Korg GEC3 User manual

GEC3 User Manual

GEC3 User Manual

To ensure long, trouble-free operation,
please read this manual carefully.
Precautions
Location
Using the unit in the following locations can
result in a malfunction in:
• Direct sunlight
• Locations of extreme temperature or humidity
• Excessively dusty or dirty locations
• Locations of excessive vibration
Power supply
Please connect thedesignated AC/AC power
sup-ply to an AC outlet of the correct voltage.
Do not connect it to an AC outlet of voltage
other than that for which your unit is intended.
Interference with other electrical devices
This product contains a microcomputer. Radios
and televisions placed nearby may experience
reception interference. Operate this unit at a
suitable distance from radios and televisions.
Handling
To avoid breakage, do not apply excessive
force to the switches or controls.
Care
If the exterior becomes dirty, wipe it with a
clean, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners such
as benzene or thinner, or cleaning compounds
or flammable polishes.
Keep this manual
After reading this manual, please keep it for
later reference.
Keeping foreign matter out of your
equipment
• Never set any container with liquid in it near
this equipment. If liquid gets into the
equipment, it could cause a breakdown,
fire, or electrical shock.
• Be careful not to let metal objects get into the
equipment. If something does slip into the
equipment, unplug the AC/AC power supply
from the wall outlet. Then contact your
nearest Korg dealer or the store where the
equipment was purchased.
THE FCC REGULATION WARNING (for
U.S.A.)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
followingmeasures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
• Unauthorized changes or modification to this system
can void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CE mark for European Harmonized
Standards
CE mark which is attached to our company’s products of
AC mains operated apparatus until December 31, 1996
means it conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and
CE mark Directive (93/68/EEC). And, CE mark which is
attached after January 1, 1997 means it conforms to
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC), CE mark Directive
(93/68/EEC) and Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC).
Also, CE mark which is attached to our company’s
products of Battery operated apparatus means it
conforms to EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and CE mark
Directive (93/68/EEC).
Data handling
Malfunctions due to incorrect operation may
cause the contents of memoryto be lost, so we
recommend that you save important data.
Please be aware that Korg will accept no
responsibility for any damages that may result
from loss of data.
Company names, product names, and names of formats
etc.are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

Table of Contents
USING THIS MANUAL.............................................................................................9
MEET THE GEC3....................................................................................................11
OVERVIEW.........................................................................................................11
TEACHER (GEC3) UNIT..................................................................................13
Screen Display ...................................................................................................... 13
Power On.............................................................................................................. 14
Mode Buttons ........................................................................................................ 14
A, B and A+B Buttons ............................................................................................ 14
Back Panel............................................................................................................ 15
STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE (SI) UNITS ........................16
Front ..................................................................................................................... 17
Back..................................................................................................................... 18
QUICK START.........................................................................................................19
BASIC HOOK UP...............................................................................................19
Audio Cables for the GEC3 .................................................................................... 20
Audio Cables for the SI Boxes ................................................................................ 21
GEC Installation Hardware ..................................................................................... 22
Replacement Hardware.......................................................................................... 22
“OUT OF BOX” OPERATION..........................................................................22
TOP 10 HOW-TO’S...........................................................................................22
BASICS FOR USING THE GEC3.........................................................................27
QWERTY KEYPAD...........................................................................................27
SELECTION TYPES.........................................................................................29
CLASS & TEACHER PREFERENCES, CLASS SETUP.................................31
ADDING TEACHER NAMES...........................................................................31
ADDING CLASS NAMES.................................................................................33
ASSIGNING TEACHER PREFERENCES.....................................................35
ASSIGNING CLASS PREFERENCES...........................................................37

