Side Operator

Built for small teams collaborating in real time. Expanded operator workspace makes this the ideal choice for multi-user technical setups.

Bigfoot Side Operator mobile workstation

Collaborative Workspace, Mobile Freedom

The Side Operator is designed for workflows that require side-by-side collaboration. With an extended operator workspace alongside a standard rack section, it gives multiple team members room to work together on technical projects in real time. Available in Single or RackPlus configurations, the Side Operator adapts to your team's specific needs.

  • Expanded operator workspace area
  • Multi-user collaboration design
  • Available in Single or RackPlus configurations
  • Standard 19" rack with front and back threaded rails
  • Monitor mount options for single or dual displays
  • Extruded aluminum frame with composite panels
  • Keyboard tray and accessory mounting options

Ideal For

The Side Operator's unique side-access design excels in environments where space is constrained and operators need to work beside their equipment.

Film & Television DIT

The Side Operator is a favorite among DIT professionals because it positions the operator beside the rack rather than behind it. This means the DIT can face the set while monitoring color and data management, maintaining visual contact with the camera team. The expanded workspace provides room for a keyboard, tablet, and reference materials alongside the rack-mounted equipment.

Streaming & Digital Media

Content creators and streaming producers benefit from the side-access layout when working in small studio spaces and home offices. The operator sits or stands beside the rack, leaving the front completely open for talent framing and camera angles. This configuration is ideal for podcast studios, YouTube production spaces, and live streaming setups.

Houses of Worship

Churches and worship facilities often operate AV equipment in balconies, closets, and other tight spaces where a traditional front-facing cart would block the aisle or sightlines. The Side Operator lets the tech volunteer operate from the side, keeping the footprint narrow and maintaining clear passage in constrained environments during services.

Corporate & Enterprise

Corporate AV teams deploy the Side Operator in boardrooms and executive briefing centers where the equipment needs to be accessible but unobtrusive. The side-access design lets a technician manage a livestream or recording while seated alongside executives, rather than being positioned behind a wall of equipment at the back of the room.

Common Configurations

The Side Operator's unique layout creates workflow possibilities that traditional front-facing carts cannot match.

DIT

On-Set DIT Workstation

A DIT-optimized configuration with the rack section housing SSD shuttle systems, LTO archive, color processing hardware, and a UPS. The side workspace provides room for a laptop, tablet, and external keyboard for managing file transfers and color workflows. A top-mounted reference monitor is angled toward the operator's side position for ergonomic viewing during long shooting days on location.

POD

Podcast & Streaming Studio

A compact production setup with streaming encoder, audio interface, and routing gear in the rack section. The side workspace holds a production laptop or tablet for managing OBS, vMix, or similar software. This layout keeps all equipment accessible to the producer while maintaining a clean, open front for on-camera talent and microphone positioning in small studio environments.

AV

Event AV Control Point

A mobile AV control station for event spaces and houses of worship. The rack holds a small video switcher, audio mixer, and streaming distribution. The side workspace provides room for a mixing surface or control tablet. The narrow side-access profile fits into balcony positions, alongside pews, or against walls without blocking aisles or sightlines during live events.

Why Choose the Side Operator

The Side Operator solves problems that no other Bigfoot model addresses. Here is when the side-access design is the right choice.

01

Unique Side-Access Design

No other Bigfoot model positions the operator beside the equipment. This is not just a layout preference; it fundamentally changes the workflow. The operator faces the same direction as the rack's front panel, maintaining visual contact with the set, stage, or room while operating equipment. This is a critical advantage for DIT work and live event production.

02

Optimized for Tight Spaces

The Side Operator's narrow side-access profile fits into spaces where front-facing models like the Single Rack or Double Rack would not work. Balconies, narrow control rooms, alongside set walls, or tucked against a conference room wall. When your deployment space is constrained, the side-access design is the solution.

03

Integrated Workspace

The expanded operator workspace is not just a shelf; it is an integrated part of the cart's design with keyboard tray and accessory mounting options. This gives you a proper workstation alongside your rack equipment, eliminating the need for a separate table or desk that takes up additional floor space in your working environment.

04

Scales Up When Needed

If you love the side-access workflow but need more rack space and a larger workspace, the Side Operator XL provides the same design philosophy in a larger format. Start with the standard Side Operator for a compact solution, and know that an upgrade path exists for growing production needs.

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