All user reviews for the Joemeek ThreeQ

While I won this unit in a monthly drawing I assure any reader that my review has been very fair. If anything…getting it for free keeps the pressure off in that I don’t have to justify my purchase. To see me justify a purchase, see my review on esoteric AC power cables.
The threeQ is much cheaper than Uber AC power cables and at a U.S. Retail of $299.00 and…..I did not have to listen nearly as hard to see what it had to offer!


The cost of this preamp alone is enough to have people look in the threeQ’s general direction. But what really gets one to saunter over for a closer look is that this half space pre also has an optical compressor and equalizer built in. Making it not just a preamp, but a full blown channel strip! A channel strip that may be just what the studio On-A-Budget ordered.
I would highly recommend going to the Joe Meek info site and downloading the threeQ manual PDF. It is really worth your time and at the risk of sounding silly…it is truly an enjoyable read. Not like a boring insurance document at all but exhaustive in detail and tidbits.
The stepped gain controls on the Preamp and Output gain’s are very nice in getting those repeatable level settings. The Optical Comp is very noticeable and a little dab will do ya’. Basically you set your Attack/Release and then turn the Compress dial, starting counter clock wise, till you get what you’re looking for. The eq (Meequalizer anybody?) has Low Frequency, Mid Frequency/Mid Frequency sweep knob and High Frequency. I have not fiddled with these much as I like to try and eq at the source. Not to mention that if I need to pursue eq’ing a track than I can do that in the digital realm.
But I think of my nephew, a young budding engineer who’s recorder doesn’t even have an eq built in. This would be a wonderful tool in situations such as his.
There are three push button’s on the front. One is to go from the Mic Input to the Line Level Input which is a nice convenience. The other two are for the compressor and eq and is really nice to A/B the tweaks to the signal that your working on. These have bright lights under them so that you know your routing situation at a glance.
It also has phantom power (another thing missing in my nephews modest studio) on and off on the back and a 4+/-10 switch for alternating level requirements in the Prosumer universe. Not to mention the ¼” Insert jack for getting any other piece of gear you might have into the real time threeQ loop.
The metering is very bright and set along the top face of the unit for easy monitoring even when below eye level.



The only thing I did’t like is the wall wart power adapter. I could live the rest of my life with never having to find a way to deal with these but really...what would a studio be without one or two taking up valuable outlet space. Learning to deal with these power-sucking ticks in our studios has almost become a rite of passage and making peace and room for them is a sign that one truly belongs to the recording universe.



The build is impressive…not cheap. I wouldn’t think twice about having it unracked. The knobs have a solid feel and the depress buttons don’t feel like they ride atop a cheap spring. With a classy emerald green front it looks as solid as it feels.



In closing I have to say that I compared it to several of my pre-amps including the Focusrite Octopre and the True Systems Precision 8 and all in all it performed rather well. It’s always nice to have a few pre’s to choose from when doing a project but if your looking for just one pre that has a great deal of versatility you would do good to glance at the Joe Meek threeQ. Heck at it’s price and size I may just go purchase another to stereo my groove!



This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

It is a preamp with a compressor and an equalizer. Quite full for the price (between 200 and 300 euros, it depends where you buy it!)
Missing as usual in this product range a button on / off, unfortunately. For the rest it is really complete. And gives a clear impression of solidity, quality manufacturing. The knobs are really nice. Finally there is serious.

UTILIZATION

The config of this device is very simple, you just get used to the compression part. There's just one knob "compression", no ratio and threehold separate. However when you are a beginner, it's actually quite practical. So for me it is really perfect.
And the great equalizer is seen.
As against the manual is in English, and very short.

SOUND QUALITY

Ah this is excellent. The preamp is right, it has enough headroom. compression is nice, it gives some color to the sound. Then the equalizer ... frankly it is great, very musical.

OVERALL OPINION

I have a few days, I use my voice and acoustic guitars, acoustic in. I was so far the preamp which I had not really satisfied: a tube pre, a audiobuddy, too limited, and then a Focusrite voicechannel (good but not versatile enough). It is not easy to find something good, with character, but that does not damage the sound in a price range up to 200 euros. Joemeek with this, I found what I wanted. Of course there are better, but much more expensive. THE RAPORT money is excellent. Of course I would do this choice!

+ Analog preamp phantom power, with an opto compressor and EQ 3-band semi-paramere, all detachable 2.

