Equally Cool Recording/Playing Formats

[Gregor]

I like LP's. But they are too big to put in your pocket.

So for some analog goodness, try one of these:

http://www.stefanopasini.it/Nagra%20SN.htm

Reel to Reel Goodness - in stereo too. The recorder is the size of a cigarette case. I'm definately going to get one. Very cool. Of course, a typical MP3 player users response would be - "but it has too many moving parts!".

Edited March 10, 2007 by GregorMD

[boojum]

I like LP's. But they are too big to put in your pocket.

So for some analog goodness, try one of these:

http://www.stefanopasini.it/Nagra%20SN.htm

Reel to Reel Goodness - in stereo too. The recorder is the size of a cigarette case. I'm definately going to get one. Very cool. Of course, a typical MP3 player users response would be - "but it has too many moving parts!".

I think if you were able to track down this Nagra the price would shock you into being very happy with another format.

[Hatebreed]

Either way its pretty cool & retro i'll give it that lol!

[Gregor]

I think if you were able to track down this Nagra the price would shock you into being very happy with another format.

Sure I know its expensive.

Tell me where I can get a similarly good quality analogue format with the same size and Ill buy it. Any suggestions?

[Gregor]

Wouldn't a high-end casette tape portable recorder be able to compete?

Thats really my question, But I think that reel to reel is always better - better consistency of movement of the tape over the head *or some such thing*.

Minidisc is pretty damn good at PCM Im sure - and easy to change discs. But this Nagra SN looks like about the best portable reel to reel there ever was.

Perhaps someone can enlighten us both about the best in portable analogue formats.

[Gregor]

Because nobody posted recommendations for a good analogue portable recorder and because also my NH1 died two days ago, I purchased the NH1 yesterday. As far as digital recorders go, it is really one of the best.

Still, I would like to hear what people have to say about a good portable analogue recorder. Something equal to the Nagra, is it out there?

[bobt]

Hi There,

UHER used to make portable R to R recorders years ago, I had a 7" semi-portable ( weighed 30 lbs, but had a handle!!!), was a mini recording studio, could do sound on sound, sound with sound, transfer between tracks, etc, wish I would have kept it, but went to a TEAC which I still have in Canada, but am thinking of getting it down here. Try looking at some of the professional sites like bhphoto.com (I think).

Also try garage sales and ebay, got an Akai unit and several tapes for $30.00 several years ago.

Have fun with your RH!,

Bob

[Strungup]

That thing looked like Declassified, russian spy gear from back in the day , way cool ,

The Name's Bond , .....James Bond .......

The actuall link to Nagra is here

http://www.nagraaudio.com/

From Nagra site.

SNST-R

Precision miniature analog stereo tape recorder

The SNST-R is a miniature analog recorder for music recordings. It’s a special version of the historical SN “Série Noire” originally ordered by President JF Kennedy for the American secret services and was even taken to the moon on one of the Apollo missions.

The SN family of recorders has been regarded by many as Nagra’s finest achievement in miniature engineering. Its unique appearance has become instantly recognizable as an icon of Swiss precision. One would really wonder whether the undeniable appeal of the Nagra SNST-R lies in its mechanical precision and small size or its superb performance.

The Nagra SN miniature analog recorder was created specifically to satisfy the stringent requirements of recording during the 1970s. As its reputation of superb sonic performance and unrivalled mechanical reliability grew, the Nagra SN became the machine of choice for many security agencies around the world and was even featured in numerous motion pictures both on-camera and as a production tool. Nagra brings this high technology jewel, situated between tradition and innovation, to music lovers. This is what the SNST-R is all about, musical emotion and rediscovering the true analog sound.

Precision in the finest detail

The SNST-R and its miniature jewel-like construction is a perfect reflection of the engineering and manufacturing expertise at Nagra. The SNST-R is milled from a solid block of metal, with top and bottom covers drawn from a light metal alloy. Its stunning look and superb engineering allow analog enthusiasts to maintain the values of Swiss crafting. Nagra-made heads, the meter, equipped with two scales, giving the recording level and indicating the status of the internal batteries, the manual rewind crank, offer the famous Swiss-watch precision. Measuring 146 x 101 x 26 mm and weighting just 590 g, the SNST-R becomes a discreet high-end miniature recorder.

High-quality recording and sonic excellence

The Nagra SNST-R has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15 kHz ±2 dB. The wow and flutter performance of 0.05% is also state-of-the-art. Its small size renders it an ideal candidate for all portable, location or discreet recording applications. The machine uses 0.15” (3.81 mm) tape on special open reel spools. Operating at a tape speed of 3.75 inches per second (9.5 cm / S), it yields duration of approximately 40 minutes per reel of tape. The Nagra SNST-R uses two “AA” size batteries or rechargeable cells. This enables more than 5 hours of operation.

Connectivity

Two connection sockets on the left-side allow the connection of either the two accompanying Beyer dynamic microphones or the line input cables. The outputs are available on the two 3.5 mm jack plugs, located on the front edge of the SNST-R. They can be used either for connecting the headphone (with an impedance of 2 x 600 ?) or the line output cable.

Edited March 16, 2007 by Guitarfxr