Through the 1950s and '60's, the daily grind of live studio broadcasting still dominated the orchestra's schedule, and there was little time in its schedule for public performances.

MacKay first observed this effect on the wallboard of a BBC studio: the broadcasting staff had been annoyed by illusory shadows running up and down blank strips between columns of parallel lines.

As one of the BBC's many ensembles, the orchestra led a busy though sheltered life, broadcasting live at least five times a week from its studio and only occasionally allowed out.