I agree with steg: The device really gives a solid feel and the knobs are nice to handle.

UTILIZATION

Could not be more simple. Orders are very clear. One branch and it works.

The opto-compressor does not have a threshold setting of compression. We can overcome this in part with the knobs for input level and output, but beware: the flexibility is not great before the device begins to signal noise.

In fact, the opto-compressor is set to the ear.

SOUND QUALITY

Consider the unit floor by floor since it has 3

Preamp: Done a good job. No more. It does nothing in itself compared to a preamp TAPCO 6306. I have this table and I compared the same signal passing through the two types of preamp. NO audible difference. Even with good headphones (SONY MDR-7506).

Opto-Compressor: Musical and punchy. Its type opto and the absence of threshold setting make this rather specialized compressor on the other hand.

EQ: This section suffers from a crippling defect. It introduces a parasite in the signal of 25 Hz As soon as you activate the EQ and you set the knob on the frequency of medium to full left, the noise becomes a volume comparable to the signal that one wants to go, and whatever the gain setting of medium. The tape medium is thus unusable. 2-band EQ nonparametric is not enough.

I won a copy of ThreeQ I, the seller has changed me graciously. Same problem. It is not a manufacturing defect ...

OVERALL OPINION

... So I reported the second copy as well. Against having one.

This case seemed interesting on paper, but the lack of universality of the compressor, the neutrality of the preamp and serious breach of the EQ section make this case I could not actually useless.

I think this device is not worth its price.

The technology is transistor and opto-compression. Accepts input line level and microphone with phantom power supply +48 V
The preamp includes a section

in gain-> preamp-> compressor-> Meequalizer-> out gain

You can insert anything after the preamp, and can therefore bypass to enjoy the comp and EQ.
It can also add a source to be mixed with the signal without being affected by the treatments. Practice to connect a live voice (from another ThreeQ why not) and attack on his ThreeQ amplifier / monitor mix without table. Practice.

Finally, there are two outputs at line level. 4 dBU/-10dBU switchable. Great design

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple, but it must be the compressor. see doc.
It easily sculpt the sound.
The manual is really very good and succinct way Mackie.

SOUND QUALITY

Level preamp, nickel and is transparent, nothing to say. There is gain. Honestly, I prefer those of my Mackie (more gain), even the features are almost identical.

In fact, the high side compressor ThreeQ is especially EQ is very musical. Those who have already dabbled in different types of EQ understand. We put a small bump in 12kHz and you win really air, and 2.4kHz (parametric EQ in the midrange), we win easily from there.

The typical analog sounds comp and it's pretty terrible on voice (sort of veil that can appear and that sounds right away 60/70 's) and the percussion (a set of battery is really punchy and signed).

That, in addition, I find this preamp with its beautiful blue light that lights up when you activate the compressor.

OVERALL OPINION

Purchased OCCAZ of AF, I tested several hours, and I really like this little beast.
It's small (I can take it everywhere) and it sounds great. One might say, "it is small, it will sound small". No, it sounds big output, with a signature sound really special, which will stick very well to my style of music (a mix of electro and acoustic).

• Analog.
• Pre / Optical Compressor?? / EQ type "Channel Strip."
• XLR / Jack.
• Half rack with space in the center of the bottom for attaching a screw ....

UTILIZATION

Simple oh yes! Compress the sounds are perfect and effective equalizer not bad but I do not use men as I do that to the mix

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is nikel!!
neutral pre amp is what is needed is a good reason to pay more for more expensive Neutral

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a month
j I tried a tube pre amp DMP3 the first of my sound card (m box) is better
excellent value for money!! I do it again this election!

I did not know much, but I wanted to give my contribution to all of the same!
I know he has a copresseur, to me very useful and fast to break the head with investments from the microphone to record.
I use the XLR for my microphone (Shure 565 SDLC) and the card is connected JOEMEEK M-Audio Delta Audiophile 24/96.
For the remaining CHARACTERISTICS, see among others!

UTILIZATION

There are no masses of a button, just enough to find its footing quickly. It is indeed very easy to use. Most of the buttons is ddi SETTING THE compression (compression level, attack, release) and qualisation.
I do not remember having used the manual as it is ergonomic.
One criticism: the absence of a stop start button.

