AEA RPQ2
Best transparent preamp for capturing nuanced instrument and vocal recordings.
Enhance your audio recordings with this two-channel ribbon microphone preamplifier and equalizer. It delivers a rich, natural sound, unlocking the full potential of your microphones, especially ribbon types. Experience high-performance, low-noise gain with up to 81dB of clean output, ideal for capturing delicate sound sources without interference. This unit features a CurveShaper EQ circuit for tonal shaping, instrument DI inputs for direct connection, and insert points for flexible external processing. Its robust JFET design ensures clarity and warmth in your sound.
$1799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
48
/ 566
#48 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+11%
Above average
Number of Channels
2
Who it's for
- Audio engineers and producers using passive ribbon microphones
- Recording professionals seeking uncolored, high-fidelity sound reproduction
- Engineers needing subtle corrective or creative EQ options at the source
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or aspiring audio professionals
- Users primarily working with high-output microphones or line-level sources
- Producers and engineers needing many simultaneous microphone inputs for tracking
Performance breakdown
Ribbon Optimization
The JFET circuitry provides the perfect impedance match for ribbon microphones.
Gain Headroom
81dB of clean gain handles the quietest sources with absolute ease.
Tone Shaping
The CurveShaper EQ offers surgical control for taming harsh high frequencies.
Noise Floor
Ultra-low noise performance ensures your recordings remain pristine and transparent.
Signal Routing
Integrated insert points allow for seamless integration of external outboard gear.
Build Quality
Rugged rackmount construction built to withstand years of heavy studio use.
Key Specs
Number of Channels
2
Gain
81 dB
Frequency response
1 Hz - 1000k Hz
Type
JFET Preamplifier (Rack Unit)
Inputs
2 XLR (Line Level or Microphone), 2 TS 1/4" (Instrument)
Outputs
2 XLR
High-Pass Filter
Yes
Instrument Input (DI)
Yes
Know before you buy
While the RPQ2 is specifically optimized to handle the unique impedance and gain requirements of ribbon microphones, its high-gain, low-noise JFET design performs exceptionally well with dynamic and condenser microphones as well.
No, the RPQ2 does not provide phantom power. It is designed primarily for ribbon and dynamic microphones that do not require 48V power to operate.
The CurveShaper EQ is specifically tuned to address the common frequency issues found in ribbon microphones, such as proximity effect buildup and high-frequency roll-off. It allows you to clean up the low end and add presence to the top end without the phase distortion often found in standard EQ circuits.
Yes, the RPQ2 features integrated high-impedance instrument inputs on the front panel. This allows you to plug your guitar or bass directly into the unit to take advantage of its high-quality JFET preamp circuitry.
The insert points allow you to integrate external processing gear, such as a compressor or a different EQ, directly into your signal chain after the preamp stage but before the final output. This provides greater flexibility for shaping your sound before it hits your recording interface.
Yes, the RPQ2 provides 81dB of clean, low-noise gain. This is more than enough to capture delicate, quiet sources—like acoustic instruments or distant room mics—without introducing unwanted hiss or interference.
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$1799