Nagra LB User manual

Nagra is a division of the Kudelski Group, 1033 Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland, e-mail: [email protected] www.nagraaudio.com
Nagra is continually improving its products and technologies; as a result, the abovespecifications may be modified without notice. / Desrochers Communication / PRINTED IN SWITZERLAND 11.2009, P/N 2019004141
technical
specifications
Recording
Internal storage 2 GB NAND flash memory
Removable media Compact Flash type II/III (hot swappable)
Disk format FAT 32
Recording method Linear digital PCM, MPEG 1 layer 2 or MP-3
File type 16/24-bit Broadcast Wave File BWF (WAV)
A/D & D/A conversion 24-bit Sigma-Delta
Tracks 2 individual
Sampling rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 and 192 kHz
Recording capacity 1 hour per GB of disk/memory @ 24-bit 48 kHz
Pre-recording buffer Programmable (maximum 3 seconds)
Display Colour TFT
Level meters On colour display and by LED
Bit rate From 32 to 384 kbits/sec
Inputs
Digital inputs XLR 3-pole
Analogue inputs 2 XLR microphone (dynamic, +48V phantom)/line
Microphone input sensitivity 2 and 15 mV/Pa selectable
Limiters On microphone inputs
Line input sensitivity Adjustable from -6 up to +24 dBu for 0 dBFS recording
THD at 1 kHz Microphone <0.1%, line <0.01% (measured on AES out)
Frequency response Microphone 10Hz - 48 kHz ±0.5 dB, line ±0.2 dB (measured on AES out)
Signal-to-noise ratio >100 dB
Input level adjustment range Microphone -130 to -86 dBu, line from -6 to +24 dBu
Input filters LFA (with vortex filtering)
Internal microphone Electret on the front panel
Outputs
Analogue line output 2 XLR 4.4 V max (up to +15 dBu selectable)
Digital output XLR AES-3 (16 or 24-bit)
Headphones Stereo 6.3 mm (¼") jack 50 Ω
Internal speaker 0.2 W
Other
USB host USB 2.0 connector type "A"
USB device USB 2.0 connector type "B"
M/S decoder Switchable
Ethernet RJ 45
Audio editing On-board with graphic display
General
Dimensions 175 x 65 x 185 mm (W x H x D), including battery box
Weight 1.45 kg (3 lbs), including battery box
Power supply External 9-15V or 8x "AA" batteries
Power consumption Approximately 2 W (160 mA from 12V)
Charge time Approximately 3 hours (with NiMH cells)
Battery life Approximately 7 hours (with alkaline cells)
Relative humidity From 10 to 99% (non condensing)
NAGRA LB
of Switzerland
Two-track dual display digital audio recorder
2 channels
24-bit, up to 192 kHz
2 colour displays
USB 2.0 communication
Ethernet/Bluetooth
Pre-recording buffer
PCM linear or MPEG compressed (BWF files)
Internal flash and removable Compact Flash
Internal speaker
Built-in audio editor

A resourceful tool
The Nagra LB is part of the latest generation of digital recor-
ders. Initially aimed at the broadcast industry, it also fulfils
many recording applications from sound effects gathering,
music production and nature recording. Musicians will find
that features offered make it ideal for high quality, on-location
production work.
This battery-operated 2-channel 16/24-bit portable recorder
offers on-board editing and communication features via Blue-
tooth, USB and Ethernet.
Measuring only 17,5 x 6,5 x 18,5 cm, it is marginally larger
than its predecessor, the ARES-BB+, and runs from 8 "AA"
cells giving in excess of 7 hours recording time.
High quality inputs
The Nagra LB offers two analogue microphone/line audio
inputs derived from the NAGRA VI and a single stereo digital
AES input on standard XLR connectors. These inputs are
equipped with traditional NAGRA microphone pre-amplifiers
Easy to use in-the-field
The metering and menu displays are accomplished through a
pair of back-lit colour displays on the front and upper faces of
the recorder. In addition, there are three LEDs located above
each input control as on the NAGRA VI and other ARES
recorders, to indicate the presence of signal and overload of
each input.
The front panel of the unit, machined from a solid aluminium
block, is laid out in a very simple and easy-to-use manner and
the following principal areas merit a mention.
