AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp

The AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp utilizes AEA's newest 3rd generation circuit design. This versatile, half-rack preamp provides two channels of high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain with a rich and natural sound that brings out the full potential of your microphones.

The AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp achieves unprecedented sound clarity  with a combination of updated, modernized circuits and the tonal warmth so embedded in every  AEA design. While all AEA preamps share similar topology and sound, each unit differs in terms of features and form factor. The TRP3 packs a punch as a half-rack powerhouse, providing unmatched levels of clean gain and open, natural sound. Drawing on its predecessor, the TRP3 offers all the classic features of the TRP2 with the added benefit of more straightforward control markings and a responsive high-pass filter that, together, faithfully reproduce even the smallest details of microphones and other sound sources. Equally well-equipped for ribbon, condenser and dynamic microphones, the dual-channel TRP3 delivers all the gain power of our RPQ3 in a more compact, half-rack package.

Enhance Your Ribbons
The AEA TRP3 Ribbon Preamp provides two channels of high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain with a rich and natural sound that brings out the full potential of your microphones. Specifically designed for ribbon microphones, the TRP3 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound that ribbons are uniquely known for. Our 3rd generation circuitry is the cleanest and most musical design we've done yet.

Small, But Mighty
The TRP3 is a half-rack powerhouse that provides unparalleled high gain with low-noise. With 85db of output, the TRP3 gives you enough juice to record soft sources without ever having to worry about noise. Passive ribbons and other low-level sources require preamps that supply a high level of output. Without enough clean gain, low-level mic signals can sound too soft or too noisy. This noise can be especially evident when recording quieter instruments (acoustic guitars, strings), recording at a distance or when using long cable runs. With the TRP3, you will never consider a source too quiet to record with a ribbon mic ever again.

Exceptional Preamps
The worlds best microphones, coupled with AEA’s range of transparent preamps, are the key choice for discerning recordists who want total control over their signal path. AEA offers the RPQ3, RPQ500, TRP3 and TRP500 microphone preamps, all of which provide clean gain and ultra high impedance to open up the sound of your microphones. All AEA Ribbon Preamps all share the same topology and sound. The differences between each unit come down to extra EQ features and form factor.

A Universal Power Supply
The TRP3 includes an external switching power supply with a grounded AC plug that keeps hum fields away from the high-gain electronics. This power supply allows the TRP3 to be used in any country without any modifications made to the unit.

AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp Features

• Two-channel, high-gain, half-rack mic preamp
• Ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance (phantom power off)
• 7 to 85 dB of gain
• 48V phantom and polarity switch
• HPF switchable -3dB at 115 Hz or 230 Hz
• External PSU
• Universal Power Supply
• Optional rack ears (for one unit) or rack shelf (two units) for mounting purposes

AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp Specifications

• Max Gain at 1 kHz: 85 dB
• EIN (Max gain, 22 Hz to 22 KHz, unweighted):
  • 130 dBu (typical), 40 Ω source
  • 128 dBu (typical), 150 Ω source
• Frequency Response:
  • 30 dB gain: (-0.5 dB from <10 Hz to 200 kHz)
  • 85 dB gain: (-3 dB 9Hz to >200 kHz)
• THD+N: 0.0015% (1 kHz, 22 Hz-22 kHz @30 dB Gain +4 dBu output)
• XLR Output Max Level: +27 dBu into 600 Ω load
• Input Impedance: 11.3 kΩ (with Phantom), 68 kΩ (no Phantom)
• Output Impedance: 50 Ω
• Max Input Signal Level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)
• Stepped Gain Control: 12-position switch from +7 dB to +65 dB
• Output Trim: Continuously variable from 0 dB to +20 dB
• EQ Circuitry:
  • Switchable, passive first-order high-pass filter
  • Selectable frequencies (-3 dB) at either 115 Hz or 230 Hz
• Input and Output XLR Polarity: Pin 2 hot
• LED Signal Level Indicators:
  • Green LED ≅ -20 dBu;
  • Yellow LED = 0 dBu;
  • Red LED ≅ +20 dBu (clipping +27 dBu)

AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp Includes

• AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp
• Power Supply
• Manufacturer Warranty