SETTING UP STUDENT NAMES FOR A CLASS.......................................39
LECTURE MODE....................................................................................................41
PLAY TAB...........................................................................................................41
How to…............................................................................................................... 42
SETUP TAB........................................................................................................44
How to…............................................................................................................... 45
Volume, Global & Disc Tabs ................................................................................... 46
PRACTICE MODE...................................................................................................47
PLAY TAB...........................................................................................................47
How to…............................................................................................................... 48
SETUP TAB........................................................................................................50
How to…............................................................................................................... 51
Volume, Global & Disc Tabs ................................................................................... 52
GROUP MODE.........................................................................................................53
PLAY TAB...........................................................................................................54
How to…............................................................................................................... 55
Load Group Screen................................................................................................ 56
Configuration Screen (Play tab) .............................................................................. 57
SETUP TAB........................................................................................................59
Configuration Screen (Setup tab)............................................................................ 59
Group Setup Screen.............................................................................................. 60
Fields.................................................................................................................... 61
Group Setup Procedures (How to…)....................................................................... 61
SHARED TABS –VOLUME, GLOBAL & DISC................................................63
VOLUME TAB....................................................................................................63
Fields.................................................................................................................... 64
How to…............................................................................................................... 65
GLOBAL TAB.....................................................................................................67
Class/Teacher Setup –Teacher Mode .................................................................... 68
Fields.................................................................................................................... 68
How to…............................................................................................................... 70
Class/Teacher Setup –Class Mode........................................................................ 71
Fields.................................................................................................................... 72
How to…............................................................................................................... 74
Examples .............................................................................................................. 75
Teacher Selection and Edit Screen ......................................................................... 76
Class Selection and Edit Screen............................................................................. 78
DISK TAB............................................................................................................80
Fields.................................................................................................................... 81

How To….............................................................................................................. 81
INSTALLATION.......................................................................................................85
THE PLANNING STAGE..................................................................................85
Site Plan Checklist................................................................................................. 85
Cabling Estimates and Requirements...................................................................... 86
Sizing Cables ........................................................................................................ 87
THE INSTALLATION STAGE..........................................................................87
Positioning Equipment ........................................................................................... 87
Mounting the SI’s................................................................................................... 88
Positioning the GEC3............................................................................................. 88
Connect Cabling.................................................................................................... 88
GEC3 Connections ................................................................................................ 88
More on the Communication Cables ....................................................................... 89
Crimping Your Own Cables .................................................................................... 90
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................... 90
INDEX........................................................................................................................91

Using this Manual
9
Using this Manual
This manual is set up for use as a step-by-step user guide and as a reference manual. The first
four chapters (including this one) allow you to get familiar with the unit, take you through the
basic steps for setting up the Group Education Controller 3 (GEC3) for use, and give a quick
review of use and answer frequently asked questions. The next five chapters describe how to
set up a class and teacher and describe each mode and the shared tabs. These chapters can be
read through (as a user guide) or used for reference purposes when you need to check what
the functionality is for a specific screen of field on a screen. The mode and tab descriptions
follow the actual setup of the modes and tabs on the GEC3, making it easy to find the section
you want. Each chapter is described below. The last chapter is an installation guide, to be used
by GEC3 Administrator, or the person in charge of installing the unit.
Meet the GEC3 –This chapter describes the hardware for the GEC3 and gives an overview of
the GEC3 (main teacher unit) and SI (Student units). It also gives a brief overview of the back
panel and describessome features and screens of the GEC3 that apply to multiple modes.
Quick Start (Class & Teacher Preferences, Class Setup) –This chapter gives a step-by-step
description for setting up class and teacher preferences and class setup. It gives you the basics
for setting up the GEC3. It is recommended that you set up preferences and classes before you
start using the GEC3 in a classroom setting; however, it is not required.
Basics for Using the GEC3 -This chapter gives you information on the keypad (a frequently
used screen on the GEC3) and introduces the selection types that appear on the various
screens on the GEC3.
Class and Teacher Preferences, and Class Setup–This chapter describes how to individualize
the GEC3 for different teachers and set up class and student names.
Lecture Mode –This chapter describesLecture mode and shows the all the screens (with the
exception of shared tab screens) you can access inLecture mode. There is a table defining the
field and buttons for each screen and a How to section that gives step-by-step instructions for
performing tasks on that screen.
Practice Mode –This chapter describesPractice mode and shows the all the screens (with the
exception of shared tab screens) you can access inPractice mode. There is a table defining
the field and buttons for each screen and a How to section that gives step-by-step instructions
for performing tasks on that screen.
Group Mode –This chapter describesGroup mode and shows the all the screens (with the
exception of shared tab screens) you can access inGroup mode. There is a table defining the
field and buttons for each screen and a How to section that gives step-by-step instructions for
performing tasks on that screen.

Using this Manual
10
Shared Tabs, Volume, Global and Disc –This chapter describes the Volume, Global and Disc
tabs, as these can be accessed and have the same functionality, regardless of what mode you
are in. There is an image of each tab, a table defining the field and buttons for each screen and
a “How to” section that gives step-by-step instructions for performing tasks on that screen.
The Global Tab section of this chapter also includes some examples, due to the complexity of
functions of the tab.
Installation –This chapter gives information and suggestions for planning, ordering
equipment, and installing your GEC3 system. Someone knowledgeable and skilled in
electronics and classroom setup should perform the setup procedure. Setup should not be
attempted by a layperson.

