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Nagra -D II Operating Instructions Manual

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NAGRA-D II REGISTRATION FORM
Please carefully fill in this page (IN CAPITAL LETTERS) and return it to us upon receipt of your NAGRA-D II. We
will then be able to send you upgrade pages for your manual, as well as inform you of future developments in
software.
Please return this page to:
NAGRA-D II Serial Number
Purchase date
Your Name / dept.
Company name
Street Name / N°
Town / City
Zip / Postal code
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: __________
: __________
: _____________________________________
: _____________________________________
: _____________________________________
: _____________________________________
: _____________________________________
: _____________________________________
NAGRAVISION SA
Kudelski Group
Route de Genève, 22
1033 CHESEAUX
SWITZERLAND
ATTN: Support Technique
Audio division

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Summary of Contents for Nagra NAGRA-D II

  • Page 1 NAGRA-D II REGISTRATION FORM Please carefully fill in this page (IN CAPITAL LETTERS) and return it to us upon receipt of your NAGRA-D II. We will then be able to send you upgrade pages for your manual, as well as inform you of future developments in software.
  • Page 2 NAGRA DIGITAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Location of Keys / Connectors / Functions Chapter 3 Operation / settings of the NAGRA-D II Chapter 4 Synchronization / Remote control Chapter 5 Specifications Chapter 6 Options and Accessories Index NAGRAVISION S.A., Route de Genève 22, 1033 Cheseaux, Switzerland.
  • Page 3 GUARANTEE We hereby certify that this instrument was thoroughly inspected and tested prior to leaving our factory and is in accordance with the data given in the accompanying test sheet. We guarantee the products of our own manufacture against any defect arising from faulty manufacture for a period of one year from the date of delivery.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TAPE CARE / HANDLING ........................3 ANALOG OUTPUT CONNECTIONS (TO A MIXER) ................3 HEAD CLEANING ...........................4 FOOTPRINT OF THE FORMAT ......................5 LONGITUDINAL TRACKS........................6 HELICAL TRACKS ..........................7 TAPE SPEED ............................7 THE LARGE REELS OPERATION......................8 POWERING THE NAGRA-D II........................9 REMOVING THE INTERNAL BATTERY PACK ..................9 Sept 1999...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    GENERAL DESCRIPTION The concept of the NAGRA-D was to build a truly professional machine based on a format that is reliable and lends itself well to archiving. The NAGRA-D II is a second generation of the NAGRA-D which implements several improvements which have been developed since the introduction of the NAGRA-D in 1992.

  • Page 6: Tape Durations

    This has been a brief outline of the machine, all the points mentioned here will be covered in more detail later. NOTE: The NAGRA-D II has few user selections / switches inside (except the type of CUE microphone to be used - factory selection is for the ND-CM and one bank of DIL switches on the direct amplifier, the use of which is covered under the relevant chapter).

  • Page 7: Electrostatic Discharge

    LINE position before the connection to the NAGRA-D II is made. If they are set to the Phantom +48V position then the output OP-Amps of the NAGRA-D II will almost certainly be damaged by the D.C.

  • Page 8: Head Cleaning

    HEAD CLEANING The NAGRA-D II, like any tape recorder requires that the user clean the heads and other parts of the tape transport periodically. The frequency of this depends on many factors, such as the operating environment, the tape type, mechanical alignment of the machine's transport etc. as with any recorder. It is therefore difficult to give a specific time frame.

  • Page 9: Footprint Of The Format

    Diagram showing the track layout on the tape. The NAGRA-D II records information on the tape not only using the rotary heads in the scanner but also using longitudinal heads. The "footprint" above shows the positioning of these various tracks on the tape. (diagram is not to scale).

  • Page 10: Longitudinal Tracks

    This is a longitudinal SMPTE/EBU 80 bits time code track recorded using Manchester Bi-phase which allows the reading of time code at very high speeds. The internal time code system of the NAGRA-D II includes a time code generator corresponding to all the presently used formats (including drop frame). Time code can be recorded from the internal generator or an external source.

  • Page 11: Helical Tracks

    These tracks are made up of 192 sectors of digital information sent from the ECC (Error Correction Code). The shuffling used in the NAGRA-D II means that it is perfectly possible to record channels 1+2 initially and then at a later date record channels 3+4 (or vice-versa) using the INSERT feature, providing that the machine is in the high speed four track mode.

