AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp

The AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp utilizes AEA's newest 3rd generation circuit design. Two channels of high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain with our unique EQ architecture optimizes the performance of your microphones.

The RPQ3 is the next evolution in AEA’s trusted lineage of high-impedance, high-gain preamplifiers.Based on the circuit design of our celebrated RPQ2, the RPQ3 features a powerful combination of ultra-low noise, low-distortion op-amps, ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance, and 85dB of clean gain, all packaged in a durable full-rack chassis. The RPQ3 also includes an expanded EQ section with boost and cut controls for both low and high end as well as a low-end frequency sweep to identify and eliminate rumbles and resonances. At once open and transparent but equally responsive and dynamic, the RPQ3 is a versatile tool for the front end of any signal path.

Enhance your ribbons
The AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Preamp and EQ provide 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 RPQ3 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound that ribbons are uniquely known for.

A Gain Powerhouse
The RPQ3 is a powerhouse that provides unparalleled high gain with low-noise. With 85db of JFET output, the RPQ3 gives you enough juice to record soft sources without ever having to worry about noise. The RPQ3 is the tool of choice for all microphones whenever a true and pristine signal path is desired. Our 3rd generation circuitry is the cleanest and most musical design we've done yet.

Less noise than outer space
With the RPQ3, you will never consider a source too quiet to record with a ribbon mic ever again. Passive ribbons with low output levels require preamps that supply a high level of output. If the preamp you use doesn’t have enough clean gain, the mic signal may seem too soft or noisy which may be apparent when recording quiet acoustic guitars or strings, especially at a distance or with long cable runs. The RPQ3 eliminates this concern.

CurveShaper™ EQ
The RPQ3’s CurveShaper™ EQ is a powerful tool that gives you the ability to control your microphone right at the start of the signal path. The updated adjustable boost/cut low and high-frequency controls allow you to tame proximity problems and provide high-frequency extension with slope control. The high-frequency filter boost enables you to add presence and air to your source  –perfect for sources like ribbons and 2-busses that often benefit from some extra top-end. The low-frequency control easily removes bass build-up in a fast and unobtrusive way.

High Impedance Makes a Huge Difference
The sound and tonality of dynamic microphones like ribbons and moving-coils are directly affected by the impedance of a preamp. The higher the impedance, the better the sound. The RPQ3 boasts an extra high input impedance of 68K Ohms (phantom power off). Preamps with an impedance of under 10k ohms will limit the lows, highs, and transients of your passive microphones. The RPQ3’s high impedance will reveal your microphone’s true nature– a thick low-end, open top-end, and articulate transient response that you will need to hear to believe. Both condensers and active microphones also benefit from the RPQ3’s impedance.

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

Power Switching
The RPQ3 chassis features open-back access to the AC power switch, making voltage conversion between US standard 115V and 230V easy for set-up, anywhere in the world.

AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp Features

• Two-channel, high-gain, full-rack mic preamp
• Ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance (phantom power off)
• 7 to 85 dB of gain
• LF/HF boost and cut
• EQ boost/cut, +/-20 dB (high range), +/- 10dB (low range)
• EQ in/out switching (overall and individual bands)
• +48V phantom
• Polarity switch
• Pre-EQ line out (always active)
• Insert Switch input switching (line input bypasses mic preamp)
• Linear power supply with external 115V/230V switching

AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Microphone 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: (-0.6 dB 10 Hz, -3 dB 160 kHz)
  • 85 dB gain: (-3 dB 10 Hz and 160 kHz)
• THD+N: 0.0018% (1kHz, 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:
  • First order shelving response
  • 20 dB max boost/cut high range, 10 dB max boost/cut low range
  • Low frequency sweep continuously variable 40 Hz to 675 Hz
  • High frequency sweep continuously variable 2 kHz to 28 kHz
• 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 RPQ3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp Includes

• AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp
• Power Cable
• Manufacturer Warranty