Hi,

I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me. I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts) but
still have some questions: I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to happen
most likely. Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines I'd like to ask
which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims, rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

Thanks for any info!

Daniel

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no...

As a past user of a Nagra, I have to wonder why you would bother these days.
Even Nagra has gone digital.

TonyP.

Daniel wrote:

Hi,

I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me. I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts) but
still have some questions: I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to happen
most likely. Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines I'd like to ask
which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims, rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

Hmmm - I think the Nagra 3, sitting ten feet from me is full track mono. It's
not mint but I've replaced the belts at least !

If you'll pay me thousands - you can have it ! ;-)

I had a Uher 4000 ( Report L ) once too. It was *stolen* when my flat was
burgled - v. sad esp since few ppl would value it. More so since I had 'rebuilt'
it - replacing the usual parts that get worn. Much smaller. Nice kit - good
results. It was standard issue for BBC reporters at one time.


Graham

"TonyP" wrote in message
u...

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no...

As a past user of a Nagra, I have to wonder why you would bother these
days.
Even Nagra has gone digital.

Thanks but it doesn't necessarily mean that when someone's "gone digital"
that it's "better" .... Nagra's just going where the market is .... and once
again, "market" doesn't necessarily dictate what's good or not ....

That "Nagra", or whom-ever else, has "gone digital" is least of my concerns
and in no way does it influence my decission one way or another ....

I know what I prefer and what I'm comfortable with and thus my original
question ....

~Daniel


TonyP.

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...
Daniel wrote:

Hi,

I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me.
I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts)
but
still have some questions: I know that Nagra is still available new but
feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go
that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same
with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get
one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to
happen
most likely. Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much
less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines I'd like to
ask
which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims,
rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available
in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

Hmmm - I think the Nagra 3, sitting ten feet from me is full track mono.
It's
not mint but I've replaced the belts at least !

Gimmie!! )


If you'll pay me thousands - you can have it ! ;-)

(((



I had a Uher 4000 ( Report L ) once too. It was *stolen* when my flat was
burgled - v. sad esp since few ppl would value it. More so since I had
'rebuilt'
it - replacing the usual parts that get worn. Much smaller. Nice kit -
good
results. It was standard issue for BBC reporters at one time.


Damn shame ... sorry about that .... (




Graham

Daniel wrote:
I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me. I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts) but
still have some questions: I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to happen
most likely. Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

Nagra will sell you a rebuilt machine. I don't know what the portables go
for, but they want $12,000 for a T machine.

Almost any of the film sound places will sell you a refurbished Nagra for
a reasonable price. I can recommend Dan Dugan Sound Design for one. You
can pick up a mono Nagra III for well under your price range, and you can
probably get an IV in the top end of your price range, although a 4.2 is
pushing it and you won't get timecode.

I would not recommend buying a Uher or Stellavox machine today, unless you
are willing to do the refurbishing work yourself. You can spend ten hours
in labor recapping the thing, and still have a machine with no resale value
(although it might sound pretty good).

As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines I'd like to ask
which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims, rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

The Nagra III is a full-track machine and the IV can be ordered with
full-track heads. They do have 7.5 ips speeds but they all sound much
better at 15 ips. (The Uhers have 5" reels and no 15 ips speed).
No RCAs, just balanced inputs and outputs either on banana plugs or
DIN connectors. These machines are not crap. RCA connectors are found
on crap.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

"Scott Dorsey" wrote in message
...
Daniel wrote:
I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me.
I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts) but
still have some questions: I know that Nagra is still available new but
feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go
that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same
with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get
one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to happen
most likely. Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much
less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

Nagra will sell you a rebuilt machine. I don't know what the portables go
for, but they want $12,000 for a T machine.

Almost any of the film sound places will sell you a refurbished Nagra for
a reasonable price. I can recommend Dan Dugan Sound Design for one. You
can pick up a mono Nagra III for well under your price range, and you can
probably get an IV in the top end of your price range, although a 4.2 is
pushing it and you won't get timecode.

I would not recommend buying a Uher or Stellavox machine today, unless you
are willing to do the refurbishing work yourself. You can spend ten hours
in labor recapping the thing, and still have a machine with no resale
value
(although it might sound pretty good).

