The AEA RPQ503 500-Series Microphone Preamp is the next evolution in AEA’s trusted lineage of high-impedance, high-gain preamplifiers.
Based on the 3rd Generation circuit design of our celebrated RPQ3, the RPQ503 brings the same rich and natural sound to the 500 Series Format. Featuring a powerful combination of ultra-low noise, low-distortion op-amps, ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance, and 85dB of clean gain, the RPQ503 delivers exceptional clarity and detail. More than just a preamp, the RPQ503 also includes the expanded EQ section of the RPQ3, with boost and cut controls for both low and high end, on custom, compact, dual-concentric potentiometers. At once open and transparent but equally responsive and dynamic, the RPQ503 is a versatile tool for the front end of any signal path.
Expanded EQ Section
The RPQ503 expands on our signature CurveShaper circuitry, offering boost and cut curves for both bands of the EQ allowing users to control their sound right at the start of the signal path. With easy-to understand controls and sweepable frequency knobs, the expanded EQ section of the RPQ503 offers boost and cut options for both lows and highs. Even when boosting aggressively, the RPQ503 remains flatteringly natural. When the EQ IN LED is illuminated, both LF and HF EQs are in the circuit. If you want to use only one band of EQ and not the other, simply turn the gain knob (the front one) of that pot to the center, which is detented.
AEA RPQ503 500-Series Microphone Preamp Features
- 1-Space 500-series preamp
- AEA Gen 3 preamp circuitry
- Ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance (phantom power off)
- 7 to 85 dB of gain
- LF/HF sweepable frequency
- EQ boost/cut, +/-20 dB
- EQ in/out switching; center detents on EQ gain pots
- +48V phantom
- Polarity switch
- Mic/line input switching (line input bypasses mic pre)
- Made in the USA
AEA RPQ503 500-Series Microphone Preamp Specifications
- Max Gain at 1kHz: 85 dB
- EIN (Max Gain 22 Hz to 22 kHz): -130 dBu (typical), 40 Ω source unweighted; -128 dBu (typical), 150 Ω source unweighted
- Frequency Response: 30 dB gain: (-0.6 dB 10 Hz, -3 dB 160 kHz); 85 dB gain: (-3 dB 10 Hz and 160 kHz)
- THD+N: 0.0018% (1 kHz, 22 Hz-22 kHz @30 dB Gain +4 dBu output)
- XLR Output Maximum Level: +27 dBu into 600 Ω load
- Input Impedance: 68 kΩ
- Input Impedance (P48 Engaged): 11.3 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 50 Ω
- Max Input Signal Level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)
- Mic Gain Control: 12-position switch from +7 dB to +65 dB
- Output Trim: Continuously variable from 0 dB to +20 dB
AEA RPQ503 500-Series Microphone Preamp Includes
- AEA RPQ503 500-Series Microphone Preamp
- Manufacturer Warranty
8 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Enhances all ribbons
Oct 28th 2024So happy with this pre. I'm using it on ribbons of course and it just makes them excel greatly. The EQ curves help tweak things especially with darker ribbon mics in my locker. I've also gotten great results using dynamic mics such as SM7 and RE-20s. No regrets.
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Great compliment for my ribbon mic
Feb 11th 2024Purchased the RPQ500 to bring my vintage RCA 44A to life. Works great as standalone, and behind my Coil CA-70S in line mode to add some color. The Low Freq Cut and Curve Freq are great additions to dialing in the sound, and the gain gives me great sound without excessive noise floor.
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More Than Just A Ribbon Pre!
May 21st 2023So I bought this as part of a set with the AEA R88 mk2 stereo ribbon and of course, the entire set sounded amazing! But surprisingly, it is capable of so much more. The JFET sound surprisingly often beats out transformer / vibe pre's for my synths and the curve gain EQ behaves how I always wish the Maag Air frequency and similar plug-ins behaved. One of the my favorites!
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Clarity defined!!
Jul 3rd 2014I purchased a pair of RPQ 500 preamps as part of the rack attack bundle. Not only do they compliment my AEA N22 ribbon mic incredibly, but are my go-to "clean" pres on everything with a number of different mics, not just ribbons.. All percussion and acoustic instruments sit perfectly in the mix. The two band shelving is dialed in perfect,also. Great great stuff!! Wes and the AEA people are top notch!
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Another Wonderful AEA Product
May 1st 2014Bought it to use with an AEA R84. Really brought the mic to life and sounds beautiful. Using it as a bass DI was a little difficult. There is no 1/4" input and I had to use a Countryman DI box. It worked great though and the "curve-shaping" EQ makes the RPQ500 useful for a bunch of stuff. A great overall value.
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Clear, punchy, versatile
Jan 17th 2014These pre's are clear, punch and versatile! Just like it says in the headline! Paired with my AEA-R88 stereo ribbon, it's a match made in studio Nirvana (the mythical afterworld, not the band).
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Phenomenal
Jan 16th 2014Amazing preamp. Gets the best out of your ribbon mics, tube condensers, and dynamics. Can't go wrong with a pair of these.
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Mind your RPQs
Feb 21st 2013Very nice mic pre. Brought my ribbon to life. Can't wait to try it on other mics.
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