ON.
Verify first that the keypad lock switch (15) is in the left position. Once the batteries have been
installed and turning on, the machine will sw itch on in the FAT 16 mode. The display will show a
picture of a cylinder with the word “FAT” for several seconds.
To change the mode to “NFS” mode (if the software #1 package is included) jump to page 15
Paragraph 14.3.4 PROGRAM SELECT before continuing.
9 MAIN DISPLAY DESCRIPTION.
Attention: At power on, the display below is shown, but without the level bargraph indicator on the
right-hand side. This bargraph appears when the “+” or “-” button (8 or 7) is pressed. It disappears
after a few seconds to improve the clarity of the display.
StatusoftheARES-BB
“STOP” ARES-BB is in STAND BY mode
“RECORD” ARES-BB is in RECORD mode
“PLAY” ARES-BB is in PLAY mode
“SEARCH FORWARD” ARES-BB is playing fast forwards
“SEARCH BACKWARD” ARES-BB is playing fast backwards
Take number and position in minutes and seconds
This is the physical playback position. The example shows that playback will start at the beginning of
take 7 (0 minutes, 0 seconds).
Stop or play position on the flashcard
The marker shows the exact playback position, take 7 at 0 minutes, 0 seconds.
Statusoftheflashcard
The full length of the bargraph corresponds to the total memory of the inserted flashcard. The black
area shows how much memory was already used for recording. The clear area shows the remaining
memory.
Total number of recorded takes
This area shows the total number of takes already recorded on the flashcard.
Remaining time on the card in minutes and seconds
Stop or play position
on the flashcard
Status of the flashcard
Level adjustment
Status of the ARES-BB
STOP, PLAY, REC, FWD, RWD
Remaining time on the card
in minutes and seconds
Take number and position
in minutes and seconds
Input level indication for
Left and Right channel Headroom indicator
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
Low Battery
007 0:00 In
- 20dB
Input level
Level setting
Total number of recorded takes Messages
Battery status

Issue: January 2004 Page 7
This indicates how much recording time is left on the card. In this example, it shows 8 minutes, 8
seconds. If the bit-rate is changed, it will automatically be updated. Example 8:08 if 128kb/s was set, it
will become 16:16 if the bit-ratewaschangedto64kb/s.
Input level indication for Left and Right channel
In the stereo mode, bargraph 1 corresponds to the left channel and 2 to the right channel. In mono
mode, both bargraphs indicate the input level. From 0dB, the bargraph shows the headroom up to
+9dB. +9dB corresponds to “FF” for the AD converter.
Messages
This is the area for messages, such as “LOW BATTERY”, CARD FULL, NO CARD, etc.
A beep in the headphones corresponds to an arrival of a message on the display.
Batterystatus
When the battery icon shows full, it indicates the batteries are fully charged. Full corresponds to a
voltage measurement of 7.54V or higher. When the voltage drops below 6V, a warning beep is heard
in the headphones and the message “LOW BATTERY” appears in the display. When the voltage
drops below 5.1V the machine automatically switches off.
When the battery icon disappears during a USB connection in the “FAT 16” mode, it means that the
machine is powered by the PC and not anymore by the internal batteries or external power supply.
Level Adjustment
This bargraph only appears on the screen during the adjustment of the input sensitivity, the output
level or the ALC threshold adjustment. If no adjustment is made it will disappear after a few seconds.
Simultaneously, the level setting in dB’s as well as the kind of adjustment “IN”, “OUT” or “THR” will
appear on the display.
10 RECORD (2), REWIND (3), STOP (4), PLAY (5), FORWARD (6), MARKER
(14) KEYS
10.1 RECORD KEY (2)
For “NFS” mode.
A valid formatted card must be fitted and the machine switched ON. To start recording, the “RECORD”
key (2) can be pressed, even if the machine was in “PLAY” mode or is in one of the sub-menus. The
“RECORD” key will not work if the machine is deleting a take or formatting the card.
If during record the “RECORD” key is pressed again, a new take is automatically created. This
function is used for “MARKING” the audio during record.
For “FAT 16” mode.
During record or play, the “MARKER” key (14) can be pressed on the fly. This will add a marker inside
a single file.
During record, the front red LED turns ON.
During record, the “POWER” key is disabled.
10.2 REWIND KEY (3) AND FORWARD KEY (6)
These keys have two functions called “SKIP” backwards or forwards and “REWIND” or “FORWARD”.
SKIP.
For “NFS” mode.
In “STOP” mode: To jump take-by-take, pressing briefly on the “<<” or “>>” keys will decrement or
increment the take position.
In “PLAY” mode: To jump to other takes on the card, press twice in quick succession the “<<” or “>>”
to decrement or increment the take number.