As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines I'd like to
ask
which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims,
rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available
in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

The Nagra III is a full-track machine and the IV can be ordered with
full-track heads. They do have 7.5 ips speeds but they all sound much
better at 15 ips. (The Uhers have 5" reels and no 15 ips speed).
No RCAs, just balanced inputs and outputs either on banana plugs or
DIN connectors. These machines are not crap. RCA connectors are found
on crap.
--scott

Brilliant! Thanks Scott!! Just the type of info I was looking for! Many
thanks again and I'll contact "Dan Dugan Sound Design" and go from there!

Cheers! )

~Daniel



--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Daniel wrote:

"TonyP" wrote in message
u...

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no...

As a past user of a Nagra, I have to wonder why you would bother these
days.
Even Nagra has gone digital.

Thanks but it doesn't necessarily mean that when someone's "gone digital"
that it's "better" .... Nagra's just going where the market is .... and once
again, "market" doesn't necessarily dictate what's good or not ....

That "Nagra", or whom-ever else, has "gone digital" is least of my concerns
and in no way does it influence my decission one way or another ....

I know what I prefer and what I'm comfortable with and thus my original
question ....

And why not ?

Many excellent recording were made on analogue gear.

The tape also doesn't self-erase like the Philips DCC I bought.


Graham

Scott Dorsey wrote:

I would not recommend buying a Uher or Stellavox machine today, unless you
are willing to do the refurbishing work yourself. You can spend ten hours
in labor recapping the thing, and still have a machine with no resale value
(although it might sound pretty good).

I seem to recall a number of bead tantalums in my Uher 4000. No need to replace
those !


As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines I'd like to ask
which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims, rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

The Nagra III is a full-track machine and the IV can be ordered with
full-track heads. They do have 7.5 ips speeds but they all sound much
better at 15 ips. (The Uhers have 5" reels and no 15 ips speed).
No RCAs, just balanced inputs and outputs either on banana plugs or
DIN connectors. These machines are not crap. RCA connectors are found
on crap.

Uhuh. Not an RCA / Cinch / phono connector to be seen.

I modded my Uher to replace some of the DINs with 1/4" 'phone' jacks. More
practical. The DIN spkr output for 'monitor' in particular.


Graham

Daniel wrote:

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...

Hmmm - I think the Nagra 3, sitting ten feet from me is full track mono.
It's
not mint but I've replaced the belts at least !

Gimmie!! )


If you'll pay me thousands - you can have it ! ;-)

(((

Ok - offer a sensible sum and it's yours.

More than happy to send you pics etc. It's well used but functional. The odd
dent in the robust chassis simply validates its professional status. I replaced
some of the rubber transport bits a few years back.

To be honest - it'll no doubt impress ppl who you can tell ' this used to be
*the* location tape recorder ' more than anything.

Maybe it deserves to be more of a museum item than anything ? A tribute to the
day when stuff was stunningly engineered.

Graham

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no...
Hi,

: I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go
that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get
one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to happen
most likely.

I pick up Nagra lV-L for $300.00 in tip top shape in New Yor last year. The
preamps are so much better than what's my 002 digi or my Aprex preamp (
that I paid nearly the same as the nagra)
So deals are out there, good luck.
Peace,
Ed Bridge
Brooklyn N.Y.
http://www.bridgeclassicalguitars.com/

Pooh Bear wrote:
Ok - offer a sensible sum and it's yours.

More than happy to send you pics etc. It's well used but functional. The odd
dent in the robust chassis simply validates its professional status. I replaced
some of the rubber transport bits a few years back.

To be honest - it'll no doubt impress ppl who you can tell ' this used to be
*the* location tape recorder ' more than anything.

I will say that the Nagra III is a great-sounding machine, and I have one
and still use it occasionally.

BUT, it's all germanium inside, and some of the transistors are now getting
to be hard to get. It is important to make sure the thing has clean capacitors
in there, because the last thing you want is one of them to go leaky and take
out a transistor that you can't replace easily. For the most part, the original
caps are very solid and reliable military types, but they are getting on in age.

Also, the bias oscillator isn't very powerful.... it will not bias up Ampex
406 even on the top tap. It'll handle 641 without any problem at all, but
who knows how long 641 will still be available. Until recently, it was very
common to make resistor or capacitor changes to get just a tiny bit more bias
out of it, so the top tap would bias BASF 468 up perfectly. This was a great
sounding combination, but now BASF tapes are out of production.

Maybe it deserves to be more of a museum item than anything ? A tribute to the
day when stuff was stunningly engineered.

