Nagra Ares BB plus Brochure

ARES-BB+

Order # 70 19616 000

Digital journalist’s recorder

Features

Solid state recording on PCMCIA memory cards
FAT 16/32 card formats
Mono or stereo PCM linear
Optional MPEG compression
Optional internal editor
Palm-sized
One-handed operation
Battery powered (> 10 hours)

Applications

The ARES-BB+ is designed as a compact, high quality, solid-state easy-to-use portable digital audio
recorder. Its recording media is PCMCIA of Compact Flash cards (Capacity unlimited), for the
recording of PCM Mono or Stereo audio. Optional MPEG compression allows for longer recording
times.
The unit can be powered by 6 “AA” (LR6) batteries, rechargeable “AA” cells or an optional lithium-ion
battery pack, offering in excess of 15 hours operation. Especially suited to table-top applications
thanks to it’s tilting keyboard. It can also be shoulder-hung in a carrying case for on-the-move
recordings.

The ARES-BB+ can operate with any standard dynamic microphone, and +48V powering is also
provided allowing the use of any commercially available condenser microphones.

The ARES-BB+ offers instant start-up, one button recording, “takes” directory, large back-lit display,
powerful vortex filter, automatic level control and internal loudspeaker. Optional internal software
authorizations allow the machine to record MPEG compressed audio, to emulate a Digigram PCX
sound card via USB and do internal audio editing in the field.
A large choice of accessories are available, such as power supply, carrying cases, cables etc to meet
specific requirements.

Compatibility

The ARES-BB+ offers a USB port. Through this connection, the internal PCMCIA card appears on the
“desktop” as n external drive of the PC / MAC. Naturally the card can be removed from the machine
and directly inserted into the workstation if required. The FAT 16/32 file system has many advantages
over the previous LFS system, meaning that individual takes can be removed at any time and
MARKERS can be added to recordings during both record and playback.

USB communication port
Large LCD display
Internal loudspeaker
+48 v Phantom powering
Self-contained
Lightweight
Reliable

PCMCIA CARDS

The ARES-BB+ works with ATA PCMCIA cards, Strata Flash cards, compact flash cards and Micro
drives (The last two require card adapters). Using a PCMCIA memory / compact Flash card to record
PCM linear audio or MPEG compressed (optional) for longer recordings.

Specifications

General

Data storage medium PCMCIA cards, Flash or ATA (type I and II)
Compression type MPEG 1 Layer II
File Format 16 or 24 bit selectable
A/D and D/A conversion 20 bit Sigma-Delta
Sampling rate 16 - 48 kHz
Bit rate 64, 128 and 192 kbit/s 256 kbit/s 384 kbits/s and linear
Mono / Stereo Switchable in menu
Recording capacity More than 4 hours on a 256 MB card at 128 kbit/s
Dynamic range adjust 40 dB manual or automatic
Filters Low cut filter (LFA2) or flat

Inputs

Mic inputs 3 pole XLR connectors
Mic powering + 48V Phantom
Sensitivity From 0.2 mV to 4 mV/hPa
Line input Balanced, transformerless
Line input sensitivity 0.44 V to 4.4 V for 0 dB recording

Outputs

Headphone Stereo with level adjustment
THD at 1 kHz 0.1 %
Frequency response 30 – 20 kHz (-3 dB in EE mode)
Total dynamic range 80 dB

Power supply

Batteries 6 x ”AA” cells
Rechargable Lithium Ion pack
DC Input DC plug 9V / 5W

Physical

Dimensions 188 x 170 x 57 mm, (7½ x 7 x 2¼ inch)
Weight 900 g, (2 lb)