I verified my terminal settings, they're correct.
I am getting output from the empeg on both of my comps' screens.
I even turned the RS-cable around (swapped heads), btw it is the same one shipped w/ my empeg.
I succesfully flash upgraded the hijack kernel through this same cable.
I tried waiting 5 seconds before any key-presses after all the boot messages had been printed.

It seems no key-commands go through to the player.