Issue: January 2004 Page 8
IMPORTANT: Only takes with the same compression as the current settings of the machine can be
played back using the SKIP buttons. All other takes with a different compression cannot be selected.
For “FAT 16” mode.
If the recording contains “markers” then these keys will jump to the next (or previous) marker position.
FORWARD SEARCH & BACKWARD SEARCH.
This function can be executed in “STOP” or “PLAY” mode. Once the “>>” or “<<”key is pressed for
more than 0.5 seconds, the machine starts “FORWARD or BACKWARDS SEARCH” at 4 times
nominal speed. The longer the button is pressed, the search speed increments up to 128 times
nominal speed. When the button is released, the search stops and it returns to its previous function
(STOP or PLAY).
10.3 STOP KEY (4)
When this key is pressed during record or playback, the machine stops recording or playing and
returns to the “EE” mode.
The “EE” mode means that the input signal is fed to the output. This button can also be used as the
“PAUSE” key during playback.
10.4 PLAY KEY (5)
After a record session pressing the “PLAY” key, immediately plays back the last recorded take. After
power on pressing “PLAY” will resume playback from its last position before power down, as long as
the batteries are installed.
11 LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
11.1 OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
During the “STOP” or “RECORD” mode, the output level can be adjusted by the “UP ARROW” key (9)
to increase or the “DOWN ARROW” key (11) to decrease. Once one of these keys is pressed, an
additional bargraph on the right side of the display appears, indicating “OUT”, showing the current
position of the adjustment. “0dB” corresponds to maximum output level, “-59dB” corresponds to
minimum output level and “OFF” corresponds to mute of the output signal.
The setting of the output level can also be stored in the machine in such a way that every time the
machine is switched ON, it will take the same “DEFAULT LEVEL” output adjustment (See “SETTINGS
MENU, OUTPUT LEVEL”). During the “PLAY” mode, the output level can be adjusted either by the
“UP & DOWN ARROW” keys (9 & 11) or the “+” and “-“keys (8 & 7).
11.2 INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT
During “STOP” or “RECORD”, the input level can be adjusted by pressing the “+” (8) or “-“ (7) keys to
increase or decrease the input sensitivity. Once one of these keys is pressed, an additional bargraph
on the right side of the display appears, indicating “IN”, corresponding to the current setting. “74dB”
corresponds to maximum input gain, “133dB” corresponds to minimum input gain and “OFF”
corresponds to muting of the input signal. If the input sensitivity is adjusted for “74dB”, it means that if
the input signal at 74dB SPL will be recorded at a 0dB level.

