Nagra VI

The Nagra LB

Two channel Universal digital audio recorder

Features

2 channels 24 bit, 192 kHz AD / DA	MPEG-1 layer II MP-3 compression
Compact flash and internal 2GB flash memory	On-board graphic audio editor
USB 2.0 and Ethernet communication ports	Internal speaker Pre-recording buffer
Dual colour screens	Lightweight and battery operated

Product description

The NAGRA LB has been designed as the natural successor to the ARES-C recorder, and it is specifically designed for broadcast applications although naturally it is also very well suited to a multitude of other recording applications. Similar in size to the ARES-BB+ the LB offers communication possibilities never before seen in a professional broadcast recorder.

Audio inputs
It offers two analogue audio inputs and a single stereo digital input. The Nagra LB will record in either PCM linear audio or in MPEG-1 layer II or MP-3 compressed audio formats. The inputs are equipped with traditional NAGRA microphone pre-amplifiers for dynamic and phantom +48V microphones. The LINE input will accept up to +24dB. The audio levels and current operating mode of the recorder are shown on the colour display mounted on the front of the unit. Above the potentiomenters three leds are fitted to indicate audio levels as on the ARES-BB+ and Nagra VI. The front display becomes inactive when the editor on the top panel of the machine is in use. The built-in microphone can also be seen in the top left corner of the photograph.

Media
The Nagra LB is fitted with an internal 2GB NAND flash memory which serves two important rolls. Firstly as a back-up media should the extractable compact flash card be full, but also as a spontaneous memory for recording while the extractable card is changed. Simply pressing the "Hot Swap" button next to the slot will allow the card to be replaced even while the recorder is actually recording.

Editing and communication
The top of the 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 to 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 an external memory stick for file transfer.

The LB is powered by 8 "AA" batteries in a removable battery compartment. This may be fitted with rechargeable cells if required, which are in turn charged through the Hirose connector on the battery box body.

Technical Specifications
Recording
Internal storage			2 GB NAND Flash memory
Removable media			Compact Flash type II / III (Hot Swappable)
Disk format			FAT 16 / 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
Bit rates			32 kbits/s up to 384 kbits/sec
Tracks			2 individual
Sampling Rate			44.1, 48 kHz, 88.2, 96 and 192kHz
Recording capacity			1hr 24 bit 48 kHz per GB of disk / memory
Pre-recording buffer			Programmable (Maximum 3 seconds)
Display			Colour LCD
Level meters			On colour display AND by LED
Inputs
Digital input			XLR 3-pole
Analogue inputs			2 x 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 dBm up to +24 dBm for 0 dBFS recording
THD at 1 kHz			<0.1% Mic, <0.01% line (measured on AES out)
Frequency response			Mic, 10Hz - 48 kHz ± 0.5 dB, Line ±0.2 dB (measured on AES out)
Signal-to-noise ratio			>100 dB
Input level adjustment range			50 dB Mic and from -6 to +24 dB Line
Input filters			LFA (with vortex filtering)
Internal microphone			Electret on the front panel

Outputs
Analogue line output			XLR 4.4V max (+15 dBm)
Digital output			XLR AES-3 (24 bit or 16 bit)
Headphones			Stereo 6.3mm (¼”) Jack 50 Ω
Internal speaker			0.2W

Other
USB Host			USB 2.0 connector type "A"
USB Device			USB 2.0 connector type "B"
M/S Decoder			Switchable
Ethernet			RJ 45
General
Dimensions			175 x 65 x 185mm (W x H x D) (Incl. battery box)
Weight			1.4 kg (3 lbs) (Incl. batteries)
Power supply			External 9 - 15V
Power Consumption			Approximately 2W (160mA on 12V)
Charge time			Approximately 3 hours (with NimH cells)
Battery life			> 10 hours (8 "AA" Alkaline cells)
Relative humidity			From 10% to 99% (non condensing)