NAGRA ARES-BB+ MANUAL

PN 150

Version: July 18, 2006

CONTENTS

1DELIVERED WITH... INSTALLING THE BATTERIES (NB-BB OPTION).. INSTALLING THE FLASHCARD... POWER ON, POWER OFF... CONTRAST.... KEYS.... FAT / NFS MODE DIFFERENCES.. FIRST TIME SWITCH ON... MAIN DISPLAY DESCRIPTION... RECORD (2), REWIND (3), STOP (4), PLAY (5), FORWARD (6), MARK (14) KEYS..... 8 10.1 RECORD KEY (2)... 8 10.2 REWIND KEY (3) AND FORWARD KEY (6).. 8 10.3 STOP KEY (4).... 9 10.4 PLAY KEY (5).... 9 10.5 EXTERNAL RECORD OR FADER START COMMAND.. LEVEL ADJUSTMENT... 9 11.1 OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT... 9 11.2 INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT... 9 11.3 THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT... 10 11.4 WHAT IS DBSPL... CENTER & ARROW KEYS... LED MODULOMETER... MAIN MENU.... 11 14.1 DIRECTORY MENU... 11 14.1.1 HORIZONTAL SCROLLING.. 13 14.1.2 VERTICAL SCROLLING... 13 14.1.3 QUIT DIRECTORY... 13 14.1.4 EDIT INDEX... 14 14.1.5 DELETE... 17 14.1.6 DELETE TO END... 17 14.1.7 RENUMBER.... 17 14.1.8 RENUMBER ALL... 17 14.1.9 DELETE ALL MARKS... 17 14.2 LOUDSPEAKER.... 17 14.3 TOOLS... 17 14.3.1 LANGUAGE... 17 14.3.2 FILE NAMING... 17 14.3.3 DATE AND TIME... 19 14.3.4 CARD FORMATTING... 19 14.3.5 BATTERY TYPE... 19 14.3.6 PROGRAM SELECT... 19 14.3.7 CONTRAST... 20 14.3.8 AUTO POWER OFF.. 20
Issue: July 18, 2006 Page 2
14.3.9 VERSION... 20 14.4 TEMPLATES.... 20 14.5 SETTINGS MENU... 21 14.5.1 INPUT FILTER... 21 14.5.2 ALC.... 21 14.5.3 ALC THRESHOLD... 21 14.5.4 ALC REACTION SPEED... 22 14.5.5 INPUT LEVEL... 22 14.5.6 BEEP... 22 14.5.7 FILE FORMAT... 22 14.5.8 BACKLIGHT... 22 14.5.9 OUTPUT MODE... 22 14.5.10 OUTPUT LEVEL... 22 14.5.11 MS DECODER... 23 14.5.12 START / STOP CONFIGURATION... 23 14.5.13 AUTOMATIC SKIP... 23 14.5.14 RED LED LEVEL... 23 14.6 AUTO RECORD... 24 14.7 INPUT... 24 14.7.1 INPUT TYPE... 24 14.7.2 48V MIKE POWER... LOCKING THE SETTINGS... LOCKING THE KEYPAD... AUTO POWER OFF... MESSAGES... SOFTWARE UPDATE... MENU TREE ARES-BB+.... INPUTS, OUTPUTS... 31 21.1 INPUT SIDE... 31 21.2 OUTPUT SIDE... 31 + 22 ARES-BB PC SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION (NFS MODE).. 32 + 22.1 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, USING A PC PCMCIA SLOT (NFS MODE). 32 + 22.2 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, USING A PC USB PORT (NFS MODE).. 32 + 23 ARES-BB PC DRIVERS & INSTALLATION (FAT MODE).. FLASH CARDS COMPATIBILITY... LANGUAGES.... SPECIFICATIONS.... SAFETY/COMPLIANCE... 44

Issue: July 18, 2006

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This manual describes the use of the ARES-BB in the FAT mode. + For using the Ares-BB in the NFS mode, please refer to the previous Ares-P II manual or to the Ares-P / RCX220 manual.

1DELIVERED WITH.

1 Jack 6.3 mm (90 degrees) connector, 1 USB cable, 1 CDR with Ares Import, Digigram import software and manuals.
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES (NB-BB OPTION).
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 Batt. Type Capacity Charging time Record mode Manufactory inner cover until it is fully open. If dry cells are used verify that the battery NimH 1300 mAh 4h30 5h30 GP compartment switch is in the OFF position. Install NimH 2300 mAh 8h00 11h35 Sanyo the 6 AA cells observing Li-Ion 2400 mAh 8h30 12h30 Saft the polarity and replace the inner cover. Lock the Dry cells x 12h50 Panasonic, Alkaline battery compartment back to the machine.
If the batteries make a noise (due to the tolerances) when the housing is shaken, glue the added Mylar sheet as indicated in the picture and insert the batteries as shown.

Important note:

In the tools sub-menus select the corresponding type of battery pack (AA cells or Li-ion) 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 turns off). If the yellow led never turns off, it means that one or more cells are defective. If the charger switch is turned on and no batteries are installed while the machine receives external power, the yellow led starts blinking fast.

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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 allows, ATA cards, compact flash cards and Micro-drive cards. Linear flash cards and Strata flash cards can only be used in the NFS mode (Nagra File Format).
When running the machine in the FAT 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. Once the main display is shown, the type of selected file system and file format are shown briefly. To re -indicate the selected file format, press the POWER key (1) briefly at any time. (Ex. PCM 48k 16b st). Attention: the machine cannot be switched OFF during RECORD or EDITING.

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.

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6 KEYS.
Power ON / OFF Record, Marker key Rewind, skip backwards key Stop key Play key Forward, skip forwards key Reduce input sensitivity or playback level key Increase input sensitivity or playback level key
Up arrow key or increase output level key Left arrow key Down arrow key or reduce output level key Right arrow key Other menu or execute key Mark key Keypad lock
7 FAT / NFS MODE DIFFERENCES.
The FAT mode means that the ATA or Compact flash card is formatted according to the FAT standard (FAT 16 or FAT 32) and is directly compatible with a Windows or Mac O/S. The NFS mode means that the card is formatted with a Nagra format (Nagra File System), in order to remain compatible with previous machines such as the Ares-C, C-PP, Ares-P or RCX220. To read a card formatted NFS in a PC, additional PC software is needed. If no software options are installed, the card will be formatted FAT and via the USB port, Windows or Mac O/S will recognize the machine as an external hard disk. The recorded files are Broadcast Wave Format (xxx.wav). Only PCM linear can be recorded (not compressed). Only ATA or Compact flash cards can be used in the FAT mode. If equipped with the software option #I, the machine emulates an ARES-P (NFS mode) and allows MPEG compressed files to be recorded in both the FAT or NFS modes. In the NFS mode, the maximum bit rate is 192kb/s, in the FAT mode, the maximum bit rate is 384kb/s. If equipped with software option #I & #II, the machine also emulates an RCX220. This means that through the USB port, Windows recognizes the machine as an external soundcard when in NFS mode and as an external removable hard drive in the FAT mode. 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 24 bits x 48000 sampling frequency divided by 8 bits per Byte gives a data rate of 288 kBytes per second.

