Homepage Crypto Spy sets Burst encoders Intercept Covert Index Cameras Recorders Radio Radio PC Donate Kits Shop News Events Wanted Contact Links Nagra SN Precision miniature tape recorder The Nagra SN was a high-precision minature audio tape recorder with an extremely good audio quality. It was built by Nagra-Kudelski in Switzerland to the highest possible Swiss standards. As it is a very slim device, it could be worn inconspicuously, e.g. under normal clothing. During the Cold War, the Nagra was very popular with the intelligence services at both sides of the Iron Curtain. It was used by both the CIA and the Stasi. It was also very popular with law enforcement agencies. The Nagra SN was introduced in 1970 as the successor to the Nagra I, II, III and IV.   The Nagra SN can easily be hidden under a person's cloting, as it measures just about 14.5 x 10 x 2.6 cm. The image on the right shows a typical Nagra SN recorder with the lid removed. The body of the recorder is milled out of a solid block of light metal alloy and all components are created with the finest eye for detail. It uses narrow magnetic tapes that are just 3.81 mm wide and the quartz driven capstan drive motor is so stable, that the recorder is suitable for the film-making business. It is guranteed to stay in sync with the pictures.    Because of its stability, its superb audio quality and unrivalled mechanical reliability, the Nagra SN became the preferred machine for many security agencies around the world. It was also featured in many motion pictures, both on-screen and as a production tool. The letters 'SN' stand for Série Noir (Black Series) as the recorder was originally ordered by President John F. Kennedy for the American secret services. Apparently, the Nagra SN was even taken to the moon on one of the Apollo missions.   Models Nagra SNN - Mono full-track recording (9.5 and 4.75 cm/s) Nagra SNS - Mono half-track recording (4.75 and 2.38 cm/s) Nagra SNST - Stereo version Nagra SNST-R - HiFi stereo version References Nagra website, The Nagra SN Nagra website, The Nagra SNST-R (special version) Further information Nagra History and other Nagra recorders Main Covert Recorders page Index of covert equipment Other covert equipment Any links shown in red are currently unavailable. If you like this website, why not make a donation? © Copyright 2009-2011, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Thu,22 Mar 2012.22:20:28