SOUND QUALITY

I recorded before with a rack OmniStudio (I think) and a microphone studio project C3 ... This silent trs binding, fragile, and especially rendering Ingal.
With my setup in two (400 in all) with my shure microphone, the sound card and JOEMEEK audiphile Delta 24/96 is paradise: the voice is warm shade you need and m I am far from the microphone did not record a shame!

OVERALL OPINION

I have this setup for several months and I save enough rgulirement (voice + piano or alone) to work on my songs.
For me the ease of use, the roughness of different exceptional entirety and render my opinion, are a bndiction for $ 400. C'tait INESPRE and I do more reluctant to get into the records.
APRS I do not know if the report is to the sound card, the JOEMEEK or micro, but I see that these three lments Runion is miraculous for the song and the same piano (although a keyboard while in apparent almost rotten with the mouth!)

This is an analog pramplificateur. It has a gain of input and output, an optical compressor (switch) and an equalizer (switch). At the rear, between a power supply with XLR fantme, between a line (switch faade), insert a plug and two outlets 4 or -10 dB (switchable) , all in Jack 6.35. This is a half rack center screw.

UTILIZATION

Setting up and using trs simple. Manual useless for who knows a minimum.

SOUND QUALITY

I record mostly with voice and this is perfect. The prampli is relatively transparent, the compressor can color the sound a bit but without the dnaturer the qualizer is effective but not too push the extreme.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a short time but many. I was simplicity and size, it is really convenient. The potentiomtres may be a little closer but not Gnant. I have not tried before acquisition of other models but I m'tais well informed. The report price is trs good quality. In my case I am satisfied that investment.

analog.
Pramplis / Optical Compressor?? / Equalizer type "Channel Strip."
XLR / Jack.
Half rack with space in the center of the hood infrieur for fixing a screw.

UTILIZATION

Gnrale configuration is very simple:
Front: (left to right)
- A switch that switches the line level input (Jack) the microphone input (XLR).
- A knob notched to gain the level of Prampli (practical: it goes up five notches, one down two).
- Three knobs for the "Optical Compressor": Compress / Atack / Release, a nitre for 4 LEDs and a switch to activate it.
- Four knobs to the "Meequalizer" LF (80Hz) / Mid Freq / Mid / HF (12kHz) with also a switch to activate it.
- A knob notched to the output level of Prampli nitre and 9 LEDs for the most simple
Rear face: (left to right)
- 12V AC (acting as a switch)
- Switch output +4 dBu /-10dBV
- 2 Outputs> Jack
- Mix 1 Input> Jack
- 1 Insert> Jack
- Input line 1> Jack
- 1 Mic input> XLR
- Switch output +4 dBu /-10dBV
It's the air well built and solid the knob, the switches are nickel, jacks and XLR not budge. Some reproached him for his green (but hey y are not 25 m2). Just missing a button on / off so the external power supply serves as a switch. All the switches on the front panel has a LED with a color that allows everyone to quickly corrected himself trs.

It is very simple. I would like the opinion that only the part Previous compression takes a little that if we linger (rglage prcis big diffrence mm 2 prs). Few notches would be a knob does anything useful restriction. But once the coup took no problem. The Ractive qualisation is super, perfect my level. but in Espree ever.

English manual not necessarily useful to a Premire handling and use basic saw the simplicity of the machine. But MRIT to be translated to deepen its capabilities.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of your instruments or microphones is properly reproduced?
I would say yes because it suits me. Now there are certainly better trs but probably much more!
The prampli transparent or color? The more that is just be the tip of intrt yes and no. With a low gain level qualisation lgre we obtain a simple level correction. If we increase a little one feels a net rglages beautification, clean sound is flattering. But if you push the gain saturation is achieved not sweet inintressante
ThreeQ the grain gives a very special, something original, a little "Roots" which I find enjoyable trs. What I was looking for. The ThreeQ does not look bad a little flattering in the sense that it redcouvre its sounds (vocals, guitar, bass) When one starts the compressor and the SETTING THE triturating the equalistion this opens lots of possibilities.

If other stuff is very useful in home studio, he must make some application service for scnique.

