Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 21RU Open-Frame Rack — 26in Depth — Black

The Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 21RU Open-Frame Rack is engineered for professional environments where strength, flexibility, and accessibility matter. Built with a robust steel frame and a lightweight open design, this rack frame delivers dependable support for a wide range of AV, IT, and pro-audio gear. With 21 rack units of vertical space and a generous 26-inch (660 mm) depth, it provides ample room for deep equipment, cabling, and airflow. The bolt-together construction and ready-to-assemble shipping make it an adaptable choice for studios, post-production suites, control rooms, and multi-purpose rack rooms that demand clean organization and easy serviceability. The black finish offers a sleek, professional look that stands up to daily use in busy environments while preserving accessibility for installations and upgrades.

• Strong steel construction with a wide-open, open-frame design for maximum accessibility and airflow.
  • Heavy-duty steel supports heavy equipment while maintaining a lightweight overall frame for easier handling during installation.
  • Open-frame geometry facilitates quick access from front and rear, simplifying cabling, hardware changes, and gear swaps.
• 21RU of usable mounting space in a compact footprint to accommodate a diverse range of gear.
  • Ideal for pro audio racks, network switches, power distributors, patch panels, servers, and other 19-inch equipment.
  • Vertical space is optimized for scalable rack configurations, enabling future expansion without replacing the frame.
• 26-inch (660 mm) depth provides generous room for deep equipment and robust cable management.
  • Accommodates deep amplifiers, multimedia players, and network devices that require additional depth for power supplies and cabling.
  • Deep rails give you space to route cables behind equipment, improving airflow and reducing heat buildup.
• Bolt-together, ready-to-assemble design for fast, hassle-free installation.
  • Ships with all necessary hardware and instructions, enabling quick assembly in the field.
  • Tool-assisted assembly supports secure, square framing, minimizing misalignment during setup.
• Black powder-coated finish for durable aesthetics and professional presentation.
  • Resists scuffs and corrosion in demanding environments like broadcast facilities, studios, and control rooms.
  • Finish maintains a cohesive look with other standard 19-inch rack equipment and furniture.

Technial Details of Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 21RU Open-Frame Rack - Rack Frame - 26in Depth - Black

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference.

how to install Middle Atlantic Slim 5 Series 21RU Open-Frame Rack - Rack Frame - 26in Depth - Black

Begin by verifying all components are present and inspecting for any shipping damage. Clear space in the installation area to accommodate the open-frame structure and ensure there is adequate room to access the rear while wiring. Position the frame on a flat surface and identify a stable location for final mounting, whether on the floor or inside a rack cabinet. Gather the required tools for assembly—usually a set of standard wrenches or a ratchet and socket, and possibly a screwdriver—plus the mounting screws for your equipment.

Lay out the side panels, cross members, and base pieces. Align holes and threaded inserts carefully to avoid cross-threading, which can compromise frame integrity. Start by loosely attaching the main uprights to the base, ensuring the frame remains square. Gradually tighten bolts in a crisscross pattern to achieve even tension and a stable footprint. After the frame is assembled, check for level and plumb; adjust as necessary to guarantee straight mounting surfaces for your 19-inch equipment.

Install the mounting rails or equipment brackets according to the included hardware kit and your equipment specifications. Ensure that the rails are level and aligned with standard 19-inch widths to maintain compatibility across devices. If the frame includes adjustable rails, set them to accommodate the max depth of your gear while leaving airflow clearance behind the devices. Secure devices in place using the appropriate rack screws and, when possible, captive nuts or cage nuts to facilitate future changes without losing hardware.

Plan and route your cables thoughtfully. Use cable managers, ties, or Velcro straps to organize power, network, video, and audio cables. Maintain separate pathways for power and data lines to minimize interference and heat buildup. The Slim 5 Series’ open-frame design makes it easier to perform maintenance or add equipment without disassembling the entire frame.

Conduct a final safety and performance check. Verify that all devices are firmly secured and that the frame remains stable. Confirm that cable bundles are neatly arranged and have sufficient slack to allow for expansion or reconfiguration. Power up the system and monitor for proper ventilation and device temperatures. With its bolt-together construction and open access, the Slim 5 Series accelerates routine maintenance and upgrades while preserving rack integrity.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What equipment fits in the Slim 5 Series 21RU Open-Frame Rack?

A: The 21U height and standard 19-inch mounting width support a broad range of devices, including servers, network switches, patch panels, power distribution units, audio amplifiers, and other rack-mountable gear. The open-frame design enhances accessibility for installation and service, while the depth accommodates larger deep-gear components and behind-the-rack cable management.

Q: Is this frame compatible with standard 19" rack equipment?

A: Yes. The Slim 5 Series is designed around standard 19-inch rack standards, ensuring broad compatibility with most equipment and accessories used in professional studios, control rooms, data centers, and AV installations.

Q: What depth does the Slim 5 Series frame support?

A: This model features a 26-inch (660 mm) depth, which supports deeper devices and generous rear cabling room while maintaining front and rear access for installation and maintenance.

Q: What finishes are available?

A: The frame comes in a black powder-coated finish, offering a professional look with enhanced durability for high-use environments such as broadcast facilities, post rooms, and live production spaces.

Q: How easy is it to assemble?

A: The Slim 5 Series uses a bolt-together design and ships ready-to-assemble. Most installations can be completed with common hand tools and standard hardware, allowing a single installer or small team to assemble and deploy quickly.