Hi,
I received the Kit2 in the post a couple of weeks ago. I have had set up issues with the software (package only works with generic drivers, only able to use the package at 256 samples or above, 128 introduces crazy latency) which I have overcome to one extent or another,
but the real major issue is an awful putrid smell that comes from the mic head. It has been there since I opened the packaging and despite airing the mic in front of a high powered fan this smell persists. You don’t have to be close to observe it: from across a room this chemical smell lingers. It’s so bad it puts me off doing any work with the device. It’s now back in its original packaging just to avoid the smell. I’ve never smelt anything like it. Absolutely horrible, makes you want to gag. I don’t understand. There doesn’t seem to be a fix either. I’ve put the mic in front of a fan for 3/4 hours on 8 occasions yet the smell lingers.
I don’t know if this is common, a manufacturing defect or whatever else but I literally cannot use the mic in any reasonable way. Please let me know how I can get a replacement or a refund. I tried to use your contact form but it is broken. See screenshots attached. Thanks
I just want to publicly thank Aykan and the Vochlea team for sending a replacement mic out so quickly. It arrived yesterday. Great service. Unfortunately, the new one has the same smell as the first one! Not as strong but it’s definitely there. I wanted to return the original but I haven’t received details on how to do that. I got an automated email about refunds but I just wanted a replacement. Anyone know what the procedure is please. Thanks and regards
The smell is similar to mechanical parts of an engine that get hot being next to plastic or some petrochemical. Perhaps in the manufacturing process, petrochemicals were used.
Mine also smells in a weird way, and always has, for years. I don’t use it usually. I am very glad that I can use a much better Shure SM58, anyway. It doesn’t smell, works with the Dubler2 software, and has better sound to my ears.
Notably, a lot of people will not sense the smell as strongly. I can attest to that as someone from a forested rural area. This kind of smell is industrial in nature. Since “lockdown” I have kept wearing an N95 mask on the city streets. I breathe clearer smelling less exhaust (similar sometimes to this mic smell), I can walk up hill faster without losing my breath.
Since other people look at me like I am crazy, and even if I say “can’t you smell the exhaust?”, they just say “No! It’s normal here! Only normal!”
In essence, I’m saying you are not crazy, but not everyone is having this experience with such smells, even if their nose could detect something if they really try. You and I seem to share instant recognition and aversion to possibly toxic chemicals - which it’s hard to confirm with some manufacturing processes which might change in the future what causes the strength of smells or why some noses but not all react more strongly.