  • Page 12: The Large Reels Operation

    THE LARGE REELS OPERATION The NAGRA-D II is delivered in the 5" reel configuration, but it can easily be moved to the 7" position. Before attempting to change the positions of the reel motors, the machine must be switched ON (without tape) in order to ensure that the parking brakes are released.
  • Page 13 REMOVING THE INTERNAL BATTERY PACK The internal battery of the NAGRA-D II is considered as an integral component of the machine, and it is not something that is supposed to be changed regularly. To remove it, switch off the machine by pressing the POWER button, and disconnect any external power supply presently connected to the power socket on the right- hand side of the machine.
  • Page 14 ND-EPC is managed by the internal microprocessor of the NAGRA-D II. The battery of the machine will only be charged if the NAGRA-D II is powered up. During use the PWR flag on the display will be alight, and the BAT led will be off to indicate that the external power is being used.

  • Page 15: Powering The Nagra-D Ii

    ACTIONS REMARKS POWERING THE NAGRA- D II Connect Ext. BAT led OFF A.C. Mains ND-CCC PWR flag ON Available ? Charger unit Ext. D.C. Available ? Max. 2 hours Int. Battery BAT led ON Use Internal PWR flag Charged ?
  • Page 16 Chapter 1 Sept 1999...
  • Page 17 Chapter 2 LOCATION OF KEYS / CONNECTORS / FUNCTIONS Description of parts located on: Tape Deck.............................13 Main Control Panel ..........................14 Front Face ............................24 Left-Hand Side Panel...........................26 Right-Hand Side Panel ........................30 Chapter 2 Sept. 1999...
  • Page 18 VIEW FROM ABOVE Chapter 2 Sept.1999...

  • Page 19: Tape Deck

    TAPE DECK (Refer to the photograph showing the NAGRA-D II from above on the previous page) This shows the location of various mechanical parts referred to elsewhere in the manual. Description Supply reel holder Take-up reel holder Scanner (for recording helical tracks)
  • Page 20 18 17 16 Chapter 2 Sept. 1999...
  • Page 21 EE / AUTO / TAPE SELECTOR This three position switch is the EE / AUTO / TAPE that selector selects the monitoring for the machine. = Direct signal all the time AUTO = Direct signal when tape is stopped and “Off tape” when tape is moving TAPE = “Off tape”...
  • Page 22 REC LEDS The red record LEDS will light when the selected channels are in the record mode. If the machine is put into record mode, and two channels are in the SAFE position while the edit selector is in the ASS (assemble) position then the record LEDS of the channels in the SAFE position will flash to indicate to the operator that these two channels are being erased.
  • Page 23 MAIN FUNCTION KEYS READY (RDY) The RDY (ready) key will switch on the scanner (assuming that a tape is installed onto the machine and that neither of the tape tension rollers are at their outer extreme positions). This mode is the same as "scanner on" in a VTR. This has two main advantages. Firstly, once the ready mode is selected and the scanner is up to speed, then the machine can be put into playback or record very quickly.
  • Page 24 The REC (recording) key must be pressed in conjunction with the PLAY key to put the NAGRA-D II into the recording mode, both the PLAY and REC LEDs will light. The channels that are to be recorded are selected according to the positions of the lockout switches (23). (if the edit switch is in the ASS position and the channels are selected to READY, the machine will go into the REC mode in order to record the control track only.
  • Page 25 PLAY The PLAY key puts the machine into normal playback mode. If the EXE key is held down while the PLAY key is pressed then the machine will go into the EDIT mode and the PLAY led will flash. When in the edit mode, the fourth fader pot serves as a search control and will vary the speed and direction of the tape according to the rotational position of the pot.
  • Page 26 NOTE: The leds above each of the main function buttons will flash when the key is pressed, until the selected function is actually activated. For example if STOP is pressed during rapid rewind then the STOP led will flash while the machine comes to a complete stand-still. RIGHT ARROW This is the key used for moving horizontally to the right through the menus on the LCD display when in the MENU mode.
  • Page 27 POWER BUTTON The POWER button is the main power ON / OFF selector for the NAGRA-D II. In the OFF mode none of the internal circuits of the machine are powered. When the machine is switched on then all the electronic circuits are powered, level adjustment and monitoring are possible.
  • Page 28 The overload led will flash when an input level of the A/D converters reaches saturation. The A/D converters of the NAGRA-D II saturate at 0dB on the input. The overload led will indicate even if one sample goes above the specified limits.

