| 1970 Nagra SNN | |
 |
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. 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. |
| ..."All electronic circuits are highly sophisticated and includes a voltage converter with variable ratio, and an automatic level control. A special miniature-omni directional capacitor microphone can be used and it is also possible to work with a conventional dynamic microphone. A small meter indicates the compression rate of the automatic level control or the battery voltage. Headphones can also serve as an output monitor (confidence playback). The tape-deck is milled from a solid piece of metal and the case and lid are of drawn light metal alloy. |
The NAGRA SN recorder, in spite of its small size, produces exceptionally high quality recordings. It is much appreciated by reporters, who can record broadcast quality tapes and, at the same time, be more mobile. The SN solves film-makers' synchronous sound recording problems: it can easily be concealed during filming and strict synchronization is guaranteed. For scientific research, the SN can also record data while on board a propelled craft. Reels of narrow 1/8" (3.81 mm) tape are used, and tape drive is by a slaved capstan motor. Rewind is manual but rapid thanks to an overdrive system, using a small folding crank handle..." There were two versions of the recorder: Recent (May 2004) eBay prices for the stereo version (excellent condition) are consistantly around US $ 2,500.00. Additional images for this recorder are featured on the CD-ROM. |
| Specifications at a glance |
Model |
SNN | SNS |
Price when new |
£557 | |
Tape speeds |
3¾ and 1
ips |
1
& 15/16 ips |
| Microphone input, source
impedance |
>/= 200 ohms 3 to 80 µA | 1.7 to 45 µA |
| Frequency response,
line input |
60Hz - 15kHz  2dB |
80Hz - 6kHz
3dB |
| Playback equalization |
50 µs and 3180 µs | 240 µs and 50 µs |
| Signal to noise ratio
at nominal level |
>62 dB | >52 dB |
| 3rd harmonic distortion
at 400 Hz (nom. level) |
1% | 1.5% |
| Erase efficiency |
70 dB | 70 dB |
| Wow and flutter, weighted
RMS value |
0.1% | 0.2% |
| Recording time with
18 µ tape (each track) |
26 min | 1 hr 40 min |
| Recording time with
12.5 µ tape (each track) |
38 min | 2 hr 30 min |
| Motors |
1 DC Commutator |
| Rewind times |
60 seconds (hand wind) |
| Line input, fixed level |
160 mV for nominal recording level, imp |
| Playback output at nominal
level and 1 kHz |
630 mV |
| Internal power supply |
two 1.5V batteries or rechargeable cells; average battery life > 5 1/2 hours |
| Consumption during recording |
125 mA |
| Operating temperature |
between -40° and +158°F |
| Dimensions |
5¾ x 4 x 1" (146 x 102 x 25.5mm) |
| Weight |
1.3 lb (545g) |
ips (9.5 and 4.75 cm/s)