{"id":1377,"date":"2026-10-02T18:59:51","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T16:59:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/?page_id=1377"},"modified":"2026-10-06T16:55:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T14:55:11","slug":"racks-engineering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/racks-engineering\/","title":{"rendered":"Audio racks \u2014 Engineering and development"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"wrap\">\n<section id=\"thinking\" aria-labelledby=\"page-title\">\n<div class=\"hero thinking-hero\">\n<div class=\"hero-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">Carsten \/ The thinking behind I\u00b7ctra<\/p>\n<h1 id=\"page-title\">Engineering is<br \/>a way of seeing.<\/h1>\n<p class=\"hero-lead\">Before there is a rack,<br \/>there is a question.<\/p>\n<p>For Carsten, engineering starts with understanding how a structure behaves. How does vibration travel? Where does a frame move? What happens where two materials meet?<\/p>\n<p>Follow that thinking through ITO\u2019s physical testing, the PROTO-AS development study and the construction of KEO.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/ito-rack.webp\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"ITO audio rack showing its open frame, shelves and support connections\"><figcaption>ITO \/ Structure, materials and connections<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"principles thinking-principles\">\n<article>\n<h2>The structure.<\/h2>\n<p>Solid cross-sections and the relationship between components shape the design.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article>\n<h2>The connections.<\/h2>\n<p>Fewer separate parts and integrated functions are recurring design principles.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article>\n<h2>The materials.<\/h2>\n<p>Material interfaces and internal damping are considered as part of the complete assembly.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<nav class=\"page-nav\" aria-label=\"On this page\"><a href=\"#testing\"><span>01<\/span> ITO testing<\/a><a href=\"#development\"><span>02<\/span> PROTO development<\/a><a href=\"#keo\"><span>03<\/span> KEO construction<\/a><\/nav>\n<section class=\"chapter split method\" id=\"testing\" aria-labelledby=\"testing-title\">\n<div class=\"copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">01 \/ ITO physical testing<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"testing-title\">From a model<br \/>to a measurement.<\/h2>\n<p>A dedicated vibration test rig applies repeatable signals to the ITO structure. Sensors record the input and the response at the upper shelf.<\/p>\n<p>Measurements feed back into the development process, connecting the physical assembly with computer simulation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"method-note\">Explore the setup, its recorded signals and the computer model. Each image identifies which stage it shows.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"test-gallery\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"ITO testing\">\n<div class=\"gallery-stage\">\n<figure class=\"media gallery-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 3: Test setup\" data-label=\"Test setup\" data-description=\"The shaker excites the frame while sensors record the input and the response at the upper shelf.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/ito-test-setup.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"ITO rack connected to measurement equipment, with original input and output measurement labels\"><figcaption>ITO \/ Physical development test setup<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media gallery-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 3: Measured signals\" data-label=\"Measured signals\" data-description=\"The original oscilloscope display pairs the input at the frame with the response recorded at the upper shelf.\" hidden><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/ito-measured-signals.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Original oscilloscope display from the same ITO setup, showing traces labelled 2 IN and 2 OUT\"><figcaption>ITO \/ Measured input and output signals<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media gallery-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 3: Simulation\" data-label=\"Simulation\" data-description=\"Computer-modelled frames show how structural response is studied during development. This image is a simulation, distinct from the measured signals.\" hidden><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/ito-simulated-response.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Two ITO computer models with colour maps of acceleration; these are simulations\"><figcaption>ITO \/ Simulated frame response<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-controls\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"gallery-arrow\" data-direction=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Previous ITO testing image\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2190<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"gallery-count\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\">01 \/ 03 \u00b7 Test setup<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"gallery-arrow\" data-direction=\"1\" aria-label=\"Next ITO testing image\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"gallery-description\">The shaker excites the frame while sensors record the input and the response at the upper shelf.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"soft-section proto-study proto-compact\">\n<section class=\"chapter wrap\" id=\"development\" aria-labelledby=\"development-title\">\n<header class=\"chapter-intro\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">02 \/ PROTO \u00b7 ongoing development<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"development-title\">Engineering is<br \/>an ongoing process.<\/h2>\n<p class=\"chapter-subheading\">A development study within the PROTO family.<\/p>\n<p>The PROTO-AS study explores how the frame behaves, where vibration absorbers are positioned and how steel and aluminium meet. These analysis and construction views show the engineering questions being investigated.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"proto-analysis-grid\">\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"proto-modal\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">01 \/ Modal analysis<\/p>\n<h3>Understanding the movement.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">Three views of the same model.<\/p>\n<p>Modal analysis examines how the structure can vibrate. The colours show a simulated mode shape.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"test-gallery\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"PROTO-AS analysis\">\n<div class=\"gallery-stage\">\n<figure class=\"media gallery-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"1 of 3: Front view\" data-label=\"Front view\" data-description=\"Original modal-analysis visualisation from the PROTO-AS development study. The colours depict the simulated mode shape, not measured vibration reduction.