I have tested:
- Various microphones> ThreeQ> Sound Card: impec I miss that a ThreeQ.
- Singing> SM 58> ThreeQ> PA (no gain too much risk lev Feedback) eq much better than our simple strip compression + Grain some roots
- Piezo Guitar Yamaha> ThreeQ> PA rsulta's still good. the equalization and compression take on their intrt.
- Jazzbass and Precisionbass> ThreeQ> PA and Live Sound Card Ts pleasant surprise, full of sound possible: the super soft, you get very low round to see super loud or coarse gain 3 / 4 (for the Middle Slap ; spend enough time on it, can limit the compressor be little or no 'is it not for a?)
I do not know who on the forum to find it "miraculous" on the bass recording I am quite agree.
- Output Sound Card> ThreeQ> PA or other live sound card. To give an impeccable grain to the sound of Rhodes, hammond, synths and other sounds a little winded numrique

I still have the insert effect test.

OVERALL OPINION

I use mine for over two months.
We don 't have a prter a week to make the attempt and I' ve ordered one in the crowd.
I got good feedback, a good review in "Recording Musician" (N 43)
- The Swiss Army Knife + preamp. Give service in many areas, to virtually any source
- The - I 'm that a
I tried the "mic thing" with lamp and home deco behringer (without comment) of Samson, M-Audio.
No miracle, but a good value qualitprix trs. In these rates is a great deal it offers lots of possibilities.
small strip plutt complte for home studio or scne if you do not fool requirements and especially if you're not rich trs.
I would do if this choice! course.

EDIT: I have taken a hand deuxime still under warranty, chopper under 90 including postage.
Even if in the meantime I also buy a TwinQ this little strip remains above most other small mixers and preamps in its class.

Pramp / compressor / EQ.

We enter into XLR or jack, one spring jack.

Possible to insert, I do not use.

The compressor is of Dfine 5.1. rgler can attack, release and the treshold. As I only use my voice to the 5:1 ratio is appropriate at all, c not a handicap not to change it.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is very simple: just turn the knobs. (Or push some to enable / disable parts separately comp / eq).

some say they are not prcis. bah, it's going, I can easily get the rglagles I want.

The compressor is of Dfine 5.1. rgler can attack, release and the treshold. As I only use my voice to the 5:1 ratio is appropriate at all, c not a handicap not to change it.

The EQ is not easy for cons: with only three bands (low and hi are fixed, and for which we can mid Defines a frequency) not easy to get qque something usable.

the manual is nice it gives some ides of uses.

SOUND QUALITY

Amazing! Excellent! When I sing through this preampp we almost feel that I sing well! I love the color lgre compressor, AC Global Warming enjoyable. Only the EQ is my opinion, rotten, she quickly saturate certain freq, finally, it sounds ugly. but more than compensates for the compressor, it is stunning trs.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a short week. I do not sing no more this tool, sure. I got it in time, so the price is unbeatable. A consultant!

Slice 1/2rack preamp. transistor, and optocompresseur Eq.3 with parametric mid band

UTILIZATION

The preamp is easy to adjust and has a comfortable margin ahead to sound. The compressor operates on a fixed rate of about 5.1, only the threshold, attack and release are customizable. eq. is easy to adjust, but caution, the low and high are bell-shaped, so no question of using it as small filter HP and LP damage.

SOUND QUALITY

The preamp is straight up halfway. In addition it colors the medium and gives a nice side sixties. The optocompresseur is a wonder that colors the sound a lot and gives a vintage look very flattering on vocals. For the rest, keep in mind that the rate tops out at 5:1. The eq. musicality is a little unusual for us to stay in "normal" setting.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since its release in France and grain typed seduced me. To achieve the same level of quality we must turn to more expensive machines and, ultimately, this little preamp than a head in the same competition crénau price.
The three-q does nothing but revolutionized condensed all the knowledge in the Joemeek sound old school.
To listen before buying more.

I will not make a photocopy of the characteristics of the tranches. Voyer other notices.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is super simple, plug in a mic with XLR phantom power (one button press a)
Managing between the compressor and its release ... It's easy, we refer to the LEDs.
Simple manual explaining the essential ...

SOUND QUALITY

Trs sound quality is suitable for medium, I could have had the compartment for 2 years, I now have a envoice (600 euros anyway) and although it is not a ridiculous cot. The compressor is really deadly! the gain is very good, hair color but not much. I would say even that is clear, precise with a lack of serious but good 200 euros, we can not have it all. The EQ is usable but really a low dose does not exceed the real + or - 2 / 3 db MAX! At least on one vote.

