Nagra VII - 2 Channel Universal Digital Audio Recorder
The Nagra Seven has been designed as the successor to the Nagra LB, ARES-C and the ARES-BB+ recorders, as well as to fill a gap in the current market. It is designed to be a flexible device and can be adapted to a multitude of specific applications depending on the internal options installed. The base machine is a 2 channel 24-bit digital recorder offering sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz, and is equipped with AES 42 facilities for digital microphones. Similar in size to the LB, the Seven offers a selection of internal optional circuit cards to allow it to be adapted according to requirements. The hardware options consist of 3G and Wifi, SMPTE/EBU time code and ISDN communication possibilities. In addition there are software options for internal audio editing and audio compression.
Software Upgrade April 2016 - The version 2.0 software for the Nagra Seven is now available at www.nagraaudio.com on the Nagra Seven “Downloads” page.
The principal changes include the drivers for the 4G GSM communication board which is now available. There are one or two other minor changes which are listed in the software bulletin. This version can be uploaded to all versions of the Nagra Seven. The updated User manual (in English) is also on the site.
Versions available:
- Seven: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42 and internal 16GB memory delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply and instruction manual.
- Seven TC: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42 and internal 16GB memory delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply, QCTCU time code cable and instruction manual.
- Seven W3: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42 and internal 16GB memory delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply, WiFi antenna and instruction manual.
- Seven I.S.D.N: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42 and internal 16GB memory and internal I.S.D.N Codec and audio compression, delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply and instruction manual.
- Seven I.S.D.N W3: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42 and internal 16GB memory and internal I.S.D.N Codec, audio compression and WiFi / 3G option, delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply and instruction manual.
- Seven W4: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42, internal 16GB memory, internal WiFi / 4G option delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply, WiFi/4G antennae, USB cable and Instruction manual on a 4 GB SD card.
- Seven I.S.D.N W4: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42 internal 16GB memory and internal I.S.D.N. codec, audio compression and Wifi / 4G option, delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply, Wifi/4G antennae USB cable and Instruction manual on a 4 GB SD card.
- Seven TC W3: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42, internal 16GB memory and internal Time Code option delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply, QCTCU time code cable, USB cable and Instruction manual on a 4 GB SD card.
- Seven TC W4: Stereo digital recorder, 24/192 with AES 42, internal 16GB memory and internal Time Code option delivered with: Rechargeable battery box and charger, power supply, QCTCU time code cable, USB cable and Instruction manual on a 4 GB SD card.
Audio inputs
The Seven offers two analogue audio inputs and a single stereo digital input. It will record in PCM linear audio at sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz or in MPEG-1 layer II compressed audio formats if the compression option is installed. The inputs are equipped with traditional Nagra microphone pre-amplifiers for dynamic and phantom +48V microphones and offer a range of switchable sensitivities to accomadate all common microphones. AES-42 microphones can also be used as the recorder can supply the necessary 10V dc supply voltage on the AES input.
The analogue LINE input will accept up to +24dB allowing it to be connected to a standard audio mixer in the field.
Touchscreen
The Nagra Seven has a state-of-the-art colour touchscreen allowing greater flexibility in the display modes and screens, but also eliminating all switches which are the weakest link in modern electronics.
The audio levels, current operating mode and status of the recorder are shown on the touchscreen display mounted on the front of the unit. The screen is sunlight readable, and gives access to the entire menu structure of the recorder.
Various programmable "short cuts" are available giving many personalization possibilities.
Media
The Nagra Seven is fitted with an internal micro SD flash memory. The main extractable media is an SD memory card which inserts into the slot on the left side of the recorder (see picture above).
USB 2.0 port
A micro-AB USB port allows the unit to be connected to a computer for file transfer. With an interface adaptor, the same port can also be used to connect an external device such as a USB memory stick or computer keyboard for data entry.
Editing and communication
If the optional editing option is installed, then graphic editing of the audio files is possible on the main display. Once the editing of the audio material is complete, files can be transmitted to the studio either over IP (through the ethernet connection using the File Transfer Protocol "FTP" connection) or via a GSM phone using 3G or by Wifi (if the option is installed).
SMPTE / EBU Time code
The Nagra Seven has an optional internal time code board that works with all currently accepted frame rates including those for HD TV. It will handle both drop and non-drop frame rates, and will allow pull-up/down too.
Start / Stop
A 3.5mm miniature Jack socket is fitted for remote fader start/stop commands. This will allow the unit to be remotely controlled by a simple switch closure.
Powering
The Nagra Seven can be powered by the included rear mounted rechargeable battery box. The rear panel also features a 4-Pin hirose for external power. The rechargeable battery pack, that will power the unit for about 5 hours. However, if transmission options such as WiFi or 3G are used the battery life will be reduced.