Major Problems at Radio 1

Yes that certainly used to be the case, although it wouldn't surprise me if things had changed now, for the reason Gav states below(!): push-open faders are the standard option, and so the mixers are usually cheaper to buy than modified ones.

It's just more logical that way

If you are mixing a Radio Programme you only have one or two faders open at once. If the faders are near you when they are shut they just get in the way.

AFAIK Bush House studios still have proper BBC style desks, as do many of the studios at Broadcasting House and some of the Sound Gallery's in Television centre.

Mind you Bush house were working with Rotary faders not so very long ago

Indeed its not, but there are lots of odd bits of kit and rigging referred to as 'BBC Spec', no matter who is buying. Its usually more expensive too.

I have to admit, before using a BBC desk I really couldn't see the point of pull-to-open faders. But it didn't take long to get used to it, and as everyone here has testified so far, they're brilliant. It is a shame that desks in the Beeb are being replaced with standard units.

I've not seen a "pull-to-open" desk for years, not since since my stint on local radio a few years ago, playing on a huge great big Audix desk with more clean and cue feeds than you could shake a stick at, and of course the RBX (?) fader to put the other cubicle or source on your desk and then be able to hand control invisibly to the other cub (or they just take it from you!). Studers, carts, grams, CD's, DAT's...... fantastic, those were the days. Only computer we used (apart from ENPS"]BASYS) was a BBC Micro for visual talkback. Think I'd happily give up this TV lark and go back and play radio.

The people I really feel sorry for are those who have to use both pull-to-open and push-to-open desks (such as freelancers working across multiple stations), it would drive me absolutely mad.

I don't think I really care which way they go as long as they all go the same way!

Although I did manage to knock a fader half-shut on a pull-to-open when reaching for water the other day, oops

I've only ever used the push kind. Pull faders would just confuse me.

Used to be this way at Broadcasting House when News SM's worked across Radio 5, with push faders and Radio's 1,2 and 4 with pull faders.

Again, only ever used the Push faders. I'd hate the pull ones, it's just wrong I feel.

Back on the subject of emergency procedures - The Ken Bruce show was interrupted by a fire alarm a couple of weeks ago. An emergency tape was patched to air which was like a 'generic' ken bruce show, which to the untrained ear would be barely discernable. Except maybe due to the fact that there was no news at 11. It was alot like what he does on those new Virgin trains.

I wonder whether each presenter has such a backup?

I've always found it odd when people say that in Britain.

I could understand it from an American, but it's a strange comment from anyone brought up in the land of up-for-off and down-for-on light switches.

Think about it, your brain is trained in pull-for-on in this country, from the moment you're tall enough to reach a light switch.

I've had working practice of both Pull/Push faders, and I much prefer Push desks. It's more logical to bring a fader down, to lower the volume and push up to make it louder...

That said the pull desk faders, had a much more slidey action to them..

Not the greatest addition to a debate I've ever made around here granted, but I thought I'd lob this particular hat in the ring..

I used to do it all the time - it ain't difficult if you're a professional.