Definitely not. It deserves to keep recording. It sounds much too good to
be left on a shelf and just looked at.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

On Sun, 07 Nov 2004 06:28:42 GMT, "Daniel"
wrote:

I have a beautiful little Uher 4200 around here needing a home
and complete refurb. To a good home only,

Chris Hornbeck

In article ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no writes:

I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me. I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts) but
still have some questions:

Time to fall out of love. The thing that makes me say that is:
As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines

If you're kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines, I
suspect that you're very unfamiliar with the internal workings of
them, and unless you have a competent repair technician located
conveniently to you, and quite a bit of money to put into maintenance,
you'd best leave them alone. They both require specialized knowledge
to keep in good running shape, and they aren't worth a hoot if they
aren't in top shape.

I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go that
route.

I believe that Nagra only makes digital recorders now, and yes, they
do go for several thousand dollars, just like they always did. Used
Nagra IVs are a pretty good bargain, but one in good shape, while
sellling for a fraction of its new cost, is still pretty expensive.
And unless you have an opportunity to have it inspected from an expert
(or buy it from one - who WILL know its value) you never know what
you're going to get.

Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

Dan Dugan Sound in the San Francisco area and Vark Audio in the
Washington DC area. They've been servicing Nagras for a long time and
have the experience, documentation, tools (you need a special wrench
to align the heads) and parts to put it in top shape. But it won't be
cheap.

which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims, rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

The Nagra IVS would be good. The III (older) is full track, as is the
E (the cheap model, 7-1/2 IPS only) and the IVL. None of them have RCA
connectors, and none of them have mic preamp trims (though I've never
found them to be necessary). The III has a male connector for the mic
input. The line outputs are on expensive and hard-to-find Tuchel
connectors, except on the III, where they're banana jacks.

You need to find someone who has one and look it over thoroughly to
get familiar with what it does and how it does it.

--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

Scott Dorsey wrote:

Almost any of the film sound places will sell you a refurbished Nagra for
a reasonable price. I can recommend Dan Dugan Sound Design for one. You
can pick up a mono Nagra III for well under your price range, and you can
probably get an IV in the top end of your price range, although a 4.2 is
pushing it and you won't get timecode.

Seconding this as Dan Dugan is a top notch guy.

--
ha

Chris Hornbeck wrote:
On Sun, 07 Nov 2004 06:28:42 GMT, "Daniel"
wrote:

I have a beautiful little Uher 4200 around here needing a home
and complete refurb. To a good home only,

Report-L, Report-IC, or Report-Monitor with the round meters?
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

On 7 Nov 2004 18:57:33 -0500, (Scott Dorsey) wrote:

I have a beautiful little Uher 4200 around here needing a home
and complete refurb. To a good home only,

Report-L, Report-IC, or Report-Monitor with the round meters?

It says "Report Stereo", takes 5" reels and looks (without any
disassembly) like half track. Rectangular horizontal-travel meters.

Ni-cad battery pack had not leaked(!), and can also accept D cells.
Leather case and strap. Really pretty, but of no real use to me.

You'll have to tell me how to determine its rated speed - never
tried to run it. You want it?

Chris Hornbeck

In article ,
On 7 Nov 2004 18:57:33 -0500, (Scott Dorsey) wrote:

I have a beautiful little Uher 4200 around here needing a home
and complete refurb. To a good home only,

Report-L, Report-IC, or Report-Monitor with the round meters?

It says "Report Stereo", takes 5" reels and looks (without any
disassembly) like half track. Rectangular horizontal-travel meters.

That's an original model. It's half-track (the 4400 is the quarter
track version), and I might have a manual for it. I will have to
look. Saul Mineroff Electronics should still stock belt kits for these
machines. A big worry on those is the three-phase oscillator which
drives the motor at constant speed, which occasionally gets in trouble
especially with bad caps, and causes high flutter. They aren't hard to
work on at all, though.

However, this is a two-head machine. It's optimized for good recording
and not for playback and alignment is a real pain in the neck.

Ni-cad battery pack had not leaked(!), and can also accept D cells.
Leather case and strap. Really pretty, but of no real use to me.

You sure? I think it takes C cells. I may have an extra outboard power
supply for these.

You'll have to tell me how to determine its rated speed - never
tried to run it. You want it?

7 1/2, 3 3/4, 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips. That 15/16 ips made them very popular
with the spook and law enforcement types. Put quarter mil tape in there
and you can leave it concealed for a good long time.

I do not want it. I am trying very hard to cut down.
--scott

--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

On 7 Nov 2004 20:27:38 -0500, (Scott Dorsey) wrote:

I do not want it. I am trying very hard to cut down.