Issue: January 2004 Page 9
Level Adjustment in the stereo mode (FAT 16 only)
When in the sub menus the “MIKE” is set to “STEREO”, the left and right channel can be adjusted
separately. Holding the left arrow key (10) and adjusting the input sensitivity will only adjust the left
channel. Holding the right arrow key (12) and adjusting the input sensitivity will only adjust the right
channel. When the input sensitivity between the 2 channels is not identical, the display will
automatically show both input sensitivity levels.
As shown on the picture, the red indications correspond to the left channel, the blue indications
correspond to the right channel. If no left or right arrow is pressed during the input sensitivity
adjustment, both channels will be adjusted simultaneously and keep the same delta until one of the
channels is reaching max. or min. level.
11.3 THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT
The “THRESHOLD” adjustment permits selection of the size of the compression zone. It is the lower
limit setting of the zone that will be automatically amplified during a silent period. The “ALC” works in a
range of 42dB (from 74dB to 116dB). If the “THRESHOLD” is set to 104dB, signals of 104dB and
higher (max. 116dB) will be recorded at 0dB level (between –2dB and –6dB for a stable signal). A
signal of 90dB will be recorded at –14dB (104dB –90dB). If “ALC” (Automatic Level Control) is “ON”
and the “ALC THRESHOLD” is set to “USING +/-KEYS” (see SETTINGS MENU, ALC
THRESHOLD), the threshold during “RECORD” or “STOP” can be adjusted by pressing the “+” or “-“
keys (8 or 7). Once one of these keys is pressed, an additional bargraph on the right side of the
display, indicating “THR” appears, showing the current position of the adjustment. “74dB” corresponds
to maximum threshold level, “104dB” corresponds to minimum threshold level.
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
12 Takes R: 8:08
007 0:00 In
84 dB/94 dB

Issue: January 2004 Page 10
12 CENTER & ARROW KEYS
By pushing the “CENTER” key (13), the machine gives access to the “DIRECTORY”, “TOOLS” and
“SETTINGS” sub-menus. Using the “ARROW” keys (9 to 12), you navigate between those sub-menus.
To move back to the initial display, press the “LEFT ARROW” key (10) (except in the “DIRECTORY”
where “CENTER” key (13) needs to be pressed firstto return to the sub-menus).
13 LED MODULOMETER
The LED modulometer shows the sum of both channels when the machine is set to Stereo operation.
The three leds give a quick visual indication in three colors, green, yellow and red. They light at levels
of –21, -9 and 0 dB respectively. Normal operation is with the green and yellow led on and the red led
flashing occasionally on signal peaks.
14 MAIN MENU.
By pressing the “CENTER” key (13), the main menu appears on the display.
The “DIRECTORY” gives access to all the information of the recorded files on the flashcard.
If “TOOLS” is selected, other sub menus can be selected: “DATE & TIME”, “CARD FORMATTING”,
“FORMAT REPAIRING”, ”PROGRAM SELECT” and “VERSION”.
If “SETTINGS” is selected, several other sub-menus can be selected such as: “OUTPUT LEVEL”,
“INPUT FILTER”, “BEEP” and “COMPRESSION” etc.
Scrolling through the different sub-menus is done by pressing the “DOWN ARROW” (11) or “UP
ARROW” (9) keys.
Escaping from the sub-menu’s is done by pushing the “LEFT” ARROW” key (10).
Entering a sub-menu is done by pushing the “RIGHT ARROW” key (12).
Inside a sub-menu, execute the selected setting by pressing the “CENTER” key (13).
14.1 DIRECTORY MENU.
By using the “UP”, “DOWN”, “LEFT”, “RIGHT ARROW” keys ( 9, 11, 10, 12), once “DIRECTORY” has
been selected, it becomes possible to scroll vertically and horizontaly to view all the recorded files and
their specifications.
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
007 0:00 Directory
Tools
Directory
Tools
Settings
Directory
Tools
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
001 0:00
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
001 0:00 Directory
Tools

Issue: January 2004 Page 11
If the marker has a “” shape, it means that the take compression is the same as the current settings
of the machine.
If the marker has a “>” shape, it means that the take compression is different from the current settings
of the machine.
In the latter case, if the “PLAY” button” (5) is pressed, the corresponding compression will be
automatically loaded in the DSP, and play starts.
If the marker is in front of one of the audio takes, the “PLAY”,“STOP”,“FWD” and “RWD” function
keys (3,4,5 &6) become active.
If the “RECORD” button (2 or 2bis) is pressed, the display returns to the main screen and the
recording starts.

