AEA RPQ503 500 Series Preamp with EQ

The AEA RPQ503 is the next evolution in AEA’s trusted lineage of high-impedance, high-gain preamplifiers. Based on the 3rd generation circuit design of AEA's 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 85 dB 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.

ENHANCE EVERY MICROPHONE

The RPQ503 was designed to work great on passive ribbon microphones, however, when a preamp works well with a passive ribbon microphone, it will excel on every microphone. At once open, transparent, and musical, the RPQ503 is a versatile tool for the front end of any signal path.

A GAIN POWERHOUSE

The RPQ503 is a powerhouse that provides unparalleled high gain with low-noise. With 85 dB of clean gain, the RPQ503 gives you enough juice to record soft sources without ever having to worry about noise. The RPQ503 is the tool of choice for all microphones whenever a true and pristine signal path is desired. The 3rd generation circuitry is the cleanest and most musical design AEA have done yet.

EXPANDED EQ SECTION

The RPQ503 expands AEA's 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 FEATURES:

• Single 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