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Nagra introduces the Nagra LB compact two-channel recorder (15/5/2008)

The Nagra LB, along with the Nagra VI, is the second novelty that the Swiss firm will introduce during 2008 in the professional digital recorder market. The device is destined to play an important role in the product range as it supersedes the renowned and popular ARES-C.

Particularly compact and versatile, the Nagra LB is a two-track recorder, designed initially for journalists and the broadcast industry, but perfectly able to fulfil many other applications, from wildlife recording to sound effect gathering and even music production work. Musicians, for instance, will also find that the features offered on the LB make it ideal for high quality on-location production work.

Digital excellence, on-board editing

The Nagra LB is a battery operated 16/24-bit device with an Ethernet connection and Bluetooth communication. Sampling frequencies of up to 192 kHz are available depending on the application desired.

This portable recorder can record and edit the material in-the-field and return it to the studio over the GSM network by means of the Bluetooth communication with a mobile phone. It has the possibility to be connected directly to the internet through its Ethernet port. Files can be immediately transferred over IP, representing an easy way of putting music and other recordings onto the World Wide Web.

Full of features

The microphone inputs are of the highest possible quality and are fitted with a special integrated vortex filter to virtually eliminate wind noise. They are equipped with linkable audio limiters, +48V phantom powering and independent sensitivity selection switches. The XLR microphone input connectors double up as LINE inputs and are conveniently located on the left side of the recorder. An AES digital input can also be fed to a dedicated XLR connector. Also on the left side is the Compact Flash slot, which has a small button next to it marked "Switch", allowing the internal buffer memory to take over the recording duties while the removable card is replaced. The available time for this operation is clearly indicated on the main front display.

The metering and menu displays are accomplished through the back-lit high resolution colour display on the front face of the recorder. In addition there are three LEDs located above each input control as on other ARES recorders, to indicate the presence of signal and overload of each input.

High quality inputs

The front panel of the unit, machined from a solid aluminium block, is laid out in a very simple and easy-to-use manner. 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.

Linear or compressed files

An internal microphone, that records to both channels simultaneously and adjustable headphone output completes the standard features on the front panel. Recordings are made in either PCM linear or MPEG compressed BWF files and these are recorded to both an internal 2GB fixed memory buffer and an extractable Compact Flash card. One tremendous advantage of the internal buffer memory is not only the ability to allow hot swapping of the card during recording but also to serve as an internal memory for recording, should a replacement card not be available immediately.

Dual display

The top panel of the Nagra-LB is set aside for the editing features. Thanks to a second colour display and a jog wheel the user can edit audio tracks ergonomically using a combination of the five function keys and the jog wheel. This display gives detailed high definition colour visual indications of the audio waveform being worked on. The top panel also houses the loudspeaker which can be turned on and off as required.

The Nagra LB has a detachable battery compartment into which eight "AA" cells can be fitted. Rechargeable batteries may also be used if desired. External 12V DC can be supplied via the Hirose connector mounted on the left side of the removable battery compartment. This connector is also used to recharge the batteries if fitted with NiMh cells. A lithium-Ion pack is also available as an additional option, using the same battery compartment.

Delivered in a carrying case with a shoulder strap, the NAGRA LB measures only 17.5 x 6.5 x 18.5 cm (6.8 x 2.5 x 7.25 inches) and weighs less than 1.4 kg (3 lbs) including batteries.

www.nagraaudio.com  

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