OVERALL OPINION

_I Have used two years before I separated (because I'm in the studio for free) and then back to me when a envoice same in the end (because I like when I want to save on time and when I have something esseyer)
+ _The This installment I will say that the compressor gets it. It n'ecrabouille frequencies not a nag if well back.
_Tres Good report quality price even I would say. Having the envoice, going "real" studio I must say it is amazing what threeQ. For a home studio is more than enough. I personally think that if no cab, pushed experience in the mix ... ca is not even to have a larger than ca. This is not an avalon 737 that will make your home studio in his fabulous if there's no cabin, where a low-end micro ...
_I C remake choice considering the price of course, for beginners and even for their demos, street, cd, mix tapes .. it's all good!

I would put the final note of 8 / 10 in global as we always sprer better but it's really good for the bottom line.

Small strip analog mono. Pramp / comp / eq with XLR microphone input and line between the outputs are on jacks.

UTILIZATION

Simple, turn the knobs and running, the document is not helpful.
No intrupteur On / Off! To cut, you must unplug the power ...

SOUND QUALITY

It does not color too pramp sound, provided they do not push the gain More than half, if not, the sound quickly becomes rotten!

OVERALL OPINION

This small strip is not bad, but is no miracle.
Good bass line, without being either monstrous!
The compressor is nice. The EQ I do not use it because I have a table. Pramp gives me the gain and not be able to condition its not too push.
For the same price when making a service and it is hard to beat, but with hindsight I add the 100 or 150 euros, and take time, something better, like Bellari, tlaudio, envoice .....

EDIT: I see my judgment up, because I could compare it to the same struggle with pramps 2 3 times more Chres, rsultat 3Q makes the pain worse ... which gives it great value even when q / price!

transistor preamp has three b + + eq compressor
Mono
1u

UTILIZATION

Do not worry about
is connected, it works
regardless of your source

SOUND QUALITY

I like the preamp I find effective
before I had a BlueTube who was also very good and stereo
but there is no need to work in stereo for most of the time taken

So good preamp, good gain
no staining
Neutral

The compressor is totally ineffective for me
and is used strictly for nothing

the eq is effective, I'm using it because it colors slightly faster

I put an overall score of 8 because the comp is really a shit
but overall catches and very correct, for the price, the fact that serious


OVERALL OPINION

I've had four years
I do not bump it with my catch for acoustic guitars, electric,
my bass, and singing
keyboards I recorded over a long time with all virtual keyboards
banks and crazy sound found on the market its

I tried all the models in this range
I find it very good, apart from the compressor disappointing
but I do not compress so it has taken me well suited
at worst I have a dbx I glue it in the ass if I need

voila you can buy it quiet, it's good
the tough, never down, and it sounds

This is a channel strip which contains a preamp, compressor and EQ. Basically it has all you need, and it's made by Joe Meek, who make consistently awesome gear. This is no exception as it contains a wonderful solid-state analog pre-amp. There are XLR connections as well as 1/4" connections, though I only use the XLR for microphones. It's one space on a rack which is great as it saves you some space for more pres or compressors or whatever.

UTILIZATION

Using this channel strip is really easy overall. It has an input gain knob which is pretty self-explanatory. One thing I noticed about it which was unfortunate was a lack of phantom power as well as phase reverse, so either plug-in that phase and get an external phantom power supply, or look elsewhere!
You can decide whether to engage the compressor and the EQ via two switches, one for each. If you do decide to use them, the compressor has a knob for compression, attack and release so it's got a healthy amount of control over the sound. The EQ is four-band. Overall that makes for a lot of control.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of this pre amp is really good. I couldn't believe it was as cheap as it was when I tried it. Mostly I liked it for the sound of the pre-amp in general, but I really also liked the way the compressor and the EQ worked. Having the low end fixed the way it is would be frustrating if I didn't have consistently good sounds coming out of it. The compressor is not the hardest or the most comprehensive compressor out there but it'll work well for a variety of uses especially if you're working with rappers or other vocalists that you know will need it from the get-go. It's a really transparent channel too with I think everyone can appreciate.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall I think this is an incredible bargain really. It's far from the best but for what I do, which isn't always the most professional sounding stuff (sadly), it usually works fine. Definitely worth it for somebody who's looking for a lowbudget addition to their home studio or even a pro-studio, though it probably won't stack up well to what you're working with if you already have great stuff. I'd recommend this to just about anybody as it has that many uses.