End 003 0:00 1:25 3:48 4:24 48:32 0:00 12. 03. 00 12. 03. 00 13. 03. 00 13. 03. 004 End 004 0:00 1:25 3:48 4:24 48:32 0:00 12. 03. 00 12. 03. 00 13. 03. 00 13. 03. 00
Pushing the UP (9) or DOWN (11) ARROW keys makes the vertical scrolling. 14.1.3 QUIT DIRECTORY. To escape from the DIRECTORY , press the CENTER button (13) once followed by the RIGHT arrow key (12). The display returns to STATUS display.
End 003 0:00 1:25 3:48 4:24 48:32 0:00 12. 03. 00 12. 03. 00 13. 03. 00 13. 03. 00

-9 002

Quit directory Edit index

3 Index

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14.1.4 EDIT INDEX.

End 003 0:00 1:25 1:23 1:21 48:32 0:00 12. 03. 00 12. 03. 00 13. 03. 00 13. 03. 00
The editing option enables the cleaning-up of an index that contains periods of silence or noise and non useful sound. Once the editing is completed, the index will be saved as a new index. In the directory such edits will be marked with a scissors icon.
To edit an index, first select the index to be edited from the DIRECTORY , press the CENTER key (13), select EDIT INDEX and press the CENTER key (13) again. Counter 1 indicates the play position inside the edited index. Counter 2 indicates the full length of the edited index. Counter 3 Counter 4 Begin 00:00 Counter 3 indicates the reel play position from the start : Listen loop / Trim of the original index. : Step / Listen : : Exit Counter 4 indicates only the position of each cut from the original index. In this example, index 009 is selected and is shown as a tape. All edit commands are executed as shown in the picture by the LEFT (10), RIGHT (12), UP (9), DOWN (11) and CENTER (13) keys. In addition, in the edit mode, the standard keys REWIND (3), STOP (4), PLAY (5) and FORWARD (6) act in the same way as for the standard play mode. The REWIND (3) as well as the FORWARD (6) key permits to skip from one cut position to another. If markers were already present on the index, they will be shown as cut positions on the tape.

Example: The first cut position is placed below the play position indicator. LISTEN LOOP/TRIM appears on the screen
Once the first cut position is made and the playback position sits on that cut position, press the CENTER key (13) once again and the editor starts a loop playback around the cut position. It starts playing 1second before the cut position and continues to play 1 second after the cut position.

Index 009 00:02 01:23

00:02 00:02 : End loop : Select trim segment : :
Example: The play starts from 1 second until 3 seconds SELECT TRIM SEGMENT appears on the screen. During the playback loop, the LEFT (10) or RIGHT (12) key permits to select the left or right segment to be trimmed. This means that the length of the selected left or right segment can be reduced. Example: The left segment is selected. SLIDE LEFT SEGMENT appears on the screen.
Index 009 00:02 00:02 : End loop : Slide left segment : 00:02

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In this case, the playback loop starts 1 second before the cut position and ends at the cut position. The length of the left segment can now be reduced by pressing and holding the LEFT key (10) or step by step by clicking the same key. In this case the audio will be reduced with a size between 50 and 100 ms. If the reduction was too great, it can be increased again back to the original length by pressing the RIGHT key (12). EXIT THE EDITOR
Index 009 00:01 00:01 : Place cut : Step / Listen : Delete segment 01:23 Index 009 Edit length: Remain: Edit : Exit Quit Save 01:21 2:11:04
To exit the editor, press the UP key (9).
The display permits to select SAVE (12), QUIT (11) or return to EDIT (10). Pressing SAVE (12) shows the next displays
Index 009 Edit length: Remain: Creating index % : Abort saving 01:21 2:11:04 Index 009 Edit length: Remain: Index 010 created 100 % Press any key 01:21 2:11:04
The saving started and it is still possible to ABORT (10). Once the right display appears, the new file was created. The created index number is always the highest existing index number in the directory +1.
Note: If the directory is full (999 indexes) a warning will appear at the start of the editing.
Index 009 Edit length: Remain: Edit Quit 01:21 01:04
If the remaining time on the card is shorter than the selected index length, a new window will appear but without the SAVE possibility. It is up to the user if he thinks that once the index is edited, the size will be smaller than the remaining time. In this case the EDIT can be selected.
In this example, the full length of the original index is 1 minute 21 seconds, but only 1 minute and 4 seconds remaining time is left, so the final edit must be smaller than this. Maximum 100 cut positions can be entered on 1 index. During editing the POWER key (1) is disabled. If during editing, the machine switches off due to low battery voltage, the new index will not be saved. If during saving the edited index, the machine switches off due to low battery voltage, the saving will be aborted. During editing the AUTO POWER OFF function is also disabled as long as the index has not been saved. In the case that the saving was aborted, the AUTO POWER OFF will stay disabled. In the case the file was saved correctly, AUTO POWER OFF becomes enabled.

14.5.10 OUTPUT LEVEL. The CURRENT LEVEL corresponds to the setting before entering the sub-menu. To modify this level, press the UP or DOWN keys (9 or 11). The DEFAULT LEVEL is the level that has been saved in the memory. To modify the DEFAULT LEVEL to the value of the CURRENT LEVEL , press the CENTER key (13). The default value will be remembered even if the unit loses power.
Output level Current level = Default level = - 6 dB - 9 dB
Every time that the output level was modified during playback and afterwards a new record is started, the current value will be reset to the default level.

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14.5.11 MS DECODER.
MS decoder Off On On (-6dB) On
The MS DECODER sub menu appears only in the FAT mode and permits to switch on or of the MS decoding for the headphones. The M channel corresponds to the left channel input, the S channel corresponds to the right channel input. The ON (- 6 dB) is to reduce the saturating danger in case that the recording is made with high input levels.
14.5.12 START / STOP CONFIGURATION.
Start / Stop config. Start / Stop Fader start

Start / Stop

When Record/New index is selected, the machine can be put into record via the 3.5 mm Start /Stop input. The first time the input is momentarily shorted out, the machine starts recording, the next time, it starts a new recording (seamless). When Record/Stop is selected, the machine starts recording at a momentarily short-circuit on the Start /Stop input, and stops recording
on the next short-circuit. If Record/Mark is selected, the machine starts recording if the input is briefly shorted out, afterwards every time the input is briefly shorted, it adds a marker. If Mark (Rec & Play) is selected, when briefly shorted out, it will only add markers. When Start / Stop is selected, the machine starts recording if the input is shorted and stops recording if the input is oopen. When Fader start is selected, the machine can be put in playback. Short-circuit the input will select the play mode. Mode/ Function Rec / New index Rec / Stop Rec / Mark Mark / (Rec Play) Start / Stop Fader start 14.5.13 AUTOMATIC SKIP.
Automatic skip On Index loop
1 contact Record Record Record Insert marker Record Playback

contact

Break contact x x x x Stop Stop
Record new index Stop Insert marker Insert marker Record Playback
When On , and pushing playback from the directory or the main menu, the playback will continue non-stop until the end of the card. When Index loop is chosen, only the selected index will be played back in loop mode. To select another index use the skip keys (3) & (6). To playback the same file, press the REWIND key (3) shortly and push play again.

