From exploding transfer switches, to station grounds which disappeared into the Twilight Zone, Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, this presentation delivers real-world insights from the most challenging installations and emergency situations in broadcasting. Mike Pappas, Alan Spindel, David Harrison and Bob Orban share compelling field experiences from audio processing deployments across diverse and often demanding environments—from major market FM stations racing against clock changes to remote AM sites accessible only by helicopter, and everything in between. Attendees will gain practical knowledge from actual case studies including: critical lessons learned from equipment failures that occurred at the worst possible moments; innovative solutions developed under pressure when conventional approaches failed; the importance of proper grounding and RF management discovered through hard-won experience; and techniques for achieving optimal audio processing performance despite site limitations, budget constraints, and legacy infrastructure. These stories go beyond theory to reveal what really happens when pristine lab conditions meet the chaos of real-world broadcasting.

The presentation emphasizes troubleshooting methodologies that have proven successful across hundreds of installations, common pitfalls that can derail even well-planned deployments, and the critical human factors often overlooked in technical documentation. Whether dealing with hostile

RF environments, integrating modern digital processing with vintage analog plants, or managing remote sites with limited access, these battlefield experiences provide valuable lessons

for both seasoned engineers and those newer to broadcast engineering.

This session offers not just technical insights but also the wisdom that comes from surviving—and thriving—in broadcasting’s most demanding situations, where failure is not an option and the show must always go on.