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Neo-Pak Smell??? Help

Metropolis_488

Metropolis_488

Jun 12, 2006
1,698
519
Connecticut
#1
Ok, So I recently got a Neo-Pak. The first time I fired it up I detected a strong electronics burning smell. Not sure how to describe it, but you know it if you have smelled it, very pungent, like rubber melting.

The thing is, the amp works fine and sounds great. I still get the smell and I have had it over a week and used it on a two hour gig Sat night.

I called Genz-benz and the guy on the phone said that there is a "burn in" period with the switching amps. He also said that if I thought there was a problem, they would definitely take care of me. He didn't think that there was a problem because the amp works fine. But before I go through the hassle of shipping the amp to them I wanted to get some input.

I never owned a switching amp before, but I did play a couple in stores and never detected this smell...maybe they were past this.

SOOO, has anyone else ever experienced this with a Neo-Pak??
 
#2
Not with mine. After approx. 6 months or so of frequent use, I have never detected anything out of the ordinary.

(2) Points: It's impossible to diagnose without having someone look at the unit, put it on the bench.

and IF you do need to have that done, you couldn't have a more responsive mfr. than Genz-Benz with top-rate service.
If it does need repair they'll fix it for you.

I'm not aware of a burn-in period, but it could well be, the factory should know. Never had it happen with my unit though; and it has seen some action....
 
#5
I've had 2 and neither had any smell. The bad thing is if something is wrong and you havent had it checked out, it might die in the middle of a gig, which is NEVER a good thing!!
 
#8
It's not uncommon to have a little smell as the components heat up and cycle a few times. Just like a new car smell that gets more noticeable in warm weather.
 
#10
If it doesn't go away after a few days, give Scott a call at the factory. He inspects all incoming amps. It's possible that there was a change, for example, in the consolidation varnish on the SMPS transformer or something simple like that.
 
#12
I get that smell out of the Markbass LM II's in my combo and separate amp, and they have a switching PS. I like it! I doesn't get me high but I find it a very pleasant smell. I always thought it was just stuff like indistrial solvents and the like burning off. I guess it is ;)
 

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