Joe Meek VC3Q or Presonus Blue Tube w/ RNC

[Jason James]

Hey There, I'm in need of a Good Mic Pre and Compression. (replacing Tube MP and 3630). I've got around $400 at most to spend and need something to use for Vocals, gtr. bass, snare or kick etc. Any suggestions. I picked up the VC3Q but havent had much time with it. Sounds nice so far. How about a Presonus BLue Tube with an RNC. The guy a GC said the Joe Meek compressor is much better than the RNC. This will probably be my main and only mic pre and compressor (other than the pre's in my board) which is fine for overdubing. I'm going to a VSR880 by the way. Thanks so much for the insite.

Jason

 

[tdukex]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...4134532833/search/g=home/detail/base_id/41133

Meek VC6Q for $349 is a bargain.

Here's a review:
http://prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/files/B61E157E1DCE022F8625687A007ED5D6

 

[Gidge]

Im pretty sure GC doesnt sell the RNC, so obviously he has more to gain if you choose Joe Meek....Joe Meek is a fine unit, but the compressor on it isnt better than the RNC.....

of the 2 setups you mentioned, id pick the Meek...I like the "color" of its preamp....some people hate it...you will have to use your ears to know if youll like it......

Remember, the Meek is single channel units so if you need 2 channels, 2 VC3Q's will hit you for $398.....

 

[Gidge]

also, dont throw out the Art.....for some applications, it will work better than the Meek......

what microphones do you have?.......

also, as far as the pre, do you want a clean preamp or one that really colors the sound?.....

 

[chessparov]

Jason, here is some info from Alan Hyatt, the owner of Studio Projects and
PMI Audio (distributor for Joe Meek), from a recent phone call:

1) The V3Q is getting replaced soon with an updated model that has
"current sensing" (on the mic pre portion). This will make the pre
more efficient with different microphones.

2) He's working on finishing the VT-1 (hopefully soon!), and he's (sincerely)
excited about how good of a mic pre it's going to be. You're supposed to
be able to dial in the amount of "tube sound" you want.

P.S. The Fmr. Audio RNC is famous for it's "supernice" mode and how it's
so transparent for vocals and on mixes.
The Joe Meek compressors are known for their vintage 60's style
sound.

 

[Jason James]

mics for pre

I just bought 2 Oktava MC012's and a Rode NT2. I need a pre and compressor that I can use on kick or snare when doing drums. Then on bass, ac and elec gtr then vox when overdubbing. I've heard that it wouldn't be a good thing to have the meek sound on everything on the record. The presonus with the RNC sounds cool because it would give me TUBE warmth and of course the RNC compression. Also there are units by DBX that look cool 286a i think. It has a pre, compression etc.

 

[tdukex]

I wouldn't spend my money on a Presonus Blue Tube. As a matter of fact, it doesn't make any sense to me that you are willing to spend more money on a compressor than on you mic pre. Your mic pre is the single most important piece of gear in your recording chain.

BTW, the new VT-1 (for sale in January) will probably sell for around $199. I, for one, think it will be much much better than either the Blue Tube, the VC3Q, or the 286. I'd wait and check it out if I were you.

 

[Gidge]

the Art Tube MP you have already is a WAY better sounding unit than the Presonus......