Chicken. Thanks for all the great info. Maybe I should check
into that rubber kit. Jeez, what am I saying?

Chris Hornbeck

Mike Rivers wrote:
I believe that Nagra only makes digital recorders now, and yes, they
do go for several thousand dollars, just like they always did.

I asked a booth attendant at AES what happened to the Nagra IVs, since
they didn't have any tape decks for display at their booth. they guy
replied (paraphrased) "we have a warehouse full of them; nobody has been
buying them since the Nagra V came out."

I'm crossing my fingers for a fire sale. (:

--
Aaron J. Grier | "Not your ordinary poofy goof." |
"someday the industry will have throbbing frontal lobes and will be able
to write provably correct software. also, I want a pony." -- Zach Brown

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...
Daniel wrote:

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...

Hmmm - I think the Nagra 3, sitting ten feet from me is full track
mono.
It's
not mint but I've replaced the belts at least !

Gimmie!! )


If you'll pay me thousands - you can have it ! ;-)

(((

Ok - offer a sensible sum and it's yours.

More than happy to send you pics etc. It's well used but functional. The
odd
dent in the robust chassis simply validates its professional status. I
replaced
some of the rubber transport bits a few years back.

To be honest - it'll no doubt impress ppl who you can tell ' this used to
be
*the* location tape recorder ' more than anything.

Maybe it deserves to be more of a museum item than anything ? A tribute to
the
day when stuff was stunningly engineered.

Thanks very much for the offer Graham but I'll first inquire with Dan Dugan.
Would like to get a "restored" Nagra truthfully. )

Thanks! )

Daniel


Graham

"hank alrich" wrote in message
. ..
Scott Dorsey wrote:

Almost any of the film sound places will sell you a refurbished Nagra
for
a reasonable price. I can recommend Dan Dugan Sound Design for one.
You
can pick up a mono Nagra III for well under your price range, and you
can
probably get an IV in the top end of your price range, although a 4.2 is
pushing it and you won't get timecode.

Seconding this as Dan Dugan is a top notch guy.

Alright, thanks! )

~Daniel


--
ha

"Edward Bridge" wrote in message
nk.net...
"Daniel" wrote in message
news:ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no...
Hi,

: I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go
that
route. I know Nagra sells on eBay but it's a bit risky that way. Same
with
Uher. Are Uhers still available new ? In a perfect world I'd like to get
one
of these, new, for about $500 - $1000 tops but that's not going to
happen
most likely.

I pick up Nagra lV-L for $300.00 in tip top shape in New Yor last year.
The
preamps are so much better than what's my 002 digi or my Aprex preamp (
that I paid nearly the same as the nagra)
So deals are out there, good luck.

Thank you.

~Daniel


Peace,
Ed Bridge
Brooklyn N.Y.
http://www.bridgeclassicalguitars.com/

"Mike Rivers" wrote in message
news:znr1099838549k@trad...

In article ugjjd.139753$Pl.70158@pd7tw1no writes:

I've been into open reel recorders for a couple of years now, but it's
getting particularly hard to log these 50 lb monsters around. I love the
sound of these but would like to find something I could take with me.
I've
read a bit about Nagra and Uher (Uher from mostly Scott Dorsey posts)
but
still have some questions:

Time to fall out of love. The thing that makes me say that is:
As I'm kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines

If you're kinda unfamiliar with the features of these machines, I
suspect that you're very unfamiliar with the internal workings of
them, and unless you have a competent repair technician located
conveniently to you, and quite a bit of money to put into maintenance,
you'd best leave them alone. They both require specialized knowledge
to keep in good running shape, and they aren't worth a hoot if they
aren't in top shape.

I know that Nagra is still available new but feel
(and fear) these would go for several thousand and I'd prefer not to go
that
route.

I believe that Nagra only makes digital recorders now, and yes, they
do go for several thousand dollars, just like they always did. Used
Nagra IVs are a pretty good bargain, but one in good shape, while
sellling for a fraction of its new cost, is still pretty expensive.
And unless you have an opportunity to have it inspected from an expert
(or buy it from one - who WILL know its value) you never know what
you're going to get.

Anyway, what would be ideal is to find someone (a company)
which restores to "new" status these machines that I can buy for much
less.
Is there a company which you would recommend ?