  • Page 29: Front Face

    FRONT FACE Chapter 2 Sept. 1999...
  • Page 30 FRONT FACE SLOPE SELECTION This two position switch is used to select the different roll-off slopes of the analog filters. The slope can be selected to be 6 dB per octave or 12 dB per octave. There is one switch for each channel and they can be accessed by moving the slider to the left and then using a small screwdriver to alter the position of the switch.
  • Page 31 LEFT SIDE PANEL Chapter 2 Sept. 1999...

  • Page 32: Left-Hand Side Panel

    Pin 3 = Audio Lo DIGITAL INPUT CONNECTORS These are the two XLR (female) digital inputs to the NAGRA-D II. They are to be used whenever the machine is connected to another piece of equipment communicating on the AES bus. The selection of the inputs to digital mode, as well as the reference frequency is made in the menu mode.
  • Page 33 When connected to the PC access to all the functions of the machine are available. In order for communication to be made between the NAGRA-D II and a PC then the NADCOM for Windows software must be installed on the PC. The NAGRA-D II must be in the SLAVE position in the menu in order to operate with the NADCOM for Windows software.
  • Page 34 RIGHT SIDE PANEL Chapter 2 Sept.1999...

  • Page 35: Right-Hand Side Panel

    ND-CCC series or ND-EPC be connected to this point. The machine must be ON in order to charge the internal battery. (see "Powering the NAGRA-D II" in chapter 1 of this manual). The internal battery will only charge in the LOAD or PARK positions.
  • Page 36 MIRROR COPY OF A NAGRA-D II TAPE TO ANOTHER NAGRA-D / D-II........73 EXPLANATION OF THE PROCEDURE FOR THE COPY FUNCTION.........73 COPY CHANNELS 1 + 2 FROM THE NAGRA-D II ONTO CHANNELS 3 + 4.......75 WHAT IS IN A DIRECTORY ?......................77 TAPES WITHOUT DIRECTORIES....................78...

  • Page 37: Power On

    POWER ON To switch on the NAGRA-D II simply press the black POWER button on the left-hand corner of the main control panel. The display will initially indicate NAGRA-D II (or personal name if programmed) followed by a scroll through the present settings of the recorder and will stop on the previously selected display, the machine is now ready to accept a tape.
  • Page 38 If a directory is detected it will be automatically read. If no directory is detected but the tape has previously been recorded, the display will indicate “No Dir” and will stop at the beginning of the recording. If it is a new tape that has never been used, then the operator will be asked (on the display) whether the tape is to be formatted by displaying “FORMAT ?”.

  • Page 39: Menu Mode

    MENU MODE The NAGRA-D II incorporates a system of menus similar to the "tree" of directories and sub-directories on the hard disk of a PC. The functions that are available via the menu mode are not operations that need to be done frequently during normal use of the machine in the field.
  • Page 40 If the RESET HOLD is activated a second time while the menu is scrolling then the time code and synchronizer settings will be shown assuming the machine is equipped with the internal time code option. 25 f.p.s Frame rate of internal generator INT.GEN.
  • Page 41 MENU TREE FOR NAGRA-D II VERSION 3.00 SOFTWARE DISPLAY ROLLER DISPLAY 2 ROLLER Ref.Freq MASTER REMAIN REMAIN AES 12-96 TAKE TAKE AES 12-88 ABS.TIME ABS.TIME AES 12-48 AES 12-44 TC OUT TIME TC OUT TIME AES 12-32 USER USER AES 34-48...

  • Page 42: Display Selection

    DISPLAY SELECTION This is the first line of the status display, and will always indicate the pre-selected mode. If the right arrow key is pressed then the user can select the different display modes possible, the down arrow is used to scroll through the possible options.
  • Page 43 This display is the dynamic difference between the external time code reference and the time code on the tape while the machine is in the chase synchronize mode. NOTE: The time code selections mentioned above only appear if the NAGRA-D II is fitted with the ND- TC option (#10370) DISPLAY 2 This position allows the selection of an additional display.

