Joe Meek TwinQ Dual Mono Channel Strip
The JoeMeek TWIN Q is like having two channels of a professional recording studio in one box. It takes microphones or instruments, amplifies them, compresses and equalizes them ready to be recorded. Simple to use yet extremely powerful, the twinQ will bring out the best in any microphone or instrument and give the gloss of a professional studio production to all your performances. As well as recording it will also be found useful for live work. The Joemeek Digital Audio Interface provides high quality digital audio outputs plus the ability to synchronize to an external word clock. The digital audio outputs are compatible with most digital recorders, as well as Digital Audio Workstations and mixers. S/PDIF format is available from the optical and RCA phono connectors, while the transformer coupled XLR connector provides an AES3 compatible output. The Joemeek Digital Interface has highly stable onboard master clocks for low-jitter, hi-fi results. Internal sample rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz are selected by means of rear panel switches. Alternatively, the twinQ may be set to the frequency of an external master word clock, generated, for example, by the studio's recorder or DAW. When connected to the BNC socket provided, a suitable external word clock will be detected automatically and will override the twinQ's internal word clock. The front panel LED labelled 'EXT CLK' illuminates when the twinQ is successfully locked to an external word clock.
The main features of the JoeMeek TWIN Q include:
* Respected, dual channel Mic/Instrument Pre with smooth optical compressor, EQ and digital interface
* All XLR inputs and outputs, electronic floating balanced
* XLR Mic Inputs
* XLR +4 Balanced outputs
* 1/4 inch TRS balanced Line Inputs
* 1/4 inch TRS balanced outputs selectable +4/-10 dB
* 1/4 inch Inserts TRS into both channels
* AES/EBU, Optical, SPDIF, and Word Clock Standard
* Sample and frequency selector for all formats: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96Khz at 24 bit
* Expanded EQ; LF sweep, MF sweep, HF selects between 6Kz & 12Kz with hard wire bypass and overload LED
* Dual large meters reads Input or Gain Reduction
* 48V, Phase Reverse, Mic/Line, & Pad switch, all with LED
* Burr Brown Front End for smooth clean sound
* Selectable "Custom" wound Transformer switchable in or out of mic amp circuit for warmth and presence
* Front Panel 1/4 inch DI for direct recording of instruments
* New Opto Head Joemeek Compressor for that classic Meek sound, as well as severe compression effects
* New Compressor features as Gain Make up
* Opto Couple to link both channels for stereo compression
* Switchable voltage for operations worldwide
Retail:
$700-$1000
used:
$600-$700
Verdict:
Versatile and well respected piece of kit. Can do both ultra fat and transparent compression with ease. Plenty of character, solid, rugged build and a great channel for recording or tracking. Eq is alright.
