Nagra NAGRA-SD User manual

Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A.2011
NAGRA-SD
USER
MANUAL
Software version
V1.2.0.
5

Page 2 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
1 GUARANTEE........................................................................................................................................................ 4
2 DELIVERED WITH............................................................................................................................................................. 4
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Front panel key functions................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Rear side............................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Left side.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Right side ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.5 Top face .............................................................................................................................................................6
4 INSTALLING BATTERIES ................................................................................................................................................. 6
5 FIRST POWER ON............................................................................................................................................................ 6
6 RECORD WINDOW DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................. 7
6.1 View.................................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Input type............................................................................................................................................................ 7
6.3 Input / record level.............................................................................................................................................. 7
6.4 AGC status......................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.5 Output volume.................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.6 VOR status......................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.7 Modulometer ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.8 Play / Record file name......................................................................................................................................7
6.9 Play / Record counter......................................................................................................................................... 7
6.10 Total file / Free record time..............................................................................................................................7
6.11 Cue counter, Cue position................................................................................................................................7
6.12 Run status ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
6.13 Audio parameters............................................................................................................................................. 7
6.14 USB status ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.15 Keyboard status ............................................................................................................................................... 8
6.16 Battery status ................................................................................................................................................... 8
7 USING THE NAGRA-SD.................................................................................................................................................... 8
7.1 Recording in the field..........................................................................................................................................8
7.1.1 Adjusting input levels .........................................................................................................................8
7.1.2 The Automatic Gain Control (A.G.C)..................................................................................................9
7.1.3 Cue points during record....................................................................................................................9
7.2 Playback of a previous recording....................................................................................................................... 9
7.2.1 Adjusting playback levels...................................................................................................................9
7.3 Cue point selection during play..........................................................................................................................9
7.4 Storing settings in a template (High, Low Quality).............................................................................................9
7.5 Deleting an audio recording rapidly..................................................................................................................10
7.6 Downloading to a computer .............................................................................................................................10
8 FILES & WORKING FOLDER..........................................................................................................................................10
9 MENUS.............................................................................................................................................................................11
9.1 Record settings ................................................................................................................................................13
9.1.1 Templates.........................................................................................................................................13
9.1.2 Matrix................................................................................................................................................14
9.1.3 Pre-record ........................................................................................................................................14
9.1.4 VOR..................................................................................................................................................14
9.1.5 Input device......................................................................................................................................14
9.1.6 Prefix name......................................................................................................................................14
9.2 System settings................................................................................................................................................14
9.2.1 Time & Date .....................................................................................................................................14
9.2.2 Record LED......................................................................................................................................15
9.2.3 Beep settings....................................................................................................................................15
9.2.4 Speaker settings...............................................................................................................................15
9.2.5 Auto skip...........................................................................................................................................15
9.2.6 Display extinction .............................................................................................................................15
9.2.7 Auto power off..................................................................................................................................15
9.2.8 Battery type......................................................................................................................................15
9.2.9 USB write protection ........................................................................................................................15
9.2.10 Language settings..........................................................................................................................15
9.2.11 SD information................................................................................................................................15
9.2.12 SD speed test.................................................................................................................................15
9.2.13 Format............................................................................................................................................15
9.2.14 Version ...........................................................................................................................................15
9.2.15 System reset ..................................................................................................................................15
9.2.16 System update ...............................................................................................................................16
9.2.17 Export / Import the configuration....................................................................................................16
10 MICROPHONES AND SETTINGS. ...............................................................................................................................17

Page 3 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
11 LOW CUT FILTER OR NOT, ON THE NAGRA-SD ......................................................................................................17
12 AUDIO COMPRESSION (WHY AND WHEN TO USE IT). ...........................................................................................17
13 USB................................................................................................................................................................................18
13 CE NORM.......................................................................................................................................................................19
14 SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................................................................19

