After building new studios for WHMI, Michael Bradford, CPBE, of Broadcast/Audio Services in Jackson, MI, noticed a problem with the location of the mic processors. The studios use high-back chairs, and as the announcers would swing in the chair, they hit their knees against the knobs on the mic processors.

This led to not only some interesting audio changes from the random strikes, but the employees were also bruising their knees. Bradford tried mounting the rack rails a few inches back, but that did not completely solve the problem.

While glancing through the online Middle Atlantic catalog, he spotted the LBP-1.5 lacing bars. These are designed to be mounted on the rear rack rails to facilitate neater cable routing. Bradford has used AWG#6 copper wire for this a purpose in the past, but these lacing bars were substantially better, more sturdy and came formed and ready for mounting.

As he considered using the lacing bars on a future project, he had another idea: Why not use these lacing bars on the front of our processors? He had considered other type of covers, but many of the available covers are designed for security. He wanted to allow access to the controls when needed, but he wanted to shield the knobs from knees. He ordered a package of 10 to try.

The lacing bars mount under the mounting screws and provide a neat, smooth and sturdy protection for the equipment. The rails extend beyond the knobs, so swinging knees or a pushed chair won't disturb the settings. Bradford also likes the neat appearance of the bars, and is pleased that they blend in with the surrounding equipment.

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