{"product_id":"aea-trp500","title":"AEA TRP500","description":"\u003cdiv lang=\"en\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAEA TRP500\u003c\/strong\u003e is a single-channel microphone preamplifier in API 500 format, built on a DC-coupled JFET circuit with 100 kΩ input impedance (phantom off) and up to 85 dB of gain. As AEA's first third-generation preamp in modular format, the TRP500 brings the topology and sonic character of the classic TRP into a 500-series slot — no input transformer, minimal signal path, and self-noise below –128 dBu typical with a 40 Ω source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003e100 kΩ and DC Coupling — Full Bandwidth Without Restriction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe 100 kΩ input impedance (phantom off) is the highest value in the AEA lineup and among the highest available in 500-series format preamps optimized for ribbons. With phantom engaged, impedance drops to 11.9 kΩ due to the phantom feed resistors — still several times higher than the 1.5–2.5 kΩ of standard mic preamps, maintaining the impedance advantage with condenser and vintage high-impedance dynamic sources. DC coupling extends the low-frequency response below 10 Hz and speeds recovery to linear operation after transient overloads — subsonic content and impulse peaks don't generate LF tails in the signal path. At 85 dB gain, bandwidth measures –1 dB below 20 Hz and above 100 kHz; at 30 dB gain, ±0.6 dB below 10 Hz through 200 kHz. EIN below –128 dBu (unweighted, 40 Ω source), typically –130 dBu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3\u003eHPF, Phantom and 500-Series Power Isolation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA first-order high-pass filter (6 dB\/oct) with –3 dB selectable at 115 Hz or 230 Hz handles proximity effect and mechanical rumble before the signal enters any downstream EQ. The twelve-position gain switch (+7 to +65 dB) combined with a continuous output trim (0 to +20 dB) delivers 7–85 dB total range with repeatable session-to-session settings. THD+N is 0.0017% at 30 dB gain. The 500-series format means power comes from the lunchbox chassis, keeping the switching supply outside the audio circuit entirely — at 85 dB of gain, any power supply noise inside the preamp enclosure would be directly audible. Maximum input before 1% THD is 21.5 dBu at minimum gain, requiring a clean-power 500-series chassis for optimal headroom.\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\u003eSingle-channel DC-coupled JFET preamp, 85 dB gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: 100 kΩ (phantom off) \/ 11.9 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\u003eEIN: \u0026lt;–128 dBu (22 Hz–22 kHz, unweighted, 40 Ω source); typically –130 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTHD+N: 0.0017% (1 kHz, 30 dB gain, +4 dBu output)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBandwidth (85 dB): –1 dB below 20 Hz and \u0026gt;100 kHz; –2.5 dB below 10 Hz and \u0026gt;200 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBandwidth (30 dB): +0\/–0.6 dB below 10 Hz through 200 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax input level: 21.5 dBu (1% THD, minimum gain)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHPF: –3 dB at 115 Hz or 230 Hz, 6 dB\/oct (switchable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e+48 V phantom power (switchable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolarity reverse: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePower: API 500 chassis (±16 V rails), 130 mA draw\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHandmade in Pasadena, California, 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 type: DC-coupled JFET, transformerless\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInput impedance: 100 kΩ (phantom off) \/ 11.9 kΩ (phantom on)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGain range: 7 dB – 85 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEIN: \u0026lt;–128 dBu (22 Hz–22 kHz, unweighted, 40 Ω); typically –130 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTHD+N: 0.0017% (1 kHz, 30 dB gain, +4 dBu output)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMax input level: 21.5 dBu (1% THD)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eHPF: –3 dB @ 115 Hz or 230 Hz, 6 dB\/oct\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePhantom power: +48 V (switchable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePolarity reverse: yes\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCurrent draw: 130 mA (±16 V rails)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade in: USA (Pasadena, CA)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"AEA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54014133633361,"sku":"52365","price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8741\/0769\/files\/AEATRP500.jpg?v=1781105209","url":"https:\/\/wrdtunes.com\/products\/aea-trp500","provider":"Wired Tunes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}