AEA TRP3

2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

• Professional two-channel microphone preamp in a half-rack format
• Gain up to 85 dB with extremely low noise
• Ultra-high input impedance up to 68 kΩ, ideal for ribbon microphones
• Compatible with ribbon, dynamic, and condenser microphones
• Selectable high-pass filter at 115 Hz or 230 Hz
• +48V phantom power and polarity reversal
• Independent output control with Output Trim
• External power supply for maximum operational silence
• Compact half-rack format with optional rack-mounting accessories

The AEA TRP3 represents the evolution of the renowned TRP preamp, designed to deliver maximum sonic transparency and clean amplification. Thanks to a completely updated circuit, it retains the natural character typical of AEA preamps while adding even higher performance, more intuitive controls, and greater operational versatility.

Compact yet extremely powerful, the TRP3 packs all the sound quality of AEA’s professional series into a half-rack chassis, offering up to 85 dB of clean gain with extremely low background noise. It is the ideal choice for recording studios, sound engineers, and musicians who use ribbon, dynamic, or condenser microphones.

High-gain preamp for ribbon microphones

The extremely high input impedance of 68 kΩ (with phantom power off) allows ribbon microphones to operate under optimal conditions, fully preserving the capsule’s original frequency response and dynamics.

Thanks to its adjustable gain range from 7 to 85 dB, the TRP3 is perfectly capable of driving even passive ribbon microphones with very low output levels without introducing noise or unwanted coloration.

85 dB of clean gain and exceptional dynamics

The circuit uses modern, ultra-low-noise components to achieve an EIN of up to -130 dBu, ensuring benchmark performance in professional recordings. Even at the highest gain levels, the signal retains all the natural character of the source, with an open, detailed, and perfectly balanced response.

Selectable high-pass filter to eliminate unwanted noise

The AEA TRP3 features a first-order passive high-pass filter selectable at 115 Hz or 230 Hz. This feature effectively reduces low-frequency noise, mechanical vibrations, and unwanted resonances directly during recording, while preserving the signal’s tonal integrity.

Simplified controls and new screen-printed labels further enhance the user experience, enabling quick and precise adjustments during any recording session.

Full compatibility with any recording studio

The AEA TRP3 is compatible with ribbon, dynamic, and condenser microphones thanks to its +48V phantom power, polarity reversal, and independent Output Trim control. The external power supply helps keep background noise extremely low, while the half-rack format allows you to easily integrate the preamp into any professional or home studio setup.

AEA sound quality in a compact format

While sharing the same design philosophy and sound quality as the RPQ3 model, the TRP3 omits the EQ section to provide an even more direct signal path. The result is an extremely transparent preamp, ideal for those who want to capture every detail of the recording while preserving the microphone’s original character.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Professional microphone preamp
• Channels: 2
• Form factor: half-rack
• Gain: 7 to 85 dB
• Gain control: 12-position selector (+7 to +65 dB)
• Output Trim: continuous adjustment from 0 to +20 dB
• EIN: -130 dBu (40 Ω), -128 dBu (150 Ω)
• THD+N: 0.0015% @ 1 kHz
• Frequency Response: below 10 Hz – above 200 kHz
• Input Impedance: 68 kΩ (Phantom Power OFF), 11.3 kΩ (Phantom Power ON)
• Output impedance: 50 Ω
• Maximum output level: +27 dBu into a 600 Ω load
• Maximum input level: +20 dBu
• Selectable passive high-pass filter
• HPF frequencies: 115 Hz or 230 Hz (-3 dB)
• Phantom power: +48V
• Polarity reverser
• External power supply
• Optional accessories: single rack mounts or a rack shelf for two units