Nagra ARES-BB Plus User manual

PN 2019 616 150
NAGRA ARES-BB
+
MANUAL
Version: Jan.18, 2005

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 2
CONTENTS Page
1DELIVERED WITH. .............................................................................................. 4
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES (NB-BB OPTION). ............................................ 4
3 INSTALLING THE FLASHCARD......................................................................... 4
4 POWER ON, POWER OFF. ................................................................................ 4
5 CONTRAST. ........................................................................................................ 5
6 KEYS.................................................................................................................... 5
7 FAT / NFS MODE DIFFERENCES......................................................................5
8 FIRST TIME SWITCH ON. .................................................................................. 6
9 MAIN DISPLAY DESCRIPTION. ......................................................................... 6
10 RECORD (2), REWIND (3), STOP (4), PLAY (5), FORWARD (6), MARK (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
10.5 EXTERNAL RECORD COMMAND.............................................................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............................................................................. 12
14.1.4 EDIT INDEX........................................................................................ 13
14.1.5 DELETE.............................................................................................. 16
14.1.6 DELETE TO END. .............................................................................. 16
14.1.7 RENUMBER. ...................................................................................... 16
14.1.8 RENUMBER ALL................................................................................ 16
14.1.9 DELETE ALL MARKS. ....................................................................... 16
14.2 LOUDSPEAKER. ...................................................................................... 16
14.3 TOOLS. ..................................................................................................... 16
14.3.1 FILE NAMING..................................................................................... 16
14.3.2 DATE AND TIME................................................................................ 17
14.3.3 CARD FORMATTING......................................................................... 17
14.3.4 BATTERY TYPE................................................................................. 17
14.3.5 PROGRAM SELECT. ......................................................................... 17
14.3.6 CONTRAST. ....................................................................................... 18
14.3.7 VERSION............................................................................................ 18
14.4 TEMPLATES. ............................................................................................ 18
14.5 SETTINGS MENU..................................................................................... 19

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 3
14.5.1 INPUT FILTER.................................................................................... 19
14.5.2 ALC..................................................................................................... 19
14.5.3 ALC THRESHOLD.............................................................................. 19
14.5.4 ALC REACTION SPEED.................................................................... 20
14.5.5 BEEP. ................................................................................................. 20
14.5.6 FILE FORMAT.................................................................................... 20
14.5.7 BACKLIGHT. ...................................................................................... 20
14.5.8 OUTPUT MODE. ................................................................................ 20
14.5.9 OUTPUT LEVEL................................................................................. 20
14.5.10 MS DECODER. ................................................................................ 21
14.6 AUTO RECORD. ................................................................................... 21
14.7 INPUT. ................................................................................................... 21
14.7.1 INPUT TYPE....................................................................................... 21
14.7.2 48V MIKE POWER.............................................................................22
15 LOCKING THE SETTINGS.............................................................................. 22
16 LOCKING THE KEYPAD................................................................................. 22
17 AUTO POWER OFF ........................................................................................ 22
18 MESSAGES..................................................................................................... 22
19 SOFTWARE UPDATE ..................................................................................... 23
20 MENU TREE ARES-BB+.................................................................................. 24
21 INPUTS, OUTPUTS......................................................................................... 28
21.1 INPUT SIDE .............................................................................................. 28
21.2 OUTPUT SIDE .......................................................................................... 28
22 ARES-BB+PC SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION (NFS MODE)........................ 29
22.1 ARES-BB+SOFTWARE, USING A PC PCMCIA SLOT (NFS MODE)..... 29
22.2 ARES-BB+SOFTWARE, USING A PC USB PORT (NFS MODE)...........29
23 ARES-BB+PC DRIVERS & INSTALLATION (FAT MODE) ............................ 30
24 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 31
25 SAFETY/COMPLIANCE .................................................................................. 32

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 4
This manual describes the use of the ARES-BB
+
in the FAT mode.
For using the Ares-BB
+
in the NFS mode, please refer to the previous Ares-P II manual or to the
Ares-P / RCX220 manual.
1DELIVERED WITH.
1 Jack 6.3 mm (90 degrees) connector, 1 USB cable, 1 CDR with Ares Import, Digigram import
software and manuals.
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES (NB-BB OPTION).
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:
In the tools sub-menus select the corresponding type of battery pack (AA cells or Li-ion)
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 turns off). If the yellow led never turns off, it means that one or more cells are defective. 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
+
allows, ATA cards, compact flash cards and Micro-drive
cards. Linear flash cards and Strata flash cards can only be used in the NFS mode (Nagra File
Format).
Important note:
When running the machine in the FAT 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 or EDITING.
Batt. Type Capacity Charging time
Record mode
Manufactory
NimH 1300 mAh
4h30 5h30 GP
NimH 2300 mAh
8h00 11h35 Sanyo
Li-Ion 2400 mAh
8h30 12h30 Saft
Dry cells x 12h50 Panasonic, Alkaline

