[DFatz1]

I use the VC1Q and while it is better than the 001's pre's, I wish I would have just saved more $ and waited. Since I have no other outboard compressor, it is nice as far as controlling levels to tape. Plug a direct guitar/bass in and it blows the 001 away. Vocals(my main concern, thru a TLM 103) are a different story. I was hoping the VC1Q would give my vocals the "bigness" that I couldn't get from the 001. Better yes; but not $500 better. That only came when I got my Manley Monoblock($1300). Now I've got the Meek VC1Q, Bellari RP220, & Presonus Blue Tube collecting dust when I'm not tracking drums & other multi mic apps. I didn't take the advice of others to save up for the best pre's, but I wish I had. I'll pass it on to you. Track scratch tracks, pre-produce, etc for now, because when your new Manley, API, Neve, Avalon, Grace arrives, you'll want to go back and re-track it all. I know that's not what you probably want to hear, but how bad do you want that Grammy?