  • Page 44: Time Code Selection

    TIME CODE SELECTION This position allows the setting of the time code options of the machine. It permits the setting of the internal time code generator, for both TIME and USER data, as well as frame rate selection and the time code mode. It also allows the choice of the time code to be recorded, as well as access to the internal time code synchronizer features, including modes of operation as well as external references to be used.
  • Page 45 internal generator features and hence "in the field" access to setting of all features concerning the internal time code generator. If the down arrow is pressed from this point, the display will change to SYNC which allows access to all the settings of the internal time code synchronizer. Pressing the right arrow from the GEN position will move to FORMAT allowing all the different operating modes and features of the internal generator to be set.
  • Page 46 DELAY This position allows the user to select the reference point for the time code of the NAGRA-D II. The selection is necessary as there is a very small difference in the time code values on the inputs and outputs of the machine and also between digital and analog signals, due to the different processing time between digital and analog signals.
  • Page 47 When under the SONY 9-pin control it is the editor that performs the synchronisation function not the NAGRA-D II. The difference between REF TC and REF FR P. is in the interpretation of the PLAY command: for a more ample explanation of this selection please refer to “Settings”...
  • Page 48 SYNC mode before the NAGRA-D II will drop out of the LOCKED state. The default setting for this is 15 frames, and can be set to any value from 15 to 999 frames (33 seconds at 30 fps or 42 seconds at 24 fps).

  • Page 49: Battery Reserve Display

    50% on the display. This feature is simply a timing function which approximates the charge state of the battery. As the internal battery pack of the NAGRA-D II is a nickel cadmium and has no electronics inside it is impossible for the machine to determine the amount of reserve that a battery has.

  • Page 50: Inputs Selection

    This position in the menus allows the operator to select the status of the audio inputs of the machine. As the NAGRA-D II has both analog and digital inputs, then the required ones need to be selected. Muting and copying possibilities are also possible.

  • Page 51: Sampling Frequency Selection

    48, 44.1 and 32 kHz. The NAGRA-D II is capable of playing back tapes recorded at one sampling frequency at a different sampling frequency. For example a tape recorded at 48kHz can be played back at 44.1 kHz. The only difference will be that the sound will be "slower".

  • Page 52: Reference Frequency Selection

    REFERENCE FREQUENCY SELECTION This is the reference frequency selection that tells the machine to which signal the internal clocks of the machine are to be synchronized. Generally the machine will be synchronized to its internal crystals (MASTER position), which will guarantee the correct sampling frequency and the full dynamic range. It is however possible to select another external reference, by moving through the possible choices using the arrow keys.
  • Page 53 NAGRA-D II. The alarm led indicates that digital IN or OUT is impossible. If the NAGRA-D II is fitted with the VCLO option, the machine can use an external clock reference that is not exactly at the correct frequency. An example of such an application would be to feed the video reference of NTSC (59.94) to the external video reference connector and to set the REF FREQ.

  • Page 54: Tape Speed Selection

    TAPE SPEED SELECTION This selection allows the operator to select either the standard tape speed (99.2 mm/s) for four track operation when using sampling frequencies up to 48 kHz, or the slow speed two track position (49.6 mm/s). In the slow speed two track position only channels 1 and 2 are operational.

  • Page 55: Directories

    DISABLE to either turn ON or OFF the directory mode. The operation of the directories can be stored in a template if desired. A more detailed explanation of the contents and the operation of the NAGRA-D II’s tape directories can be found later on in Chapter 3 of this manual.

  • Page 56: Other Settings

    NEVER RECORD Tape Tens. 40 gr. 50 gr. Rtc. t 000000 t 000000 dDDMMYY dDDMMYY RS 422 SLAVE AUTO MASTER SONY NAGRA-D BUV-800 AMPEX CALIBRAT Software V X.XX TCV X.XX MEM.RESET dd/mm/yy WAKE UP Headtime H XX.XX Chapter 3 Sept.1999...
  • Page 57 AES data is fed along a single AES wire at the frequency of 96 kHz. In the Double wire mode, two AES lines are used each running at 48 kHz. The NAGRA-D II is capable of operating with either format and its settings for the input and output are totally independent.
  • Page 58 3m 2 0s SCAN RDY The scanner of the NAGRA-D II will stay in the ready mode for 1 minute when no key is pressed, before stopping under normal circumstances. This menu allows the operator to select how long it will continue to rotate. The selection can be 1 min, 3 mins, 5 mins or 15 mins. This setting can be stored in a template if desired.
  • Page 59 Apart from the time code system, the NAGRA-D II is fitted with its own internal real time clock. The time and date of this clock can be accessed through the RTC menu. If the user wishes to set the time and date to a value other than the present one, simply use the right arrow key while looking at the time or date to move to the set mode.
  • Page 60 HEADTIME When the right arrow is pressed from this position, then the display will move to the head time display. This is the indication of the number of hours that the pinchwheel carriage of the machine has been in its forward position (tape in contact with the scanner in Record or Play modes).

