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Joemeek JM 46 TrakPak Microphone Set
by Jeff Severson
Joemeek has a large diaphragm condenser microphone (also known as the JM 47), which it calls a Meekrophone. It accompanies the VC3Q and comes packed together in a case, marketed as the TrakPak. Although you can purchase the JM 47 microphone separately, when it's matched with the VC3Q preamp/compressor/EQ, you have a powerful combination that is good for studio or live performance.
Manufactured in China (Meeky Mao?) under the specifications of Ted Fletcher, famous for his one of a kind mics from the Î60s, the JM 47 retails for $299. The cardioid capsule with a sputtered gold Mylar diaphragm is designed after the World War II German capsule microphones, but incorporates modern technology at minimum cost.
Features
The JM 47 housing is of solid brass construction. The capsule is a centered electrode-type with an FET impedance converter and 1-inch Mylar membrane diaphragm. The shockmount has a clip spring for quick release, which saves time from the old-style "rubber band" housings that were difficult to repair. The road case is solid steel with foam cutouts for the mic, the shockmount, the VC3Q and wallwart.
In use
I ran the JM 47 through my Mackie mixer, using phantom power, and compared it to the more costly Audio-Technica 4050 and 4060. On vocals and acoustic guitar, the JM 47 matched the Audio-Technicas for brightness, bass and overall response. I did notice more of a loss in volume when I fell off-axis compared to the other mics, but this was slight.
The mic has a warm quality with a top end that is not too harsh. I found the JM 47 an excellent choice for most vocalists Itried it on.
I cranked up my guitar amp as loud as I could stand it, and put the JM 47 smack into the speaker. It gave me a full rich sound that blew my old Shure 57 away. It wasn't even close · and it withstood the barrage to live another day.
The JM 47 and VC3Q TrakPak is also a great combination for solo live performance. You can plug your instrument into the mix input on the VC3Q, plug the JM 47 into the mic input and have all your sound coming out of one box. Of course, the volume, compression and equalization applied affect both voice and instrument equally. But it seems workable, if you can control the volume of the instrument before it hits the VC3Q.
Summary
The Joemeek JM 47 is a great sounding, inexpensive microphone. It's a good match for the VC3Q and with a list price for the TrakPak of $679 you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value.
Contact: Joemeek/PMI Audio Group at 877-563-6335; 310-373-9129.
-Jeff Severson
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