Nagra Ares-BB

Last modified:August 30, 2004

As an alternative to the ARES-PII, may I introduce the NAGRA ARES-BB. The ARES-BB offers identical performance and features but in a different design (shoulder-hung) and, in some situations, may be preferred over the hand-held version.

It uses PCMCIA memory cards, recording linear PCM Mono/Stereo audio. Optional MPEG compression allows for a long record time on a reusable and reliable medium.

The ARES-BB is fitted with professional XLR microphone inputs which are switchable to allow a wide range of microphones. The ARES-BB offers: two XLR line input connectors, two XLR line output connectors, table-top operation with an adjustable keyboard, and external powering available through a 4-pin XLR. Monitoring is made through the 1/4" headphone jack, with its dedicated level control.

The ARES-BB offers instant start-up, one button recording, take directory and titling, large back-lit LCD display, powerful Vortex filter, automatic level control, level indication with bar-graphs and LEDs. It also incorporates an internal loudspeaker for convenient monitoring. It is powered from 6 "AA" cells, or the external battery box can be rapidly replaced with a Lithium Ion pack giving an extended recording time.

The ARES-BB also offers a USB port. The PCMCIA card will appear as an external disk drive when connected to a PC or MAC using a USB cable. Alternatively the PCMCIA card can be removed and installed directly into a PC/MAC for rapid file transfers from a standard PCMCIA slot.