Nagra ARES-BB USER Manual
WARNING:
The ARES
-
BB has a built
-
in charger (charge current = 300mA).
NAGRA ARES
-
BB
Version: J
MANUAL
NiCd or Ni-Metal-Hydride cells can be used.
WHEN USING THE EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY, CHECK THAT THE
CHARGER SWITCH INSIDE THE BATTERY COMPARTIMENT IS “OFF”
BEFORE INSTALLING DRY CELLS.
PN 2019 615 150
un. 2004
1DELIVERED WITH........................................................................................ 4
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES. .................................................................... 4
3 INSTALLING THE FLASHCARD. .................................................................. 4
4 POWER ON, POWER OFF. .......................................................................... 4
5 CONTRAST. ................................................................................................ 4
6 BUTTONS. .................................................................................................. 5
7 ARES-P II or ARES-BB DIFFERENCES........................................................ 5
8 FIRST TIME SWITCH ON............................................................................. 6
9 MAIN DISPLAY DESCRIPTION. ................................................................... 6
Status of the ARES-BB ................................................................................ 6
10 RECORD (2), REWIND (3), STOP (4), PLAY (5), FORWARD (6), MARKER
(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
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. ......................................................................13
14.1.4 TITLING, “NFS” MODE ONLY........................................................13
14.1.5 ERASING TAKE(S), “NFS” MODE ONLY. ......................................13
14.1.6 DELETE, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY...................................................14
14.1.7 DELETE TO END, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY......................................14
14.1.8 RENUMBER, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY.............................................14
14.1.9 RENUMBER ALL, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY. .....................................14
14.2 LOUDSPEAKER. ................................................................................14
14.3 TOOLS. ..............................................................................................14
14.3.1 DATE AND TIME. .........................................................................14
14.3.2 CARD FORMATTING, “NFS” M ODE ONLY....................................15
14.3.3 CARD FORMATTING, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY. ...............................15
14.3.4 FORMAT REPAIRING, “NFS” MODE ONLY...................................15
14.3.5 PROGRAM SELECT. ....................................................................15
14.3.6 CONTRAST..................................................................................16
14.3.7 VERSION. ....................................................................................16
14.4 TEMPLATES, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY...................................................16
14.5 SETTINGS MENU. ..............................................................................17
Issue: January 2004 Page 2
CONTENTS Page
14.5.1 INPUT FILTER..............................................................................17
14.5.2 ALC. .............................................................................................17
14.5.3 ALC THRESHOLD. .......................................................................17
14.5.4 ALC REACTION SPEED. ..............................................................18
14.5.5 BEEP...........................................................................................18
14.5.6 COMPRESSION, “NFS” MODE ONLY. ..........................................18
14.5.7 FILE FORMAT, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY..........................................18
14.5.8 BACKLIGHT. ................................................................................18
14.5.9 OUTPUT MODE. ..........................................................................19
14.5.10 OUTPUT LEVEL. ........................................................................19
14.6 AUTO RECORD, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY. .............................................19
14.7 MIKE ..................................................................................................20
14.7.1 48V PHANTOM MIKE POWER. .....................................................20
14.7.2 MIKE TYPE, “FAT 16” MODE ONLY. .............................................20
15 LOCKING THE SETTINGS. .......................................................................21
16 LOCKING THE KEYPAD. ..........................................................................21
17 AUTO POWER OFF..................................................................................21
18 MESSAGES..............................................................................................21
18.1 IN “NFS” MODE ..................................................................................21
18.2 IN “FAT 16” MODE ..............................................................................22
19 SOFTWARE UPDATE ...............................................................................22
20 MENU TREE ARES -BB, “NFS” MODE .......................................................23
21 MENU TREE ARES -BB, “FAT 16” MODE ...................................................25
22 INPUTS, OUTPUTS & SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................29
22.1 LEFT SIDE .........................................................................................29
22.2 OUTPUT SIDE ....................................................................................29
22.3 SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................30
23 ARES-BB “NFS” MODE, PC SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION.......................31
23.1 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, “NFS” MODE, USING A PC PCMCIA SLOT.....31
23.2 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, “NFS” MODE, USING A PC USB PORT ...........31
24 ARES-BB “FAT 16” MODE, PC DRIVERS & INSTALLATION .......................32
25 SAFETY/COMPLIANCE ............................................................................33
Issue: January 2004 Page 3
1DELIVERED WITH.
