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9 MICROPHONES AND SETTINGS.
The NAGRA-SD can use the following microphones:
External standard stereo clip-on mic (Red band)
External mono clip-on mic (Blue band)
External high quality stereo clip-on mic (Green band)
External dynamic microphone(s) (with cable)
External Electret microphone(s) (with cable)
The standard Stereo microphone (Red band) contains two cardioïd capsules.
The high quality stereo microphone (Green band) has two cardioïd capsules inside, mounted on
special shock resistant neoprene mountings. The capsules are individually selected and matched
in both noise and gain characteristics, according to a strict selection and measurement protocol. This microphone offers a good stereo image, and is
very versatile.
The mono capsule (Blue band) is an omni-directional capsule, which offers two principal differences to the stereo capsule. Firstly, being an omni
capsule it captures much more of the ambience and is ideal for on-the-move journalism, especially because most interviews are mono. Secondly, in an
interview situation it is not necessary to "point" the microphone at the person speaking. The omni-direction characteristics allow all those being
recorded to be captured equally, hence making the journalist job less intimidating. In addition it offers longer recording times to the NAGRA-SD as the
recorded files can be mono.
The use of the foam windshield is strongly recommended with the clip-on NAGRA microphones.
10 LOW CUT FILTER OR NOT ON THE NAGRA-SD
The ARES-ML is equipped with a analogue low cut filter integrated within the
microphone pre-amplifier. This filter can be turned ON or OFF as desired.
The frequency of the cut is at 100Hz with a gradient of 40 dB / octave.
This filter can be activated for each microphone type, as defined in the USER list
(DYN, NAGRA, COND......)
It is specially useful for recordings made using directional microphones outside in
windy conditions, such as the stereo NAGRA microphone. In fact, cardioïd (speed
capsules) such as the NAGRA microphone are susceptible to vortexes induced by
wind moving round the microphone capsule, contrary to omni-directional (pressure) capsules, which are not.
Note however that the NAGRA microphone is equipped with a fine silk screen directly behind the grill / basket carefully positioned to compensate for
these vortexes and "pop" effects. It is also recommended to use the external foam windshield whenever one works outside when unexpected wind
noise may be encountered.
11 AUDIO COMPRESSION (WHY AND WHEN TO USE IT).
The NAGRA-SD is able to record using different Audio qualities PCM Linear, MPEG Layer II (MP2) and MPEG layer III (MP3) that have their own
particular advantages, which are explained below.
What to use?
Firstly, the less compression used, the better the quality will be. However at higher bit rates (384 kbits/s) you can easily record music and it will
probably not notice any difference.
A few guidelines should be considered:
For journalism / interview work it is unnecessary to use PCM linear. Generally MPEG 1
Layer II is used and the compression / bit rate is generally defined by the broadcaster.
For music / effects PCM linear is the best quality although MPEG at a high bit rate is
probably good enough and gives faster download time.
For ultra long recordings use a very low bit rate, where quality will be "Dictaphone"
quality.
Some important things to remember:
Some computers will not play MPEG 1 Layer II compressed files without an
-
appropriate audio editing software. Typically some versions of the Windows
Media player fall into this category.
Audio CD's will only accept 44.1 kHz linear PCM if they are to be played on a standard CD player.
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12 USB
The miniature USB port serves two purposes: File download or external DC powering.
Audio can be extracted either through the line output in normal playback mode or alternatively via the USB port to the PC / MAC.
Connect the USB cable to the computer and to the NAGRA-SD. Power up the NAGRA-SD. When the USB is connected, a sub-window appears giving
the possibility to select "Power" or "USB communication". Make a selection and press the "CENTRE" key.
Page 14 of 17
Copyright © NAGRAVISION S.A. 2011
Stereo
Mono
Stereo HQ
February 9, 2011
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