Music Lab Installation Guide, Room Preparation

Music Lab Installation Guide

Music Lab Installation

Room Preparation

When preparing a music teaching lab, there are many factors to consider. For example, the size and shape of the room, the availability of lighting and power outlets, as well as a room’s ventilation and temperature control need to be addressed. Please consider the following physical and electrical requirements before installing your music teaching lab.

Physical Space Requirements

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Make sure there is sufficient space for all musical instruments, hardware, benches, and students. Full-size, free- standing keyboards (88-keys) require 22 square feet (including a bench and space for the student.) “Slab” key- boards (less than 88 keys) may require much less space.

Create an effective floor plan that ensures a clear “line-of-sight” from all student keyboards to the teacher. While this is not always possible due to the constraints of a given room, it is a good ideal.

Include a large desk or table next to the teacher keyboard if possible. This provides the teacher easy access to the communication console and/or the computer.

Be sure that there is adequate space behind the teacher station. This allows the teacher to move easily from the teacher station to the student stations.

Shade music lab windows to regulate sunlight. Avoid bright or direct sunlight in the lab, because heat generated by sunlight can overheat the Communication Console. Room temperature should not exceed 85 degrees during normal use. The ideal physical space will allow for regulated temperature and humidity.

Use anti-static, or static-resistant, carpet on the floors whenever possible to lower the noise-level in your lab.

Electrical Requirements

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Once the floor plan is defined, determine the number of electrical outlets and power strips needed to supply power to all devices. Isolate the MTLC-16 Communication Console from devices such as computers or lights by plugging the devices into separate 120v wall plug receptacles. Plugging computers or rheostatic lights into the same receptacle as the MTLC-16 could cause disturbing noise and hum during operation. Use only the supplied A/C power adapter; using other A/C adapters can damage the unit and void the warranty.

Use surge protectors on all electronic equipment in the music lab. This includes the MTLC-16 Lab Controller, the teacher’s instrument and computer, the student keyboards, and all external audio devices. Check the voltage and amperage requirements for the equipment being installed and consult with building engineering staff regarding the level of required electrical service needed.

Set the main power switch of the Music Tutor Lab Controller to the “Off” or “Out” position before connecting the A/C power adapter to a 120v wall plug receptacle. Use only the A/C power adapter supplied with the Music Tutor Lab Controller; using other A/C adapters can damage the unit and void the warranty.

For further protection against electrical surge damage, disconnect all A/C power adapters from the wall plug receptacle during school vacations or summer breaks.

Equipment Checklist

The MTLC-16 includes all of the components needed to connect up to (16) student instruments and (1) teacher instru- ment. It also includes all of the software needed to control the communication console via computer, to provide visual- ized learning tools, and to keep track of class rosters and grades. Before installing the MTLC-16, be sure you have the following components:

Hardware