What is a Blank Panel? - Rack Accessories Beginner Course [2024]

I will explain "Blank Panels", a rack accessory about which we have received many inquiries from our customers.

Due to the influence of the new COVID-19, the words "stay home" and "remote working" have become commonplace these days. You're probably working from home and spending more time at home on your days off. Meanwhile, music is something that everyone can enjoy as they "stay home". I think there are many people who play musical instruments, listen to music, or even compose. And even I suddenly noticed, maybe because I had more time to put into music, I had more equipment, and I needed a rack and a case to organize and store it ... My home is now more like a studio. You can also see equipment here and there.

…Although the introduction was long, we have received many inquiries about the product called the “blank panel” used for rack cases, studio racks, and server racks.

First of all, what is a blank panel? Let’s start from the question. When you hear the word “blank”, you probably imagine something that feels blank, and in some cases, a period of time away from a particular activity. However, in the case of a blank panel, it is a word that refers to a "gap". In other words, a blank panel is a panel to be embedded to cover a gap.

The main uses are the following two.

★ Fill a vacant space to prevent dust and dirt from getting in
★ Protect equipment from heat by improving ventilation inside the rack/case

In addition to the above, blank panels are also useful accessories when, for example, you may have purchased a rack case or studio rack, but when you stored the equipment, there was space left and a gap was created, which makes it look unattractive. So what kind of products do we actually have at Sound House? I will introduce some!

MIDDLE ATLANTIC / HBL1 1U BLANK PANEL

Standard 1U blank panel. Just by installing it in the gap in the rack case, studio rack, or server rack, will make the appearance neat and prevent dust and dirt from getting in. You just install it in the part where there is a gap and use rack mount screws to fix it in place. If 1U isn't enough, it's nice that there’s a lineup of sizes from 2U to 6U
→ HBL Series List

MIDDLE ATLANTIC / EVT1 1U Heat Dissipation Panel

A heat dissipation type 1U blank panel with vertical slits. It allows heat to escape while tidying up the appearance of the gaps. There are both 1U and 2U types.
→ EVT Series List

MIDDLE ATLANTIC / VT1 1U Heat Dissipation Panel/a>

A 1U blank panel with a mesh-like section that fills the gaps and has a more efficient heat dissipation effect. You can improve the ventilation inside the rack/case and prevent heat buildup. It is also recommended to use it as a blank panel for server racks that heat up easily. Lineup of sizes from 1U to 4U
→ VT Series List

↑In addition to the above, there are various types of blank panels at Sound House, so check here for details!

Other frequently asked questions corner

Q：Can the blank panel be used in any rack/case?
A：The blank panels / heat dissipation panels handled by Sound House can be used if the rack is an EIA standard 19-inch rack.

Q：I want to install a blank panel, but I don't know how many U I need.
A："U" is the unit size, in this case the height value. Since 1U = 44.45mm, let's check how much space there is in your rack.

Q：Is there an blank panel that can be opened and then closed when not in use?
A：Although it is not a blank panel, please see the following security panels. There is a lock which can be closed when not in use and opened when you want to use it.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC / SECL2 2U Security cover with lock

※The above size is 2U. There are also 3U, 4U and 8U.

How was that? Besides blank panels, there are many other useful accessories for racks. Combine various rack accessories to create a comfortable environment where you can use your precious equipment for an extended time, and enjoy a wonderful music life. See you again.

（2020-12-03 release 2024-01-19 update）