Joemeek vc1q

[mncheetah]

I bought a presonus blue tube and it was noisier than hell - I dont understand how someone could record with the thing - anyhow I brought it back for a refund and want to get a joemeek because I heard they are pretty sweet.

Does anyone know of a web site where you can hear sound clips of different mic preamps? Can someone who owns a JoeMeek premap product (preferably vcq1)explain in detail how it 'colors' the sound. Also, can someone who owns a vcq1 tell me if they have any problems with noise.

I live pretty far from any music store otherwise I'd go try them all out.

Thank you.

Rock on!

 

[StillAwake]

JoeMeek preamp

I use a VC3Q - it's a warm sounding pre-amp - hard to describe how it colors the sound- but great for computer recording because it brings some warmth into a cold environment. The built-in compression/equalization is nice as long as you don't overuse the compression - certainly an advantage over some other pre's in that price range. I'm not surprised you had trouble with the BlueTube- it's not good for vocals- better for instruments, especially guitar. I would recommend the VC3Q- great price for what you get. You might want to have a 2nd "cleaner" mic pre to mix things up a bit. But for straight rock, country or blues, the Meek's great.

 

[StillAwake]

To VC1Q or not to VC1Q

that is the question- I've been thinking about getting one as well. I don't have the techical knowledge on these things but I do know I like the sound of the VC3Q and would like to take a step up. It looks like the 1Q's are in the right price range. I read in another thread that the 3Qs and the 6Qs have a chip pre-amp and the 1Qs have a transistor(?) preamp and are supposed to pack more punch. Do you think that's a big deal? I need a 2nd pre anyway. $569.00 new on Ebay- not too bad.

 

[tubedude]

123

If you want another pre, you might want to get one more transparent to go along with your colored one. Just my 2 cents worth...

 

[StillAwake]

How about ART?

How about the ART MP Tube or Studio pre? Seems inexpensive and pretty good reviews. Any other suggestions in the $300 to $600 range? I think I've ruled the Presonus Blue Tube out - too noisy for vocals from what I've read on this site and in Recording Mag.

 

[mncheetah]

I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the Mindprint Envoice - http://www.mindprint.com

 

[StillAwake]

Check the Focusrite Penta out -

$495 list looks like this thing does it all- class A mic pre-amp, mono & stereo compressor presets (or manual), imager, adjustable tube sound, XLR inputs on front panel, can be used as a front end, or on mixing or mastering. Sure looks good on the website (www.focusrite.com) at a nice price- called my dealer and they're not even available yet, and of course, not reviews yet either. Recording Mag had a nice write-up on the dbx 376 Tube Channel Strip in April - but it's front end mono only- runs about $399 street but already discontinued.

 

[StillAwake]

By the way MnCheetah

I forgot to say thanks for the suggestion on the Mindprint Envoice. I'll check out the reviews.

 

[tdukex]

Some reviews:

http://prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/files/B5558E0DDBA9E1AD8625687A00726D34

http://prorec.com/prorec/articles.nsf/files/C122294811B635668625698A000F0708

Others to check out:
Grace Design--Model 101 $699
Art Tube Channel $325-350
Art Pro MPA--Model 210 $450
Behringer Tube ultragain $370
Drawmer MCX 60 $630
Presonus MP 20 $500
Rane VP 12 $430

I'm especially intrigued by the Grace 101 for a clean channel. No EQ or compression, but for a pristine mic pre, it might be the killer of the bunch.

 

[StillAwake]

Made the purchase

I bought a dbx286A at Mars along with a Audio-Technica AT4033a mic - the lot for $450- I had read the review on the dbx376 and they had one, but I didn't need the extra bells. The AT with the dbx sounds great - nice clean alternative to the Meek track pack I was using. Not a silver bullet but certainly a nice addition for the price.

 

[hixmix]

Isn't joemeek a girl?

 

[StillAwake]

Yes, Hixmix, I believe the proper name is

Josephine Meek. A lovely girl by all accounts.

 

[hixmix]

She's hot!

 

[tenebre]

i have the JM VC1Q..

first off ZERO line noise in any form. Very warm very powerful tool. AS a pre-amp its works as good as any i have used tube or otherwise. The Meequalizer is also quite powerful and effective. and as i said before ZERO line noise. it has balanced XLR line level out. Also another nice plus is the front panel is set up to take xlr or instrument in. Very versatile and high quality gear especialt considering teh price range..

i use this is in a pro recording studio..


tenebre

 

[CyanJaguar]

I have the vc6q brithish channel for sale at
only $300.

You have heard the sound on Amorita and God in your eyes. It sounds freaking great. If you want it, email me.

 

[bwindsor]

VC1Q

I own this piece, think it is an excellent pre on its own (for the $) as for the compressor section, it's a meek so if you like that sound (I do) then great, if not...the eq section is also nice and musical (again, for the $) as is the de-esser/enhancer.
The unit is very quiet and stable, I think that alone is sometimes most important to someone who is possibly buying without hearing something first (sometimes we do it, even though we don't want to)!
Honestly, anything can be made to work if it's got some quality and quietness(?) and this unit goes way beyond that! But it's not my only pre either.

Just my opinion, I know there's better, but I've used worse!

BW
Pinederosa Studio

 

[ShakesTheClown]

I would have to say that of Mic Pres in this price range and quite a bit above the VC1Q is up there. Here is a little 5 Track demo of a song I wrote. The VC1Q is used on the Vocal, Direct Bass, and the rhythm guitar. Mics used were

Vocal 4033
Guitar TLM 103
Background Vocals TLM 103

I think the sound on the vocal explains what I mean, it really breaths life into a vocal track.. I would have to say this Pres best work is done with vocals, and it does its job VERY well. Also for direct bass WOW this thing can add some punch, if I don't have a choice and go direct this pre is my pre of choice for that as well.

Hope this helps the above make a desision, there are so many choices out there and so many people that will swear by just about everything its hard to tell whats crap and whats truth. Use the JoeMeek saying "If it sounds right, Its right!" Also the Mindprint is a very hot pre, If I had a choice however I would snag another VC1Q over the Mindprint.

http://www.youngmusicgroup.com/studio7.jpg ;-)

 

[mncheetah]

WOW! that's radio quality! Did you write that?

 

[ShakesTheClown]

;-) Yes I did, thank you for the comment after a long crappy day that brightens it up hearing that..

I'll be posting some other stuff either in the mixing clinic or on my site in the next few days.. Check back

 

[JuSumPilgrim]

Real nice bass tone there. Im not really a fan of meeks on vocals but bass (and guitar sometimes,,,, not acoustic) are unstoppable. I wouldve gone with an airier pre on vocals. Nice work.