AMZ-FX
Well-known member
This issue has come to attention on some of the music forums recently since Electro-Harmonix (New Sensor) was fined $450,000 for not getting in compliance with FCC Part 15 testing and product marking.
Bottom line is that if you manufacture/import/market a digital device that has a clock pulse in it with a frequency greater than 9000 Hz, then you have to have the product tested to make sure that it does not radiate enough energy to interfere with other electronic products. Even if the clock pulse is confined to the inside of the semiconductors, it is subject to the regs. There are exemptions for a few products, such as individual parts or certain kits and test equipment.
Behringer was fined $1,000,000 for Part 15 violations a few years back.
Kustom Musical Amplication was cited by the FCC for a similar offense at the same time as EHX and had to pay a $14,500.00 fine.
August 2012, Fender was fined $132,500.00 for violating Part 15 (FCC File No. EB-10-SE-055).
Also, American Music and Sound: $72,000.00 fine
Marshall was fined $7200.00 for marketing a Class B digital audio radio frequency device in the United States without providing mandatory disclosures to consumers in the device's user manual.
Rane Corp was fined $61,500.00
Gallien-Krueger (bass amps) paid $18,500.00 in fines
ETI Sound Systems: $34,000.00
...and more.
In one case, they took a guy to court for building less than 50 radio transmitters from commercial kits, then selling them.
Compliance will be cheaper than fines in the long run. Get professional legal advice if you have questions about compliance.
regards, Jack
Bottom line is that if you manufacture/import/market a digital device that has a clock pulse in it with a frequency greater than 9000 Hz, then you have to have the product tested to make sure that it does not radiate enough energy to interfere with other electronic products. Even if the clock pulse is confined to the inside of the semiconductors, it is subject to the regs. There are exemptions for a few products, such as individual parts or certain kits and test equipment.
Behringer was fined $1,000,000 for Part 15 violations a few years back.
Kustom Musical Amplication was cited by the FCC for a similar offense at the same time as EHX and had to pay a $14,500.00 fine.
August 2012, Fender was fined $132,500.00 for violating Part 15 (FCC File No. EB-10-SE-055).
Also, American Music and Sound: $72,000.00 fine
Marshall was fined $7200.00 for marketing a Class B digital audio radio frequency device in the United States without providing mandatory disclosures to consumers in the device's user manual.
Rane Corp was fined $61,500.00
Gallien-Krueger (bass amps) paid $18,500.00 in fines
ETI Sound Systems: $34,000.00
...and more.
In one case, they took a guy to court for building less than 50 radio transmitters from commercial kits, then selling them.
Compliance will be cheaper than fines in the long run. Get professional legal advice if you have questions about compliance.
regards, Jack
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