Nagra 4.2 Portable Analogue Audio Instructions Manual

 
VOLT / CELL 
 
The meter switch in this position works as a simple voltmeter. The centre scale is graduated from 0 
to 1.6 V, it indicates 1/12 of the total voltage or the average voltage of 1 cell. 
The position Volt/Cell is essentially designed to monitor the voltage of some accumulators, which 
would be damaged if they were allowed to discharge below a certain value. This value is 1 V /Cell 
for certain manganese dioxide alkaline accumulators. 
It is also possible to monitor the external power...

 
3.0 OPERATION  
 
On the right-hand side of the front panel is the main function selector, which determines the mode in 
which the Nagra works. By putting it into the position Test, all the circuits are powered, but not the 
is motor. If the meter switch, on the upper right-hand side of the modulometer, is switched to the 
BATT. RESERVE position, the needle of the modulometer indicates that the Nagra is powered. (if 
this is not the case see POWER SUPPLY in this manual).  
With fresh batteries, the...

NOTE: It is important to lower the head-shield before loading a tape, otherwise the tape may 
pass behind it, and thus not be in contact with any of the heads. When the tape has been 
loaded and lever (32) has been restored to its original position, the shield may be lifted in 
front of the heads.  
 
RECORDING 
 
The NAGRA 4.2 can make a recording using either microphones or a DIRECT line input signal. 
 
RECORDING WITH MICROPHONES 
 
When using microphones, connect a microphone to one or both of the...

function selector is in the PLAYBACK (with loudspeaker) position. This is done to prevent accidental 
winding of the tape during RECORDING.  
 
While fast forwarding the tape, the audio on the tape will be heard through the internal loudspeaker. 
To avoid damage to the loudspeaker, use the volume control (42) to decrease the level. 
 
PLAYING BACK A RECORDED TAPE 
 
Rewind the tape as explained above, then set main function selector (4) to one of the two possible 
PLAYBACK positions (either with, or...

4.1. DIRECT AND TAPE CHAINS 
 
GENERAL 
 
Signals coming from the microphone(s), line and mixer inputs, once they are amplified, filtered, 
controlled and mixed, form the Direct signal, which will be recorded on the tape. 
The signal played back from the tape gives, after amplification and equalization, the Tape signal. 
During recording, the Tape signal is that which has already been recorded on the tape, and 
therefore is not that which is being recorded. 
The modulometer measures the level of the...

can affect the ambient sound and can be a greater nuisance than saturation by a brief sound. To 
avoid this phenomenon, it is necessary to reduce the recovery time of the limiter. Detailed 
instructions as to how this can be done will be sent on request.  The limiter can be switched off by 
setting the Main Function selector to position RECORD - NO LIMITER. This may be advantageous 
for certain recordings, e.g. gunshots, explosions, where tape saturation is desired. 
 
AUTOMATIC LEVEL CONTROL (ALC)...

 
5.0 PILOT 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
The NAGRA 4.2 (NQ-L version) is equipped with a Neopilot system. This system developed by 
KSA, records a synchronization signal simultaneously with the audio, of 50 Hz (60 Hz in NTSC 
countries). Two signals are recorded in phase opposition so as to avoid any interference with the 
audio replay chain. The pilot signal serves as a speed reference to ensure that when the tape is 
replayed, it is always replayed at the same speed at which it was recorded. The pilot signal...

SYNCHRONIZING A RECORDED TAPE. 
 
Check that the machine is fitted with the QSLI synchronizer circuit. This circuit is located at the right-
hand end of the battery compartment inside the machine. The circuit faces downwards, and has its 
front right corner cut away. 
Feed the pilot input connector (44) with the reference signal either from the pilot out socket on the 
ATN-3 (for synchronization to mains) or from the machine to which the 4.2 is to be synchronized. 
Turn the main function selector to the...

INTERNAL SYNCHRONIZER (OPTIONAL ACCESSORY QSLI) 
 
This device has two functions: 
 
A) It measures the amplitude of the playback pilot signal on the tape. With the meter 
switch in the position Pilot Playback the meter indicates the amplitude. The 
normal value should be between 1 and 2 V on the lower middle scale. 
 
B) It can modify the tape speed of the Nagra in order to render the playback pilot 
signal synchronous with a pilot signal coming in on the Pilot socket on the right 
side. For this speed...

the Speed Varier and to allow the Synchronizer to make a final adjustment to 
ensure the slaving. 
 
This can be done as follows: 
 
Method A 
 
1. Play back the tape to be transferred without slaving. When using the QSLI internal 
synchronizer, put the Nagra into Playback without loudspeaker. 
 
2. Adjust the speed with the aid of the Speed Varier QSV-2 in such a manner that the 
playback pilot signal and the mains are approximately synchronized. The needle of the 
Nagra meter (switch on SYNC) will not...