  • Page 61: Fader Pot Selections

    FADER POT SELECTIONS Fader Assign SET 1111 SET 1133 SET 1212 SET 1234 ALL CAL. Fade Src. TAPE MANUAL Phase Src TAPE MANUAL Ph. NNNN FADER This position in the menu allows access to some of the possible features of the FADER potentiometers.

  • Page 62: Template

    TEMPLATE The template settings position gives the user the possibility to store in the EEPROM a personalized settings for the menus of the machine. All the required settings should be set for the particular application and then the number of the template to be used by pressing STORE 1, 2, 3 or 4. From then on each time the RECALL 1, 2, 3 or 4 is pressed then their respective settings will be restored.

  • Page 63: Copy

    COPY The copy menu will allow a MIRROR COPY of a NAGRA-D or D-II tape onto another NAGRA-D or D-II II. In order for this feature to operate, a special RS 422 (ND-RSC # 10905) cable needs to be installed between the two machines.

  • Page 64: Alpha-Numeric Listing Of Menu Displays

    ALPHA-NUMERIC LISTING OF MENU DISPLAYS DISPLAY Description +000000 Time code offset value during MODIFY +H00 M00 Hours + Minutes of time code offset +S00 F00.00 Seconds + Frames of time code offset Synchronizer reaction time in frames 0.15 FRAM Winding speed 1 m/second 1 m/s Scanner ready duration 1 MIN...
  • Page 65 Clock reference set to AES input 1+2 at 96 kHz sampling AES 12-96 AES 34-32 Clock reference set to AES input 3+4 at 32 kHz sampling AES 34-44 Clock reference set to AES input 3+4 at 44.1 kHz sampling Clock reference set to AES input 3+4 at 48 kHz sampling AES 34-48 AES format selection AES Mode...
  • Page 66 Reset the C.P.U. MEM.RESET Mode Directory mode Modify Offset modification using FADER pot. 4 Machine identification in Sony RS 422 control NAGRA-D II Reset hold and ECC selection NEVER Video reference Colour NTSC Black and white video reference NTSC-60 Time code offset...
  • Page 67 Software menu Software START Activate the mirror copy function STORE 1 Store menu settings in memory 1 Store menu settings in memory 2 STORE 2 Store menu settings in memory 3 STORE 3 Store menu settings in memory 4 STORE 4 Access to Synchronizer menu Sync Access to clock mode of synchronizer...

  • Page 68: Cue Track

    CUE TRACK As mentioned in chapter 1 of this manual, the NAGRA-D II has a longitudinal CUE track located along the upper edge of the tape which has two main functions. Either the recording of an external cue microphone for commentary purposes, or a recording an analog mix of the 4 digital channels will be placed on the CUE track.

  • Page 69: Monitoring On Headphones

    MONITORING ON HEADPHONES The NAGRA-D II is fitted with two ¼" Jack headphone outputs located on the right-hand side of the machine. This has been done to prevent the operator removing his headphones in order to allow a third party to monitor the recording.

  • Page 70: Edit Mode (Search)

    EDIT MODE (SEARCH) This mode is selected by pressing EXE and PLAY which is marked EDIT above the playback key. Once it has been switched ON then the speed and the direction of the tape can be controlled using the FADER potentiometer corresponding to channel 4. When this mode is selected the monitoring is made on the longitudinal CUE track (which either has a mix of the 4 digital channels and/or commentary recorded on it).

  • Page 71: Microphone Inputs

    Having passed through the standard filters (LFA, Speech and Flat) as on other NAGRA portable recorders the signal is then digitized. The next stage of the signal treatment is taken care of by the DSP (or high speed microprocessor whose architecture is destined towards signal processing) Chapter 3 Sept.1999...
  • Page 72 The operation of the Fade is then insured by a software potentiometer. An interesting peculiarity in the NAGRA- D II is that the fades are not made on the original recording, but simply the corresponding FADER pot position information is recorded as auxiliary data channel and, following these instructions, the fade is then effected during the replay, digitally.
  • Page 73 Chapter 3 Sept.1999...
  • Page 74 The shaded area to the right performs the actual fade function. The area to the left (calibrated 0 to -34 dB) is used to increase the input sensitivity, allowing 0 dB to be indicated on the meter even with a very feeble input signal.

  • Page 75: Recording

    The four XLR inputs on the side of the NAGRA-D II are cabled according to the standard XLR pinning. That is to say pin 1 is earth, pin 2 is the signal positive, and pin 3 is the signal return. Unlike the NAGRA 4.2 and IV-S the powering for "T"...