14.5.14 RED LED LEVEL.

Red LED level 0 dB +3 dB +6 dB +3 dB
As standard, the red led on the modulometer turns on when the level reaches minimum 0 dB. Four different reference selections can be made. Beware that if the +9 dB is selected, the red led indicates overload.

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14.6 AUTO RECORD.
Auto record Mode Trigger level Trigger delay 50 dB SPL peak Auto record Trigger level Trigger delay Stop delay 0.0 sec.
The AUTO RECORD menu permits to turn on or off the auto record mode. This mode of recording permits to start a recording automatically depending on the settings of the different parameters described below. Once the parameters set, put the machine in the record mode. The recording will start once the requested level and length of any incoming sound is obtained. The TRIGGER LEVEL sub-menu permits to adjust the level detection to start the recording and can be set in steps of 10 dB from 50 dB SPL peak to 120 dB SPL peak. The TRIGGER DELAY menu permits to adjust the continuous duration or length of the sound level before the recording starts. It can be set from 0.0 seconds to 1 second. Example: if you clap your hands a single time and the start delay is set to 0.1 second, the recording will not start, as the handclap was shorter than 0.1 seconds. The STOP DELAY permits to adjust the duration of recording once the sound level drops below the threshold level and can be set from 5 -21 -+9 -21 -+9 seconds up to 15 minutes or non-stop. 59 dB 59 dB 008 0:0:00 Once the delay is passed, the machine Auto Auto will return to the waiting position ready for the next recording 13 Index R: 8:08:48

8:08:50

The left picture shows the machine ready to record automatically. The right picture shows the machine in the record mode. The Ares-BB+ can also be stopped manually by pressing the Stop button (4). 14.7 INPUT. This menu gives access to the selection of the microphone type (routing, Mono or Stereo) as well as the 48V power supply. 14.7.1 INPUT TYPE.

If Phantom microphones are used the 48V must be turned on. This selection needs to be confirmed by pressing the right arrow key. On the main display, the text will appear next to the battery status.
"INVALID CARD" "NO CARD" "UNKNOWN FORMAT" "DIR UNUSABLE" "CARD READING. "CARD BUSY." "USB MODE" AUTO REC. LEVEL ERROR UNABLE TO CREATE INDEX ABORTED FAILED THE CARD IS IN USE NO INDEX SELECTED NO MARKS IN INDEX NNN
The card is not recognized by the machine No card inserted in the slot The card is recognized but not the type of format The ARESP folder cannot be created Example: an ARESP file name was already present Appears during the directory reading Appears when the card is busy Example: delete to end or renumbering The card is accessed via USB The input gain is not suitable versus the record trigger level During saving in edit mode During saving in edit mode Example: During mark(s) erase An action was requested without being in the STOP mode Example: Trying to delete an index without having selected one During mark(s) erase Can happen if the marks are added using an external editor.
MARKS IN INDEX NNN CANNOT BE DELETED

19 SOFTWARE UPDATE

A small black 6 pin connector is located just under the flashcard. A special adapter NP-PCA is needed to connect the machine to the RS232 connector of the PC or laptop. When new software from NAGRA becomes available, it can be delivered by Email or it can be downloaded from the NAGRA web site. By using the PC software called PuserLoader the machine can be updated with the new software version. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

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20 MENU TREE ARES-BB.

ARES-BB

(F AT M OD E) INC LUD IN G SO FT W ARE O PT IO N # I A ND #3

Directory

001 0:00 >001 0:14 10.03.2:34 12.03.03 End 48:40
Quit directory E d it in d e x D el et e D el et e t o end R e n u m b er O P T IO N 3

L o u d s p e a k er

O ff On
R en um ber all D el et e m a rks E ng li sh Fra n ai s

T o o ls

Lang uage

File n am i ng

File nam e fo rm at
M ac hine M ac hine_tim e M ac hine_date M ac hine_date_tim e Card Card_tim e CardNam e Card_date Card_date_tim e CardNam e

C ardNa m e ard nam e

Card nam e -- ---------
M achine e C ardNa mnam e Date & Tim e Date & Time HH:MM:SS DD.MM.YY

0.0 s e c. 0.1 s e c. 0.3 s e c. 1.0 s e c.

S to p d e l a y

5 sec. 15 sec. 30 sec. 1 m in. 2 m in. 5 m in. m in. N o n s to p

In p u t

In p u t ty p e
M o n o ( le f t ) S te r e o

+ V m ik e p o w e r

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21 INPUTS, OUTPUTS

21.1 INPUT SIDE
Mic. / Line Inputs Microphone Powering Microphone Sensitivity Sensitivity Line Input Line Input Sensitivity External power Green led Yellow led USB connector 21.2 OUTPUT SIDE
2 XLR connectors 48 V Phantom via menus 10 mV, 2mV Pa switchable From 2 mV to 10 mV for 0 dB recording Symmetrical transformerless 0.44 V to 1.4 V for 0 dB recording XLR connector 4 pole or DC connector External power presence indicator Charge indicator USB 1.1
Headphone Potentiometer Line Output Start/Stop remote Software update THD at 1 kHz Frequency response Total dynamic range
Jack 6.3 mm stereo connector Adjust the headphone output level 2 XLR connectors, symmetrical transformerless Mini jack mono 3.5 mm Small 6 pin connector for NP-PCA adapter 0.1 % 30 Hz 20 kHz (-3 dB in EE mode) 80 dB

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22 ARES-BB PC SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION (NFS MODE)
These programs add several features when the ARES-BB is connected to the USB port of a PC or if + the flashcard from the ARES-BB is inserted in a PC PCMCIA slot: Display the directory of the flash card Playback of the recorded files Import recorded files into the computer's hard disk Edit the recorded files. Insert the CD in your PC or laptop and follow the instructions.
22.1 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, USING A PC PCMCIA SLOT (NFS MODE) Carefully read the text file in the root directory before any installation. From explorer, double click the NetiaVersion folder followed by the AresImport folder.
Double click SETUP.EXE file to start the installation. If the PCMCIA slot is based on an ISA or PCI bus or built-in to a laptop, the Elan drivers need also to be installed. If the PCMCIA slot is connected via SCSI, the Elan drivers may not be installed. 22.2 ARES-BB SOFTWARE, USING A PC USB PORT (NFS MODE) This only works if both software options I & II are installed on the Ares-BB Carefully read the text file in the root directory before any installation. From explorer, double click the DigigramVersion folder followed by setup.exe.

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AresImport: AresImport permits to read the directory from the flash card as well as playback and or import and conversion. RCXLoad: Display the files located on the memory card with their characteristics (date, duration, encoding format) in an MS explorer fashion. Playing back a selected file, using the ARES-BB+ audio output or the local PC sound card. Using Drag and Drop, import one or several files with format conversion to MPEG Layer 2 or PCM format. XtrackLE (a Limited Edition of Xtrack): Uses the physical I/O of the RCX220 as well as any other standard device. Offers two fully independent mono or stereo tracks where records can be uploaded via RCXload. Provides you with of a complete set of tools to cut, copy, paste, trim any portion of a track, as well as level editing functions such as fade in and fade out. Once the edit finished, it can be processed into a single sound file (MPEG or PCM) with automatic sampling frequency and bit rate conversion. To obtain full multi-track editing capabilities including mp3 export, the full version of Xtrack software can be purchased from Digigram.

