AEA RPQ3 is a two-channel microphone preamplifier with CurveShaper EQ in a full 1U rack chassis — the third generation of Fred Forssell's JFET topology. With 68 kΩ input impedance (phantom off), a gain range of 7–85 dB, EIN of –130 dBu typical (40 Ω source), and THD+N of 0.0018% at 30 dB gain, the RPQ3 ranks among the cleanest two-channel preamps in serial production. The expanded CurveShaper EQ section with full ±20 dB range and sweepable tuning on both LF and HF bands distinguishes the RPQ3 from the TRP3 — the same Gen 3 circuit, with tone shaping available at the very start of the signal path.
68 kΩ and CurveShaper — Correction at the Source Without Dynamic Loss
The 68 kΩ input impedance (phantom off) loads a passive ribbon the way it should be loaded — without high-frequency compression and without the dynamic limiting that appears at the typical 1.5–2.5 kΩ of standard preamps. With phantom engaged, impedance drops to 11.3 kΩ due to the feed resistors — still five times higher than the recommended minimum for a passive ribbon. CurveShaper EQ in the RPQ3 is a full dual-band parametric: LF sweeps 40–675 Hz, HF sweeps 2.5–30 kHz, with boost or cut of ±20 dB (wide mode) or ±10 dB (narrow mode). The Q factor of each band varies with frequency and gain settings in a way that keeps the correction musically transparent even at aggressive amounts — audible as shaping rather than processing. LF and HF LED indicators illuminate only when each band is engaged, removing any ambiguity about bypass status during a session.
Post-Mic/Pre-EQ Routing and Line Input — Complete Front End in One Unit
The Post-Mic/Pre-EQ output is always active — the signal after the preamp stage but before the EQ section, available simultaneously with the main output. The Insert switch inserts an external processor between the preamp and EQ without repatchng the full signal chain. Each channel has a line input that bypasses the mic preamp stage, accepting direct line-level or Hi-Z sources via adapter. The internal linear power supply (115 V/230 V switchable) keeps the external PSU out of the rack entirely; the aluminum 1U chassis with rear-panel IEC inlet installs cleanly in any studio rack. Three-color LED metering per channel (green –6 dBu / yellow variable / red +23 dBu) provides continuous level monitoring without a VU meter.
KEY FEATURES
- 2-channel AEA Gen 3 preamp with CurveShaper EQ, full 1U rack format
- Input impedance: 68 kΩ (phantom off) / 11.3 kΩ (phantom on)
- Gain range: 7–85 dB (12-position switch +7 to +65 dB + output trim 0–+20 dB)
- EIN: –130 dBu typical (40 Ω source) / –128 dBu typical (150 Ω source), unweighted
- THD+N: 0.0018% (1 kHz, 30 dB gain, +4 dBu output)
- CurveShaper EQ LF: 40–675 Hz, ±20 dB / ±10 dB, continuously sweepable
- CurveShaper EQ HF: 2.5–30 kHz, ±20 dB / ±10 dB, continuously sweepable
- EQ switchable globally and per band; LF/HF LED indicators
- Post-Mic/Pre-EQ output always active; Insert switch for external processor pre-EQ
- Line input bypasses mic preamp stage per channel
- +48 V phantom power per channel (switchable); polarity reverse per channel
- Max input level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)
- Max output level: +27 dBu (600 Ω load)
- Output impedance: 50 Ω
- 3-color LED level metering per channel (–6 dBu green / variable yellow / +23 dBu red)
- Internal linear PSU, 115 V/230 V switchable, IEC inlet
- Handmade in Pasadena, California, USA
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 2
- Format: full rack, 1U
- Input impedance: 68 kΩ (phantom off) / 11.3 kΩ (phantom on)
- Output impedance: 50 Ω
- Gain range: 7 dB – 85 dB
- EIN: –130 dBu typical (40 Ω) / –128 dBu typical (150 Ω), unweighted
- THD+N: 0.0018% (1 kHz, 30 dB gain, +4 dBu output)
- Frequency response (30 dB gain): –0.6 dB at 10 Hz, –3 dB at 160 kHz
- Frequency response (85 dB gain): –3 dB at 10 Hz and 160 kHz
- Max input level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)
- Max output level: +27 dBu (600 Ω)
- EQ LF: 40–675 Hz, ±20 dB / ±10 dB
- EQ HF: 2.5–30 kHz, ±20 dB / ±10 dB
- Phantom power: +48 V (per channel, switchable)
- Polarity reverse: yes (per channel)
- Power: internal linear PSU, 115 V/230 V switchable, IEC inlet
- Made in: USA (Pasadena, CA)
