Anybody try the new Joe Meek TwinQ?

[wilder]

http://www.joemeek.com/twinq.html

It looks interesting with the digital outs. I'm considering it over the Focusrite Twintrack Pro. However, I already have an RNC and thought I might do better by adding an RNP to go with it. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'll be using whatever stereo chain I come up with for drum overheads and vocals.

Chris

[Macaroni]

I've got the original version of the TwinQCs, which is basically the same unit. There are a few differences, but according to their rep, they are not dramatic.

The mic pres are very good for that price range and you've got 2 original Joe Meek compressors, ie: 2 mono or 1 stereo, and that's a big bonus, since you can use them as outboard compressors during mixing. I never use EQ when tracking, so I can't comment on that, but the Joe Meek EQs generally get good reviews for musicality and they could be useful with the compressors during mixing.

My unit doesn't have the digital out option, because I preferred using the A/D converters on my RME Multiface, and my SPDIF in is for my Apogee Trak2.

I'd say it's definitely a very good dual front end, re price/features/performance.

[LSchefman]

The good part about the Meek stuff is that it has a ton of personality, and nothing sounds like it. The drawback is that it has a ton of personality and nothing sounds like it.

Because sometimes you want something a little more true to the source.

However, depending on my other gear, I'd put one of those in the studio without hesitation. I'd want a couple of things that were more transparent, however, first.

[MichaelK]

Originally posted by LSchefman
The good part about the Meek stuff is that it has a ton of personality, and nothing sounds like it. The drawback is that it has a ton of personality and nothing sounds like it.

Because sometimes you want something a little more true to the source.

However, depending on my other gear, I'd put one of those in the studio without hesitation. I'd want a couple of things that were more transparent, however, first.

Well said - my thoughts on Meek gear exactly. Their compressors don't impress me, but I like their EQ on tracks where you have the latitude to tweak the crap out of them, like elec. guitar, kick, hand drums, oddball percussion etc.

I agree it would not be a first (nor even second or third) choice for me. But if it's available in someone else's studio a Meek EQ is a nice toy. The Focusrite piece would be much more versatile all around, if versatility matters to you.

I wouldn't pay an upcharge for an unknown like digital out. I'm with Ron, that if I love the sound of an analog piece I would plan on using converters I already know. Nice analog circuitry doesn't necessarily mean nice digital conversion.

[Macaroni]

The mic pres are actually quite transparent - not too much personality per se. They are also impedence matching to go with any particular mic you're using - a nice touch for better fidelity/compatibility.

The Joe Meek compressors have gotten a lot of good reviews, and I had a stand alone unit for quite a while that I really liked. Compressors with personality are always useful in one's tool box.

Unfortunately, the digital out is not an option on the new unit, so you'll pay for it, whether you use it or not.

I had a limited budget for mic pres, but wanted to have some variety at a decent quality level, so I went with the Joe Meek, along with 2 Studio Project VTB1s, an Aphex 207 (dual pres with a tube - very nice). These are my 6 additional pres to go with my main box, the Apogee Trak2, which has 2 very high end mic pres and Apogee's famous A/D converters. It also serves as my master clock.

[LSchefman]

I should make it clear that I really enjoy using Meek stuff, and most especially the EQs.

Talk about the perfect EQ for acoustic and electric guitar! So easy to get a wonderful tone.

Anyhow, Michael and I should take our show on the road, because we agree on everything.

[Bassomatic]

Looks like vaporware, from here.

That sed, I dig the Meek thing, when done in moderation.

[Greggy]

I believe Meek had a change of ownership in the last year or 2. I remember GC dropping them for a while after the company changed hands, or perhaps the inventories dwindled and disappeared off the shelves. Anyway, has the quality remained unchanged, improved, or fallen since the ownership change? I always wanted a British Channel but waited too long.

[Macaroni]

PMI Audio, who were JM's distributor, bought the company. The quality was diminishing, but since PMI bought the company, they've re-established the higher standard of quality, which is reflected in the new products being released. PMI, who makes Studio Projects gear, is a good company with great people, so Joe Meek is in good hands and they will stand behind their products 100%.

[Greggy]

Originally posted by Macaroni
PMI Audio, who were JM's distributor, bought the company. The quality was diminishing, but since PMI bought the company, they've re-established the higher standard of quality, which is reflected in the new products being released. PMI, who makes Studio Projects gear, is a good company with great people, so Joe Meek is in good hands and they will stand behind their products 100%.

Thanks for the info. Gonna look into one of these as soon as they arrive at GC.

[wilder]

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll order the Focusrite since I found a referb deal on them at Sweetwater for $425. The price is pretty compelling. I'm still interested in the Meek, but I see the point about choosing one's own converters.

Chris

[amper]

Originally posted by Macaroni
PMI Audio, who were JM's distributor, bought the company. The quality was diminishing, but since PMI bought the company, they've re-established the higher standard of quality, which is reflected in the new products being released. PMI, who makes Studio Projects gear, is a good company with great people, so Joe Meek is in good hands and they will stand behind their products 100%.

And Ted Fletcher, the guy who designed all the JoeMeek gear, now has his own company, tfpro--and is making updated versions of the JoeMeek products. The tfpro equivalent to the twinQcs would be the tfpro p2.

I have a VC1Qcs in my rack, and I think it's great...I use it on bass, guitars, and vocals.