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Titrage d'index Charger 1 Charger 2 Charger 3 Charger 4 Sauvegarder 1 Sauvegarder 2 Sauvegarder 3 Sauvegarder 4 G722 PCM 48k 16b PCM 48k 24b PCM 44k1 16b PCM 44k1 24b PCM 32k 16b PCM 24k 16b PCM 22k05 16b PCM 16k 16b PCM 48k 16b st PCM 48k 24b st PCM 44k1 16b st PCM 44k1 24b st PCM 32k 16b st PCM 24k 16b st PCM 22k05 16b st PCM 16k 16b st MPEG 64/48 MPEG 64/32 MPEG 64/24 MPEG 64/16 MPEG 128/48 MPEG 128/32 MPEG 128/24 MPEG 128/16 MPEG 128/48 st MPEG 128/32 st MPEG 128/24 st MPEG 128/16 st MPEG 192/48 MPEG 192/32 MPEG 192/48 st
Index titling Recall 1 Recall 2 Recall 3 Recall 4 Store 1 Store 2 Store 3 Store 4 G722 PCM 48k 16b PCM 48k 24b PCM 44k1 16b PCM 44k1 24b PCM 32k 16b PCM 24k 16b PCM 22k05 16b PCM 16k 16b PCM 48k 16b st PCM 48k 24b st PCM 44k1 16b st PCM 44k1 24b st PCM 32k 16b st PCM 24k 16b st PCM 22k05 16b st PCM 16k 16b st MPEG 64/48 MPEG 64/32 MPEG 64/24 MPEG 64/16 MPEG 128/48 MPEG 128/32 MPEG 128/24 MPEG 128/16 MPEG 128/48 st MPEG 128/32 st MPEG 128/24 st MPEG 128/16 st MPEG 192/48 MPEG 192/32 MPEG 192/48 st
max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars.

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MPEG 192/32 st MPEG 256/48 st MPEG 256/32 st MPEG 384/48 st MPEG 384/32 st Plat Coupe bas Dsactiv Activ Automatique Rapide (1.2 s) Normal (6 s) Lent (30 s) 104 dB SPL 98 dB SPL 92 dB SPL 86 dB SPL 80 dB SPL 74 dB SPL Sur touches +/Toujours activ Lecture seulement Enreg. /Nouv. index Enreg./Stop Enreg./Marqueur Marqueur Start/Stop Non-assign Mono (gauche) Stro Format FAT Format NAGRA Pile / Accu "AA" Li-ion Mode Seuil dclencheur Dlai dclencheur Dlai d'arrt 50 dB SPL crte 60 dB SPL crte 70 dB SPL crte
MPEG 192/32 st MPEG 256/48 st MPEG 256/32 st MPEG 384/48 st MPEG 384/32 st Flat Low cut Off On Automatic Fast (1.2 s) Normal (6 s) Slow (30 s) 104 dB SPL 98 dB SPL 92 dB SPL 86 dB SPL 80 dB SPL 74 dB SPL Using +/- keys Always on Only in playback Record/New index Record/Stop Record/Mark Mark (Rec & Play) Start/Stop Unassigned Mono (left) Stereo FAT file system NAGRA file syst. "AA" cells Li-ion Mode Trigger level Trigger delay Stop delay 50 dB SPL peak 60 dB SPL peak 70 dB SPL peak

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80 dB SPL crte 90 dB SPL crte 100 dB SPL crte 110 dB SPL crte 120 dB SPL crte 0.0 sec. 0.1 sec. 0.3 sec. 1.0 sec. 5 sec. 15 sec. 30 sec. 1 min. 2 min. 5 min. 15 min. Non-stop Activ (-6dB) FAT16 (max 2GB) FAT32 Langue English Franais Extinction autom. format inconnu Fin Format <sans titre> JJ.MM.AA HH:MM:SS Carte en utilisation! Pas de slection! Effacer l'index XXX? PRESSER LA TOUCHE CONFIRMER AVEC Effacement Execut! Echec! Effacer l'index XXX et tous les suivants?
80 dB SPL peak 90 dB SPL peak 100 dB SPL peak 110 dB SPL peak 120 dB SPL peak 0.0 sec. 0.1 sec. 0.3 sec. 1.0 sec. 5 sec. 15 sec. 30 sec. 1 min. 2 min. 5 min. 15 min. Nonstop On -(6dB) FAT16 (max 2GB) FAT32 Language English Franais Auto power off unknown format End Format <no title> DD.MM.YY HH:MM:SS The card is in use! No index selected! Delete index XXX? PRESS CENTER KEY RIGHT KEY TO CONFIRM Deleting Done Failed Delete from index XXX?
max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 17 chars. max. 11 chars. max. 16 chars. max. 17 chars. max. 8 chars. max. 8 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars.

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Renumroter depuis l'index XXX? Renumrotation Renumroter depuis l'index 001? Effacer les marqueurs de l'index XXX? Marqueurs index XXX: Effacement impossible Aucun marqueur dans l'index XXX Pas de carte! Formater en FAT16? Formater en FAT32? Le contenu de la carte sera perdu! Formatage Logiciel (FAT): Circuit audio: Options logicielles: Aucune Actuel = Par dfaut = Muet Actuel = Par dfaut = Machine occupe! Vide! Inexistant! ATTENTION! L'alimentation micro +48V peut endommager les micros qui n'en ont pas besoin! Non-implment Nom gnrique: (nnn = numro d'index) Titre index XXX Titrage impossible. Carte protge Cet index a t cr
Renumber from index XXX? Renumbering Renumber from index 001? Delete all marks in index XXX? Marks in index XXX cannot be deleted. No marks in index XXX. No card in slot! Format card (FAT16)? Format Card (FAT32)? The current content of the card will be lost! Formatting Soft (FAT): Audio board: Software options: None Current level = Default level = Mute Current contrast = Default contrast = Machine busy Empty Nonexistent WARNING! Switching on the +48V phantom power supply may damage mikes which do not need it! Not implemented Generic file name: (nnn = index number) Title index XXX Titling not possible. Card write protected. This index was created

max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 16 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 16 chars. max. 16 chars. max. 6 chars. max. 19 chars max. 19 chars max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars.

Page 39

avec une ancienne version de l'ARES-C. Ce titre ne peut pas tre modifi. Stop = Abandon Lecture = Effacer >> = Insrer Enreg. = Sauvegarder Carte invalide! Carte prsente. Carte non-formate. Trop d'index. Accs aux 408 premiers index? Fichier non-ferm. Rcuprer? Erreur X index XXX corrompu. Eff. -> fin de carte? Format sans problme. 408 index disponible. Effacement Logiciel (NFS) GAIN INADAPTE REPERTOIRE PLEIN ERREUR VERSION USB Clavier verrouill CARTE PLEINE ERREUR D'OUVERTURE ERREUR D'ECRITURE ERREUR DE LECTURE CARTE TROP LENTE CARTE QUASI PLEINE EXTINCTION AUTOM. BATTERIE DECHARGEE Extinct. dsactive CARTE PROTEGEE TAMPON DEBORDE CLAVIER VERROUILLE Presser & maintenir
with an old version of ARES-C. Title can not be changed. Stop key = Escape Play key = Delete >> key = Insert Rec. Key = Write it Invalid card! Card present. Unformatted card. Too many index. Access first 408 indexes? Unclosed file. Recover? Error X index XXX corrupted. Clean to end of card? No format problems. 408 indexes available. Cleaning Soft (NFS): AUTO REC LEVEL ERR. DIRECTORY FULL WRONG USB VERSION Keypad locked CARD FULL OPEN WRITE ERROR WRITE ERROR READ ERROR CARD TOO SLOW CARD NEARLY FULL AUTO POWER OFF LOW BATTERY No auto power off CARD WRITE PROTECT BUFFER OVERFLOW KEYPAD LOCKED Press & hold
max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 16 chars. max. 20 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 22 chars.

