Nagra NAGRA 4.2 User manual

NAGRA 4.2
PORTABLE ANALOGUE AUDIO
TAPE RECORDER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL *
(KSA code No. 20 04 004 151)
February 1991 Edition
Kudelski S.A.
NAGRA Tape Recorder Manufacturer
CH–1033 Cheseaux / SWITZERLAND
phone [phone]
telex 459 302 nagr ch
telefax (021) 731 21 55 Copyright reserved for all countries
Orginally printed in Switzerland
*this is an exclusive digital reprint and may only be used by Hunter College Students

1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Nagra 4.2 was introduced originally in 1971. It is a portable 6.35 mm (1/4") mono analogue audio tape
recorder designed for high quality recording having radio, cinema, and television applications.
Many mechanical and electronic modifications have been made to the machine since its release, to adapt it
according to modern day requirements. Despite all these modifications, the machine remains remarkably simi-
lar to the original.
The Nagra 4.2 can be delivered in two different versions both of which are available in either NAB or CCIR equal-
ization. These versions are:
NQ–LSP Non pilot
NQS–L Pilot
Each version has three speeds: 38 cm/s. 19 cm/s and 9.5 cm/s (15, 7 1/2 and 3 3/4 ips) and has either the
NAB or the CCIR standard.
The Nagra 4.2 is a mono recorder recording full track audio on 6.35 mm tape, and the Neopilot
synchronization system.
The audio inputs may be used with either the two internal microphone preamplifiers (switchable between
Dynamic, T power and Phantom power depending on the microphone preamplifier which is fitted) or as a line
input, via the QCE cable.
The Nagra 4.2 also contains a switchable limiter, a built–in loudspeaker, and an internal reference generator for
line up, and calibration purposes.
Optionally the machine may be fitted with the NEOPILOT pilot option.
The machine may also be powered from either an external supply ATN–3 or internal batteries.
The 4.2 may also be used with the QGB 10" real adaptor, to allow the use of larger reels for longer recording
and playback.

10 17 14 12 13 7 9 8 6 1 3 2 4 16 15
18
25
23 24 21 26 27 28 29 20 30 11 31 5 34 22 32
33
19

1. TAPE / DIRECT SWITCH (line and phones)
2. TAPE / DIRECT (snap switch)
3. POWER SELECTION SWITCH (external/bat-
teries)
4. MAIN FUNCTION SELECTOR (six position
rotary)
5. PINCHWHEEL LIFTER (stop + test
only)
6. LEVEL CONTROL mic input 2
7. LEVEL CONTROL mic input 1
8. REFERENCE OSCILLATOR (push button)
9. LINE & PLAYBACK POTENTIOMETER
10. MANUAL/AUTOMATIC SELECTOR
11. LID CATCH
12. MODULOMETER MODE SELECTION
SWITCH
13. FILTER SWITCH
14. MODULOMETER
15. PILOT INDICATOR
16. SPEED AND POWER INDICATOR
17. HEADPHONES OUTPUT
18. HEADPHONES VOLUME CONTROL
19. REEL FIXING NUT
20. SPEED AND EQUALIZATION SELECTOR
21. MOBILE TAPE GUIDE
22. PINCH ROLLER
23. REWIND AND FAST FORWARD SWITCH
24. TAPE REELS
25. TENSION ROLLERS
26. ERASE HEAD
27. STROBOSCOPE ROLLER
28. RECORDING HEAD
29. PILOT HEAD
30. PLAYBACK HEAD
31. CAPSTAN SHAFT
32. PINCHWHEEL AND TAPE GUIDE CON-
TROL LEVER
33. TAPE TENSION ROLLER (OR TIMER)
34. TAKE–UP REEL

1.2 CONTROLS: DESCRIPTION AND USE
FRONT PANEL
1. TAPE / DIRECT SWITCH (line and phones)
When in "TAPE" position, the signal is reproduced directly from the tape.
When in "DIRECT" position, there are two possibilities:
a) When recording, the signal is available before arriving on the tape.
b) When playing back, the signal may be adjusted by means of the level control and corrected by fil-
ter switch (13).
NOTE: When the machine is in "TEST" position, the output is the direct signal regardless of this switch’s posi-
tion.
2. TAPE / DIRECT (snap switch)
This switch affects the meter in the same way that the previous switch affects the output. Thus when it is held
to the left, the meter will display the "OFF TAPE" signal otherwise it displays the "DIRECT" (EE) signal.
3. POWER SELECTION SWITCH (external / batteries)
The Nagra 4.2 may be powered by either internal batteries or by an external source which may be selected using
this switch. See also the Power Supply section of this manual.
4. MAIN FUNCTION SELECTOR (six position rotary)
STOP Stops the machine completely from any function, and will slightly move the pinch wheel away
from the capstan to prevent a "flat" being caused on the pinch roller. In this mode no circuits
are powered.
TEST Will power all circuits and allow level adjustment by means of level controls (6), (7) and (9). In
this mode the motor is not powered. All indications of the modulometer will be of the "DIRECT"
input, irrespective of the position of tape / direct switch (1).
RECORD Is the first of the two "RECORD" positions and corresponds to "RECORD WITH LIMITER" where
the recording level is limited to + 4 dB. This level remains constant when the input level is
between + 4 dB and + 10 dB. Thus in this position tape saturation cannot occur and distor-
tion is avoided.
RECORD The limiter is inactivated in this position so that recordings that should be saturated can be
made.(e.g. gun shots or explosions).
PLAYBACK Is the first of the two playback possibilities and corresponds to playback of the tape to the head-
phones and line output only.
PLAYBACK This position is exactly as above, only it allows monitoring via the internal loudspeaker at the same
time. This is also the only position of the main function selector that permits the "FAST FOR-
WARD" function to be performed.
(no limiter)
(with
speaker)