Issue: January 2004 Page 12
14.1.1 HORIZONTAL SCROLLING.
Use the ”LEFT” (10) and“RIGHT” (12)“ARROW” keys.
NOTE: Titles can only be added in the “NFS” mode and are not existing in the “FAT 16” mode
The display shows the length, the date of recording, the time at the
record start, the type of compression and the title of each take. The title
can be maximum 31 characters long and scrolls over the display in 3
stages.
14.1.2 VERTICAL SCROLLING.
Pushing the “UP” (9) or“DOWN”(11)“ARROW” keys makes the vertical scrolling.
The take number 000 is the format take. It shows the time and date when the card was last formatted.
002 3.48
000 12 / 03 / 00 10 : 41
001 12 / 03 / 00 10 : 55
002 13 / 03 / 00 11 : 25
003 13 / 03 / 00 14 : 19
End
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
002 3.48
000 Format
001 MPEG 192 / 48 ST.
002 MPEG 128 / 24 ST.
003 G.722
End
002 3.48
000 < No title >
001 FOOTBALL GAME IN
002 < No title >
003 ACCIDENT
End
002 3.48
000 < No title >
001 GAME IN PARIS
002 < No title >
003
End
002 3.48
000 < No title >
001 PARIS
002 < No title >
003
End
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
002 1.30
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
Format file,
created March 12, 2000
File No 001, length 1minute 25
seconds, recorded March 12, 2000
Current position
inside the selected file
Selected file No
End of list
Remaining time on the
card at the selected
compression

Issue: January 2004 Page 13
In the “FAT 16” mode, take 000 does not exist.
14.1.3 QUIT DIRECTORY.
To escape from the “DIRECTORY”, press the “CENTER” button (13) once followed by the “RIGHT”
arrow key (12). The display returns to “STATUS” display.
14.1.4 TITLING, “NFS” MODE ONLY.
Titles can be added to the format file (000) and each sound file for identification purposes.
In the “DIRECTORY”, select the take for a new title.
Press the “CENTER” key once and the following display appears:
Select “TAKE TITLING”.
Pressing the “STOP” key returns the display to the “DIRECTORY”.
Characters can be selected with the “UP” and “DOWN” keys. To enter the selected character, press
the “CENTER” key.
To delete a character, highlight the corresponding character with the “LEFT ARROW” or “RIGHT
ARROW” keys and press the “PLAY” key.
To insert a character, highlight the corresponding character for the insertion area and press the “>>”
key. All characters from the highlight position will be shifted one space.
To record the title on the flashcard, press the “RECORD” key once.
ATTENTION:
Once a title is added to a recording, it cannot be altered in any way on a linear flash card. Titles on
ATA cards can be modified. If during titling, the “RECORD” key is pressed twice, the title will be
recorded and the machine starts a new audio record.
If during “TITLING” the “RECORD” button on the side of the machine is pressed, audio record starts
immediately and the title is not recorded.
14.1.5 ERASING TAKE(S), “NFS” MODE ONLY.
Example: take 2 and higher take numbers
To delete one or more takes, select in the directory the lowest take number that needs to be deleted,
press the “CENTER” button (13) and select the “TAKE ERASURE” menu. Once the selection
confirmed by pressing the “CENTER” button (13), the erasing starts.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key once.
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
Quit directory
Takeerasure
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
3 Takes R: 4:08:26
002 0:00
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
Quit directory
Takeerasure
Quit directory
Takeerasure
Quit directory
Take titling
Stop key = Escape
Play key = Delete
>> key = Insert
Rec. key = Write it
Title take 036

