AEA RPQ500 - Series 2 Microphone Preamp Reviews
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.
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Highest Rated Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ribbon Wizardry!
1. Plenty of really clean gain! This is great for any mic, but especially for passive ribbons. In my opinion, there"s no better preamp for passive ribbons than this one. It not only has high gain (which is more than enough- I usually have an extra 30db with my passives- like the SWEET AEA R84), but it also has like 63k ohms impedance, WAY more than even other nice preamps like Neve.
2. Affordable! These high end 500 series preamps are often twice this price. Great deal.
3. Hand made in California, USA!
4. Very stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
5. Doesn"t feel cheap at all. Very high quality and durable build. In fact, they sell it with the circuitry exposed so as to show off the craftsmanship.
6. The HPF is better than most. These things usually end at 300hz or so, but this one sweeps from sub-bass all the way to 515hz!
7. For those who appreciate being able to EQ in seconds for great sound, the CurveShaper is a real unique feature you won"t find in competing preamps. By nature of its presets, it shapes the sound at predetermined curves so as to give the benefit of well-placed EQ without it ever sounding like it was EQ"d. It makes alterations sound seamlessly natural.
8. It works great live! Used this with my passive R121 for wedding vocals. Performed as well as in the studio.
9. AEA offers unparalleled customer service. They actually answer their phones in person. They"re very helpful. And they offer a 3-year warranty if you fill out the warranty form. Ask about their demo program:)
10. Comes with an AEA sticker. I love stickers for my guitar case and mic case;)
Amazing!
I have never been a big believer that preamps make such a huge difference... And generally I'm still not. But if you have a passive ribbon mic, this is one piece of gear that will make all the difference in the world. Even without the eq engaged, my R84 sounds noticeably better through this than either my stock pres or my Vintech (which I also like alot).
I've also owned the TRP, and I would say this unit is just as quiet. The adjustable low pass and high frequency boost adds lots of sheen to my vocal and acoustic guitar tracks. In the past 2 years I've gotten several new additions to my studio, and this is easily the one which has made the biggest impact.
