Setting Up the teacher station
Follow this step-by-step guide to set up a teacher station (or teacher rig) in your classroom. Let’s start with the computer, power source, and speakers.
Jump to…
– Interface Set-up
– Microphone Set-Up
– MIDI Instrument Set-Up
– Getting Started with the Novation Launchpad
– Nektar Keyboard Set-Up
– DJ Controller Set-Up
– Complete Set-Up
Begin by setting up your power supply close to an outlet.
Set up your computer or laptop in the middle of your desk.
Connect your laptop charger to the power source and plug in the adaptor.
Place your speakers or monitors equidistant on both sides of your laptop. Angle them towards your ears.
Plug in your speakers or monitors to the power source.
Flip the switch to turn on the speakers or monitors.
Place your interface next to the computer. Alternatively, you can place the interface on top of either the speaker or monitor to conserve desk space. To connect and turn on your interface, use the USB cable to plug your interface into the adaptor. Wait for the lights to turn on.
Connecting your speakers or monitors to the interface
Connect your speakers or monitors to the interface by using an 1/4 TRS to XLR cable (pictured above),
Connect the XLR cable to the speaker or monitor.
Connect the 1/4 TRS to the Left and Right output on the back of the interface. Right monitor to Right output, Left monitor to Left output.
Back of the teacher station set-up
Connect your headphones to the interface.
Watch this tutorial about how to use the interface for appropriate volume levels.
Pictured above: Shure SM58 microphone
Pictured above: XLR cables
Plug your XLR into the interface. (Picture above: VOLT interface).
Starting with the iRig Keys I/O 25 (or a MIDI keyboard), place the keyboard wherever convenient for your use.
Using the MIDI DIN (7 prong, right) to USB-C (left), connect your iRig Keys to the computer.
The MIDI DIN cable that plugs into the iRig is highly sensitive and susceptible to damage. Make sure the prongs appropriately align when you plug in. Once plugged in, the lights will turn on, indicating the instrument is on.
Watch this tutorial about the Novation Launchpad.
Place the launchpad near the computer.
Plug the launchpad into the adaptor. You’ll know that it’s on when the pads light up in different colors.
Here’s what the Nektar Keyboard looks like. Set up near the computer.
Use the USB to USB-C cable to plug in the keyboard.
Plug in the cable to the adapter.
Switch on the keyboard and the lights should turn on.
Here’s an example of a DJ controller you may have in the classroom.
Using the same type of cable for the Nektar, USB to USB-C, connect your controller to the computer.
Plug in cable to the adapter and the lights on the DJ controller should turn on.
Here’s what the full set-up would look like. You can then choose which instrument(s) to start with and have fun!
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