Page 40

les touches & pour le dverrouiller. CARTE INVALIDE PAS DE CARTE FORMAT INCONNU REPERT INUTILISABLE Lecture Carte occupe Mode USB FORMAT CORROMPU ERREUR LECTURE CARTE CARTE NON-FORMATEE Mode distant Entre Sortie Seuil Muet Index Dbut Fin Stop boucle Ecoute boucle/Ajust Placer une coupe Ajust segm. gauche Ajust segm. droite Incrment/Ecoute Eff. coupe Restaure seg. Eff. segment Fin Index XXX Dure dit.: Reste carte: Edition Sauvegarde Abandon Index XXX cr Erreur de lecture Erreur d'criture Err. creation d'index Interrompu

left & right keys to release. INVALID CARD NO CARD UNKNOWN FORMAT DIR UNUSABLE Card reading Card busy USB mode FORMAT CORRUPTED CARD READ ERROR UNFORMATTED CARD Remode mode In Out Thr Off Index Begin End End loop Listen loop/Trim Place cut Slide left segment Slide right segment Step/Listen Delete cut Undo cut out Del segment Exit Index XXX Edit length: Remain: Edit Save Quit directory Index XXX created Read error Write error Unable to create index Aborted
max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 21 chars. max. 7 chars. max. 7 chars. max. 7 chars. max. 5 chars. max. 6 chars. max. 9 chars. max. 9 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 19 chars. max. 12 chars. max. 12 chars. max. 12 chars. max. 5 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 12 chars. max. 12 chars. max. 7 chars. max. 10 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars.

Page 41

Saut automatique Index en boucle Config. Start / Stop Fader start Erreur Presser une touche Cration index XXX Annuler sauvegarde Format de nom Machine Machine_heure Machine_date Machine_date_heure Carte Carte_heure Carte_date Carte_date_heure Nom de carte Nom de machine Niveau d'entre Normal Verrouill
Automatic skip Index loop Start / Stop config. Fader start Error Press any key Creating index XXX Abort saving File name format Machine Machine_time Machine_date Machine_date_time Card Card_time Card_date Card_date_time Card name Machine name Input level Normal Locked
max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 22 chars. max. 20 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars. max. 18 chars.

Page 42

26 SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL Data Storage medium Recording Method Compression type A/D & D/A conversion Sampling Rate Bit-Rates Mono/Stereo Recording Capacity PCMCIA Slot Dynamic Range Adjust Filters File Format INPUTS Mic. / Line Inputs Microphone Powering Sensitivity Line Input Line Input Sensitivity OUTPUTS Headphone Line Output transformerless THD at 1 kHz Frequency response Total dynamic range POWER SUPPLY Battery pack Lithium Ion pack Consumption PCMCIA ATA cards, Compact flash cards, Micro drives Digital (PCM) or Digital compression ISO MPEG Layer II* 20 Bit Sigma-Delta 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 kHz 64, 128, 192, 256, 384 kb/s* Switchable and input routing 1 hour 26 minutes on a 1 GB card Stereo 48 kHz PCM, 34 hours 45* minutes on a 1 GB card Mono 48 kHz 64 kb/s Single type I & II 50 dB for 0 dB record (manual), 40 dB for 0 dB record (ALC) Flat , LFA Broadcast Wave Format (.wav) 2 XLR connectors 48 V Phantom From 2 mV to 10 mV for 0 dB recording Symmetrical transformerless 0.44 V to 2.6 V for 0 dB recording Jack 6.3 mm stereo connector MS decoding 2 XLR connectors, symmetrical 0.1 % 30 Hz 80 dB 20 kHz (-3 dB in EE mode)

6 x AA cells 2400 mAh 9 V - 150 mA, 7.2 V (no display light)

185 mA during record

PHYSICAL
Dimensions Weight 160 x 168 x 56 mm (6 x 6 x 2 inch) 900 g, (2 lb) (* including the MPEG option) Note: We have not tested all available cards and adapters on the market. Therefore we cannot guaranty the perfect operation in the Nagra machines. Cards and adapters supplied by Nagra are guarantied to operate within the machine specifications.

Page 43

27 SAFETY/COMPLIANCE
DECLARATION DE CONFORMITE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
FABRICANT: MANUFACTURER: APPAREIL : MODEL: NORMES APPLICABLES : APPLICABLE NORMS: Champ lectromagntique rayonn Radiated electromagnetic field Perturbations conduites sur secteur Disturbance voltage on mains terminal Immunit aux champs lectromagntiques Immunity to electromagnetic fields Immunit aux dcharges lectrostatiques Immunity to electrostatic discharges Immunit aux transitoires lectriques rapides en salves sur cble d alimentation Immunity to burst on mains line Immunit aux transitoires lectriques rapides en salves sur cbles d entres/sorties signaux Immunity to burst on input/output line Immunit aux ondes de choc Immunity to surge EN 55022 CI. B EN 55022 CI. B EN 55022 CI. B EN 55022 CI. B EN 61000-4-3 EN 61000-4-3 EN 61000-4-2 EN 61000-4-2 EN 61000-4-4 level 2 (1000V) EN 61000-4-4 level 2 (1000V) NAGRAVISION S.A. KUDELSKI GROUP, 1033 CHESEAUX SUISSE NAGRAVISION S.A.KUDELSKI GROUP 1033 CHESEAUX, SWITZERLAND ARES-BB & alimentation secteur NB-PSU + ARES-BB & mains power adapter NB-PSU
EN 61000-4-4 level 1 (500V) EN 61000-4-4 level 1 (500V) EN 61000-4-5 level 2 (1000V) EN 61000-4-5 level 2 (1000V) Cheseaux 3 trimestre 2004 th Cheseaux 3 quarter 2004

Page 44

NAGRAVISION SA KUDELSKI GROUP Route de Genve 22 CH-1033 Cheseaux Switzerland Phone +41 (0)21 732-0101 Fax +41 (0)21 732-0100 E-mail info@nagra.com
All rights reserved- July 18, 2006

NAGRA ARES-BB MANUAL

Version: Sept.6, 2004
WARNING: The ARES-BB has a built-in charger (charge current = 300mA). NiCd or Ni-Metal-Hydride cells can be used.