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 5
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.
Adjust step-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”.
6 KEYS.
1 Power ON / OFF
2 Record, Marker key
3 Rewind, skip backwards key
4 Stop key
5 Play key
6 Forward, skip forwards key
7 Reduce input sensitivity or playback
level key
8 Increase input sensitivity or
playback level key
9 Up 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 Mark key
15 Keypad lock
7 FAT / NFS MODE DIFFERENCES.
The ARES-BB
+
is equipped with a USB 1.1 connector.
Without any software options installed, the card is formatted “FAT” 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 (NFS mode). In the
FAT mode, compressed MPEG files can be recorded. In the “NFS” mode, the maximum bitrate stays
192kb/s, in the “FAT” mode, the maximum bit rate becomes 384kb/s 48kHz stereo.
Only ATA or Compact flash cards can be used in the “FAT” mode.
If equipped with software option #I & #II, the machine also emulates an RCX220. This means that in
the RCX220 mode “NFS”, via USB, Windows recognizes the machine as an external soundcard and in
the “FAT” 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 18 2005 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 switch on in the FAT mode. The display will show a picture of
a cylinder with the word “FAT” for several seconds.
If the words “Nagra File System” appear (only if minimum the soft #1 package is included)
jump to page 17 Paragraph 14.3.3 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.
Status of the ARES-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 / Index 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 / Index 7 (0 minutes, 0 seconds).
Stop or play position on the flashcard
The marker shows the exact playback position, Take / Index 7 at 0 minutes, 0 seconds.
Status of the flashcard
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 Take / Indexs
This area shows the total number of Take / Indexs already recorded on the flashcard.
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1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
12 Index R: 4:08:26
Low Battery
007 0:00 In
- 20dB
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Issue: January 18 2005 Page 7
Remaining time on the card in minutes and seconds
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-rate was changed to 64kb/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.
Battery status
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” 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), MARK (14)
KEYS
10.1 RECORD KEY (2)
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 / Index or formatting the card.
If during record the “RECORD” key is pressed again, a new Take / Index is automatically created.
During record or play, the “MARK” key (14) can be pressed on the fly. This will add a mark inside a
single file.
Important: Those marks can be used on an external editing system (Dalet, Netia, Digas, VCS etc.)
and are also used as cut positions on the internal editing system of the ARES-BB
+
(Option #3).
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.
These keys have two functions called “SKIP” backwards or forwards and “REWIND” or “FORWARD”.
SKIP.
In “STOP” mode: To jump take-by-take, pressing briefly on the “<<” or “>>” keys will decrement or
increment the take position.

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 8
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.
IMPORTANT: Only takes with the same compression as the current settings of the machine can be
played back using the SKIP keys. All other takes with a different compression cannot be selected.
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 /
Index. After power on pressing “PLAY” will resume playback from its last position before power down,
as long as the batteries are installed.
10.5 EXTERNAL RECORD COMMAND
On the right side of the machine, a mini jack connector (mono 3.5 mm) is present called “START /
STOP”. If the mini jack input is grounded, the record starts, if open, the record stops.
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 / Index 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 18 2005 Page 9
Level Adjustment in the stereo mode
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 Index R: 8:08
007 0:00 In
84 dB/94 dB

