Meek vs Alesis Studio24

[therage!]

I did a little test last night on which set up gives me the best sound for recording acoustic guitar. I used an AT 4033 mic

I first recorded my Taylor 420 into my Alesis studio 24 with very little EQ tweaks. Then recorded the 420 into my Meek VC6Q pre using no compression but doing a little EQ tweaking. 3rd, I went in to the Meek with compression and some EQ. Finally went into the Meek with no compression and no EQ. Listening back to all of them test No.2 is the winner. I think the Meeks compressor on acoustic just isn’t doing it for me and the 4th test isn’t too bad and I could always EQ after tracking if need be. The studio 24 tests just did not have the low-end depth or much brilliance on the high end. But that I think is to be expected on cheap budget mixers.

My next step is to get a dual channel pre and two small diaphragm mics to mic the acoustic and run my vox through the Meek. I’m planning on doing this because I want to do some acoustic material and give it a live feel. One of the dual pre’s I’m looking at is the Toft audio ATC2. I’m thinking it’s at least on par if not better in some ways than my Meek. But at the same time I’ve heard so much about Mackie Onyx pre’s being on par with “boutique” preamps, perhaps I should look at the new Onyx 400F interface.

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Not surprised. I've so far been impressed with the few pieces of Meek gear I've heard. The preamps seem to be clean enough and definitely out-do the Studio 24's older pres.

One piece of gear that I've been particularly impressed with is the RNP from FMR Audio. I haven't heard the ONYX pres, yet, but the RNP knocks the socks off the 3Q that I have. I don't know for sure, but I think the ATC uses the same preamp IC's as the new Meek stuff. You'd have to double check on that!

Anyway- my stereo acoustic tracks go-to singal chain is 2 MXL603's into the RNP with nothing on the inserts. I rarely compress acoustic tracks, and if I do I'll do it after tracking.

Take care,
Chris

 

[therage!]

Not surprised. I've so far been impressed with the few pieces of Meek gear I've heard. The preamps seem to be clean enough and definitely out-do the Studio 24's older pres.

I'm doing a little more testing on this. I pretty much had done no EQ on the my Studio 24 mixer but after boosting the highs a little and the low end I've got to say I'm quite surprised. The 24 doesn't seem to have the clarity of the meek but I swear it sounds warmer to me. It might be the EQ, I don't know. I did go in and try some different EQ plugs in Sonar and I can't get them to sound as good as the 24's good ole analog EQ. I can only imagine what a nice high end pre and "analog" EQ would sound like. This is making me think twice before getting something like ATC-2. And for sure, no compression going in on recording acoustic. At least not the Meek compressor.

I'm going to do a little more with the EQ on the Meek to see if I can get a "warmer" sound. The clarity is there with the Meek, no question about that.