Versatile, High-gain 500 Series Preamp from AEA
Derived from AEA’s 3rd-generation RPQ3 500 Series mic preamp, the RPQ503 delivers the same rich, natural sound, while adding a sweepable 2-band shelving EQ for quick, convenient signal shaping. With its ultra-low noise, low-distortion op-amps, high 68KΩ input impedance, and 85dB of clean mic gain, the RPQ503 serves up your microphone and line-level signals with pristine high fidelity. The RPQ503 incorporates the highly responsive EQ section of the AEA RPQ3, featuring LF and HF boost and cut controls on custom, dual-concentric potentiometers. With its prodigious gain, transparent sonics, onboard EQ, and budget-friendly price tag, the AEA RPQ503 is a performance- and value-packed preamp that can do justice to every mic in your locker.
Related Videos: RPQ503 500 Series Mic Preamp
Expanded EQ section
While many preamps, such as AEA’s excellent TRP500, have an integrated highpass filter to mitigate unwelcome low-frequency content such as proximity effect and rumble, the RPQ503 gives you a full-fledged 2-band equalizer for much greater control. Equipped with intuitive controls and sweepable frequency selector knobs, the EQ offers 20dB of boost and cut for both low- and high-frequency bands, providing a handy tool for tweaking your sound at the outset of the signal path. The RPQ503’s EQ section builds upon AEA’s CurveShaper circuitry, which is renowned for its relaxed, natural sound — even with aggressive boosting.
Bring out the full potential in all your microphones
Engineers at Sweetwater value the RPQ503 for its sweet, musical, and articulate sound and its ability to bring out the full potential of every microphone in your locker. With 85dB of quiet gain on tap, the RPQ503 captures the full, vibrant resolution of your low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones without adding noise to your mix. This mic pre also includes a mic/line switch, switchable phantom power, and polarity reverse. Anyone searching for a great-sounding, versatile mic preamp with loads of clean gain will get lots of mileage out of the AEA RPQ503.
AEA RPQ503 Features:
- 500 Series mic/line preamp with sweepable 2-band EQ
- AEA Gen 3 preamp circuitry
- 68KΩ input impedance (phantom power off)
- Maximum gain (@1kHz): 85dB
- Mic gain control: 12-position switch from +7dB to +85dB
- Output trim control: 0dB to +20dB (continuously variable)
- 2-band EQ: first-order shelving, 20dB max boost/cut
- Center detents on EQ gain pots
- LF: 40Hz–675Hz (continuously variable)
- HF: 2kHz–28kHz (continuously variable)
- Mic/Line, phantom power, polarity reverse switches
- Line input bypasses mic pre
- LED signal level indicators:
- Anodized aluminum front panel