  • Page 76: Recording A Line Input Signal

    The maximum input level for the NAGRA-D II is +3 dB which is a lot lower than the output of most mixers. The accessory ND-LIA (Line Input Attenuator) should in this case be used for matching. The drawing below shows the respective input levels that can be used with and without the attenuators.

  • Page 77: Recording A Digital Signal

    NAGRA-D II. It should be noted that the NAGRA-D will not re-dither the digital outputs, so if the 24 bit output is being copied to a 16 bit machine then the last eight bits will simply be “Truncated”...

  • Page 78: Mirror Copy Of A Nagra-D Ii Tape To Another Nagra-D / D-Ii

    MIRROR COPY OF A NAGRA-D II TAPE TO ANOTHER NAGRA-D / D-II The ideal way to copy a NAGRA-D II tape is by using the MIRROR COPY function. This feature will allow a tape to be copied to another NAGRA-D II as a replica of the original. The copy feature has several other interesting possibilities apart from simply making copies of the originals for back-up purposes.
  • Page 79 Throughout the copy the slave machine is locked to the master machine. Initially the master will check all the following points before starting the copy: RS 422 communication check between the two machines. If there is a problem then the message “NO RS 422”...

  • Page 80: Copy Channels 1 + 2 From The Nagra-D Ii Onto Channels 3 + 4

    Short takes (less than 1 second in length) will be ignored. COPY CHANNELS 1 + 2 FROM THE NAGRA-D II ONTO CHANNELS 3 + 4 This can be done in two ways, either in analog or digital, however generally this will be done in digital. Connect the digital outputs (1 + 2 assuming that the source material is recorded on channels 1 + 2) to the digital inputs 3 + 4.

  • Page 81: What Is In A Directory

    WHAT IS A DIRECTORY The directory of the NAGRA-D II's tape is a file recorded on the tape which includes a lot of information about the "in/out" points, "takes", "drop-outs" and the "overloads" etc. on the tape. Analysis of the information in the directory can only be accessed fully using a PC equipped with the NADCOM software.
  • Page 82 WHERE IS A DIRECTORY RECORDED The directory is recorded at the beginning of every new tape put onto the NAGRA-D II. When a tape is put onto the machine, once a few turns have been wrapped around the take-up reel then the machine will automatically start to wind the tape and will look for the directory.

  • Page 83: Tapes Without Directories

    TURNING ON/OFF THE DIRECTORY MODE The directory mode, like many other features of the NAGRA-D II, is switched ON via the MENU mode. Pressing the EXE key when ENABLE is on the display in the DIR menu will activate the mode. This is the default mode of the machine.

  • Page 84: Making A Standard Recording

    MAKING A STANDARD RECORDING Once the machine has been powered up, check that the information in the RTC (real Time Clock) is correct. This is looked at in the "Otherset" menu. Then select the other settings required for the machine (sampling freq., input selection, time code mode, TC delay etc.).

  • Page 85: Using The Rec + Rew Command

    "tail out". In this case how does the directory get recorded ? The NAGRA-D II will remember the directories of the last 4 tapes that are put on the machine (Three in memory and the fourth on the machine itself).

  • Page 86: Updating Of A Directory

    UPDATING OF A DIRECTORY There may be occasions when the contents of a directory on a tape need to be modified. Two situations could be for example: EXAMPLE 1 A complete tape is made with many different takes, during the day, and later on the names of the individual takes need to be added with the aid of a PC.

  • Page 87: Skip Features

    SKIP FEATURES The addition of the directory mode to the software of the NAGRA-D II means that the SKIP features can now be used. Pressing EXE + REW is the “skip to previous take” command, and pressing EXE + FF is the “skip to next take”.

  • Page 88: Tracking

    The tape slitting knives at the tape manufacturer have become a little dull/blunt and leave some extra edge debris on tape which finds its way to the NAGRA-D II. As the tape moves across the machine’s scanner, the dirt begins to pile-up on the right side of the scanner ramp. The ramp is the curved metal ledge, with five screw heads showing, which guides the bottom reference edge of the tape as it passes from left to right across the face of the scanner.
  • Page 89 ALL IS NOT LOST Located several button presses away from the NAGRA-D II’s main LCD time display, is the section of the machine’s set-up menu called Otherset. This is where the odds-and-ends settings are found. Here, the TRACKING feature allows the operator who is familiar with its use, to overcome most performance problems associated with difficulties like those mentioned above.