Issue: January 18 2005 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 first to 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.
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
12 Index R: 4:08:26
007 0:00
Directory
Tools
Directory
Tools
Settings
Directory
Tools
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
12 Index R: 4:08:26
001 0:00
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
12 Index R: 4:08:26
001 0:00
Directory
Tools
001 0:00
001 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
002 3:48 13 . 03 . 00
003 4:24 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 11
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.
If the marker has a “ ” shape, it means that the Take / Index compression is the same as the current
settings of the machine.
If the marker has a “>” shape, it means that the Take / Index 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 Take / Indexs, 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 18 2005 Page 12
14.1.1 HORIZONTAL SCROLLING.
Use the ”LEFT” (10) and “RIGHT” (12) “ARROW” keys.
The display shows the length, the date of recording, the time at the record start and the type of file
format.
14.1.2 VERTICAL SCROLLING.
Pushing the “UP” (9) or “DOWN” (11) “ARROW” keys makes the vertical scrolling.
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.
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
3 Index R: 4:08:26
002 0:00
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001 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
002 3:48 13 . 03 . 00
003 4:24 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32
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003 0:00
001 0:00 12 . 03 . 00
002 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
003 3:48 13 . 03 . 00
004 4:24 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32
003 0:00
001 12 . 03 . 00 10 : 41
002 12 . 03 . 00 10 : 55
003 13 . 03 . 00 11 : 25
004 13 . 03 . 00 14 : 19
End 48:32
003 0:00
001 PCM 48k 16b st.
002 MPEG 192 / 48 st.
003 MPEG 128 / 24 st.
004 MPEG 192 / 32
End 48:32
003 0:00
001 0:00 12 . 03 . 00
002 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
003 3:48 13 . 03 . 00
004 4:24 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32
004 0:00
001 0:00 12 . 03 . 00
002 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
003 3:48 13 . 03 . 00
004 4:24 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32
003 0:00
001 0:00 12 . 03 . 00
002 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
003 3:48 13 . 03 . 00
004 4:24 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32
Quit directory
Edit index

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 13
14.1.4 EDIT INDEX.
The editing option enables the claenung-up of an index that contains
periods of silence or noise and non useful sound. Once the editing is
completed, the index will be saved as a new index. In the directory such
edits will be marked with a “scissors” icon.
To edit an index, first select the index to be edited from the “DIRECTORY”, press the “CENTER” key
(13), select “EDIT INDEX” and press the “CENTER” key (13) again.
Counter 1 indicates the play position inside the edited
index.
Counter 2 indicates the full length of the edited index.
Counter 3 indicates the reel play position from the start
of the original index.
Counter 4 indicates only the position of each cut from the
original index.
In this example, index 009 is selected and is shown as a tape. All edit commands are executed as
shown in the picture by the “LEFT” (10), “RIGHT” (12), “UP” (9), “DOWN” (11) and “CENTER” (13)
keys.
In addition, in the edit mode, the standard keys “REWIND” (3), “STOP” (4), “PLAY” (5) and
“FORWARD” (6) act in the same way as for the standard play mode. The “REWIND” (3) as well as the
“FORWARD” (6) key permits to skip from one cut position to another.
If markers were already present on the index, they will be shown as cut positions on the tape.
PLACING CUTS
Example: Index 009 played back
for 2 seconds and a first cut
position was made.
This can be made in 2 different ways. The first possibility is to “drop” them on the fly. Push the “PLAY”
key (5) and press the “CENTER” key (13) every time a cut position must be set.
The second possibility is to press and hold the “RIGHT” key (12). The machine goes in play mode until
the key is released. If the “LEFT” key (10) is pressed and hold, the machine goes in play reverse.
Once the key released, press the” CENTER” key (13) to show a cut position.
DELETING A CUT POSITION
Example: A second cut position was set at 3 seconds
“DELETE CUT” appears on the screen.
If a cut position needs to be removed, it can be done in 2 ways. The first is to use the skip function
with the “REWIND” (12) or “FORWARD” (10) key until the cut position is found and press the
“DELETE CUT” key. The second one is by using the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key kept pressed to
approach the cut line to the play head followed by a step by step approach until the counter 4
indicates the position. Once the positioning is reached, press the “DOWN” key (11) to delete the cut.
Index 009
00:00 01:23
: Step / Listen
: : Exit
: Listen loop / Trim
Begin 00:00
Counter 2
Counter 1
Counter 4Counter 3
Index 009
00:02 01:23
: Step / Listen
: Del segment : Exit
: Place cut
00:02
Index 009
00:02 01:23
: Step / Listen
: Delete cut : Exit
: Listen loop / Trim
00:02 00:02
Index 009
00:03 01:23
: Step / Listen
: Delete cut : Exit
: Listen loop / Trim
00:03 00:03
003 0:00
007 0:00 12 . 03 . 00
008 1:25 12 . 03 . 00
009 1:23 13 . 03 . 00
010 1:21 13 . 03 . 00
End 48:32