PN 150

CONTENTS
1DELIVERED WITH.... INSTALLING THE BATTERIES (NB-BB OPTION)... INSTALLING THE FLASHCARD... POWER ON, POWER OFF... CONTRAST... BUTTONS... ARES-P II or ARES-BB DIFFERENCES.. FIRST TIME SWITCH ON... MAIN DISPLAY DESCRIPTION.. 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 10.5 EXTERNAL RECORD COMMAND... LEVEL ADJUSTMENT... 8 11.1 OUTPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT... 8 11.2 INPUT LEVEL ADJUSTMENT... 8 11.3 THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT... CENTER & ARROW KEYS..LED MODULOMETER...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 / INDEX(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 MODE ONLY..15 14.3.3 CARD FORMATTING, FAT 16 MODE ONLY..15 14.3.4 FORMAT REPAIRING, NFS MODE ONLY..15 14.3.5 BATTERY TYPE...15 14.3.6 PROGRAM SELECT...16 14.3.7 CONTRAST...16 14.3.8 VERSION...16 14.4 TEMPLATES, FAT 16 MODE ONLY...16

Issue: September Page 2

14.5 SETTINGS MENU...17 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 14.5.11 MS DECODER, FAT 16 MODE ONLY..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..LOCKING THE SETTINGS...LOCKING THE KEYPAD...AUTO POWER OFF....MESSAGES....21 18.1 IN NFS MODE....21 18.2 IN FAT 16 MODE...SOFTWARE UPDATE...MENU TREE ARES-BB, NFS MODE..MENU TREE ARES-BB, FAT 16 MODE...INPUTS, OUTPUTS & SPECIFICATIONS..29 22.1 LEFT SIDE....29 22.2 OUTPUT SIDE...29 22.3 SPECIFICATIONS...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.ARES-BB FAT 16 MODE, PC DRIVERS & INSTALLATION..SPECIFICATIONS...SAFETY/COMPLIANCE...34

Issue: September 6 2004

Page 3

1DELIVERED WITH.

1 Jack 6.3 mm (90 degrees) connector, 1 USB cable, 1 CDR with Ares Import, Digigram import software and manuals.
2 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES (NB-BB OPTION).
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:

In the tools sub-menus select the corresponding type of battery pack (AA cells or Li-ion) Batt. Type Capacity Charging time Record mode Manufactory NimH 1300 mAh 2300 mAh 2400 mAh 4h30 8h00 8h30 x 5h30 11h35 12h30 12h50 GP Sanyo Saft Panasonic, Alkaline
When using the external NimH power supply, check that Li-Ion the switch on the battery compartment is set to Dry cells 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 turns off). If the yellow led never turns off, it means that one or more cells are defective. 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.
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 ENTER key (13) to store the new setting in the C machine. Press the LEFT arrow key (10) to quit the menus. The factory setting has the value 32.

Page 4

6 BUTTONS.
Power ON / OFF Record, Marker key Rewind, skip backwards key Stop key Play key Forward, skip forwards key Reduce input sensitivity or playback level key Increase input sensitivity or playback level key
Up arrow key or increase output level key Left arrow key Down arrow key or reduce output level key Right arrow key Other menu or execute key Marker 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.

Page 5

8 FIRST TIME SWITCH ON.
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 switch 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 improve the clarity of the display.
Input level indication for Left and Right channel
Headroom indicator Input level
Status of the ARES-BB STOP, PLAY, REC, FWD, RWD Take number and position in minutes and seconds Status of the flashcard Battery status

-9 007

0 In 0:00

Level adjustment

- 20dB
Level setting Stop or play position on the flashcard Remaining time on the card in minutes and seconds

12 Index R: Low Battery

Messages

4:08:26

Total number of recorded takes
Status of the ARES- BB STOP RECORD PLAY SEARCH FORWARD SEARCH BACKWARD ARES-BB is in STAND BY mode ARES-BB is in RECORD mode ARES-BB is in PLAY mode ARES-BB is playing fast forwards ARES-BB is playing fast backwards
Take / Index 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 / Index 7 (0 minutes, 0 seconds). Stop or play position on the flashcard The marker shows the exact playback position, Take / Index 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 Take / Indexs This area shows the total number of Take / Indexs already recorded on the flashcard. Remaining time on the card in minutes and seconds Issue: September 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 OW BATTERY appears in the display. When the voltage L drops below 5.1V the machine automatically switches off. When the battery icon disappears during a USB connection in the FAT 16 mode, it means that the machine is pow ered 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 dBs 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 / Index or formatting the card. If during record the RECORD key is pressed again, a new Take / Index 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 tw o functions called SKIP backwards or forwards and REWIND or FORWARD. SKIP. For NFS mode. In STOP mode: To jump Take / Index-by-Take / Index, pressing briefly on the << or >> keys will decrement or increment the Take / Index position. In PLAY mode: To jump to other Take / Indexs on the card, press twice in quick succession the << or >> to decrement or increment the Take / Index number. Issue: September Page 7

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.

0 In 0:dB/94 dB

12 Index
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.

Page 9

12 CENTER & ARROW KEYS

0 0:00

Directory Tools Settings

Directory Tools

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).

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.

-9 001

Note: In the FAT mode, all recorded files are called Index, in the NFS mode all recorded files are called Take / Indexs.
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-menus 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.
000 0.00 1.25 3.48 4.24 4:08:26
0./ 03 / / 03 / / 03 / / 03 / 00
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: September Page 10
If the marker has a shape, it means that the Take / Index compression is the same as the current settings of the machine. If the marker has a > shape, it means that the Take / Index compression is different from the current settings of the machine. In the latter case, if the LAY button (5) is pressed, the corresponding compression will be P automatically loaded in the DSP, and play starts. If the marker is in front of one of the audio Take / Indexs, 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.

Page 11

14.1.1 HORIZONTAL SCROLLING. Use the LEFT (10) and RIGHT (12) ARROW keys. NOTE Titles can only be added in the NFS mode and are not existing in the FAT 16 mode :

Selected file No

Current position inside the selected file
File No 001, length 1minute 25 seconds, recorded March 12, 2000
002 0.00 1.25 3.48 4.24 4:08:26
1./ 03 / / 03 / / 03 / / 03 / 00
Format file, created March 12, 2000

End of list

Remaining time on the card at the selected compression
002 3./ 03 / : / 03 / : / 03 / : / 03 / : 19
002 3.48 Format MPEG 192 / 48 ST. MPEG 128 / 24 ST. G.722
002 3.48 < No title > FOOTBALL GAME IN < No title > ACCIDENT

002 3.48 < No title > GAME IN PARIS < No title >
002 3.48 < No title > PARIS < No title >
The display shows the length, the date of recording, the time at the record start, the type of compression and the title of each Take / Index. The title can be maximum 31 characters long and scrolls over the display in 3 stages.
14.1.2 VERTICAL SCROLLING.
000 0.00 1.25 3.48 4.24 4:08:26 0./ 03 / / 03 / / 03 / / 03 / 0.00 1.25 3.48 4.24 4:08:26 0./ 03 / / 03 / / 03 / / 03 / 00
Pushing the UP (9) or DOWN (11) ARROW keys makes the vertical scrolling. Issue: September Page 12
The Take / Index number 000 is the format Take / Index. It shows the time and date when the card was last formatted.
End 000 0.00 1.25 3.48 4.24 4:08:26 0./ 03 / / 03 / / 03 / / 03 / 00
Quit directory Delete Delete to end Renumber Renumber all