Dan Dugan Sound in the San Francisco area and Vark Audio in the
Washington DC area. They've been servicing Nagras for a long time and
have the experience, documentation, tools (you need a special wrench
to align the heads) and parts to put it in top shape. But it won't be
cheap.

which machine would be recommended to act like a normal 3 head two track
open reel recorder, 7" reels, 7 1/2 ips, 1/4" or xlr mic inputs, trims,
rca
ins and outs etc ........ Something that can replicate the functions and
features of some of the popular full sized "prosumer" machines available
in
the 70's, 80's etc ....... Also, is a FULL track machine available ?

The Nagra IVS would be good. The III (older) is full track, as is the
E (the cheap model, 7-1/2 IPS only) and the IVL. None of them have RCA
connectors, and none of them have mic preamp trims (though I've never
found them to be necessary). The III has a male connector for the mic
input. The line outputs are on expensive and hard-to-find Tuchel
connectors, except on the III, where they're banana jacks.

You need to find someone who has one and look it over thoroughly to
get familiar with what it does and how it does it.

Thanks for the good info Mike. Yeah, that's why I'd like to buy from someone
like Dan Dugan Sound, for example, to know I'm getting somethin' good etc
.....

The one thing that still puzzles me, and I ask this 'cause there's no way in
hell I'll find someone locally that can show me the workings of the Nagra,
is HOW the Nagra would do what I want it to do .... Rather than go on and on
about this, I'd like to offer the following scenario: I have a dynamic RE15
mic with an XLR connector cable (with 1/4" adapter if needed). I also have
headphones. I wish to record voice and piano, for example, with the one
mic. I wish to have control over the mic preamp gain (to lower or increase
it) and also to have headphone vol control. When I have done recording, I
wish to transfer the sound to my pc or cd recorder. Are all those things
possible with what I already have ?

Thanks!

Daniel



--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

Try the consignment listings at www.trewaudio.com www.coffeysound.com
www.locationsound.com & www.colossalsound.com


Eric

In article FJGjd.147982$Pl.51162@pd7tw1no writes:

.... Rather than go on and on
about this, I'd like to offer the following scenario: I have a dynamic RE15
mic with an XLR connector cable (with 1/4" adapter if needed). I also have
headphones. I wish to record voice and piano, for example, with the one
mic. I wish to have control over the mic preamp gain (to lower or increase
it) and also to have headphone vol control. When I have done recording, I
wish to transfer the sound to my pc or cd recorder. Are all those things
possible with what I already have ?

The hardest job you'll have is finding a place to put the RE15 so as
to get a well balanced recording of your piano, your voice, and the
room ambience (which affects both). Once you do that, which will take
quite a bit of experimentation, you're good.

The Nagra doesn't have an independent mic preamp gain control, but the
record level control and meter will keep you safe. I haven't run into
anything I'd want to be in the same room with that caused a Nagra to
clip. As I recall, there are fixed steps for headphone volume, but
you'll be able to find something comfortable.

Since the line output of a Nagra isn't on a common audio connector,
you'll need an adapter to connect the playback output to your PC or CD
recorder, but exactly what you need will depend on which recorder you
buy. If you get one from Dan Dugan or an equivalent and tell him that
you want an adapter to connect the output to, say, an RCA jack, or an
XLR, or 1/4" jack, whatever your preference, he'll be able to fix you
up.



--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:FJGjd.147982$Pl.51162@pd7tw1no...

The one thing that still puzzles me, and I ask this 'cause there's no way
in
hell I'll find someone locally that can show me the workings of the Nagra,
is HOW the Nagra would do what I want it to do .... Rather than go on and
on
about this, I'd like to offer the following scenario: I have a dynamic
RE15
mic with an XLR connector cable (with 1/4" adapter if needed). I also have
headphones. I wish to record voice and piano, for example, with the one
mic. I wish to have control over the mic preamp gain (to lower or increase
it) and also to have headphone vol control. When I have done recording, I
wish to transfer the sound to my pc or cd recorder. Are all those things
possible with what I already have ?

Assuming you go ahead and buy the Nagra, and have a high-quality sound card
in your PC, yes. You might, depending on which model Nagra you buy, need a
gender changer for your mike cable and some custom cables for output use,
but you've got the rest of the basics. And IMHO the RE15 is actually a good
choice for this application.

Peace,
Paul

HenryShap wrote:

Can you use any Nagras as an analog mixdown deck? I know 1/4" tape 15 ips is a
standard for stereo mix. Is this something a Nagra is capable of and would
sound good at? I would certainly be smaller than a studer or otari, etc.

No reason why not.


