RPQ500
Best transparent gain for ribbon microphone enthusiasts.
This 500-Series microphone preamp delivers a rich, natural sound, building on a legacy of high-impedance designs. Its 3rd Generation circuitry ensures exceptional clarity with ultra-low noise and distortion. Offering 85dB of clean gain and an ultra-high 68kΩ input impedance, it excels with demanding microphones. The integrated EQ section provides versatile low and high-end boost/cut controls for precise tonal shaping. This versatile module enhances any signal path, offering transparency, responsiveness, and dynamic performance.
$699.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
324
/ 566
#324 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Channels
1
Who it's for
- Audio engineers using passive ribbon microphones
- Recording professionals seeking the best from ribbon mics
- Studio owners needing a high-quality, all-around preamp
Who should skip it
- Home studio users without existing 500-series infrastructure
- Producers needing multiple channels for tracking drums or ensembles
- Budget-conscious musicians or emerging engineers
Performance breakdown
Gain Headroom
85dB of clean gain handles even the most demanding ribbon microphones.
Signal Transparency
JFET circuitry preserves the natural character of your source audio perfectly.
Impedance Matching
Ultra-high input impedance ensures optimal performance for every microphone type.
Tonal Shaping
Integrated EQ offers precise control for sculpting your sound at source.
Noise Floor
Ultra-low noise design keeps your signal pristine even at high gain.
Build Quality
Robust American construction ensures long-term reliability in professional studio environments.
Key Specs
Channels
1
Max Gain
85 dB
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%
Input Impedance
68 kΩ
Output Impedance
50 Ω
Phantom Power
+48V
Form Factor
1-Space 500-series
Know before you buy
Yes, it is optimized for ribbon microphones. Its ultra-high 68kΩ input impedance ensures that ribbon mics can perform to their full potential without being loaded down, which preserves the natural frequency response and transient detail.
Absolutely. While it excels with ribbon mics, the 85dB of clean, low-noise gain makes it an excellent choice for any microphone, including power-hungry dynamic mics or sensitive condensers.
The CurveShaper EQ is designed to manage the proximity effect and high-frequency roll-off common with ribbon mics. It allows you to tighten up the low end or add presence to the top end directly at the preamp stage, saving you from needing additional processing later.
The RPQ503 is VPR Alliance approved, meaning it is compatible with any standard 500-series rack that meets the VPR specifications. It occupies a single slot in your chassis.
The Low Energy Storage design helps the preamp recover quickly from transients, which results in superior dynamics and a more open, transparent sound. It prevents the 'smearing' that can sometimes occur in circuits with higher energy storage, keeping your signal clear and responsive.
Yes, the unit features mic/line input switching. This allows you to run line-level signals through the preamp's circuitry and CurveShaper EQ, making it a useful tool for adding character or tonal shaping to pre-recorded tracks during mixdown.
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