AEA RPQ503 500 Series Mic Preamp & EQ

The RPQ503 is the next evolution in AEA’s trusted lineage of high-impedance, high-gain preamplifiers.

Based on the 3rd Generation circuit design of our celebrated RPQ3, the RPQ503 brings the same rich and natural sound to the 500 Series Format. Featuring a powerful combination of ultra-low noise, low-distortion op-amps, ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance, and 85dB of clean gain, the RPQ503 delivers exceptional clarity and detail.

More than just a preamp, the RPQ503 also includes the expanded EQ section of the RPQ3, with boost and cut controls for both low and high end, on custom, compact, dual-concentric potentiometers.

At once open and transparent but equally responsive and dynamic, the RPQ503 is a versatile tool for the front end of any signal path.

• 1-Space 500-series preamp
• AEA Gen 3 preamp circuitry
• Ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance (phantom power off)
• 7 to 85 dB of gain
• LF/HF sweepable frequency
• EQ boost/cut, +/-20 dB
• EQ in/out switching; center detents on EQ gain pots
• +48V phantom
• Polarity switch
• Mic/line input switching (line input bypasses mic pre)
• 100% Handcrafted in the USA

• Max Gain at 1kHz: 85 dB

• EIN (Max Gain 22 Hz to 22 kHz):
130 dBu (typical), 40 Ω source unweighted
128 dBu (typical), 150 Ω source unweighted

• Frequency Response:
30 dB gain: (-0.6 dB 10 Hz, -3 dB 160 kHz)
85 dB gain: (-3 dB 10 Hz and 160 kHz)

• THD+N: 0.0018% (1 kHz, 22 Hz-22 kHz @30 dB Gain +4 dBu output)

• XLR Output Maximum Level: +27 dBu into 600 Ω load

• Input Impedance: 68 kΩ
• Input Impedance (P48 Engaged): 11.3 kΩ
• Output Impedance: 50 Ω

• Max Input Signal Level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)
• Mic Gain Control: 12-position switch from +7 dB to +65 dB
• Output Trim: Continuously variable from 0 dB to +20 dB

• EQ Circuitry: First order shelving response
20 dB max boost/cut
Low frequency sweep continuously variable 40 Hz to 675 Hz
High frequency sweep continuously variable 2 kHz to 28 kHz

• Input and Output XLR Polarity: Pin 2 high

• LED Signal Level Indicators:
Green LED = -20 dBu;
Yellow LED = 0 dBu;
Red LED = +20 dBu (clipping +27 dBu)

• Dimensions: 0.125” anodized aluminum front panel measured with knobs and switches: 1.5”W, 6.8”D, 5.2”H (3.8cm x 17.27cm x 13.34cm)

• Weight: 12 oz (~0.338 kg)