Graham

In article ,
HenryShap wrote:
Can you use any Nagras as an analog mixdown deck? I know 1/4" tape 15 ips is a
standard for stereo mix. Is this something a Nagra is capable of and would
sound good at? I would certainly be smaller than a studer or otari, etc.

Sure. If you want something that you can carry with you when you go into
a studio that doesn't have a 1/4" deck, it would be perfectly reasonable.

The downsides: you don't get 10" reels without an outboard gadget that is
rare expensive and heavy to lug around. And I don't know what the maximum
output level is on the Nagra.... I don't know if you could make GP9 work on
an IV or a 4.2. But if you can live with a 7" reel, it's a nice sounding
machine and very compact.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

In article writes:

Can you use any Nagras as an analog mixdown deck?

Of course, and a very good one, too.

I would certainly be smaller than a studer or otari, etc.

If this is important to you, then perhaps you're barking up a wrong
tree. The reason to buy a Nagra because it's compact is because you
want to carry it around, not because you don't have space in your
studio.

If you'll be using it for mixing CD length projects at 15 IPS, you'll
definitely want to get the 10-1/2" reel adapter assembly for it
(harder to find than the recorders these days). Put 10-1/2" reels on
it and it will take up just about as much space as anything else.


--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

On or about 7 Nov 2004 05:58:10 -0500, Scott Dorsey allegedly wrote:

No RCAs, just balanced inputs and outputs either on banana plugs or
DIN connectors. These machines are not crap. RCA connectors are found
on crap.

You'd probably be horrified to hear I installed RCAs in place of the input
and output bananas on my Nagra, to make it much easier to connect to other
gear without requiring special cables all the time.


Noel Bachelor noelbachelorAT(From:_domain)
Language Recordings Inc (Darwin Australia)

On or about Mon, 08 Nov 2004 08:22:09 -0000, Aaron J. Grier allegedly
wrote:

Mike Rivers wrote:
I believe that Nagra only makes digital recorders now, and yes, they
do go for several thousand dollars, just like they always did.

I asked a booth attendant at AES what happened to the Nagra IVs, since
they didn't have any tape decks for display at their booth. they guy
replied (paraphrased) "we have a warehouse full of them; nobody has been
buying them since the Nagra V came out."

That kind of makes sense. Their web site is (or was recently) still
advertising the Nagra IV and Nagra E, but I can't imagine they're selling
too many.

Noel Bachelor noelbachelorAT(From:_domain)
Language Recordings Inc (Darwin Australia)

In article writes:

Their web site [Nagra] is (or was recently) still
advertising the Nagra IV and Nagra E, but I can't imagine they're selling
too many.

Certainly not at the new prices. But there's a decent amount of horse
trading in used Nagras, particularly those with the sync head. Lots of
old film sound recordings out there that need transfers.

--
I'm really Mike Rivers )
However, until the spam goes away or Hell freezes over,
lots of IP addresses are blocked from this system. If
you e-mail me and it bounces, use your secret decoder ring
and reach me he double-m-eleven-double-zero at yahoo

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:2Vmjd.140838$%k.30757@pd7tw2no...
"TonyP" wrote in message
u...
As a past user of a Nagra, I have to wonder why you would bother these
days.
Even Nagra has gone digital.

Thanks but it doesn't necessarily mean that when someone's "gone digital"
that it's "better" .... Nagra's just going where the market is .... and
once
again, "market" doesn't necessarily dictate what's good or not ....

The market for Nagra recorders is not as ill informed as the average
consumer at least.

That "Nagra", or whom-ever else, has "gone digital" is least of my
concerns
and in no way does it influence my decission one way or another ....
I know what I prefer and what I'm comfortable with and thus my original
question ....

I have no problem with that, but I still wonder :-)

TonyP.

"Daniel" wrote in message
news:2Vmjd.140838$%k.30757@pd7tw2no...
"TonyP" wrote in message
u...
As a past user of a Nagra, I have to wonder why you would bother these
days.
Even Nagra has gone digital.

Thanks but it doesn't necessarily mean that when someone's "gone digital"
that it's "better" .... Nagra's just going where the market is .... and
once
again, "market" doesn't necessarily dictate what's good or not ....

The market for Nagra recorders is not as ill informed as the average
consumer at least.

That "Nagra", or whom-ever else, has "gone digital" is least of my
concerns
and in no way does it influence my decission one way or another ....
I know what I prefer and what I'm comfortable with and thus my original
question ....

I have no problem with that, but I still wonder :-)

TonyP.