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 14
DELETING A SEGMENT
Example: Index 009 was rewound for 1 second. The play position sits
between the start position and the first cut position. “DELETE
SEGMENT” appears on the screen
When pressing the “DOWN” key (11), the segment from the beginning until the 2 seconds point will be
deleted.
UNDO A CUT OUT
Example: The segment from the beginning until 2 seconds is cut out.
“UNDO CUT OUT” appears on the screen.
If a wrong segment was cut out, it can be re-inserted by positioning the “tape” so that the play position
is on top of the cut position. This can be done in 2 ways. The first is to use the skip function with the
“REWIND” (12) or “FORWARD” (10) key until the cut position is found. The second is by using the
“LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key kept pressed to approach the cut line to the play head followed by a
step by step approach until the counter 4 indicates the position. Once the positioning is reached, press
the “DOWN” key (11) to undo the cut out.
TRIMMING CUTS
Example: The first cut position is placed below the play position
indicator.
“LISTEN LOOP/TRIM” appears on the screen
Once the first cut position is made and the playback position sits on that cut position, press the
“CENTER” key (13) once again and the editor starts a loop playback around the cut position. It starts
playing 1second before the cut position and continues to play 1 second after the cut position.
Example: The play starts from 1 second until 3 seconds
“SELECT TRIM SEGMENT” appears on the screen.
During the playback loop, the “LEFT” (10) or “RIGHT” (12) key permits
to select the left or right segment to be trimmed. This means that the
length of the selected left or right segment can be reduced.
Example: The left segment is selected.
“SLIDE LEFT SEGMENT” appears on the screen.
Index 009
00:01 01:23
: Step / Listen
: Delete segment : Exit
: Place cut
00:01
Index 009
00:00 01:21
: Step / Listen
: Undo cut out : Exit
: Listen loop / Trim
Begin 00:02
Index 009
00:02 01:23
: Step / Listen
: Delete cut : Exit
: Listen loop / Trim
00:02 00:02
Index 009
00:02 01:23
: Select trim segment
: :
: End loop
00:02 00:02
Index 009
00:02 01:23
: Slide left segment
: :
: End loop
00:02 00:02

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 15
In this case, the playback loop starts 1 second before the cut position and ends at the cut position. The
length of the left segment can now be reduced by pressing and holding the “LEFT” key (10) or step by
step by clicking the same key. In this case the audio will be reduced with a size between 50 and 100
ms. If the reduction was too great, it can be increased again back to the original length by pressing the
“RIGHT” key (12).
EXIT THE EDITOR
To exit the editor, press the “UP”
key (9).
The display permits to select “SAVE” (12), “QUIT” (11) or return to “EDIT” (10).
Pressing “SAVE” (12) shows the next displays
The saving started and it is still possible
to “ABORT” (10).
Once the right display appears, the new
file was created. The created index
number is always the highest existing
index number in the directory +1.
Note: If the directory is full (999 indexes) a warning will appear at the start of the editing.
If the remaining time on the card is shorter than the selected index
length, a new window will appear but without the “SAVE” possibility. It is
up to the user if he thinks that once the index is edited, the size will be
smaller than the remaining time. In this case the “EDIT” can be selected.
In this example, the full length of the original index is 1 minute 21
seconds, but only 1 minute and 4 seconds remaining time are left, so the final edit must be maximum
equal or smaller than this.
Maximum 100 cut positions can be entered on 1 index.
During editing the “POWER” key (1) is disabled. If during editing, the machine switches off due to low
battery voltage, the new index will not be saved. If during saving the edited index, the machine
switches off due to low battery voltage, the saving will be aborted.
Index 009
Edit length: 01:21
Remain: 2:11:04
Quit
SaveEdit
Index 009
00:01 01:23
: Step / Listen
: Delete segment : Exit
: Place cut
00:01
Index 009
Edit length: 01:21
Remain: 2:11:04
Creating index 010
83 %
: Abort saving
Index 009
Edit length: 01:21
Remain: 2:11:04
Index 010 created
100 %
Press any key
Index 009
Edit length: 01:21
Remain: 01:04
Quit
Edit

