AEA RPQ3 preamp eq 500 series

The AEA RPQ500 delivers the same high-gain, low-noise performance of AEA’s full-size ribbon preamps in a compact 500-series module. With 81 dB of pristine JFET gain, CurveShaper™ EQ, and high-impedance NoLoad™ circuitry, it captures every nuance of your microphones with exceptional clarity and musicality.

Preamp Overview
• Single channel with 81 dB of ultra-quiet JFET gain
• CurveShaper™ high-frequency EQ and low-frequency proximity control
• Mic and line inputs for mixdown or tracking versatility
• Switchable phantom power, polarity reverse, and line/mic selection
• NoLoad™ 10 kΩ high-impedance design for enhanced transients, frequency response, and output sensitivity
• Built in the USA

Optimized for Ribbons

Designed with ribbon microphones in mind, the RPQ500 brings out the warmth, depth, and detail that make ribbons so unique. Its high-output, low-noise design ensures clean gain even with the quietest sources, letting your ribbons shine without the need for additional boosters.

CurveShaper™ EQ

The onboard CurveShaper™ EQ gives you powerful tone control right at the start of the signal chain:
• High-Frequency Extension – Boost with adjustable slope for added air and presence, perfect for ribbons, vocals, and 2-bus enhancement.
• Low-Frequency Proximity Control – Reduce bass build-up quickly and transparently, taming proximity effect while maintaining natural body.

Whether you’re tracking vocals, strings, brass, or full mixes, the RPQ500 gives you the gain, headroom, and tonal shaping to get the most from your microphones - all in a compact 500-series format.

US and EU parcels ship via UPS, ETA 1-7 working days from pickup day zero. That also applies to most locations worldwide.

All shipments are fully insured.

Bigger shipments requiring pallets or custom made crates ship to US, CA, JP, CN, AU and other outside of EU locations via DHL Air Freight, ETA is normally approx. 7-14 working days from pickup day zero.

Big shipments inside EU ship via different freight companies, recently mostly via ACE Logistics. Freight forwarders can use different courier companies for deliveries to final destinations.

Palletising and crating time can vary depending on the size of the shipment and packaging queue. We pack all our shipments with great care.

You are most welcome to pick your order up yourself from our Retrosonic Pro Audio showroom, studio and warehouse in Tallinn, Estonia.

We ship worldwide – contact us for a personal shipping quote or any other questions.

VAT (Value Added Tax) can be deducted if you have a company with a valid EU VAT number or if you're based outside of the EU. Non-EU buyers pay all and any import tax and duty as regulated by their local customs.