AEA RPQ500
Best transparent gain for capturing nuanced audio with passive microphones.
This 500 Series module provides an exceptionally clean and high-gain signal path, perfect for capturing nuanced audio. Its JFET circuitry ensures outstanding dynamics and transient response, while the unique NoLoad input impedance prevents microphone loading for an uncolored sound. The integrated CurveShaper EQ offers precise control over high-frequency presence and air, and a low-frequency adjustment helps tame boxiness. With versatile mic/line inputs and switchable phantom power, it's an ideal tool for a wide range of microphones, including ribbon, dynamic, and condenser types.
$829.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
324
/ 566
#324 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Gain at 1 kHz
81
/ dB
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and producers using ribbon and dynamic microphones
- Recording artists and engineers seeking nuanced control over microphone tone
- Professionals prioritizing uncolored, high-fidelity audio capture
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners without existing 500 series infrastructure
- Users primarily working with a wide array of condenser microphones
- Budget-conscious musicians or hobbyists building a first studio
Performance breakdown
Gain Headroom
Massive 81 dB of gain handles even the quietest ribbon microphones effortlessly.
Signal Transparency
NoLoad impedance technology ensures your microphone's natural character remains completely uncolored.
Transient Response
JFET circuitry captures fast, punchy transients with exceptional clarity and speed.
Tone Shaping
CurveShaper EQ provides surgical control over presence and low-end boxiness.
Noise Floor
Ultra-low noise performance keeps your signal pristine even at high gain.
Versatility
Handles everything from delicate ribbons to high-output condensers with total ease.
Key Specs
Gain at 1 kHz
81 dB
Noise figure RMS A-weighted
<2 dB
EIN
<-130 dBu A-weighted 150 Ohm resistive source
Frequency response
-3 dB < 1 Hz and > 100 kHz
THD
<0.02% at 1 kHz
Input impedance
10 kOhms
Balanced Line Input Impedance
20 kOhms
Input Gain control
Twelve-position switch provides from +13 dB to +62 dB
Know before you buy
Yes, it is highly versatile. While it is designed to get the best out of ribbon microphones, its clean, high-gain JFET circuitry and switchable phantom power make it an excellent choice for dynamic and condenser microphones as well.
The NoLoad design prevents the preamp from 'loading' the microphone, which means it doesn't color or alter the mic's natural frequency response. This ensures you hear the pure, intended character of your microphone without impedance-related signal degradation.
The CurveShaper is specifically designed to add presence and 'air' to your recordings without sounding harsh. It allows you to tune the frequency and gain to gently lift the top end, while the low-frequency adjustment helps you clean up boxiness or mud in the source signal.
Absolutely. The RPQ500 provides up to 81 dB of gain, which is more than enough to handle quiet sources or low-output ribbon microphones with plenty of headroom to spare.
Yes, the RPQ500 features a dedicated line input, allowing you to run line-level signals through its high-quality circuitry and CurveShaper EQ for added character or tonal shaping.
The unit features a three-color LED system. The green LED indicates a signal at -6 dBu, the yellow LED varies in brightness to show your level between -3 dBu and +20 dBu, and the red LED warns you when you hit +23 dBu.
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