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Description
Discover the authentic warmth and character of analog recording with the Nagra IV-S, an iconic multitrack recorder revered by audio professionals for its exceptional sound quality and reliability. Celebrated since its introduction, the Nagra IV-S offers a dual-mono recording capability that sets it apart, providing a purer, more dynamic range than standard stereo models. Designed for studio recording and fieldwork alike, this recorder features a rugged construction and intuitive design, making it a staple for both seasoned engineers and aspiring audio enthusiasts.
The Nagra IV-S is equipped with a highly precise AC bias oscillator, ensuring minimal distortion and a clean, vibrant sound. Its analog VU meters provide accurate monitoring, allowing you to dial in the perfect levels for each session. With its classic reel-to-reel format, the Nagra IV-S delivers a tactile and immersive recording experience that digital simply can't replicate. Whether capturing the subtle nuances of a live performance or layering complex studio tracks, this multitrack recorder delivers a rich, organic sound that has stood the test of time.
Key Features:
- Dual-mono recording capability for enhanced stereo separation and clarity
- Rugged, reliable construction suitable for studio and field use
- Analog VU meters for precise level monitoring
- High-quality AC bias oscillator for minimal distortion
- Classic reel-to-reel format for a true analog recording experience
- Renowned for its superior sound quality and historical significance in the industry
Videos
Adam Savage’s Tested
Adam Savage's New Nagra IV-S Vintage Audio Recorder!
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Nagra IV-S.
Build quality
Use cases and applications
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Although outdated for professional film production, the Nagra IV-S remains highly desirable among audiophiles for home playback due to its neutral sound quality.
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The Nagra IV-S is not sought after for the "tape sound" in music studios, as it was designed for clean and neutral recordings, which modern technology now replicates.
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A notable film project used a Nagra IV-S for a flashback scene, requiring tape bias adjustments due to the unavailability of BASF 468 tape.
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Historically used in film schools, the Nagra IV-S required mixers to efficiently manage limited tape for optimal recordings, offering a hands-on learning experience.
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The Nagra IV-S was frequently employed for recording interviews and smaller gigs, showcasing its portability and reliability in various professional environments.
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Value and pricing
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Despite some debate, the Nagra IV-S has sold for $4,000 to $5,000 on platforms like eBay and Reverb, indicating significant value to collectors and enthusiasts.
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It's noted that while the Nagra IV-S may not sell quickly, it still holds substantial value, especially if associated with historical or notable film projects.
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Despite being out of modern workflows, the Nagra IV-S retains value well compared to other electronics from its era, with some units selling for around $2,500 in 2008.
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Pristine Nagra IV-S units have been observed selling for $7,000 to $8,000, indicating high collector demand.
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Setup and maintenance
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The Nagra IV-S requires opening the machine to adjust tape bias for different tape types, unlike professional multitrack machines with per-channel bias controls.
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User experience
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Users highlight the need to be cautious with the piezo crystal during location shoots, an essential component that can be easily misplaced.
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Features and functionality
Critic Reviews
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Artist usage
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Also on the Syro gear list present on the album packaging is the Nagra IV-S Reel To Reel 2-Track Tape Recorder.
In this YouTube video, the Nagra can be seen in all frames with Chet in them, on his left. Judging by the three black knobs(?) in the left of the VU-meter, te NAGRA is a IV-S.
“What's funny is my particular Nagra is a bit of a dodgy unit,” Tobin quips, “so sometimes you can even just switch the thing off, and something cool will happen. I used it all the way through ‘Big Furry Head’ — there's kind of a chuuung! sound there that's just the Nagra being switched on and off. I thought it was a really wicked sci-fi noise, so we kept it.”
In the Spitfire Audio YouTube video "Creative Cribs - @olafurarnalds 1.0 (Broadchurch)," Ólafur Arnalds is shown using the Nagra IV-S, an analog multitrack recorder, highlighting its role in his studio setup.
Favourite piece of musical kit?
"I had this question before, but it hasn’t changed, it’s still my Nagra IV-S reel-to-reel. It’s just a gorgeous object, and it’s reliable and I’ve discovered some magical tricks with it. Even though it’s just an analogue tape recorder, it’s an important part of my musical process. I use it on every track I write in some way or another."
"Actually, my first ‘sampler’ was a Sony Nagra portable recorder. I would walk around sampling noises and edit them on tape later, or I would dump them on a disc and place them back on an Akai 3000. As far as why I sampled? I was fascinated with the cut up literary methods of William Burroughs and Brion Gysin and the way you could change the narrative of a story or in my case a song through manipulation thereby changing the entire atmosphere of a pretty rudimentary riff or storyline."
According to John Carpenter's website, a Negra IV-S was used on the soundtrack for "Escape From New York."
Chris Watson uses the Nagra IV-S, as confirmed by his own words in a Sound On Sound article: "Twenty years ago I was carrying Nagra IV‑S stereo recorders around, which weigh an absolute ton. They sound fantastic, as the preamps are astonishingly good, and occasionally I still use the preamps and take the noise reduction outputs from the Nagra into a digital recorder. For example, recently I was working on a film soundtrack where the director wanted an analogue patina to the atmosphere tracks, so I processed some original digital recordings via the Nagra, recording at 15ips."
Album Usage
The Nagra IV-S has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Nagra IV-S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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