\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-analysis-1.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PROTO-AS development modal analysis, front view\"><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Modal analysis \u2014 front view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media gallery-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"2 of 3: Perspective view\" data-label=\"Perspective view\" data-description=\"Original modal-analysis visualisation from the PROTO-AS development study. The colours depict the simulated mode shape, not measured vibration reduction.\" hidden><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-analysis-2.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PROTO-AS development modal analysis, perspective view\"><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Modal analysis \u2014 perspective view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"media gallery-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"3 of 3: Side view\" data-label=\"Side view\" data-description=\"Original modal-analysis visualisation from the PROTO-AS development study. The colours depict the simulated mode shape, not measured vibration reduction.\" hidden><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-analysis-3.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PROTO-AS development modal analysis, side view\"><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Modal analysis \u2014 side view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-controls\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"gallery-arrow\" data-direction=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Previous PROTO-AS analysis image\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2190<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"gallery-count\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\">01 \/ 03 \u00b7 Front view<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"gallery-arrow\" data-direction=\"1\" aria-label=\"Next PROTO-AS analysis image\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<p class=\"gallery-description\">Original modal-analysis visualisation from the PROTO-AS development study. The colours depict the simulated mode shape, not measured vibration reduction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"proto-construction\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">02 \/ Rear-fin construction<\/p>\n<h3>Behind the frame.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">Locate the fins within the structure.<\/p>\n<p>The rear-fin construction is shown alongside the analysis in the study. Switch views to highlight the fins.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"media-tabs\" aria-label=\"PROTO-AS rear-fin construction\">\n<div id=\"proto-panel-0\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"proto-tab-0\">\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-as-frame-detail.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PROTO-AS frame construction with rear fins in their normal finish\"><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Rear-fin construction<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"proto-panel-1\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"proto-tab-1\" hidden>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-rear-fins-highlight.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The same PROTO-AS frame with the rear fins highlighted in yellow\"><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Rear fins highlighted<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div role=\"tablist\" aria-label=\"PROTO-AS rear-fin construction\"><button type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" id=\"proto-tab-0\" aria-controls=\"proto-panel-0\" aria-selected=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">Construction<\/button><button type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" id=\"proto-tab-1\" aria-controls=\"proto-panel-1\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\">Rear fins<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"proto-extra-grid proto-analysis-grid\">\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"proto-absorbers\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">03 \/ Vibration absorbers<\/p>\n<h3>Positioned through analysis.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">Position, material and mass.<\/p>\n<p>Modal analysis informs these choices in the development study. The detail shows an absorber integrated into the frame.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<figure class=\"media\"><svg class=\"proto-source-detail\" viewbox=\"400 356 498 580\" role=\"img\" aria-labelledby=\"absorber-image-title\"><title id=\"absorber-image-title\">Original close-up of a red vibration absorber within the PROTO-AS frame<\/title><defs><clippath id=\"proto-absorber-crop\" clippathunits=\"userSpaceOnUse\"><rect x=\"400\" y=\"356\" width=\"498\" height=\"580\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><image href=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-absorber-source.jpg\" width=\"1866\" height=\"970\" clip-path=\"url(#proto-absorber-crop)\"\/><\/svg><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Integrated absorber detail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"proto-materials\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">04 \/ Material interfaces<\/p>\n<h3>Where materials meet.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">Steel and aluminium.<\/p>\n<p>The study combines the two materials in the base structure and examines the interfaces between them.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<figure class=\"media\"><svg class=\"proto-source-detail\" viewbox=\"1135 0 690 970\" role=\"img\" aria-labelledby=\"material-image-title\"><title id=\"material-image-title\">Original PROTO-AS illustration identifying aluminium in red and steel in black<\/title><defs><clippath id=\"proto-material-crop\" clippathunits=\"userSpaceOnUse\"><rect x=\"1135\" y=\"0\" width=\"690\" height=\"970\"\/><\/clippath><\/defs><image href=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/proto-material-source.jpg\" width=\"1825\" height=\"970\" clip-path=\"url(#proto-material-crop)\"\/><\/svg><figcaption>PROTO-AS \/ Steel\u2013aluminium interfaces<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"proto-source-note\">Presented as \u201cOngoing Development \/ PROTO-AS\u201d in the I\u00b7ctra engineering presentation, April 2026, slides 38\u201341. These images document a development study within the PROTO family.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"proto-study proto-compact keo-study\">\n<section class=\"chapter wrap\" id=\"keo\" aria-labelledby=\"keo-title\">\n<header class=\"chapter-intro\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">03 \/ KEO construction &amp; development<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"keo-title\">See how KEO<br \/>comes together.<\/h2>\n<p class=\"chapter-subheading\">From the supporting beam to the complete rack.