New LC2 Music Lab System Targets Music Education
July 23, 2004
Group teaching in music education has moved into the computer age, courtesy of the Yamaha LC2 Multi Purpose Music Lab. The LC2 is a multi-purpose system that features a modular and expandable design, making it suitable for a variety of electronic instruments and classroom situations.
Currently available, the LC2 includes: a rack mounted Hub, Student Boxes, Hardware Remote Control and optional Music Management software. The basic eight-channel system includes cabling and headphones, and can be expanded via eight-channel expansion cards to accommodate as many as 48 students.
"The Yamaha LC2 will allow any school music program to begin with a great system and grow as needed, or as new budgets become available," states Mike Bates, director, Institutional and Commercial Services, Yamaha Music Marketing Group. "The system's affordability, combined with the wide selection of electronic instruments available from Yamaha, will allow the creation of labs that expand the possibilities for group teaching in music education. For example, using the LC2 and Yamaha Silent String instruments would allow a 'silent' beginning violin program to take place in any available space in a school building. The possibilities are amazing."
The LC2 Hub can be controlled by the Hardware Remote Controller and/or computer-based software via a USB connection. Student Boxes include stereo instrument, microphone and computer audio inputs, plus output and level controls. Each box is connected to the Hub via CAT5 cables, further reducing system cost and installation time.
The Hardware Remote Controller is small enough to fit on top of the teacher's keyboard or to be carried with one hand, and can store up to eight different class configurations for easy recall at the touch of a button.
Yamaha's Music Lab Management software mirrors all the controls of the remote, and contains complete class management tools and multimedia music software. By adding a Windows-based computer to the system, teachers can name students and classes, track attendance and test scores, run a variety of Yamaha music software and even have the physical layout of their classes graphically represented.
The basic eight channel LC2 lab system carries an MSRP of $2,999. Expansion using the eight channel user installable expansion cards (MSRP $1,599) allows lab systems as large as 48 channels ( MSRP $9,998). The LC2 is currently available through Yamaha's Pro Audio & Combo, Band & Orchestral, and Piano Divisions.
For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. | 
