Class Piano Lab Manufacturers: Korg

Student Interface Units (SI Units)

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Korg's GEC3 system has two major components, the GEC3 (Teacher Unit) and the Student Interface Units (SI Units). The SI Units are mounted on each keyboard in the lab, usually right under the keyboard and to the right or left where the student can have easy access for headphone volume control. All of the individual SI Units are then connected to the teacher control unit (the GEC3) via ethernet cables. The ethernet cables only transmit AUDIO back and forth between the teacher and the student. No MIDI control is transmitted through the ethernet cables.

Visit Korg's site to view detailed specs for the GEC3 and the Student Interface Units (SI Units).

Korg designed their SI Units specifically to use a particular model of headphone manufactured by KOSS. These headphones are equipped with a mini-XLR plug. Korg explains this design decision as follows:

- the mini-XLR connector gives the best sound possible with a digital audio system.

- the "heavy-duty" mini-XLR connector holds up under regular student abuse.

In the past, our experience with this peculiar headphone design was one of DEEP FRUSTRATION. The Koss headphones were definitely NOT "heavy-duty" and were expensive ($60.00 each). Koss did have a replacement warranty. However, this proved to be inconvenient and long delays were experience in actual replacement of damaged headphones (up to 3 months). Consequently, we re-fitted the SI Units with standard 1/8" stereo headphone plugs and found this to be completely satisfactory. Consequently, we could use any off-the-shelf headphone, many of which are inexpensive to the point of being disposable.

Korg now offers an adaptor for the mini-XLR plugs which allows for the use of standard stereo headphones. The adaptors are a cable-type about 6" long and cost $20.00. Although a welcome addition, our experience is that these adaptors are cumbersome and annoying. In addition, they are easily damaged if not treated with respect and inevitably mysteriously disappear from the lab. Consequently, we are MOST happy with the retro-fitted SI Units and this is what we recommend to our customers.

The retro-fit adds an additional $50.00 per unit but is definitely worth it in the long-run. For example, a set of Koss headphones is $60.00. An adaptor is $20.00 and these usually have to be replaced at least once or twice a year. With the retro-fit, ANY standard headphone will work and there is nothing to replace.

See Korg's GEC3 Teacher Control Unit.

See Korg's C4500 Digital Piano.

Contact us for information about installing a class/group piano lab in your school.