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 16
14.1.5 DELETE.
Any file or index from the directory can be deleted without influencing other takes. To do so, in the
directory, select the index to be erased, press the “CENTER” key (13), select “Delete index” and
confirm.
14.1.6 DELETE TO END.
Erase the selected index and all indexes after until the end of the card.
14.1.7 RENUMBER.
Permits after deleting indexe(s) to renumber the files from the selected file until the end of the card.
14.1.8 RENUMBER ALL.
Permits after deleting indexe(s) to renumber all the files from file 1 until the end of the card.
14.1.9 DELETE ALL MARKS.
Permits to remove all markers from the selected index made during record or play.
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.
Several sub-menus are available.
NOTE: If option #1 is not installed, “PROGRAM SELECT” will not
appear.
14.3.1 FILE NAMING.
The “FILE NAMING” menu permits to add 3 characters or numbers to
the index number. The index number in the file name is the last 3 digits
and is automatically incremented by the machine (nnn: min. 001, max.
999). To do so, press the “CENTER” key (13) once and the first
character starts blinking. By using the “UP” (9) or “DOWN” (11) arrow
key, select the corresponding character. Pressing the “RIGHT” (12)
arrow key or the “CENTER” (13) key selects the next character position.
Once the third character is selected press again the “RIGHT” (12) arrow key or several times the
“LEFT” arrow key to quit the menu.
As shown on the above example, the full file names that will be recorded with this machine will be:
ABC001.WAV, ABC002.WAV, ABC003.WAV etc.
In the case that several files are already recorded on the card before entering the “FILE NAMING”, the
result will be as follows.
Example: 000001.WAV, 000002.WAV,ABC003.WAV, ABC004.WAV etc.
Tools
File naming
Date & Time
Card formatting
Program select
Loudspeaker
Off
On
On
Generic file name:
(nnn = index number)
File naming
ABCnnn.WAV

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 17
14.3.2 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.
14.3.3 CARD FORMATTING.
Select “FAT 16” or “FAT 32” and execute by pressing the “CENTER” arrow key (12) and confirm.
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.
Important: If a card is formatted FAT 32, it will not be recognized anymore on the Ares-P II or Ares-
BB.
14.3.4 BATTERY TYPE.
This menu allows selection of the type of battery connected to the Ares-
BB
+
.
For dry cells, Ni-mH or Ni-Cd, fitted in the NB-BB box select the mode
“AA” cells. For the Lithium-Ion pack NB-LIB, select “Li-ion”. If the “Li-Ion”
selection is made when using the NB-BB pack, then the machine will
shut down before the cells are completely exhausted. If however “AA
cells” is selected but a Lithium Ion pack is used, then during record, the machine may suddenly turn off
and corrupt the card, as the pack will be exhausted and go into its internal safety protection mode
before the machine shuts down.
14.3.5 PROGRAM SELECT.
The program select permits to swap between the 2 recording modes
“FAT” mode (ARES-BB
+
) or “NFS” mode (Ares-P or RCX220).
NOTE: 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.
BATTERY TYPE
"AA" CELLS
LI-ION
LI-ION
Date & Time
12 : 30 : 00
7 : 05 : 00
Date & Time
HH:MM:SS
7 : 05 : 00
H
Card formatting
FAT16 (max 2GB)
FAT32
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.
Program select
FAT file syst.
NAGRA file syst.
FATfile syst.

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 18
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 escape from 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 the current version of the software installed. The
version shown in this picture corresponds to the version for the “FAT“
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.
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
X X X
Contrast
Current contrast = 32
Default contrast = 33
TEST 34
ARES-BB+
S/N : 1234567
Soft (FAT): Vx.xx
Audio board: 2
Software options:
#1 #2 #3

Issue: January 18 2005 Page 19
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.
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.
Input filter
Flat
Low cut
Flat
ALC
On
Off
On
ALC threshold
-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 18 2005 Page 20
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 FILE FORMAT.
The Ares-BB+ without any soft option can only record in a linear mode
(not compressed). If the soft option # is installed it includes also the
selection of MPEG compression up to 384kb/s. The selection of “24b”
means that the audio is recorded trough a 20 bit A/D converter and the
data format of the file is written in 24 bits.
14.5.7 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.
14.5.8 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.
14.5.9 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.
Beep
Off
On
On
Backlight
Off
On
Automatic
On
ALC speed
Fast
Normal
Slow
Normal
Output level
Current level = - 6 DB
Default level = - 9 DB
Output mode
Always on
Only in playback
Always on
File format
PCM 48K 16b
PCM 48K 24b
PCM 44K1 16b
MPEG 256/48 St.
Output level
Current level = - 6 dB
Default level = - 9 dB