First of all, the operation of the NAGRA LB is controlled through
a traditional rotary main function selection switch with the
following positions: RECORD, TEST, OFF, STOP and PLAY, as
with other previous Nagra models.The FF and REW as well
as SKIP functions are accomplished using easily accessible
snap switches next to the function selector. A navigation and
execute button, in the centre of the front panel, allows easy
access and modification of the menu system that is used to
select and set the parameters of the recorder. An internal
for dynamic and phantom +48 V microphones and fitted with a
special integrated vortex filter to virtually eliminate wind noise.
They are also equipped with linkable audio limiters.The LINE
input will accept up to +24 dBu.
Recording medium and format
The Nagra LB records on an extractable Compact Flash card or
to its internal 2 GB NAND flash memory or even an USB device.
Files are recorded in Broadcast Wave format in either PCM linear,
MPEG-1 layer II or MP-3 compressed audio formats. These
files are compatible with both Mac and PC based systems. The
internal flash memory serves two important roles. Firstly as a
back-up media should the extractable compact flash card be
full or unavailable or as a spontaneous memory for recording
while the extractable card is changed.
The recorder accepts a wide range of commercially available
CF cards, which can be verified internally before use thanks
to the card test programme in the software. Simply pressing
the "Hot swap" button next to the slot will allow the card to be
replaced even while the unit is actually recording.
Compact, light, sturdy, versatile
The highly competent recorder with on-board editing
microphone, that records to both channels simultaneously,
and adjustable headphone output completes the standard
features on the front panel.
Integrated editing functions
The top panel of the Nagra LB is equipped with a full audio
editing system with its own dedicated colour display. This
allows in-the-field editing and gives a graphic waveform
display. Once the editing of the audio material is complete,
the file can be transmitted to the studio either over IP (through
the Ethernet connection) or via a GSM phone through the
Bluetooth option.Naturally, the USB port also serves as a
generic drive when connected to a computer.
The file transfer can also be done this way. Removal of the
Compact Flash card is a final possibility for removing the
audio from the recorder.
The HOST USB port can also be used for file transfer to a
memory stick or external hard disk if desired.
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1 Main selector
2Rewind/forward
switch
3 Skip back/forward
switch
4 Potentiometers
linking switch
5 Menu navigation
button
6Screen backlight/
battery check switch
7Main 2½" colour
display
8 Mono/stereo switch
9 6.3 mm (¼") head-
phone jack
10 Headphone level
control
11 Electret microphone
12 Input potentiometers
with 3 LED monitoring
13 Reference signal
generator switch
14 Internal microphone
on/off switch
15 Marker switch
Adds a mark in the file
during recording
16 Jog Wheel
17 Function "shift" key
18 Multifiunction and
navigation keys
19 Editing display with
5 function keys
20 Speaker
21 Compact flash
memory slot with hot
swapping button
22 Input sensitivity
selectors
23 +48 V phantom
power switches
24 Analog inputs
XLR connectors
25 Digital input
XLR connector
26 External supply
connector
27 XLR analogue output
connectors
28 USB host
For Bluetooth key,
memory stick and
external drive
29 USB output connector
PC or MAC recognised
30 Ethernet connector
31 Extension connector
Remote control and
RS232 communication
32 Digital output
XLR connector
33 Audio motherboard
34 Compact flash
interface
35 Output connection
panel
36 Detachable battery
box
Nagra is one of the most
recognised brands in the
world with, among other
awards, three Oscars
and one Emmy
The NAGRA LB is supplied with a robust weather resistant carrying case
featuring an adjustable shoulder strap. Also included: external AC power
supply, Bluetooth communication dongle, USB cable and comprehensive
operating manual
Environment
All NAGRA recorders meet the stringent RoHS (anti lead)
requirements as well as the CE norms. Certification of both
is available upon request.
Multiple powering possibilities
The NAGRA LB has a detachable battery compartment
into which 8 "AA" cells can be fitted. Rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries may also be used if desired, as the charging circuit
is built-in to the battery box.
External 9 to 15 V can be supplied via a standard DC
connector mounted on the left side of the removable battery
compartment.
Product evolution
The NAGRA LB has been designed to fit various market
requirements. A full SMPTE/EBU time coded model is being
prepared.
A simplified version with no editing features, and no time
code will also be available.The Ethernet features are also
being extended to allow the recorder to stream audio
over IP.