Issue: January 2004 Page 14
NOTE: Erasing individual takes in the middle of the “DIRECTORY” is not possible. The erase
feature will always erase from the selected take to the end of the card.
14.1.6 DELETE, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
Any take from the directory can be deleted without influencing other takes.
14.1.7 DELETE TO END, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
Erase the selected take and all takes after until the end of the card.
14.1.8 RENUMBER, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
Permits after deleting file(s) to renumber the files from the selected file until the end of the card.
14.1.9 RENUMBER ALL, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
Permits after deleting file(s) to renumber all the files from file 1 until the end of the card.
14.2 LOUDSPEAKER.
This switches “ON” or “OFF” the internal loudspeaker.
NOTE: The internal loudspeaker can only be used in the playback
mode.
14.3 TOOLS.
“Programselect” and “Format
repairing” does not appear if the
machine is not equipped with
software option I.
several sub-menus are available.
14.3.1 DATE AND TIME.
Selecting “DATE & TIME” gives access to change the time and date of the real time clock. Once the
“CENTER” button (13) is pressed, the first digit starts blinking. The number can be modified by
pushing the “UP” or “DOWN” (9 or 11) keys. Pressing the “RIGHT” arrow key (12) jumps to the next
digit. Once the last number is introduced, the clock starts running. (Hours, Hours, Minutes, Minutes,
Seconds, Seconds)
Introducing the date uses the same procedure.
Once the last number is introduced, the date is memorized.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key once.
Tools
Date & Time
Card formatting
Format repairing
Tools
Format repairing
Program select
Version
Loudspeaker
Off
On
On

Issue: January 2004 Page 15
14.3.2 CARD FORMATTING, “NFS” MODE ONLY.
Execute by pressing the “RIGHT” arrow key (12) and the card formatting will begin.
Once the formatting is finished, the display returns to the previous menu.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key once.
When the format command is executed, “CARD NOT EMPTY” appears if one or more takes are on
the card (including format take 000).
14.3.3 CARD FORMATTING, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
Execute by pressing the “RIGHT” arrow key (12) and the card formatting will begin.
Once the formatting is finished, the display shows “Done”.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key once.
14.3.4 FORMAT REPAIRING, “NFS” MODE ONLY.
If during record, the card was removed (or batteries removed), an
“UNCLOSED FILE” will be left on the card. This utility allows the user to
close this file correctly.
”FORMAT CORRUPTED” will be shown.
Follow the instructions on the display to recover the take. The last recorded file will be closed at the
end of the memory of the card. The remaining time becomes 0 min. 0 sec.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key once.
14.3.5 PROGRAM SELECT.
The program select permits to swap between the 2 recording modes
“FAT 16” mode or “NAGRA” mode (“NFS”) compressed files.
This sub menu does not appear if software option I is not installed.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” key (10) once.
Card formatting
Card present.
PRESS CENTER KEY.
Card formatting
Card present.
Card not empty.
RIGHT KEY TO CONFIRM.
Card formatting
Card present.
Formatting . . .
100%
Format completed.
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
FORMAT CORRUPTED
003 0:00
FORMAT REPAIRING
UNCLOSED FILE.
RECOVER ?
PRESS CENTER KEY.
FORMAT REPAIRING
UNCLOSED FILE.
RECOVER ?
RECOVER COMPLETE.
FORMAT REPAIRING
NO FORMAT PROBLEMS.
PROGRAM SELECT
FAT 16 FILE SYST.
NAGRA FILE SYST.
NAGRA FILE SYST.
Format card
Format card (FAT16)?
PRESS CENTER KEY.
Format card
Format card (FAT16)?
The current content of
the card will be lost!
RIGHT KEY TO CONFIRM.
Format card
Format card (FAT16)?
Formatting.

