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behringer fined by FCC.


rumpelstiltskin.

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apparently, stealing designs isn\'t the only corner they illegaly cut.

 

the v-amp and bass v-amp, as well as several powered and unpowered mixers all violate FCC equipment authorization rules. they've been selling them for five years and for over a year since being notified of the violations by the FCC.

 

$1M won't hurt them too badly, but that's still a lot of money for anyone. this means uli won't be able to buy a new steering system for his yacht for another month, now.

 

robb.

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We've had discussions over the questionable business practices of Behringer in the past, but this seems to be a blatant and irrefutable disreguard of law.

 

I own two pieces of Behringer equipment, a Bass V-Amp and a Europower EP1500. I am ashamed. :(

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I too, am embarrassed to own the two little mixers that I own which are made by this company.

 

By the way, the reason why so many pieces of gear use "wall warts" is because it takes so long to get FCC approval for a power supply that it is quicker for a manufacturer to make gear that uses an existing licensed power supply.

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actually, that's usually a UL/CE/CSA (regulatory) issue.

 

the FCC usually steps in when it comes to anything digital (i.e. v-amp, mixers with digital effects) or with a switching power supply (i.e. unpowered mixers). my guess is that they were also screen printed with statements that they comply with FCC regulations.

 

robb.

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Originally posted by Dave Sisk:

Interesting...I wonder if the small garage and basement builders of musical electronic gear are also violating FCC regulations?

 

Dave

This FCC Notice Of Apparent Liability applies to class B digital devices. I doubt very many garage or basement builders are manufacturing, let alone widely distributing, these type of devices.
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Thanks for the link, robb.

 

I still have my Behringer head. I got it used for pretty cheap, and wouldn't expect to recoup even that on a re-sell. It serves the needs for which it was purchased.

 

I wouldn't buy another, though.

Too many red flags on the Behringer playbook for me.

 

Peace,

 

wraub

 

I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here.

 

 

 

 

 

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This is very interesting to me for two reasons.

1) Passing these regulations is my job (my company makes networking equipment though)

2) I own a Vamp.

 

Maybe I'll throw it in our test chamber and see how bad it is.

 

To get a product tested and documentation written for the FCC, it cost between $10k and $20k. So for them not to do it and pay this fine, either they were extremely stupid, or they knew it wasn't going to pass and didn't care.

  • There is a difference between Belief and Truth.
  • Constantly searching for Truth makes your Beliefs seem believable.

 

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Originally posted by wade_g:

This is very interesting to me for two reasons.

1) Passing these regulations is my job (my company makes networking equipment though)

2) I own a Vamp.

 

Maybe I'll throw it in our test chamber and see how bad it is.

 

Please do so, and report back. I don't think I'm alone here in my curiousity...

 

Peace,

 

wraub

 

I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here.

 

 

 

 

 

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Originally posted by wraub:

Thanks for the link, robb.

 

I still have my Behringer head. I got it used for pretty cheap, and wouldn't expect to recoup even that on a re-sell. It serves the needs for which it was purchased.

 

I wouldn't buy another, though.

Too many red flags on the Behringer playbook for me.

 

Peace,

 

wraub

i know i bang on the "behringer is wrong and bad" drum pretty loudly, but i really don't want to make people feel guilty for having bought in the past. i mean, that's water under the bridge.

 

but i personally choose not to buy their products for just such reasons, and i hope others consider it in their buying decisions, too. having worked in pro audio for several years, it's self preservation for me to oppose behringer.

 

i vote with my dollars. once the vote is cast, you can't really take it back. but you can vote differently in the future.

 

robb.

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Well my head and speakers serve me well, Behringer or not. They were all I could afford at the time and I feel no shame in having them.

 

Eventually the speakers will have to go (I want to neodymium but the buggers cost too darned much right now) and the head ...

 

I really want a London City amp, it's the greatest thing I ever heard. But right now ... the equipment I have has only been gigged with twice so I want to get some mileage out of it :D

"I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes

 

The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour

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Interesting -

 

I know a lot of guys here own Behringer stuff. I myself do not but have been thinking of grabbing a little mixer just for small venues. Naturally, what I want is another Carvin but the Behringer is almost identical for about 1/3 less.

Is this really about morals? Is it really about supporting piracy? hmmmmmm.

"He is to music what Stevie Wonder is to photography." getz76

 

I have nothing nice to say so . . .

 

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Originally posted by wraub:

Originally posted by wade_g:

This is very interesting to me for two reasons.

1) Passing these regulations is my job (my company makes networking equipment though)

2) I own a Vamp.

 

Maybe I'll throw it in our test chamber and see how bad it is.

 

Please do so, and report back. I don't think I'm alone here in my curiousity...

 

Peace,

 

wraub

No, you are not. I would be very interested in the results of a chamber test.
My whole trick is to keep the tune well out in front. If I play Tchaikovsky, I play his melodies and skip his spiritual struggle. ~Liberace
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