{"product_id":"aea-rpq503","title":"AEA RPQ503","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAEA RPQ503\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single-slot 500 Series microphone preamplifier built on the third-generation circuit of the flagship RPQ3. Its combination of ultra-low-noise op-amps, 68 kΩ input impedance, and up to 85 dB of clean gain makes it a modular front-end optimized for passive ribbon microphones — while performing equally well with dynamic and condenser mics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003e85 dB of Clean Gain for Passive Ribbons\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003ePassive ribbon microphones are the hardest load for a preamp: low output level, low coil impedance, and sensitivity to in-circuit noise. The RPQ503 addresses this with a 68 kΩ input impedance (phantom off), allowing the ribbon to operate without high-frequency loading losses. Self-noise of –130 dBu typical into a 40 Ω source keeps the noise floor below audibility even in quiet acoustical environments. The twelve-position gain switch (+7 to +65 dB) combined with an output trim (0 to +20 dB) delivers a total range of 7–85 dB with repeatable, session-to-session consistency. A multi-color LED meter on the module face displays signal level and clip status at a glance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eCurveShaper EQ — Tone Shaping at the Source\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe built-in CurveShaper EQ section offers ±20 dB of boost or cut across independently sweepable LF and HF bands. For ribbon microphones with a natural high-frequency rolloff, correcting at the preamp stage — before the signal passes through converters and plugins — means less gain applied later and a lower cumulative noise contribution from the chain. Controls use dual-concentric potentiometers: the outer ring sets the shelf frequency, the inner knob adjusts the amount. The EQ engages via a dedicated switch with a center detent at unity, enabling fast A\/B comparisons between processed and flat responses. A balanced line input bypasses the mic stage entirely for direct line-level processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eKEY FEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAPI 500 Series format, 1 slot\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAEA Gen 3 circuitry (derived from RPQ3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: 68 kΩ (phantom off) \/ 11.3 kΩ (phantom on)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGain range: 7–85 dB (12-position switch +7 to +65 dB + output trim 0–20 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSelf-noise: –130 dBu typical (40 Ω source), –128 dBu typical (150 Ω source), unweighted\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCurveShaper EQ: LF + HF shelving, ±20 dB, continuously sweepable, separately switchable\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDual-concentric EQ potentiometers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e+48 V phantom power, polarity reverse, mic\/line switch\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax input level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax output level: +27 dBu (600 Ω load)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMulti-color LED level and clip indicator\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade in the USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFormat: API 500 Series, 1 slot\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: 68 kΩ (phantom off) \/ 11.3 kΩ (phantom on)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGain range: 7 dB – 85 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSelf-noise: –130 dBu typical (40 Ω) \/ –128 dBu typical (150 Ω), unweighted\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEQ: 2-band shelving, ±20 dB, continuously sweepable LF and HF\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax input level: +20 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax output level: +27 dBu (600 Ω)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePhantom power: +48 V (switchable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolarity reverse: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMic\/line switch: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLevel indicator: multi-color LED\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade in: USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AEA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54014139924817,"sku":"59165","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AEARPQ5031.jpg?v=1781105089","url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/en-fr\/products\/aea-rpq503","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}