  • Page 90: Adjusting Tracking At Half-Speed

    As a safety precaution, the NAGRA-D II will automatically restore the factory-set tracking value the next time the machine is powered up. If you are not sure of the current tracking setting, simply turn the machine off, then back on and tracking will be restored to normal.

  • Page 91: Display Messages

    DISPLAY MESSAGES Message Reason Cpy. Abort The STOP key on the master machine has been pressed during the mirror copy operation. Dir.In mem When reading, the tape is recognized as having a directory already in memory but not yet saved on tape. Done Calibration of speed for SONY control is completed.
  • Page 92 beginning of this section are adhered to. Ver. Error Incompatible software versions between two machines when trying to make a mirror copy. Writing This is displayed during the recording process of the tape directory. WRONG LOC. When reading a directory the machine has detected that the tape has a recording but it is looking for the directory in the wrong location on the tape.
  • Page 93 Sample Sync ..........................100 Connecting The NAGRA-D II To An Edit Controller..............100 The Protocol..........................101 Understanding Sony Based Controllers ..................101 Synchronisation..........................102 Important Settings In The Editor ....................102 The Modes / Settings Of The NAGRA-D II And What They Do............103 Chapter 4 Dec 1998...

  • Page 94: Synchronization Possibilities

    In the case of the NAGRA-D II when we talk about synchronization possibilities, we cover all aspects of time code, the use of an external video reference, using the AES bus etc.

  • Page 95: Video Reference

    PAL, SECAM or NTSC standards. A composite video signal has the horizontal sync (line sync) just before the burst. This horizontal sync is extracted from the signal by the NAGRA-D II and used as a reference for the first VCXO (Voltage controlled crystal oscillator). All the other internal frequencies are in turn referenced to this first VCXO.

  • Page 96: External Sync

    EXTERNAL SYNC The external sync input is yet another way to synchronize the internal clocks of the NAGRA-D II. The advantage of this 5V logic input is that it can be used to control the first VCXO (Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator) from an external source without the need of turning the whole input signal into the AES format.

  • Page 97: Time Code (If Nd-Tc Option Is Fitted)

    DISPLAYING A TIME CODE The small 8 digit 14 segment display of the NAGRA-D II or a PC connected to the RS 422 port can be used to display time code. If the right arrow is pressed from the normal display position then either the time code...

  • Page 98: Setting The Time Code (Internal Generator)

    SETTING THE TIME CODE (INTERNAL GENERATOR) The internal generator of the NAGRA-D II can be set either from the keyboard using the arrow keys, or from an external time code source. Once the internal generator has been set from the EXT source the counting is continued by means of the internal generator, hence there is no need to have a cable link permanently.

  • Page 99: Time Code Assemble Mode

    Thus allowing the user to work with "time of day" or "sequential" time code. In the REC RUN (record run) mode, the internal time code generator will only run when the machine is in the record mode. As soon as the machine stops recording then the internal generator is frozen and will remain that way until the machine is put into record again.

  • Page 100: Setting Time/User Data From External Or The Keyboard

    SETTING THE TIME CODE DELAY The time code delay selection is a new feature that was not installed in previous NAGRA time code products. Due to the difference in time needed to process digital and analog signals, either from the inputs or on the outputs, it is necessary to reference the time code system according to the operation being made.

  • Page 101: Replaying Time Code

    As the longitudinal speed of the tape on the NAGRA-D II varies depending on the sampling frequency selected, then for time code to be played back correctly the machine must be at the same sampling frequency as during the recording.

  • Page 102: Time Code Synchronization

    TIME CODE SYNCHRONIZATION The time code version of the NAGRA-D II is fitted with an internal time code chase synchroniser. The synchroniser performs in much the same way as the internal synchroniser of the NAGRA T-AUDIO TC. It has the possibility to synchronise the machine either to an external time code that is fed to the LEMO connector on the left-hand side of the machine, or to a video sync reference fed to the BNC connector.

  • Page 103: Synchronizer Displays

    SYNCHRONIZER DISPLAYS Several indications are made on the LCD display while using the time code synchronizer, these are explained below: The (') indications between the digits will light up under certain conditions which are: VIDEO When alight this indicates that a valid video reference is present on the BNC connector, either PAL or NTSC (for the time code only) the video reference if used, must correspond to the time code (ie PAL = 25 Fps TC).