Page 4 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
1 GUARANTEE
Nagra / Kudelski certifies that this instrument was thoroughly inspected and tested prior to leaving our factory.
We guarantee the products of our own manufacture against any defect arising from faulty manufacture for a period of two
years from the date of delivery.
This guarantee covers the repair of confirmed defects or, if necessary, the replacement of the faulty parts, excluding all
other indemnities.
All freight costs, as well as customs duty and other possible charges, are at the customer's expense.
Our guarantee remains valid in the event of emergency repairs or modification being made by the user. However we
reserve the right to invoice the customer for any damage caused by an unqualified person or a false manoeuvre by the
operator.
We decline any responsibility for any and all damages resulting, directly or indirectly, from the use of our products.
Other products sold by KUDELSKI S.A. are covered by the guarantee clauses of their respective manufacturers.
We reserve the right to modify the product, and / or the specifications without notice.
2 DELIVERED WITH
The package includes:
•1 NAGRA-SD
•1 USB cable
•1 USB memory key (manual)
•1 Carrying case
•1 Carrying strap
•1 SD card 2 GB
•Mono microphone input cable with XLR plug
Optional:
•2070 120 000 Standard Stereo Cardioid clip-on microphone (red)
•7070 121 000 High quality Omni Directional Mono clip-on microphone (blue)
•7070 125 000 High quality stereo Cardioid clip-on microphone (green)
•7070 122 000 High quality Cardioid Mono clip-on microphone (white)
•2070 005 000 Tripod for table top use
•7070 123 000 Stereo microphone input cable with XLR plugs
•7070 127 000 Mono line input cable with XLR plug
•7070 128 000 Stereo line input cable with XLR plugs

Page 5 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION
3.1 Front panel key functions
1VIEW key
•Permits to swap between different data displays (default display or file / rec
format, date & time).
•When pressed if the directory is shown on the display, it shows all details of
the selected file.
2CUE key
•To enter cue points during record, to select the cue mode during playback.
3FILES / MENU key
•A short press selects the directory (folders), a long press selects the menus.
4A B key
•To enter 2 markers for a playback loop.
•Create a new file during recording.
5DELETE key
•Deletes the selected index.
6POWER key
•To turn on or off the Nagra-SD (Must be pressed for 3 seconds to avoid
accidental operation).
7DOWN key ▼
•Stops a record.
•To move downwards in the directory or menus.
8LEFT key ◄
•Rewinds during playback when pressed and held.
•Skip backwards during stop or play.
•In the menus, shifts to the left or quits them.
•Selects left channel sensitivity adjustment in stereo mode.
9UP key ▲
•Starts a playback.
•Put the playback or record in pause mode.
•In the menus or directory, shifts upwards.
10 RIGHT key ►
•Forwards during playback when pressed and held.
•Skip forwards to the next index during stop or play.
•In the menus, shifts to the right.
•Selects right channel sensitivity adjustment in stereo mode.
11 RECORD key (centre key)
•Put the machine in EE mode (LED starts blinking slowly).
•Starts a record. (LED continuously on).
•In the menus, executes a selection.
12/13 INPUT LEVEL keys
•Decreases (12) or increases (13) the input sensitivity.
•In combination with the ◄or ►key, adjusts left or right input sensitivity.
14/15 OUTPUT LEVEL keys
•Increases (14) or decreases (15) the output level for the speaker or the headphone output.
16 PEAK LED
•Lights up when input clipping occurs.