-9 002

3 Index
In the FAT 16 mode, Take / Index 000 does not exist. 14.1.3 QUIT DIRECTORY. To escape from the DIRECTORY, press the CENTER button (13) once followed by the RIGHT arrow key (12). The display returns to STATUS display. 14.1.4 TITLING, NFS MODE ONLY. Titles can be added to the format file (000) and each sound file for identification purposes. In the DIRECTORY, select the Take for a new title. Press the CENTER key once and the following display appears: Select TAKE TITLING.
Title take 036 Stop Play >> Rec. key = Escape key = Delete key = Insert key = Write it
Quit directory Take titling
Pressing the STOP key returns the display to the DIRECTORY. Characters can be selected with the UP and DOWN keys. To enter the selected character, press the CENTER key. To delete a character, highlight the corresponding character with the EFT ARROW or RIGHT L ARROW keys and press the PLAY key. To insert a character, highlight the corresponding character for the insertion area and press the >> key. All characters from the highlight position will be shifted one space. To record the title on the flashcard, press the RECORD key once. ATTENTION: Once a title is added to a recording, it cannot be altered in any way on a linear flash card. Titles on ATA cards can be modified. If during titling, the RECORD key is pressed twice, the title will be recorded and the machine starts a new audio record. If during TITLING the RECORD button on the side of the machine is pressed, audio record starts immediately and the title is not recorded.

Format card Format card (FAT16)? PRESS CENTER KEY. Format card Format card (FAT16)? The current content of the card will be lost! RIGHT KEY TO CONFIRM. Format card Format card (FAT16)?

Formatting.

Execute by pressing the RIGHT arrow key (12) and the card formatting will begin. Once the formatting is finished, the display shows Done. To escape from the sub-menu, press the LEFT (10) or RIGHT (12) key once. 14.3.4 FORMAT REPAIRING, NFS MODE ONLY. If during record, the card was removed (or batteries removed), an UNCLOSED FILE will be left on the card. This utility allows the user to close this file correctly. FORMAT CORRUPTED will be shown.
FORMAT REPAIRING UNCLOSED FILE. RECOVER ? PRESS CENTER KEY. FORMAT REPAIRING UNCLOSED FILE. RECOVER ? RECOVER COMPLETE.

-9 003

FORMAT CORRUPTED
FORMAT REPAIRING NO FORMAT PROBLEMS.
Follow the instructions on the display to recover the Take / Index. The last recorded file will be closed at the end of the memory of the card. The remaining time becomes 0 min. 0 sec. To escape from the sub-menu, press the LEFT (10) or RIGHT (12) key once. 14.3.5 BATTERY TYPE. This menu allows selection of the type of battery connected to the AresBB. For dry cells, Ni-mH or Ni-Cd, fitted in the NB-BB box select the mode AA cells. For the Lithium-Ion pack NB-LIB, select Li-ion. If the Li-Ion LI-ION selection is made when using the NB-BB pack, then the machine will shut down before the cells are completely exhausted. If however AA cells is selected but a Lithium Ion pack is used, then during record, the machine may suddenly turn off and corrupt the card, as the pack will be exhausted and go into its internal safety protection mode before the machine shuts down.
BATTERY TYPE "AA" CELLS LI-ION

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14.3.6 PROGRAM SELECT.
PROGRAM SELECT FAT 16 FILE SYST. NAGRA FILE SYST.
The program select permits to swap between the 2 recording modes FAT 16 mode or NAGRA mode (NFS) compressed files. This sub menu does not appear if software option I is not installed. To escape from the sub-menu, press the LEFT key (10) once.

NAGRA FILE SYST.

14.3.7 CONTRAST.

Contrast

TEST 34
Current contrast = 32 Default contrast = 33
This menu permits to adjust the contrast of the display. Pressing the UP (9) or DOWN (11) key changes the current contrast. Pressing the CENTER key (13) stores the contrast settings as a default value at power on. To escape from the sub-menu, press the LEFT key (10) once.

14.3.8 VERSION.

ARES-BB S/N : 123456789 Soft (FAT): Vx.xx Audio board: 2 Software options: #1 #2
Selecting the VERSION sub-menu shows the serial number of the recorder as well as current version of the software installed. The version shown in this picture corresponds to the version for the FAT 16 mode. Turning on the machine in the NFS mode will show the NFS version. To escape from the sub-menu, press the LEFT key (10) once.

14.4 TEMPLATES, FAT 16 MODE ONLY. The Ares -BB can store and recall 4 different templates. To have an overview of the different sub-menu settings that can be stored, refer to the menu tree at the end of this manual. Only menu settings with a red square against it can be X X X stored. To use a template, setup the machine as required, then go to TEMPLATES, select STORE 1 and press the execute key (13). The message DONE will appear. If now any changes were made in the setup, you can go to RECALL 1 and press the execute key once again. This returns the machine to the settings stored in template 1.
Templates Recall 4 Store 1 Store 2

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14.5 SETTINGS MENU. The settings menu gives access to several sub-menus.
Settings Input filter ALC ALC threshold On Settings ALC ALC threshold ALC speed Using +/- keys Settings ALC threshold ALC speed Beep Normal
Settings ALC speed Beep Compression On
Settings Beep Compression Backlight MPEG 128/48
Settings Compression Backlight Output level Automatic
The current setting of each is always shown at the bottom of the display. In NFS mode, COMPRESSION is shown, in the FAT 16 mode, the name compression is replaced by FILE FORMAT.

14.5.1 INPUT FILTER.

Input filter
Two possibilities are available: FLAT or LOW CUT.

Flat Low cut Flat

14.5.2 ALC.

On Off On

From this sub-menu, the ALC can be switched ON or OFF. It is highly recommended to switch on the LOW CUT filter if ALC is turned ON.

14.5.3 ALC THRESHOLD.

ALC threshold -74 dB Using +/- keys

Using +/- keys

The THRESHOLD can be adjusted from 104 dB to 74 dB. In this case the +key (8) and the -key (7) are disabled. If USING +/KEYS is selected, the +key (8) and -key (7) are enabled during STOP and RECORD mode, which allows the THRESHOLD level to be adjusted without returning in the SETTINGS menu.

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14.5.4 ALC REACTION SPEED.
ALC speed Fast Normal Slow Normal
The ALC SPEED can be set to a FAST, NORMAL or SLOW reaction time.

14.5.5 BEEP.

Beep Off On
The beep signal is only available at the output and is not recorded. It can be switched ON or OFF.
14.5.6 COMPRESSION, NFS MODE ONLY.
Compression MPEG 64/16 MPEG 128/48 MPEG 128/24 MPEG 64/48
17 different types of compression can be selected. Use the P (9) or DOWN (11) arrow keys to select the type of U compression to be used and press the CENTER key (13) to select one. The display returns to the previous menu.
Example : MPEG 64/48 stands for: MPEG 1Layer II MONO compression at a total bit-rate of 64kb/s using a sampling frequency of 48kHz. MPEG 192/48 ST stands for: MPEG 1 Layer II STEREO compression at a total bit-rate of 192kb/s (96kb/s per channel) using a sample rate of 48kHz. 14.5.7 FILE FORMAT, FAT 16 MODE ONLY.

