AEA TRP3 Ribbon Microphone Preamp
Best dedicated amplification for high quality ribbon microphones.
This dual-channel, half-rack preamplifier delivers exceptional clarity and natural sound, bringing out the full potential of your microphones. It provides high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain, making it ideal for ribbon microphones and other quiet sources. Featuring updated circuitry and a responsive high-pass filter, it faithfully reproduces even the smallest sonic details. This versatile unit is equally well-suited for ribbon, condenser, and dynamic microphones, offering ample clean gain in a compact, studio-friendly package.
$1349.00
More TRP Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
48
/ 566
#48 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-17%
Below average
Max Gain at 1 kHz
85
/ dB
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and producers using low-output ribbon microphones
- Recording professionals seeking optimal performance from their ribbon microphones
- Engineers prioritizing uncolored, high-fidelity signal amplification for critical recordings
Who should skip it
- Hobbyists and small studios with limited equipment budgets
- Users needing a versatile, all-around preamp for various microphone types
- Engineers desiring integrated channel strip features beyond pure amplification
Performance breakdown
Ribbon Mic Optimization
High impedance and massive gain perfectly complement sensitive ribbon microphone designs.
Noise Floor
Ultra-clean circuitry ensures quiet sources remain pristine even at maximum gain.
Gain Versatility
Extensive 85dB range handles everything from quiet ribbons to loud dynamic mics.
Signal Transparency
Faithful reproduction captures every subtle detail without adding unwanted sonic coloration.
Build Compactness
Half-rack footprint delivers professional-grade power without dominating your studio desk space.
Frequency Shaping
Switchable high-pass filters provide essential control for cleaning up low-end mud.
Key Specs
Max Gain at 1 kHz
85 dB
EIN (Max gain, 22 Hz to 22 KHz, unweighted)
-130 dBu (typical), 40 Ω source
Frequency Response (30 dB gain)
(-0.5 dB from <10 Hz to 200 kHz)
Frequency Response (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 (with Phantom)
11.3 kΩ
Input Impedance (no Phantom)
68 kΩ
Know before you buy
Ribbon microphones are sensitive to the input impedance of a preamp, which can significantly alter their frequency response and output level. The TRP3’s ultra-high 68kΩ impedance ensures the microphone is not 'loaded down,' allowing it to deliver its full, natural frequency range and transient detail without coloration.
While the TRP3 is optimized for the specific needs of ribbon microphones, it is an excellent choice for any microphone type. Its clean, high-gain circuitry provides a transparent signal path that benefits condenser and dynamic mics, especially when recording quiet sources.
The TRP3 uses a 12-position stepped gain switch to set the primary gain level, while the output trim allows for continuous adjustment between 0dB and +20dB. This dual-stage design gives you precise control over the signal level, making it easy to dial in the perfect gain staging for your interface or converters.
The high-pass filter is designed to clean up your signal by removing unwanted low-frequency rumble or proximity effect. You can choose between 115Hz or 230Hz settings, which is particularly useful when recording close-miked sources that might otherwise sound muddy.
Yes, with 85dB of clean, low-noise gain and an EIN of -130 dBu, the TRP3 is exceptionally quiet. It is specifically engineered to amplify low-output sources without introducing significant self-noise or hiss.
Yes, the TRP3 includes switchable 48V phantom power for each channel. This allows you to use it with condenser microphones or active ribbon microphones that require external power.
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