Joemeek ThreeQ vs VC3Q

  • Thread starter Thread starter akijook
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akijook

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Howdy,

Twas wondering if anyone has both the new ThreeQ and the old VC3Q, and how the two compares. Of particular interest is, whether the new ThreeQ can achieve the same sort of 60s-like tone as the VC3Q. The threeq appears to have some very mixed reviews on harmony-central and I guess it is understandable due to the controversy and drama in the changeover of the company... but it would be much appreciated if some real users can shed some light on how it really compares.

For me personally, I do like the way the old one coloured the sound, so i wonder if the new "improvements" mean, less colour (and thus more flexible uses), and/or whether it can still achieve that sorta heavily compressed 60s sound.
 
I don't know but since the DJL inquistion has stopped perhaps Alan from PMI could enlighten us on the responses he has recieved regarding the two.

I seem to remember him talking about it being able to be more neutral and/or more colored depending on how you set the controls.
 
I've used the old one extensively. And the new one only briefly, and what I found (which is also what I've heard from other people), is that the pre in the new model is quieter, not as much noise, but that you still get the meek sound from the compressor (which is where you always got it from).

One of my complaints with the unit is no power button. You turn it on by plugging it in, on the back of the unit. Personnally I find that frustrating. I don't know with the new unit, but the old one just doesn't have enough gain or headroom.

Complaints aside, I still use my VC3 and VC3Q quite regularly, they're very versatile and you can get some really cool tones from it.
 
Never knew that, but just went to the website and your right. But doesn't matter what unit it is, I'd fined it annoying reaching behind the rack to plug it in. I know some people have everything plugged into a power bar, and turn everything on with one switch, but to me that's a huge waste of power, and wearing out electronics but not using them.
 
In Tune Audio said:
I've used the old one extensively. And the new one only briefly, and what I found (which is also what I've heard from other people), is that the pre in the new model is quieter, not as much noise, but that you still get the meek sound from the compressor (which is where you always got it from).

One of my complaints with the unit is no power button. You turn it on by plugging it in, on the back of the unit. Personnally I find that frustrating. I don't know with the new unit, but the old one just doesn't have enough gain or headroom.

Complaints aside, I still use my VC3 and VC3Q quite regularly, they're very versatile and you can get some really cool tones from it.
Click to expand...

Personally, I can live with the non existant power button. What's really aggravating about both the old and new units is that the phantom power switchs are located at the rear. Now that's a real P.I.T.A for me. :mad:
 
Clit Torres said:
Personally, I can live with the non existant power button. What's really aggravating about both the old and new units is that the phantom power switchs are located at the rear. Now that's a real P.I.T.A for me. :mad:
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Are you kidding? I agree that's a pain, but how is that any more of a pain than the power being on the back as well?
 
The power switch problem is not an issue for me cause my ThreeQ's go into my power conditioner, so there is a workaround. Whereas the phantom power switch problem can not be remedied. :(

BTW, there isn't even a power switch on the new units.
 
Clit Torres said:
BTW, there isn't even a power switch on the new units.
Click to expand...


There isn't one on the old ones either. You have to take the plug in and out.
 
akijook said:
For me personally, I do like the way the old one coloured the sound, so i wonder if the new "improvements" mean, less colour (and thus more flexible uses), and/or whether it can still achieve that sorta heavily compressed 60s sound.
Click to expand...
The mic pre is cleaner, but the compressor is just as colored, if not more so. I also think the EQ is much better.
 
I am happy to chime in on this one. Let me first address the on/off and 48V power on the rear.

The unit is a half rack size for several reasons...cost is one of them. There is not much room on the front panel to add both of those features. Should you want them, then step up to the sixQ and get even more features and digital outputs.

The threeQ is used on top of desks, so in this application the access is easy, and it is also used in racks where access is hard, then yes, it is a pain, but phantom can be left on, and you can uplug the wall wart. So, decisions having to be made, pain or no pain, if you want the 48V switch and power switch, then the sixQ is for you. If you still want a lot of sound for a low price, the threeQ is still a good choice and you have to deal with what it does and does not offer.

The newer units have way lower noise, more headroom, and a much better mic amp. It also has a sweept mid band eq. As for the compressor, set the attack time fully clockwise. This is now its slowest point and the old Meeks fastest point, so the compressor then sounds like the old one.

Speed up the attack time of the new compressor, and it will take you for a ride. Transient attack times smack you in the face. It gets very aggressive and and offers up some very cool compression effects. Work with it and you will get it where you need or want it to be.

All of this is my opinion, your milage may vary..... :)
 
Thanks for the responses. Interesting to note the equivalent points for the compressor setting between the new and the old versions. I guess this would mean that you can no longer use slower compression than the fastest setting on the VC3Q? Think I'd definitely like to get one for a play.

Does anyone have some MP3 recordings which utilize the new ThreeQ that they can share? Would be nice to hear it in action.
 
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IMHO the MP3 format would be inaduquate for critical evaluation of any compressor or preamps.

Good news though is that most big online retailers and BC usually have a "satisfaction guarntee".
 
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