Mode Trigger level Trigger delay Trigger level Trigger delay Stop delay

Auto record

8:08:50

13 Index

8:08:48
The left picture shows the machine ready to record automatically. The right picture shows the machine in the record mode. The Ares -BB can also be stopped manually by pressing the Stop button (4). Issue: September Page 19

14.7 MIKE

This menu gives access to the selection of the microphone type (routing, Mono or Stereo) as well as the 48V power supply.
Mike type 48V, Mike power
14.7.1 48V PHANTOM MIKE POWER.

48V. Mike power Off On

14.7.2 MIKE TYPE, FAT 16 MODE ONLY. If MONO is selected and a stereo pair of microphones is connected and the FILE FORMAT is set to a mono recording, both channels will be mixed and reduced by 3 dB before they are recorded as a mono Mono channel. Stereo If STEREO is selected and a mono microphone is connected and the Mono FILE FORMAT is set to a stereo recording, only the left channel will be recorded. If MONO is selected and a mono microphone is connected and the FILE FORMAT is set to a stereo recording, both channels will have the same signal.

Mike type

If Phantom microphones are used the 48V must be turned on. This selection needs to be confirmed by pressing the right arrow key. On the main display, the text will appear next to the battery status.

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15 LOCKING THE SETTINGS.

Settings

By pressing a certain combination of keys when turning on the machine, the settings can then be locked step-by-step. This to prevent, the user changing the settings inadvertenly or otherwise. To obtain the combination code, contact your local NAGRA dealer.
Beep Compression Backlight MPEG 128/48
Any sub-menu can be locked by pressing the STOP button or unlocked by pressing the PLAY button. When the sub-menu has been locked, a closed padlock appears in front of the selected submenu. When the sub-menu has been unlocked, the closed padlock dissapears. To remove the password, switch off and on again the machine.

16 LOCKING THE KEYPAD.

During record or playback the keyboard can be locked by setting the keypad switch (15) to ON. To unlock the keyboard, set the same switch back to OFF. When the keypad is locked, the message Keypad lock appears on the display

17 AUTO POWER OFF

When the machine is left in the STOP mode for 10 minutes, it will automatically switch off. During the last 14 seconds of that period, the beep sounds every second. When any key is pressed, the power counter will be reset. To disable the auto power off, from the power off status , press and hold the center key while pressing the power key. In the case that the machine is turned on w ith the auto power disabled, the message NO AUTO POWER OFF appears during a few seconds.

18 MESSAGES

18.1 IN NFS MODE LOW BATTERY NO CARD FORMAT CORRUPTED CARD FULL INVALID CARD UNFORMATTED CARD CARD WRITE PROTECTED OPEN WRITE ERROR WRITE ERROR CARD NEARLY FULL ERASE COMPLETED FORMAT COMPLETED CARD READ ERROR READ ERROR UNKNOWN FORMAT CARD TOO SLOW BUFFER OVERFLOW AUTO POWER OFF NO AUTO POWER OFF The battery voltage has dropped too low No card is inserted Occurs if the card was removed during record or power lost abruptly No more record memory is available The card is not recognized by the machine The card is recognized but not formatted Write protection switch on the card is ON Defective card or card error Defective card or card error 60 seconds recording time left on the card At the end of erasure of one or several Take / Indexs At the end of a card formatting Impossible to read the directory due to a defective card or a read error Read error during playback The card is recognized but not the type of format Depending from the selected file format, some cards do not accept a high recording bit rate Record buffer is full due to a slow card The machine will switch of in the next 15 seconds Auto power off has been disabled

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18.2 IN FAT 16 MODE "WRONG USB VERSION" "CARD FULL" "OPEN WRITE ERROR" "WRITE ERROR" "READ ERROR" "CARD TOO SLOW" "DIRECTORY FULL" "CARD NEARLY FULL" "KEYPAD LOCKED" "AUTO POWER OFF" "LOW BATTERY" "NO AUTO POWER OFF" "INVALID CARD" "NO CARD" "UNKNOWN FORMAT" "DIR UNUSABLE " "CARD READING." "CARD BUSY." "USB MODE" AUTO REC. LEVEL ERROR DSP and USB software versions are incompatible No more memory available on the card Defective card or card error Defective card or card error Defective card or card error Depending from the selected file format, some cards do not accept a high recording bit rate 999 Take / Indexs (files) already recorded 60 seconds recording time left on the card The full keypad is locked The machine will switch of in the next 15 seconds The battery voltage has dropped too low Auto power off has been disabled The card is not recognized by the machine No card inserted in the slot The card is recognized but not the type of format The ARESP folder cannot be created Example: an ARESP file name was already present Appears during the directory reading Appears when the card is busy Example: delete to end or renumbering The card is accessed via USB The input gain is not suitable versus the record trigger level

160 x 168 x 56 mm (6 x 6 x 2 inch) 900 g, (2 lb)
Only possible if software option #1 is present

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23 ARES-BB NFS MODE, PC SOFTWARE & INSTALLATION
These programs add several features when the ARES-BB is connected to the USB port of a PC or if the flashcard from the ARES-BB is inserted in a PC PCMCIA slot: Display the directory of the flash card Playback of the recorded files Import recorded files into the computer's hard disk Edit the recorded files. Insert the CD in your PC or laptop and follow the instructions.
23.1 ARES- BB SOFTWARE, NFS MODE, USING A PC PCMCIA SLOT Carefully read the text file in the root directory before any installation. From explorer, double click the NetiaVersion folder followed by the AresImport folder.
Double click SETUP.EXE file to start the installation. If the PCMCIA slot is based on an ISA or PCI bus or buit-in to a laptop, the Elan drivers need also to be installed. If the PCMCIA slot is connected via SCSI, the Elan drivers may not be installed. 23.2 ARES- BB SOFTWARE, NFS MODE, USING A PC USB PORT This only works if both software options I & II are installed on the Ares -BB Carefully read the text file in the root directory before any installation. From explorer, double click the DigigramVersion folder followed by setup.exe.

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AresImport: AresImport permits to read the directory from the flash card as well as playback and or import and conversion. RCXLoad: Display t e files located on the memory card with their characteristics (date, duration, encoding h format) in an MS explorer fashion. Playing back a selected file, using the ARES-BB audio output or the local PC sound card. Using Drag and Drop, import one or several files with format conversion to MPEG Layer 2 or PCM format. XtrackLE (a Limited Edition of Xtrack): Uses the physical I/O of the RCX220 as well as any other standard device. Offers two fully independent mono or stereo tracks where records can be uploaded via RCXload. Provides you with of a complete set of tools to cut, copy, paste, trim any portion of a track, as well as level editing functions such as fade in and fade out. Once the edit finished, it can be processed into a single sound file (MPEG or PCM) with automatic sampling frequency and bit rate conversion. To obtain full multi-track editing capabilities including mp3 export, the full version of Xtrack software can be purchased from Digigram.
24 ARES-BB FAT 16 MODE, PC DRIVERS & INSTALLATION
Turn on the Ares -BB and connect it via the USB cable to the PC or Mac. After a moment, the new divice will be detected as an external remouvable hard drive. IMPORTANT: for Windows 98 SE users; connect the Ares-BB (FAT mode) to the PC. Once Windows asks for the USB drivers to be installed, specify the way to the CDR Win98SeUsbDrivers folder. The following pictures are an example on PC were the Ares - BB is recognized as disk (F).