Trying to decide on a MicPre

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aliensurfmusic

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I should say first my project doesn't have much of a budget. I've been looking at 2 mic preamps and maybe one compressor.

1) Joe Meek ThreeQ
2) Studio Projects VTB1
3) FMR Really Nice Compressor

I'm trying to decide if the Joe Meek alone would fit the bill. It's the one I'm leaning to. Cost is a factor but also effect. The problem I'm finding is sorting through the "politics of the review". Now I'm not talking about reading a magazine article where the writer is probably paid to say nice things but not to make it look so obvious. I went to Harmony Central and the 3Q was slammed like a $5 tart(or there abouts). I've read many differing opinions here. I think this forum has been more balanced. People actually mention what microphones they stick into these gadgets. Let's start there.

I have one primary microphone a BLUE Bluebird. It's a cardiod condenser. I would decribe it as being a bright microphone. I've only plugged it through two preamps a Focusrite Voicemaster, and Voicemaster pro. Other mics on hand I rarely use are a Shure SM-57, SM-58, as well as I think it's an Altec(if I remember) CB mic(a rolled up piece of cardboard does the same thing).

I intend to record Bass guitar possible direct maybe mic'd from an amp. Electric Guitar mic'd from an amp. Possibly acoustic guitar mic'd. Theremin through an amp mic'd. Finally vocals, direct line in... :p

I'll tell you I'm looking for character. I like atmosphere. I like vintage styled gear(I use a Retroverb). I like spookiness, erieness, and in this case am not looking to sound as if I just recorded at Oceanway. I like some clarity though. I'm really interested in the compressor as well. I need something to slam things around. The Focusrite's I mentioned were subtle at best to my ears. Will the 3Q squash a grape? Plum? Coconut? Simplicity intrigues me as well. It's like the Phase90 pedal compared to the later edition phase100 or something. They got it right the first time, 1 knob, kinda hard to screw that up. I'm interested in turning something on and playing.

I'm almost there or ready for the looney bin but tell me is the 3Q right up my alley? Or do I need something else?

thanks,

AlienSurfMusic
 
VTB1 - i like it better has a DI, works good on bass, high end is a bit harsh.
3Q - i like it on acoustic and electric guitar and vox nice EQ, but the compressor is avg.
+DMP3 - good with acoustic guitar, clean.

I personally would pick up the 3Q for its preamp and EQ and run it
though either a RNC or a DBX 160(pick one up used)
The RNC deff gets good reps here.
 
bcains just about nailed what I would have said given your choices.

I have a 3Q, RNC, RNLA, and a dbx 160. Also have an RNP and an M-audio Duo, and a few console preamps for comparison.

The 3Q pre is OK. Its better IMO than a Mackie VLZ pre but its pretty basic- a volume knob that sounds pretty good. The EQ is nice- I particularly like it for bass DI. The comp is... well, its pretty tweaky and its controls don't behave quite the way "normal" controls do. I've gotten some killer sounds out of it, but I've gotten more really bad sounds out of it. The best way I've found to say it is that it goes from "is it on?" to "TURN IT OFF!!!" pretty quickly. Think of it as more of an effect than a versatile tool, though with *really* careful and creative tweaking I've gotten to work in a couple places I thought it wouldn't.

The 3Q does have an insert, though, so you could insert a different compressor for a more flexible chain.

Since you're leaning towards the 3Q, you could always buy and see how you like the compressor then get a different comp if you find you need one. Your style does seem to lean towards it and its not a bad buy IF you aren't counting on it being your only compressor.

The RNC's and RNLA are my favorite compressors, though the 160xt almost always ends up on my lead vocal tracks. The RNLA sounds more like your style. The 160 has simplicty on its side, but its also a pretty classic (i.e. well known) sound.

Anyway,.... my $.02.
Chris
 
Forgot to add that the RNP kicks serious butt as a mic pre. I *love* mine and wish I had a few more of them, too. Its kind of sugary sweet... ah... or something like that. It sounds good.

Chris
 
Thanks guys,

I think my thoughts are sorting out. I probably should just get the ThreeQ. Play around with it to get a feel to see what it can or will do. Then decide do I like enough about it to keep it? It's like this I'm not afraid to cut my losses. Some how I think I'll like enough of it to keep it. However if I had to do a quick sell I could easily get $150 back on $200. Now the other preamp the VTB is only $99 new. It's quite possible I could find that used for $50 $60. I could also wait for one to show up if I thought I needed more or wanted another flavor.

Now regarding the use of other compressors. The DBX 160 is probably a little too pricy right now for me. The RNC I heard about on a newsgroup and everyone raved at this affordable unit. Some of those people were more used to units with a $2000 tag. I heard the same about it here. The RNLA also has an attractive price tag. I should have been a little more specific about my use of compression. I actually didn't want to do much to my voice but level it off. THat's not to say I wouldn't twist my voice. The use of compression(heavy) was mostly intended for manipulating samples. I would experiment with instruments as well but probably with less torture.

So I'll try the 3Q out. If the compressor doesn't do it enough I'll look at the FMR stuff.

Thanks again,

AlienSurfMUsic
 
Look into the M-Audio Tampa at clearance prices or 2nd hand. A nice transparent pre with a great sounding opto compressor
 
I'll second the M-Audio Tampa. I have to and could not be happier
 
It sounds like the Joe Meek may be the way for you to go based on what you are after. The M-Audio preamps sound like the opposite direction based on your wants. Personally, the RNC also sounds like the wrong direction. I would give the Joe Meek a whirl and then maybe later add a different preamp or compressor after having given it a shot. Personally, I use expensive compressors all the time. I actually prefer software compression to the RNC. They sound very similar, but software gives you more channels. A DBX 160 though does sound like a good starter hardware compressor for the kind of sound you describe in your post as going after.
 
I ordered a ThreeQ. Only time will tell if my decision was the right one. I've never had any of the Joe Meek stuff. Come to think of neither did Joe! lol He's probably rolling over in his grave. He was always paranoid about people stealing his ideas. I hope he doesn't mind if I reactivate the gobots ;-). I just hope it has a nice vibe and I mean beyond the packaging. I mean a sonic vibe.

AlienSurfMusic
 
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