Page 6 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
3.2 Rear side
1MIC GAIN switch
•Selects high or low sensitivity for the microphone input.
2FILTER switch
•Turns the low cut filter on or off.
3AGC switch
•Turns the automatic gain control on or off.
4FILE TYPE switch
•Selects a mono or a stereo file type.
5MIC POWER switch:
•Turns on or off the 3V for Electret power.
6QUALITY switch
•Selects one of the two templates previously stored in the memory.
7HOLD switch
•Locks or unlocks the keyboard during all modes, including power off.
8SPEAKER
•Build-in speaker for playback monitoring (automatically disconnected when
using headphones)
9BATTERY COVER
•Slide down to open.
3.3 Left side
1USB CONNECTOR
•For transferring files or external power.
•Software update.
3.4 Right side
1SD slot
2HEADPHONE / LINE output
3.5 Top face
LINE input
•Dual 3.5 mm stereo jack for line / mic inputs with mechanical fixings.
4 INSTALLING BATTERIES
Insert 2 “AA” batteries taking care of the correct polarity and close the cover.
Rechargeable batteries (NiCd or Ni-mH) can also be used but they cannot be charged inside the NAGRA SD. The
battery type used can be selected in the menu mode to give the correct battery reserve readings.
5 FIRST POWER ON
Push and hold the “Power” key (6) for 3 seconds, the machine turns on and shows the “STOP” window display. To jump
to the “PRE-RECORD” window, press the “centre” key (11). The led starts blinking slowly.
Note: An SD card must be installed for the “STOP” window to be displayed.

Page 7 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
6 RECORD WINDOW DESCRIPTION
Swapping between the 2 displays A & B is done via the VIEW key (1).
6.1 View
Area that indicates the name and function of the selected display
6.2 Input type
Indicates the currently selected input status (microphone “EMIC” or line
“LINE” input).
6.3 Input / record level
This sub-window is shown when pressing one of the input level keys (see
third picture).
The record level for microphone input can be adjusted with the keys 12 & 13
in steps of 0.5 dB from +118 dB to +74 dB (45 dB range). Line from -29 dB
to 15 dB.
6.4 AGC status
Indicates if the Automatic Gain Control is turned ON or OFF. The letters
AGC appear inside the pre-record and record icon when active.
6.5 Output volume
The output volume level for headphones, line output or internal speaker
(play mode) can be adjusted with the keys (14 & 15). The output volume bar appears when pressing either of the keys.
6.6 VOR status
The VOR settings are made in the record settings menu. When turned on, the main pre-record display shows pause
instead of stop. The letter “P” is also shown inside the pre-record icon. The AGC is automatically disabled in VOR mode.
6.7 Modulometer
Full scale from -50 dB to 0 dB with peak hold indicator for left and right channels.
6.8 Play / Record file name
The name of the current file during record or playback.
6.9 Play / Record counter
Display in hours, minutes & seconds since the playback or recording was started.
6.10 Total file / Free record time
Play progress Bar. In playback the counter shows the duration of the current file and in record it shows the remaining SD
capacity left.
6.11 Cue counter, Cue position
The left counter indicates the total number of recorded files. The right counter indicates the number of the file ready to be
played back. During record, the right counter increments every time a cue point is entered.
6.12 Run status
Stop
Monitoring (EE) mode (pre-record buffer)
Record
Play
Forward
Rewind
Pause
AGC active
Pause VOR mode
VOR recording
6.13 Audio parameters
This area shows (left to right), the current file type, the bit rate, the sampling frequency followed by date and time.