Meet the GEC3
11
Meet the GEC3
This section gives an overview to the features and functions of the GEC3. In addition, it
introduces the GEC3 (main teacher unit) and back-panel and the SI (Student units).
The Basics section also describes some features and screens of the GEC3 that apply to
multiple modes and are referred to several times in the rest of this manual.
Overview
Congratulations on your purchase of the Korg Group Education Controller 3 (GEC3). The
GEC3 provides a fully digital, flexible and cost effective central routing system for your
school or studio’s music laboratory. Suitable for any teaching level, the GEC3 allows you (the
teacher) to interact with as many as 16 student stations and 32 different students, or, utilizing
the Expansion Unit and Split Function, up to 32 student stations, and 64 students. The GEC3
offers the following features:
•Fully digital design throughout, featuring digital transfer of audio from each student
station to the GEC3 unit, S/PDIF output for digital recording of any workstation in the
system, and conventional analog inputs and outputs.
•Large, intuitive touch-screen user interface featuring easy to use tabs and screens.
•Customizable teacher and class setups, including individual teacher preferences and class
set-ups displaying student names
•Split function that allows two students toindependently work on the same MIDI
keyboard (with keyboards that can save custom panned splits) allowing you to more
effectively teach larger groups of students with fewer keyboards.
•MIDI that allows teacher remote control of student keyboards via conventional MIDI
cables.
•Smart media source that allows you to store or backup teacher and class information and
load MIDI settings for our most popular lab keyboards.
The GEC3 system has two major components, the teacher, or GEC3 unit, and the Student
Interface (SI) units. The SI Units are each connected to audio sources like MIDI keyboards,
guitars, sound modules, and computer sound cards. The SI Units have jacks for two student
headsets (stereo headphones with microphones). All of these audio sources are combined in
the SI Unit, digitized and sent to the GEC3 Teacher Unit. These connections allow the
students to musically interact with one another and you, in virtually any combination of ways.
The GEC3 is a fully digital, microprocessor-based unit that performs all teacher functions and
interfaces with 16 student interface boxes. An Expansion Unit (GECEXP) is available to
provide support for up to 32 student interface connections, supporting (with Split Function) a
total of up to 64 students.

Meet the GEC3
12
The GEC3 also comes equipped with Split-Function capability. One student unit is connected
to one keyboard, but if you activate the Split Function toggle, two students can share the use
of one keyboard. Combining this feature with the expansion units allows you to interface with
up to 64 students at one time.
Information for up to 16 teachers can be stored on the GEC3 and settings for up to eight
classes can be associated with each teacher. Settings can be stored to a Smart Media card or
backed up on your Windows based personal computer.
The display is a touch-screen enabled LCD, meaning that you tap the buttons on the display
screen to select options, menus and to set up and access class lists.
There are three main modes of GEC3 operation. Each of these can be selected from buttons to
the left of the touch-screen interface. They are:
•Lecture Mode: This mode is used if you want to present material in a lecture format. All
students hear your microphone and instrument as well as their own instruments. You
have the option of including any student or students (and their microphone and
instrument) in your lecture.
•Practice Mode: This mode is used if the students are working independently. Each
student hears only their own instrument. You have the option of “eavesdropping” on
students and you can initiate 2-way communication with the students.
•Group Mode: This mode is similar to Practice Mode but should be used if the students are
working together in groups (two or more student workstations in any conceivable order).
The students in a group hear their own instruments as well as the instruments of the other
members of their group. Students can also speak to each other if their microphones are
enabled. As in Practice Mode, you have the option of “eavesdropping” on the group and,
if you wish, initiating 2-way communication with the members of the group.
Five tabs appear on the touch-screen regardless of what mode you are in. Each tab allows you
to perform a variety of tasks. All of the tabs; Play, Setup, Volume, Global and Disk,
appear regardless of what mode you are in; however, the Play tab and the Setup tab
function differently in each mode. The remaining tabs; Volume, Global and Disk, function
the same way, regardless of the mode you are in.
In this manual, tabs that are the same in various modes are described only once, in the Shared
Tabssection of the manual. You are referred to the corresponding section in the Shared Tabs
chapter from various other sections in the manual.
The GEC3 is the name of the system as a whole, and it also refers to the teacher unit of the
entire GEC3 interface. The GEC3 is used to perform all the functions described in the
modules.