Issue: January 2004 Page 16
14.3.6 CONTRAST.
This menu permits to adjust the contrast of the display. Pressing the
“UP” (9) or “DOWN” (11) key changes the current contrast. Pressing the
“CENTER” key (13) stores the contrast settings as a default value at
power on.
To escapefrom the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” key (10) once.
14.3.7 VERSION.
Selecting the “VERSION” sub-menu shows the serial number of the
recorder as well as current version of the software installed. The version
shown in this picture corresponds to the version for the “FAT 16” mode.
Turning on the machine in the “NFS” mode will show the “NFS” version.
To escape from the sub-menu, press the “LEFT” key (10) once.
14.4 TEMPLATES, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
The Ares-BB can store and recall 4 different templates.
To have an overview of the different sub-menu settings that can be
stored, refer to the menu tree at the end of this
manual. Only menu settings with a red square
against it can be stored.
To use a template, setup the machine as required, then go to
“TEMPLATES”, select “STORE 1” and press the execute key (13). The message “DONE” will appear.
If now any changes were made in the setup, you can go to “RECALL 1” and press the execute key
once again. This returns the machine to the settings stored in template 1.
Templates
Recall 4
Store 1
Store 2 XXX
ARES-BB
S/N : 123456789
Soft (FAT): Vx.xx
Audio board: 2
Software options:
#1 #2
Contrast
Current contrast = 32
Default contrast = 33
TEST 34

Issue: January 2004 Page 17
14.5 SETTINGS MENU.
The settings menu gives access to several sub-menus.
The current setting of each is always shown at the bottom of the display.
In “NFS” mode, “COMPRESSION” is shown, in the “FAT 16” mode, the
name compression is replaced by “FILE FORMAT”.
14.5.1 INPUT FILTER.
Two possibilities are available: “FLAT” or “LOW CUT”.
14.5.2 ALC.
From this sub-menu, the “ALC” can be switched “ON” or “OFF”.
It is highly recommended to switch on the “LOW CUT” filter if “ALC” is
turned ON.
14.5.3 ALC THRESHOLD.
The “THRESHOLD” can be adjusted from –104 dB to –74 dB.
In this case the “+”key (8) and the “-“key (7) are disabled. If “USING +/-
KEYS” is selected, the “+”key (8) and “-“key (7) are enabled during
“STOP” and “RECORD” mode, which allows the “THRESHOLD” level to
be adjusted without returning in the “SETTINGS” menu.
Inputfilter
Flat
Low cut
Flat
ALC
On
Off
On
ALCthreshold
-74 dB
Using +/- keys
Using +/- keys
Settings
Input filter
ALC
ALC threshold
On
Settings
ALC
ALC threshold
ALC speed
Using +/- keys
Settings
ALC threshold
ALC speed
Beep
Normal
Settings
ALC speed
Beep
Compression
On
Settings
Beep
Compression
Backlight
MPEG 128/48
Settings
Compression
Backlight
Output level
Automatic

Issue: January 2004 Page 18
14.5.4 ALC REACTION SPEED.
The “ALC SPEED” can be set to a “FAST”, “NORMAL” or “SLOW”
reaction time.
14.5.5 BEEP.
The beep signal is only available at the output and is not recorded. It
can be switched “ON” or “OFF”.
14.5.6 COMPRESSION, “NFS” MODE ONLY.
17 different types of compression can be selected.
Use the “UP” (9) or “DOWN” (11) arrow keys to select the type of
compression to be used and press the “CENTER” key (13) to select
one.
The display returns to the previous menu.
Example: MPEG 64/48 stands for: MPEG 1Layer II MONO compression at a total bit-rate of 64kb/s
using a sampling frequency of 48kHz.
MPEG 192/48 ST stands for: MPEG 1 Layer II STEREO compression at a total bit-rate of 192kb/s
(96kb/s per channel) using a sample rate of 48kHz.
14.5.7 FILE FORMAT, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
The Ares-BB without any soft option can only record in a linear mode
(not compressed). If the soft option I is installed it includes also the
selection of MPEG compression and this time up to 384kb/s.
14.5.8 BACKLIGHT.
The backlight can be set to always “OFF”, always “ON” or “AUTOMATIC”.
In the “AUTOMATIC” mode, the backlight turns on for 15 seconds, each time a key is pressed.
Beep
Off
On
On
Backlight
Off
On
Automatic
On
ALCspeed
Fast
Normal
Slow
Normal
MPEG 64/16
MPEG 128/48
MPEG 128/24
Compression
MPEG 64/48
File format
PCM 48K
PCM 44K1
PCM 32K
MPEG256/48St.