  • Page 104: Tape Counter

    NOTE: Under RS 422 SONY protocol control the counter roller (CTL or Timer 1) mode for synchronisation must not be used as the definition of the roller on the NAGRA-D II is not high enough to allow accurate synchronisation. If this is the case then the editor will not be able to synchronise the machine.

  • Page 105: Sample Sync

    This feature allows two NAGRA-D II recorders to be locked together with sample accurate synchronization during record. Likewise, during playback the two machines can be synchronized giving eight channels in perfect sync.

  • Page 106: The Protocol

    As the NAGRA-D IIs tape format is unique, tapes made in the field using a NAGRA-D II can only be replayed on a NAGRA-D II in the studio for post production work. It is very difficult to explain exactly how the post-production should be done, as there are so many different practices used around the world.

  • Page 107: Synchronisation

    VTR”. However, as most machines in studios today are unable to do this, it is the editor that does all the work. Naturally, the NAGRA-D II (or T-Audio) is better at handling its ballistics than an external controller made by another company.

  • Page 108: The Modes / Settings Of The Nagra-D Ii And What They Do

    15 frames). REF.FREQ This is the external reference for the internal clocks of the NAGRA-D II. It is the reference signal for all the internal timing pulses. When in video applications and under editor control, this MUST be set to the incoming VIDEO reference.
  • Page 109 (REF FREQ menu). If however the synchroniser of the NAGRA-D II sees an error of more than 1 frame, it will re-engage itself to correct the synchronisation error. This is the recommended operating mode.
  • Page 110 Chapter 4 Sept 1999...
  • Page 111 CHAPTER 5 SPECIFICATIONS Specifications Nagra-D .........................106 Tape Format / Transport .......................106 Audio Performance ........................106 Inputs / Outputs..........................107 General ............................107 Chapter 5 Sept 1999...
  • Page 112 SPECIFICATIONS NAGRA-D II TAPE FORMAT / TRANSPORT Recording system : Rotary heads digital Longitudinal analog tracks Monitoring : Read after write Tape type : 1/4" (6.35 mm) Digital tape Tape speed : 99.2 mm/s for 4 channels at 48 kHz or 2 channels at 96 kHz 49.6 mm/s for 2 channels at 48 kHz...
  • Page 113 INPUTS / OUTPUTS Analogue inputs : Switchable Line or Microphone Microphone : 4 XLR (switchable, 12V "T" power, Phantom +48V) Line : Symmetrical, transformerless XLR (Zin > 8 kΩ) Analog outputs : Symmetrical, transformerless on XLR connectors 3.1V max (Z out = 50Ω) Digital I/O : AES standard mode for sampling frequencies up to 48 kHz.
  • Page 114 Chapter 5 Sept 1999...
  • Page 115 CHAPTER 6 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES Internal Options ........................2 External Options ......................... 3 Internal Accessories ......................3 External Accessories ......................3 Chapter 6 Sept 1999...
  • Page 116 This section is a quick reference guide to explain the various different accessories and options that are available for the NAGRA-D II. Each option is described in detail and its corresponding code number and symbol are also indicated. KSA# SYMBOL...
  • Page 117 10540 ND-PCA This RS 232 / 422 adapter needs to be used if the NAGRA-D II is to be connected to a PC running the NADCOM for Windows software. The connection protocol of the NAGRA-D II corresponds to RS 422 and most PC’s (especially Lap-tops) only communicate using RS 232.
  • Page 118 91760 ND-TT This is a calibration tape for the NAGRA-D II and would only be used when checking or re-aligning a NAGRA-D II. Full explanation of the use of this tape is covered in the service manual.
  • Page 119 HEAD CLEANING ...........4 CONTROL TRACK......... 6 HEADPHONE CONNECTORS.....30 COPY FUNCTION MENU ......58 HEADPHONE LEVEL CONTROL....30 COPYING OF A NAGRA-D TAPE ....72 HEADPHONE MODE SELECTOR ... 2-14 CUE CHANNEL LOCK OUT ......22 HEADPHONE SELECTION ...... 2-14 CUE MICROPHONE ........63 HEADTIME............55...
  • Page 120 POWER BUTTON ........22 TAPE FORMAT MENU .........40 POWER CONNECTOR........ 30 TAPE SPEED..........7 POWER ON..........32 TAPE SPEED SELECTION ......49 POWERING THE NAGRA-D......9 TAPE TENSION SELECTION ......53 PROTOCOL ..........101 TC DELAY MENU .........41 TC DELTA DISPLAY........38 TC DISPLAY ..........38 REACTIME OF THE SYNCHRONISER..

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