ART Pro Channel vs. Joe Meek threeQ ?

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changeng

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Thanks for all the feedback on preamps, guys, I've been studying everything you've recommended and also found some other possibilities. I'd like to have tube coloring at my disposal, but it's not critical if I can get the same basic colorings from solid state pres with built in compressors.

So does anyone prefer the Joe Meek three Q over the ART Pro Channel? Or vice versa?
 
I have a 3Q- which I enjoy having but rarely use the compressor. The pre is OK and in line with the price, the EQ is useable but not stellar. The whole thing is packaged as unique and if I'm using it at a preamp I disengage the comp and EQ. And I only use it as a pre when I've run out of other things or just want something different for the sake of it.

I've used a variety of ART pres, compressors, and EQ's and I can't imagine them being anything but more versatile than the Meek. The meek seems like a 1-trick pony. The ARTs don't steal my breath away either, but if I could only choose one for my input chain I'd probably guess that the Art is going to be more usefull.

I haven't used that particular ART, though, so that's just a guess.

Take care,
Chris
 
Can't help with the Joe Meek...haven't tried one.

But I have a Pro Channel and so far I'm pretty impressed. A good pre for the bucks.

I haven't had it very long yet but I've used the pre and comp sections and am getting some good sounds. So far I've used it for bass, vox, ac guitar and snare tracks. Haven't used the EQ section so I got nothin there.

food for thought

Luck to you in your quest.

:cool:
 
I have a MQ3 and a Art Pro VLA paired with a ART pro MPA Stereo tube pre. While Not exactly the Channel strip, I prefer the ART Pro stuff any day over the MQ3. To me the MQ3 is a one trick pony for Bass Guitar with the Opto compressor and EQ, but it does get a bit noisey for Vocals and acoustic instruments.

I edited this to note, the MQ3 is ok on amplified stuff where the amp has a little noise, I think it has too much character to be used for acoustic instruments where a more neutral pre would be more appropriate.
 
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Are we talking about the same threeQ? The new one? I haven't found mine to be at all noisey, and I really like the EQ. It doesn't particularly strike me as a one-trick pony, having used it on a bunch of different sources. YMMV!

EDIT - I just checked your website and you have the old TF MQ3. I know nothing about that one ... ! :)

Peace,

Nik
 
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I don't even remember which particular Meek box I have, but my limited experience with Meek vs ART is that the ART stuff has a more neutral sound, and is therefore more likely to work in more situations.

-RD
 
noisedude said:
Are we talking about the same threeQ? The new one? I haven't found mine to be at all noisey, and I really like the EQ. It doesn't particularly strike me as a one-trick pony, having used it on a bunch of different sources. YMMV!

any sound clips?
 
Gidge said:
any sound clips?
None that are part of a finished recorded song yet. I use it all the time in my live rig, usually for vocals because the EQ is sweet, but I love how you can get a REALLY trashy snare or kick sound too. I even used it for a gig I was playing bass and I didn't have a proper amp ... worked great after a DI for getting my bass sounding good.
 
I don't have the Pro Channel, but I do have an Art MPA Gold and a pair of Joe Meek 3Q's. I'd say, if we're talking just pre's on their own, the Meek pre is much more neutral sounding.

I'm with Noisedude on this one, I find my pair of 3Q's fairly flexible. Anything from vox to Acoustic guit, to amp micing, it stacks nicely compared to my Pro MPA, which I use mainly as a DI.

I'd also look into the SixQ, it's got more features, and it's closer in price to the Pro Channel.

Cheers.
 
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