AEA RPQ500

500 Series Microphone Preamplifier

• API 500 Series Microphone Preamplifier
• Up to 81 dB of gain with an ultra-low-noise JFET circuit
• Ultra-high-impedance No Load™ technology to preserve the microphone’s sound
• CurveShaper™ equalizer with adjustable HF and LF controls
• Line/Mic mode for using the EQ even during mixing and mastering
• Low Energy Storage™ circuit for excellent transient response
• Frequency response from less than 1 Hz to over 100 kHz
• Extremely low noise and high dynamic range
• Ideal for ribbon, dynamic, and condenser microphones
• Compatible with API 500 Series and VPR Alliance racks

The AEA RPQ500 is a professional microphone preamp in the API 500 Series format that packs all the sound quality of the renowned full-rack RPQ into a compact module. Designed to bring out the best in AEA ribbon microphones, it has quickly established itself as one of the most transparent and versatile preamps available, capable of enhancing any type of microphone without altering its character.

The fully discrete signal path, ultra-high-gain JFET circuitry, and extremely low background noise enable extremely detailed recordings with fast transients, deep low frequencies, and a frequency response extending well beyond the audible range.

Maximum Transparency for Any Microphone

The AEA RPQ500 was designed to provide the cleanest possible audio path. Thanks to proprietary No Load™ technology, the input impedance exceeds 5 MΩ, preventing the preamp from affecting the behavior of the connected microphone.

This allows ribbon microphones to fully express their natural response, but offers equally clear benefits with dynamic and condenser microphones, preserving the source’s original timbre.

81 dB of gain with extremely low noise

The JFET circuit provides up to 81 dB of gain while maintaining an exceptionally low noise figure. An EIN below -130 dBu and THD below 0.02% ensure quiet recordings free of unwanted coloration, even with the least sensitive microphones.

Low Energy Storage™ technology also allows the circuit to recover instantly from the most intense transients, ensuring an extremely fast and natural dynamic response.

CurveShaper™: Musical and Natural Equalization

One of the AEA RPQ500’s key strengths is the renowned CurveShaper™ equalizer, designed to shape the sound directly during the recording phase without introducing artifacts.

Independent controls for low and high frequencies allow you to refine the tone with extreme naturalness, offering a much more musical response than a classic shelving equalizer.

Intelligent high-frequency control

The CurveShaper™ HF filter adds presence and air without making the sound aggressive. The filter’s slope varies dynamically depending on the selected frequency and boost level, delivering an extremely natural curve.

This behavior is particularly effective with ribbon microphones, but it’s also an ideal solution for restoring brilliance to dynamic and condenser microphones used at a greater distance from the sound source.

Precise and Controlled Low Frequencies

The adjustable LF filter allows you to quickly eliminate boominess, boxiness, and excessive proximity effect. Shelving attenuation of up to -20 dB enables you to achieve more defined recordings without compromising the natural character of the signal.

Also perfect for mixing and mastering

The Line/Mic switch completely bypasses the microphone stage, allowing you to use the CurveShaper™ as an analog processor during mixing or mastering. The output level control makes it easy to integrate the RPQ500 into professional hardware chains with summing mixers and external processors.

This versatility makes the module a valuable tool both as a recording front-end and as an analog finishing processor for professional productions.

Full compatibility with the API 500 format

The AEA RPQ500 complies with the VPR Alliance standard and is designed to operate within any API 500 Series-compatible chassis. Its professional construction, Grayhill click-stop selector, and laser-etched panel ensure reliability and precision even in the most demanding recording studios.

Technical Specifications

• Format: API 500 Series module
• Type: Professional microphone preamp
• Maximum gain: 81 dB at 1 kHz
• Circuitry: Discrete JFET
• Noise figure (A-weighted): < 2 dB
• Noise figure (unweighted): < 3 dB (LPF 20 kHz)
• EIN: < -130 dBu (A-weighted, 150 Ω source)
• Frequency response: from less than 1 Hz to over 100 kHz (-3 dB)
• THD: < 0.02% at 1 kHz
• Microphone input impedance: over 5 MΩ (No Load™)
• Balanced line input impedance: 63 kΩ
• Input gain: 12-position Grayhill selector (+13 dB / +62 dB)
• Curveshaper™ HF: adjustable from 2.5 kHz to 30 kHz with boost up to +18 dB
• LF shelving filter: adjustable from 18 Hz to 360 Hz, attenuation up to -20 dB
• Line/Mic mode
• Output level control
• Maximum output level: +28 dBu into 600 Ω
• LED indicators: green, yellow, and red
• Internal operating voltage: ±17 V
• Compatibility: API 500 Series and VPR Alliance racks
• Laser-engraved front panel
• Grayhill Series 71 selector switch