Issue: January 2004 Page 19
14.5.9 OUTPUT MODE.
This sub-menu permits to turn on or off the sound to the output
connector in the case that a little speaker is used instead of a
headphone. “ALWAYS” means that the output sound is always present.
“ONLY IN PLAYBACK” means that the output sound is present only
during playback but not present in the record mode or EE mode.
14.5.10 OUTPUT LEVEL.
The “CURRENT LEVEL” corresponds to the setting before entering the
sub-menu. To modify this level, press the “UP” or “DOWN” keys (9 or
11).
The “DEFAULT LEVEL” is the level that has been saved in the memory.
To modify the “DEFAULT LEVEL” to the value of the “CURRENT
LEVEL”, press the “CENTER” Key (13). The default value will be
remembered even if the unit loses power.
14.6 AUTO RECORD, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
The “AUTO RECORD” menu permits to turn on or off the auto record mode. This mode of recording
permits to start a recording automatically depending on the settings of the different parameters
described below. Once the parameters set, put the machine in the record mode. The recording will
start once the requested level and length of any incoming sound is obtained.
The “TRIGGER LEVEL” sub-menu permits to adjust the level detection to start the recording and can
be set in steps of 10 dB from 50 dB SPL to 120 dB SPL.
The “ TRIGGER DELAY” menu permits to adjust the continuous duration or length of the sound level
before the recording starts. It can be set from 0.0 seconds to 1 second. Example: if you clap your
hands a single time and the start delay is set to 0.1 second, the recording will not start, as the
handclap was shorter than 0.1 seconds.
The “STOP DELAY” permits to adjust the duration of recording once the sound level drops below the
threshold level and can be set from 5 seconds up to 15 minutes or nonstop. Once the delay is passed,
the machine will return to the waiting position ready for the next recording
The left picture shows the machine ready
to record automatically. The right picture
shows the machine in the record mode.
The Ares-BB can also be stopped
manually by pressing the Stop button (4).
Output level
Current level = - 6 DB
Default level = - 9 DB
Output mode
Always on
Only in playback
Always on
Auto record
Mode
Trigger level
Trigger delay
50 dB SPL
Auto record
Trigger level
Trigger delay
Stop delay
0.0 sec.
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
12 Takes R: 8:08:50
007 0:00
Auto
59dB
1
2
-21 -9 0+9
13 Takes R: 8:08:48
008 0:06
Auto
59dB

Issue: January 2004 Page 20
14.7 MIKE
This menu gives access to the selection of the microphone type (routing,
Mono or Stereo) as well as the 48V power supply.
14.7.1 48V PHANTOM MIKE POWER.
If Phantom microphones are used the 48V must be turned on. This
selection needs to be confirmed by pressing the right arrow key. On the
main display, the text will appear next to the battery status.
14.7.2 MIKE TYPE, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.
If “MONO” is selected and a stereo pair of microphones is connected
and the “FILE FORMAT” is set to a mono recording, both channels will
be mixed and reduced by 3 dB before they are recorded as a mono
channel.
If “STEREO” is selected and a mono microphone is connected and the
“FILE FORMAT” is set to a stereo recording, only the left channel will be
recorded.
If “MONO”is selected and a mono microphone is connected and the
“FILE FORMAT” is set to a stereo recording, both channels will have the same signal.
48V. Mike power
Off
On
On
Miketype
Mono
Stereo
Mono
Mike
Miketype
48V, Mike power
48