1 Jack 6.3 mm (90 degrees) connector, 1 user manual, 1 USB cable, 1 CDR with Ares Import and
Digigram Import software.
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES.
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:
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 starts blinking slowly and finally turns off). 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 V2.00 and higher allows using linear and Strata flash
cards, ATA cards, compact flash cards and Micro-drive cards.
Important note:
When running the machine in the FAT 16 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.
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”.
Issue: January 2004 Page 4
6 BUTTONS.
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 Marker
15 Keypad lock
7 ARES-P II or ARES -BB DIFFERENCES.
ARES- P II & ARES-BB: Is equipped with a USB 1.1 connector. In the “FAT 16” mode only, the
machine is recognized as an external removable hard drive. It also has a built-in speaker, Phantom
power, Vortex filter and accepts compact micro -drives up to 2 GB.
The ARES-BB is functionally identical to the ARES- P II. It offers the USER XLR input & output
connectors and an ergonomic table-top operation. It gives a 20% increase in autonomy thanks to the
additional batteries and can offer a Lithium-Ion pack as an alternative. The ARES-BB cannot use the
NP -MICE/NP-MICES Electret microphone capsules.
Without any software options installed, the card is formatted “FAT 16” 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. In the “NFS” (Nagra File
System) mode, compressed MPEG files can be recorded. In the “FAT 16” mode, the maximum bit rate
becomes 384kb/s 48kHz stereo.
Only ATA, Compact flash or Micro-drive cards can be used in the “FAT 16” mode.
If equipped with software option I & II, the machine also emulates an RCX220. This means that in the
“NFS” mode, via USB, Windows recognizes the machine as an external soundcard and in the “FAT
16” 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 2004 Page 5
8 FIRST TIME SWITCH ON.
Stop or play position
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 sw itch on in the FAT 16 mode. The display will show a
picture of a cylinder with the word “FAT” for several seconds.
To change the mode to “NFS” mode (if the software #1 package is included) jump to page 15
Paragraph 14.3.4 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 im prove the clarity of the display.
Input level indication for
Left and Right channel
Status of the ARES-BB
STOP, PLAY, REC, FWD, RWD
Take number and position
in minutes and seconds
Status of the flashcard
Battery status
Total number of recorded takes
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
Low Battery
Headroom indicator
007 0:00
Messages
In
- 20dB
Input level
Level adjustment
Level setting
on the flashcard
Remaining time on the card
in minutes and seconds
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 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 7 (0 minutes, 0 seconds).
Stop or play position on the flashcard
The marker shows the exact playback position, take 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 takes
This area shows the total number of takes already recorded on the flashcard.
Remaining time on the card in minutes and seconds
Issue: January 2004 Page 6
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 switch es off.
When the battery icon disappears during a USB connection in the “FAT 16” 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), MARKER
(14) KEYS
10.1 RECORD KEY (2)
For “NFS” mode.
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 or formatting the card.
If during record the “RECORD ” key is pressed again, a new take is automatically created. This
function is used for “MARKING” the audio during record.
For “FAT 16” mode.
During record or play, the “MARKER” key (14) can be pressed on the fly. This will add a marker inside
a single file.
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.
For “NFS” mode.
In “STOP” mode: To jump take-by-take, pressing briefly on the “<<” or “>>” keys will decrement or
increment the take position.
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.
Issue: January 2004 Page 7
IMPORTANT: Only takes with the same comp ression as the current settings of the machine can be
played back using the SKIP buttons. All other takes with a different compression cannot be selected.
For “FAT 16” mode.
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. After
power on pressing “PLAY” will resume playback from its last position before power down, as long as
the batteries are installed.
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 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 2004 Page 8
Level Adjustment in the stereo mode (FAT 16 only)
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.
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
007 0:00
12 Takes R: 8:08
In
84 dB/94 dB
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.
Issue: January 2004 Page 9
12 CENTER & ARROW KEYS
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
007 0:00
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
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).
Directory
Tools
Directory
Tools
Settings
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.
1
2
-21 -9 0 +9
001 0:00
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
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
001 0:00
12 Takes R: 4:08:26
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.
Issue: January 2004 Page 10
Directory
Tools
Directory
Tools
000 0.00
000 0.00 12 / 03 / 00
001 1.25 12 / 03 / 00
002 3.48 13 / 03 / 00
003 4.24 13 / 03 / 00
End 4:08:26
If the marker has a “ ” shape, it means that the take compression is the same as the current settings
of the machine.
If the marker has a “>” shape, it means that the take 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 takes, 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 2004 Page 11
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