1 Topic by mesaone (edited by mesaone 2014-12-04 04:17:18)

  • Registered: 2014-06-26
  • Posts: 15

Topic: Engineered and designed in Germany, but manufactured... Where?

My UCX was "Engineered and Manufactured in Germany", while my Babyface was "Engineered and Designed in Germany".

So where was the Babyface manufactured? Surely, if the UCX specifies the country of manufacture, then RME deems it important enough to mention.

I searched the internet as best I could. I checked the manual. I checked RME's product pages. I checked the unit itself - "made by RME" but no mention of the geographic location where the device was physically made.

Why the purposeful obfuscation? If it was made in China, just say so. I will hold an honest company with Chinese manufacturing in higher esteem than a company that hypes its German heritage while simultaneously leaving country of manufacture a mystery.

2 Reply by MC

  • MC
  • MC
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  • From: Germany/Thailand
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 27,176

Re: Engineered and designed in Germany, but manufactured... Where?

> If it was made in China

It's not that easy. The PCB with all components on it, means the BF in itself, is manufactured in Germany, tested here, and then shipped to RME Hong Kong. There it is assembled with the China-made housing, packed and sent out to the world.

Now does that make it 'Made in Germany'? Not really. And does it make it 'made in China'? Not really either. Your choice...

Regards
Matthias Carstens
RME

MC's Website

  • Registered: 2008-12-06
  • Posts: 198

Re: Engineered and designed in Germany, but manufactured... Where?

This sounds more complicated and expensive then doing all in Germany but I am sure RME had it's reason to do it that way.

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 11,211

Re: Engineered and designed in Germany, but manufactured... Where?

Most of German North Sea shrimp is being shipped in huge truckloads to Morocco for peeling and back to Germany for processing and marketing... Things are eeven worse in the clothing sector, with stuff being shipped about internationally for individual steps of the manufacturing process... Compared to these, the BF is a very moderate example of globalization. And you'll find other examples with a "designed/engineered in..." badge, even when the product is entirely manufactured in China or so...

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

5 Reply by mesaone (edited by mesaone 2014-12-04 20:34:01)

  • Registered: 2014-06-26
  • Posts: 15

Re: Engineered and designed in Germany, but manufactured... Where?

My problem is not globalization in general, or China specifically. It's that this information was nowhere to be found. I'm sure I will find other examples, and I will be equally disappointed by the labeling used by those companies if/when I purchase their products.

  • Registered: 2008-12-06
  • Posts: 198

Re: Engineered and designed in Germany, but manufactured... Where?

Well, it won't get better by comparing it to worst scenarios. smile
Thinking about such decisions just feels strange regarding common sense. I am sure in very big industries the savings are worth it but for a Babyface?
I remember an article in the Brand Eins about Funkwerk who once manufactured in China and then switched back to Germany because of the issues they had with quality and stolen ideas...
You are smart guys and for sure know which is better - I won't argue with you.