Meet the GEC3
13
Teacher (GEC3) Unit
The Teacher or GEC3 unit looks like this:
Screen Display
The screen display is a Touch View © touch screen, meaning, the screen is sensitive to the
touch and you tap the buttons on the display screen to select options, menus and to set up and
access class lists. All functions of the GEC3 (with the exception of powering on the unit and
selecting modes) are served from the screen.
On the first level of screens, the mode in use is displayed, followed by the name of the screen
you are on. When you are editing Class or Teacher Information, the name of the class or
teacher is displayed in place of the name of the screen. The tab you are on is also highlighted.

Meet the GEC3
14
Power On
When you press the On button, the GEC3 logo appears while the unit performs self-test. It
looks like this:
All student units are tested and reported with on of the following symbols:
O–for “OK” if all SI units are connected.
X–for “Error” if not all SI units are connected.
If any of the units fail self test, the screen is visible until the teacher presses the screen. After
power on, the GEC3 automatically loads the first teacher andclass setup.
If an expansion board is in use, it is automatically detected and all additional student boxes
are tested, or the "#17-32: not present" message appears.
If you experience problems during the Startup procedure, review the Installation process to
make sure you installed the system properly, or, contact your system administrator or Korg
representative.
Mode Buttons
The mode buttons are the three buttons to the right of the screen display. Press a mode button
to select the corresponding mode (Lecture, Practice and Group). The various modes are
described in the Overview section of this manual.
A, B and A+B Buttons
These are the three buttons below the screen display. They are used when you are using the
Split Feature and need to monitor a student. When you are using the Split Feature, pressAor
B, then the keyboard group, to monitor the A or B student in that keyboard group.

Meet the GEC3
15
If you are not using the Split Feature, A+B is active by default, and you do not have use for
these buttons.
Back Panel
The Back Panel of the GEC3 is where all connections to Student Communication Interfaces,
keyboards and external devices are made. The back panel looks like this:
Fields
Switch/Socket Description
Power switch Toggle switch, powers unit on/off.
AC power
socket Socket for connecting AC power cord to deliver power to GEC3 unit. Works with standard AC 110 Watt, 60 Hertz plug.
Supports power supply ranging from 90 to 230Volts AC and 47 to 63 Hz.
INSTR. IN
L/R Dual RCA stereo jacks for connecting cable to instrument providing input.
AUX IN L/R Dual RCA stereo jacks for connecting cables to auxiliary input. Routes from
auxiliary source into GEC3. Store the name of this device in the Aux1
device field on Volume tab (see How to Setup an Auxiliary Source in the
Volume tab section of this manual).
AUX IN 2 L/R Dual RCA stereo Jacks for connecting cables to tape deck or other auxiliary
unit. Routes from tape deck or other auxiliary source into GEC3. Store the
name of this device in the Aux 2 device field on Volume tab. (See How to
Setup an Auxiliary Source in the Volume tab section of this manual).
TAPE OUT
L/R Dual RCA stereo Jacks for connecting cables to tape deck or other auxiliary unit. Routes from GEC3 to tape deck or other auxiliary source. This enables
recording from GEC3 to the second auxiliary (Aux2) device.

Meet the GEC3
16
Switch/Socket Description
ROOM OUT
L/R Dual RCA stereo Jacks for connecting cables to speaker throughout studio or classroom, allowing output of GEC3 to be heard without use of headphones.
(See How to Route Signal in your Headset to Speakers in the Volume tab
section of this manual).
MIDI IN (5-
pin DIN) Used to connect the MIDI OUT of the teacher keyboard thereby allowing “remote control” of student keyboards. When ALL CALL is enabled, the
teacher can send program and bank change information to student keyboards
that are connected to the MIDI OUT of the GEC3. By “daisy chaining”
student keyboards (MIDI OUT of GEC3 to MIDI IN of 1st student keyboard,
MIDI THRU of 1st student keyboard to MIDI IN of 2nd student keyboard,
etc.) When All Call is NOT enabled, the MIDI connection is broken between
teacher and student keyboards.
MIDI OUT (5-
pin DIN) Sockets for connecting cables to MIDI device, allowing uploading of data to Smart Media cards. (See the Disc tab section of this manual.) Types of data
include, but are not limited to: Configurations associated with classes and
teachers and MIDI settings. (See the Disc tab section of this manual for
details.)
S/P DIF Jack for connecting cable to digital output.
USB (b-type
connector) Socket for connecting USB cable to PC.
SI connectors RJ45 connectors for connecting cables to SI units.
Student Communications Interface (SI) Units
The Student Communications Interfaces (SI) units are the student units connected to the
GEC3. The SIs are not described in great detail, as their functionality is relatively simple.
They look like this:

Meet the GEC3
17
Front
Fields
The following is a list of buttons and jacks that can be accessed from the front of the SIs:
Switch/Socket Description
Call Student presses to send a Call to the teacher, indicating that they want to
communicate with the teacher.
HEADESET1 Socket for connecting the first headset.
SPLIT SPLIT. The student presses if they need to use the Split Feature (two
students using the same keyboard, in split function)
HEADSET2 Socket for connecting the second headset.
VOLUME
DOWN Student presses to decrease volume in their headset.
VOLUME UP Student presses to increase volume in their headset.

Meet the GEC3
18
Back
The following is a list of jacks that can be accessed from the back of the SIs:
Switch/Socket Description
INSTR. R / L Dual RCA stereo jacks for connecting cable to instrument providing input,
right and left
AUX IN1 R/L Dual RCA stereo jacks for connecting cables to auxiliary input 1. Routes
from auxiliary source into SI.
AUX IN2 1/8” TRS stereo jack for connecting cables to auxiliary input 2. Routes from
auxiliary source into SI.
MIC OUT 1/8” mono jack for connecting cables to mic.
GEC Female RJ45 jack for connection to ethernet category 5 cable to GEC3 unit.
Note:
SI Boxes (student units) should only be connected or disconnected while the GEC3 teacher
unit is turned off. The GEC3 teacher unit establishes connection with the student units when
the GEC3 is powered on. DO NOT PLUG OR UNPLUG SI BOXES (STUDENT UNITS)
WHILE THE GEC3 IS TURNED ON. Permanent damage to the GEC3 and/or the SI boxes
may occur if student units are plugged or unplugged into the system when the GEC3 is turned
on.

Quick Start
19
Quick Start
This section gives the user basic instructions for out-of-the-box use of the GEC3. It is
recommended that you review the “Meet the GEC3” chapter so you are familiar with the
device before starting operation.
Basic Hook Up
The GEC3 System consists of the GEC3 Teacher Unit and Student Interface Boxes (SI boxes)
for each workstation in your system. The base GEC3 systemcan accommodate up to 16 SI
boxes. By adding the optional GECEXP expansion card to the GEC3 Teacher unit, up to 32
SI boxes can be hooked up to the system.
The cable used to connect SI boxes to the GEC3 Teacher unit is conventional category 3 or
category 5 (recommended) Ethernet cable. Both ends of the cables terminate in standard
computer networking RJ45 connectors. Cable of this type can be purchased in fixed lengths,
or for custom installations, can be cut and “crimped” on site. The crimping scheme is the
standard “568B” specification shown below.
Yellow
Green Blue
Brown
Note:
If the cables are not crimped properly, permanent damage may be caused to the GEC and/or
the SIs. If you have questions regarding crimping procedures or you do not feel confident in
completing the cabling process, contact your dealer.

Quick Start
20
Note:
SI Boxes (student units) should only be connected or disconnected while the GEC3 teacher
unit is turned off. The GEC3 teacher unit establishes connection with the student units when
the GEC3 is powered on. DO NOT PLUG OR UNPLUG SI BOXES (STUDENT UNITS)
WHILE THE GEC3 IS TURNED ON. Permanent damage to the GEC3 and/or the SI boxes
may occur if student units are plugged or unplugged into the system when the GEC3 is turned
on.
SI box #1 SI box #2 SI box #3 SIbox#4 SI box #5 SI box #6
etc. . .
GEC3
Audio Cables for the GEC3
All GEC3 audio connections (connections at the teacher controller) are configured as stereo
RCA inputs and outputs. The GEC3 Teacher unit accepts the following audio inputs:
•Teacher Instrument –audio from a MIDI keyboard, guitar (with preamp), sound module,
computer soundcard, or any stereo line level source. Since the GEC3 automatically
routes the Teacher Instrument to the student stations in many situations, it should
be the teacher’s primary instrument.
•Auxiliary Input 1 –audio from a CD player, tape player, computer soundcard, or any
stereo line level source.