Se mics...No repair service apparantly...

[msm07]

So I was given a z5600ii (about 1 month old) by a friend in return for some studio time. Having already got one of these mics I noticed that this one's capsule/diaphragm is not sitting straight.

After emailing customer support on SE's website, they told me it does sound wrong but they don't have a repair service and sending it back to the manufacturer is costly. They offered me a RA to send it back to them (the people with no repair service) to see if there's something they can do.

What does one do in a situation like this? Just want a little advice as it left me puzzled.

[travisbrown]

Can you just straighten it? Mine has the capsule attached to a plastic cradle that is on four silicone mounts.

What's making it crooked? Picture?

[BOWIE]

Originally Posted by msm07

So I was given a z5600ii (about 1 month old) by a friend in return for some studio time. Having already got one of these mics I noticed that this one's capsule/diaphragm is not sitting straight.

After emailing customer support on SE's website, they told me it does sound wrong but they don't have a repair service and sending it back to the manufacturer is costly. They offered me a RA to send it back to them (the people with no repair service) to see if there's something they can do.

What does one do in a situation like this? Just want a little advice as it left me puzzled.

What a POS comany. Thx for the heads-up. I will avoid them.

[PDC]

Well you know their business model. They don't make anything themselves. They sell stuff for dirt cheap. Paying a tech $75/hour for bench time is not worth it to them. Same thing as Shure. You mess up a 57 and they just replace the thing for a flat fee. It's cheaper for them. Welcome to the age of disposible "pro" audio.

[travisbrown]

Originally Posted by PDC

Well you know their business model. They don't make anything themselves. They sell stuff for dirt cheap. Paying a tech $75/hour for bench time is not worth it to them. Same thing as Shure. You mess up a 57 and they just replace the thing for a flat fee. It's cheaper for them. Welcome to the age of disposible "pro" audio.

Actually, they make everything themselves. It's not outsourced manufactory - they own the factory and tooling (or at least they used to).

It's just that in order to make it inexpensive, they don't offer the niceties like repair.

I'm sure almost every warranty claim is just simply replacement. They aren't sending stuff back to China on an ad hoc basis.

I had a 5500 with a detached capsule. It wasn't an issue to get it replaced.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by PDC

Well you know their business model. They don't make anything themselves.

This is simply not true, I don't know where you're getting your info but sE does not rebrand and they do not purchase nor build for the "OEM" market. They are the most unique mic manufacturer that happens to build mics in China.

MSM07, we're an sE dealer here in the states. If you want to drop me a PM I can see if I can help with this (no promises, but one slut to another it may be worth a shot). I don't know the whole story behind this, but here in the states sE seem to provide fine service.

War

[DaveUK]

it's just the way things seem to be going unless you buy boutique i've had experience with beyerdynamic and mackie and sennheiser not wanting to repair things .goes against my hippie principals

[BOWIE]

Originally Posted by DaveUK

it's just the way things seem to be going unless you buy boutique i've had experience with beyerdynamic and mackie and sennheiser not wanting to repair things .goes against my hippie principals

I called Rode the other day about a 10 year old shockmount I had that was getting worn out. I wanted to buy a new one from them. They sent me a $40 shockmount and a $15 stand mount via UPS for FREE, no questions asked.

UA is really good.
Blue sux now. Last time I called them, the guy was basically calling me liar because he was not familiar w/ the earlier verson of the Robbie preamp. Told me there was no such think despite me owning the damn thing... But, back in the day, they were cool (I actually got a tech support email from Skipper once).

I agree about most companies being worthless for support these days.

[lord_bunny]

[quote=BOWIE;3526997]I called Rode the other day about a 10 year old shockmount I had that was getting worn out. I wanted to buy a new one from them. They sent me a $40 shockmount and a $15 stand mount via UPS for FREE, no questions asked.
quote]

do you think AKG would do the same for their cheapo 414 shock mounts? mine's almost stripped and they charge a lot for replacements.

[PDC]

Originally Posted by warhead

This is simply not true, I don't know where you're getting your info but sE does not rebrand and they do not purchase nor build for the "OEM" market. They are the most unique mic manufacturer that happens to build mics in China.

MSM07, we're an sE dealer here in the states. If you want to drop me a PM I can see if I can help with this (no promises, but one slut to another it may be worth a shot). I don't know the whole story behind this, but here in the states sE seem to provide fine service.

War

I was told wrong then. I will investigate.

[msm07]

Thanks for the replies.

War- I'm waiting for a reply from SE and when I get one I'll let you know. I simply asked what I should do in this situation...if its too costly to send back to the manufacturers and theres no official repair service.

I might just get the original owner to take it back to the shop with his receipt. He has NO idea about mics or studio equipment, he just wanted to start doing home recordings, and when that fell through I made the swap with him.

Here's a picture of the issue. Some people are wondering "how the flip could you notice something like that" lol

As you can tell its not straight, it leans back and at an angle. The pic was taken straight on top....

[travisbrown]

Looks to me like it's just twisted on the rubber mounts, and might be easily rectified by loosening the four screws, straightening it, then snugging the screws back up.

If not, then yeah, I'd just take it back and get them to replace it. Easier than doing a warranty.

One thing that sE does that's nice is trial loans - they will give you gear to try out.

[msm07]

That is definately not right is it? I find it funny HOW much gear comes out of shops with these little issues and not many people know about it.

My Mackie Big Knob came from the shop with little cracks in the knobs (the small ones) and I've been waiting a year and a half for Mackie to send me spares. Could'nt be bothered to return it for such a small issue, but to me its the principle. Eh....

[soundmark]

I sent my SEZ5600 in for a capsule repair. Cost me an hour bench at SE and the mic works great and sees regular action.

The truth is, most mics need tech attention sooner or later...personally I just look at that as in an investment in the quality of my tools and work.

All the best,

Mark