Page 8 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
6.14 USB status
A sub window appears when the machine is connected via USB to a PC / MAC (selection of transfer or USB power).
6.15 Keyboard status
A sub window appears when the keyboard is locked by means of the hold key on the rear side.
6.16 Battery status
3 stripes inside the icon indicate full capacity.
7 USING THE NAGRA-SD
Basic Introduction and General Information.
The NAGRA-SD is designed as a flexible hand-held recorder for a variety of applications. It can perform many functions,
which are all covered in this manual. The operating concept is designed around a system of 2 pre-set TEMPLATES in
which all the required operating modes are stored. The user can choose different parameters of the machine and these
personalised settings are stored in a template for future quick access. If no specific user Template profiles are stored
then the NAGRA-SD will operate using the “default” factory settings.
This introduction covers various important global subjects. More complex operations can be understood by studying the
different menus in detail. The topics covered are:
•Recording in the field
•Playback a previous recording
•Storing settings in a template
•Downloading to a computer
7.1 Recording in the field
General preparation:
Before making a recording the input source and compression mode need to be chosen. The NAGRA-SD makes
recordings according to the pre-selected settings stored in the templates as well as some settings on the rear side. If
nothing is set in the templates prior to the first recording, then the “default” settings will be adopted. If specific settings
are required, then they must be selected first using a previously customized template.
- Input device (external microphone / line input)
- Compression format (linear PCM, MPEG)
Select the input device in the menus. Select the compression mode using the template switch on the rear side (2
different can be stored in the menus) as well as the file type (mono or stereo).
When ready, press the centre key (11) and the NAGRA-SD will go to the “PRE-REC” mode where the audio input can be
heard on the headphones and the levels seen on the display. The centre LED starts blinking slowly. In this mode the Pre-
record buffer when turned on (max. 3 seconds) is also active.
If the AGC is turned off, the microphone input gain can now be adjusted in 0.5 dB steps using the keys (12 / 13), and the
value is shown in a sub-window on the display.
To begin recording, press the centre key once more (11). The red LED will stay red and the record symbol is shown on
the display. The levels can be seen on the display and adjusted during recording as necessary, assuming the AGC is not
activated.
To enter markers, during record, press the “CUE” key.
Attention: Cues can NOT be entered when recording RAW files.
To stop recording, simply press and hold the “STOP” key (7) for 3 seconds (until the time line in the sub window is filled
up).
Each new recording will be given a file name made up of 8 digits. This file will be stored in the work directory.
7.1.1 Adjusting input levels
The input levels can be adjusted using the + or – input level keys (12 & 13) in steps of 0.5 dB from 118 dB to 74 dB for
microphone or from 15 dB to -29 dB for line input.
To adjust the stereo balance, press the + or – input level key momentarily to show the sub-window indicating the levels
for both channels followed immediately by pressing momentarily the ◄or ►arrow key (selects left or right sensitivity).
Press directly the + or – input level key to adjust the selected input sensitivity.

Page 9 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
Once the sub-window disappears both channels will be adjusted simultaneously but keeping the delta between each.
7.1.2 The Automatic Gain Control (A.G.C)
The AGC is not an audio limiter. It operates in the digital domain and allows the operator to make recordings without
under / over modulating when the audio levels are unpredictable.
It makes recording in the field easier and guarantees that a respectable level will be recorded. Automatic adjustment
systems are rarely “better” than the manual modes, but can be considered “safer” in certain circumstances. It is also
strongly recommended to switch on the low cut filter when using the AGC for recordings in noisy environments (example:
Street noise).
7.1.3 Cue points during record
If during a record, cue points need to be inserted, simply press the CUE key to
enter a position. The lower left corner of the main display shows the quantity of cue
points entered. In this example 2 cue points are already stored (02/02).
Beware that no cue points can be stored in RAW file types.
7.2 Playback of a previous recording
The NAGRA-SD can playback files irrespective of the current compression mode selected. To playback the last recorded
file, press “PLAY / PAUSE” and the machine starts playback immediately. To stop the playback, press the “STOP” key.
To pause the playback, use the “PLAY / PAUSE” key.
If the recording was made with markers (cue points), during the playback, press first the Cue key (“M” for markers
appears on the display) briefly press the “RIGHT” or “LEFT” keys to jump to the next or previous marker position
respectively.
To playback another file, cancel the Cue (“M” removed), briefly press the “RIGHT” or “LEFT” keys to scroll through the
recorded files available. Once “PLAY” is pressed, the new file will be played immediately.
During a playback of a file, the full “PLAY PROGRESS BAR” corresponds to the total length of the file.
When a new file has been selected for playback, the “TOTAL TIME” counter will indicate its full length and the “PLAY
TIME” counter starts incrementing once the playback begins.
During playback, to “REWIND” press and hold the “LEFT” key, to go “FORWARD” press and hold the “RIGHT” key.
7.2.1 Adjusting playback levels
In playback additional boost of 1 to 12 dB is available (steps of 1 dB). This value is also shown on top of the display (HP
followed by a number).
In record or pre-record, the output volume level can be adjusted by the “+ OUTPUT LEVEL -” buttons in steps of 0.5 dB
from -64 dB up to 0 dB.
7.3 Cue point selection during play
If a file contains cue points, it will be shown in the lower left corner of the main
display.
In this example, it shows 00/04, meaning that the play position is actually before
cue 1, (00) and that 4 cue points are present in this file (04). Before starting or
during playback, press the CUE key once (the letter “M” is shown on the display).
This permits to jump from one cue point to the next using the ◄or ►keys.
7.4 Storing settings in a template (High, Low Quality)
Two templates are used to store the settings for the NAGRA-SD. These templates contain the file format to be recorded.
Templates: 2 templates are available (HIGH & LOW) and each can store the desired file type, sampling frequency and
bit rate.
Note: the selection between the two templates is made using the witch (6) on the rear side of the machine.
To go to the programming position, in “STOP” mode, press and hold the “FILES / MENU” until the menus appear on the
display. Select “RECORD SETTINGS” and press the right key. Select “TEMPLATES” and press the right key. Select one
of the 2 templates and press the right key. Select the type of compression and press the right key, Enter also the
“SAMPLE RATE” and “BIT RATE”. To quit the menus, press the left key several times.
Once completed, the desired template can be selected on the rear side of the NAGRA-SD by selecting the “HIGH” or
“LOW” QUALITY as well as the type of recording (“MONO” or “STEREO” FILE TYPE).