<\/p>\n<p>Explore the supporting beam\u2019s development, its shelf support and frame connections. Then see how these parts come together in the exposed structure and beneath the shelves of the complete rack.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"proto-extra-grid\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:0;border-top:0\">\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"keo-development\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">01 \/ Structural development<\/p>\n<h3>From geometry to structure.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">Follow the supporting beam\u2019s development.<\/p>\n<p>The sequence explores the beam\u2019s geometry. Switch to the development component to see its position within the frame, then compare it with the rack photographs below.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"media-tabs\" aria-label=\"KEO development and physical component\">\n<div id=\"keo-panel-0\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"keo-tab-0\">\n<figure class=\"media\"><video controls playsinline preload=\"none\" poster=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/keo-development-poster.jpg\" aria-label=\"KEO structural development sequence\"><source src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/keo-development.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\">Your browser does not support this development film.<\/video><figcaption>KEO \/ Structural development sequence<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"keo-panel-1\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"keo-tab-1\" hidden>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-engineering-pages\/assets\/keo-beam.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Red supporting beams shown within the KEO development assembly\"><figcaption>KEO \/ Supporting beam \u2014 development view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div role=\"tablist\" aria-label=\"KEO development and physical component\"><button type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" id=\"keo-tab-0\" aria-controls=\"keo-panel-0\" aria-selected=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">Development<\/button><button type=\"button\" role=\"tab\" id=\"keo-tab-1\" aria-controls=\"keo-panel-1\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\">Component<\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"keo-support\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">02 \/ Shelf support<\/p>\n<h3>A closer look at the support.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">A rocker within the beam.<\/p>\n<p>KEO uses a four-point sub-chassis support with a freely rotating rocker and polymer inserts. The close-up shows the rocker mechanism integrated into the supporting beam.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-bricks-support\/assets\/keo\/keo-06.webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Close-up of the silver rocker support mechanism integrated into KEO\u2019s perforated beam\"><figcaption>KEO \/ Integrated rocker support<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"keo-connections\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">03 \/ Frame connection<\/p>\n<h3>Where the parts connect.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">Beam, support arm and upright.<\/p>\n<p>This detail brings the connection into view: the supporting beam meets the frame, while the side arm extends towards the front of the shelf.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-bricks-support\/assets\/keo\/keo-07.webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Close-up of the KEO beam, side support arm and connection to the upright frame\"><figcaption>KEO \/ Beam and support-arm connection<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"proto-extra-grid proto-analysis-grid\">\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"keo-frame\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">04 \/ The exposed structure<\/p>\n<h3>The structure revealed.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">The same rack, with its shelves removed.<\/p>\n<p>With the shelves removed, the three supporting beams and their connections are easier to follow. The side arms extend from the upright frame to support each shelf assembly.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-bricks-support\/assets\/keo\/keo-04.webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"KEO with shelves removed, exposing three perforated supporting beams, side arms and their connections to the upright frame\"><figcaption>KEO \/ Open frame and shelf supports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"proto-card\" id=\"keo-assembled\">\n<header class=\"proto-card-copy\">\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">05 \/ The assembled rack<\/p>\n<h3>Inside the complete rack.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"proto-card-subheading\">The beams, in place beneath the shelves.<\/p>\n<p>This underside view shows the supporting beams within the assembled KEO. Their open geometry is visible directly below the wood-finished shelves.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<figure class=\"media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/ictra-bricks-support\/assets\/keo\/keo-05.webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Complete KEO rack viewed from below, with the perforated supporting beams visible beneath the shelves\"><figcaption>KEO \/ Supporting beams beneath the shelves<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"proto-source-note\">KEO construction photographs and technical product information from I\u00b7ctra, shown alongside the structural development sequence.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-section\">\n<section class=\"related wrap\" aria-labelledby=\"related-title\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"eyebrow\">Continue exploring<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"related-title\">From the thinking<br \/>to your system.<\/h2>\n<p>Explore the I\u00b7ctra rack collection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"actions\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/#collection\">Explore the racks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wrap source-wrap\">\n<p class=\"source-note\">Engineering presentation, April 2026; KEO construction photographs, technical product information and structural development sequence, supplied by I\u00b7ctra. Captions identify construction, measurement and simulation images.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow Carsten\u2019s engineering approach through KEO development, ITO testing and the PROTO-AS study.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1377","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1377"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1377\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1595,"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1377\/revisions\/1595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ictra.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}