AEA Microphones RPQ3 Ribbon Preamp and EQ
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The AEA RPQ3 Ribbon Preamp and EQ provide two channels of high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain with a rich and natural sound that brings out the full potential of your microphones.
Specifically designed for ribbon microphones, the RPQ3 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound that ribbons are uniquely known for.
A gain powerhouse
The RPQ3 is a powerhouse that provides unparalleled high gain with low-noise. With 85db of JFET output, the RPQ3 gives you enough juice to record soft sources without ever having to worry about noise.
The RPQ3 is the tool of choice for all microphones whenever a true and pristine signal path is desired. This 3rd generation circuitry is the cleanest and most musical design AEA has done yet.
Less noise than outer space
With the RPQ3, you will never consider a source too quiet to record with a ribbon mic ever again. Passive ribbons with low output levels require preamps that supply a high level of output. If the preamp you use doesn't have enough clean gain, the mic signal may seem too soft or noisy which may be apparent when recording quiet acoustic guitars or strings, especially at a distance or with long cable runs. The RPQ3 eliminates this concern.
Curveshaper™ EQ
The RPQ3's CurveShaper™ EQ is a powerful tool that gives you the ability to control your microphone right at the start of the signal path. The updated adjustable boost/cut low and high-frequency controls allow you to tame proximity problems and provide high-frequency extension with slope control.
The high-frequency filter boost enables you to add presence and air to your source-perfect for sources like ribbons and 2-busses that often benefit from some extra top-end. The low-frequency control easily removes bass build-up in a fast and unobtrusive way.
High impedance makes a huge difference
The sound and tonality of dynamic microphones like ribbons and moving-coils are directly affected by the impedance of a preamp. The higher the impedance, the better the sound. The RPQ3 boasts an extra high input impedance of 68K Ohms (phantom power off).
Preamps with an impedance of under 10k ohms will limit the lows, highs, and transients of your passive microphones. The RPQ3's high impedance will reveal your microphone's true nature- a thick low-end, open top-end, and articulate transient response that you will need to hear to believe. Both condensers and active microphones also benefit from the RPQ3's impedance.
Exceptional preamps
The worlds best microphones, coupled with AEA's range of transparent preamps, are the key choice for discerning recordists who want total control over their signal path.
AEA offers the RPQ3, RPQ500, TRP3 and TRP500 microphone preamps, all of which provide clean gain and ultra high impedance to open up the sound of your microphones. All AEA Ribbon Preamps all share the same topology and sound. The differences between each unit come down to extra EQ features and form factor.
Specifications
- Two-channel, high-gain, full-rack mic preamp- Ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance (phantom power off)
- 7 to 85 dB of gain
- LF/HF boost and cut
- EQ boost/cut, +/-20 dB (high range), +/- 10dB (low range)
- EQ in/out switching (overall and individual bands)
- +48V phantom
- Polarity switch
- Pre-EQ line out (always active)
- Insert Switch input switching (line input bypasses mic preamp)
- Linear power supply with external 115V/230V switching
Q & A
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Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
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Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
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