Shop Keyboard Deals, Financing, and More

AEA RPQ500 - Series 2 Microphone Preamp

1-channel 500 Series FET Preamp Module with 81dB of Gain, Highpass filter, CurveShaper Function, and Mic/Line Switching
$699.00

Earn $35 back in Bonus Bucks OR pay $30/month with 24 month financing*

In Stock!

Add to Cart
Notify me about deals

Ask An Expert

Our expertly trained Sales Engineers are ready to help!

What is a Sales Engineer?
Sweetwater Gear Exchange

Have one to sell?
Check out Sweetwater's Gear Exchange!
Learn More

Most Popular Accessories & Related Items

AEA RPQ500 - Series 2 Microphone Preamp
In Stock!
$699.00
Add to Cart
Add to list
Back to navigation

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

Get to know them!

A 500 Series Preamp Optimized for Ribbons

Do you use a ribbon microphone? Plug it into AEA's RPQ500 microphone preamp module and get the most out of it! This 500 Series module provides 81dB of clean gain for ribbon mics, while a variable low-cut filter tames proximity effect. Dial in the exact amount of air you want with AEA's CurveShaper EQ for the detailed sonic edge you've been missing on your vocals. The RPQ500 gives you the tools to do all that, and more. You can even switch to line-level input mode and turn the RPQ500 into a very useful processor during mixdown! With its high-grade JFET circuitry, wide dynamic range, and rugged build quality, the AEA RPQ500 is quite an impressive mic preamp.

AEA RPQ500 Preamp Module at a Glance:
  • Ribbon mics love it
  • The control you need
  • Incredible mic preamp and studio processor
Ribbon mics love it

You need plenty of gain to make that ribbon mic perform. Plenty of headroom too. That's what AEA's RPQ500 brings to the table - and much more. This beautifully simple 500 Series module gives you 81dB of gain, and its NoLoad input impedance means the RPQ500 won't change your mic's sound. When you're capturing vocals or instruments in the studio with a ribbon mic, you're looking for the most natural-sounding results you can get. This preamp module will help you get there.

The control you need

Here at Sweetwater, we love AEA products - not just because they're so well built and sound great. We also love the way the folks at AEA build their products with real-world studio users in mind. The RPQ500 preamp module is a perfect example. In addition to its gain and level controls, this easy-to-use 500 Series module features low- and high-frequency contour controls, so you can tame that low-end proximity effect or add a touch of air to the high end. Buttons make it easy to engage and disengage these controls, so you're in complete command. AEA's CurveShaper function is invaluable to ribbon mic users (and condenser users too).

Incredible mic preamp and studio processor

After hearing that several users were implementing their RPQ preamps into the signal chain during mixdown (those EQ controls certainly are amazing), AEA added a very handy line-level input mode to the RPQ500 module. This functionality lets you switch to line level and use the preamp's EQ controls for signal processing during mixdowns and even mastering.

AEA RPQ500 Preamp Module Features:
  • Plenty of headroom and gain
  • Perfect preamp for ribbon microphones
  • Switchable phantom power, polarity, and mic/line mode, each with LED indicators
  • High-impedance circuitry brings out your mic's full clarity
  • CurveShaper EQ adds presence and air to your signal
  • Highpass filter lets you control proximity effect
  • Use it as a post-processing tool in line mode for running mixes and masters through
The AEA RPQ500 works wonders with your ribbon mics!

Additional Media

Warranty Info

Sweetwater's FREE 2-Year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty

Extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

  • Save money with FREE parts and labor
  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
  • Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department
Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage

Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

Learn More about Total Confidence Coverage
Tools Icon

Save money with free parts & labor!

Fast Icon

Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time.

Award Icon

Fix it the first time with our award-winning, factory-certified Service Department.

Back to navigation

Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: 500 Series Solid State Preamp with JFET Gain
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Polarity Switch: Yes
  • EQ: Low Frequency Filter, High Frequency CurveShaper
  • Module Slot Size: Single
  • Power Usage: 130mA
  • Depth: 6.8"
  • Weight: 0.73 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: RPQ500

What Makes Our Sales Engineers Great?

Sweetwater Sales Engineers are a world-class team of experts dedicated to you. Hand selected from across the globe, each brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of music gear to provide you with unparalleled service completely free of charge. Friendly relationships, real trust, and the right gear are only a call or a click away!

Back to navigation

Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Perfect Match

Bought this preamp specifically for my R44CE and it did not disappoint. They are a perfect match and make the mic useful in any situation. Besides the preamp being great, the on board low frequency cut and curve gain allow you dial in your low end and top end with ease.
Music background: Engineer/Mix Engineer/Producer
Rated 5/5

AEA RPQ500 500 series Pre

got 2x of these for AEA RA88 stereo ribbon -- pairing perfection. The stepped gain very handy when matching levels, and leaving them in place.
Rated 5/5

Easy Win

I've had my pair going on six months now. This preamp is an easy win for anyone with ribbon mics -- sounds great, works great, and has all the the clean, quiet gain you need. I also use it A LOT with all kinds of condensers when I want a clean preamp. The curve bender boost can come in handy on a lot of sources as does low shelf. Overall a very flexible top quality preamp that is impossible to beat for the money. A strong case could be made for this preamp for someone who doesn't have any ribbons or use a lot of dynamics, because of the features and clean sound at a reasonable price point. But for a person with some ribbons and dynamics who needs the extra gain these offer, it's a no brainer.

I wish there were more markings on the faceplate for the curvebender air band and low shelf, but it's just a minor inconvenience in some situations.
Rated 5/5

Fantastic mic pre

I have 8 different outboard mic pres, including some really high end pieces. For my ribbon mics, including my AEA R44, this is easily my favorite, and at this price it is an absolute no-brainer. Very clean, but not at all sterile or cold in any way, just sweet sounding with tons of gain. It really brings out the best in a ribbon, but I love ALL of my mics through this preamp and it is a contender for many applications. I am now quite sure I will buy another one for a stereo pair. Wes Dooley and company really know what they are doing.
Music background: Musician, songwriter, home studio owner with 40 years of recording experience
Rated 5/5

Sweet sounding preamp for any mic

This is a fantastic preamp for any mic although it has features that serve the role of recording with a ribbon mic. Lots of gain and the curve shaper is great for fine tuning.
Close Close $2,000 Pick Your PRS Giveaway -- input your email address below to enter or click here to learn more.

See giveaway details & rules or check out our past winners!

Success!

Your email, has been entered to win this giveaway. Good Luck!