Page 10 of 21 Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011 August 22, 2011
7.5 Deleting an audio recording rapidly
Any audio file can be selected from the “STOP” mode by pressing the “LEFT” or “RIGHT” keys. Once the corresponding
file is shown on the display, press the “DELETE” key and confirm to delete the file.
7.6 Downloading to a computer
Two ways can be used:
•Remove the SD card from the machine and insert it into a computer (PC or Mac). Use the Explorer to view the
SD card and open the folder (default folder is “RECORD”) to show the recorded files.
•Or turn on the Nagra-SD, connect it to a computer (PC or Mac), select on the Nagra-SD “Connection” and press
EXE (11). The Nagra-SD shows “USB connected” on the display. Use the Explorer to view the external memory
device and open the folder (default folder is “RECORD”) to show the recorded files.
8 FILES & WORKING FOLDER
Pressing the Files/menu key for a short moment shows the audio files of the working directory.
The above pictures show several files or folder names and the actions that can be taken.
The up ▲▼ keys permit to scroll between the different audio files or folders.
Pressing the centre key on the folder icon or pressing the ►key (shows sub-menu) gives access to the different existing
folder(s) present on the SD card.
Pressing the centre key on an audio file starts / stops the playback of the highlighted file.
Pressing the ►key (shows sub-menu) permits to select Play or Stop or Delete the selected file. If deleting is selected, a
confirmation is requested.
Additional folders can only be made with Windows Explorer (or Mac) by connecting the NAGRA-SD to a PC (or by
inserting the SD card in a PC).
The working folder is by default the “RECORD” folder. If other folders are created by PC or Mac, any of them can be
selected as a working folder as follows:
•From the main menu, by pressing Files / menu, select Files.
•Keep the folder icon highlighted and press the ►key. A sub-window appears showing
“Up level”. Press the EXE key and the different available folders will be shown.
•Highlight the folder that needs to become the working folder and press the ►key.
•Select in the sub-window “W. folder” to validate. The working folder is marked with a
small triangle just below the folder icon (see last picture above).
Once a file is highlighted, pressing the View key, the display shows all the information of the
specific file.