So I was able to get Sweetwater to replace it not long after my original post. Got my replacement, took it out, plugged it in…..and both the Master and Dry volume knobs were scratchy between 9 o’clock and 4 o’clock on the knobs – right out of the box. Sounded like fine sandpaper on wood. Unusable.

SW is replacing it again. Should be delivered today for a final try before I get a Matrise. Confidence level is super low on this thing now for the long term. I figure three chances is a good threshold of patience. Update to follow.