AEA RPQ3

A Cleaner Third Generation: The RPQ3 in the AEA Lineage

The AEA RPQ3 continues the tradition of electronics dedicated to ribbon microphones, where every detail of gain, impedance, and noise floor matters. With its 3rd generation circuitry, AEA pushes the concept of a clean and musical signal path even further: a design touted as cleaner, intended to preserve the character of the transducers while providing the necessary energy for demanding recordings. In a full rack format and equipped with two channels, the RPQ3 positions itself as a serious studio tool, built for intensive sessions and high-end recording chains.

Who the RPQ3 Makes a Difference For and Its Applications

The RPQ3 is primarily aimed at sound engineers, studios, and creators who record with ribbons and refuse compromises: passive ribbons with low output levels, distant miking, long cable runs, or naturally soft sources (strings, subtle acoustic guitar, ambiences, intimate vocals). Where a conventional preamp might require pushing gain to the point of raising noise floor, the RPQ3 aims to maintain a solid and usable signal without harshness or brittleness.
However, it is not limited to ribbons: whenever a "true", dynamic, and clean signal is sought, it becomes an excellent choice with other microphone types. In practice, it is a preamp that secures the recording: more headroom, less stress when capturing fragile performances, and integrated equalization to quickly place the source in the mix.

Gain, Impedance, and EQ: A Recording Chain Designed Like an Instrument

High usable gain without paying in noise floor

With up to 85 dB of gain, the RPQ3 is designed so that sources considered "too quiet" become recordable on ribbon mics without needing to compensate later in post-production. This approach facilitates delicate takes (fingerstyle playing, soft bows, distant room miking) and allows achieving a comfortable level at conversion while maintaining a rich and natural sound.

Ultra-high impedance: more openness and a ribbon that breathes

One of the RPQ3's key features is its ultra-high input impedance of 68 kOhms (with phantom power disabled). On a ribbon microphone, this characteristic helps preserve a sense of ease and depth by avoiding an overly "loaded" or closed behavior. The result: a more lush timbre, better sense of air, and a source that naturally sits in the soundstage.

Integrated equalizer with practical routing and truly visible activation

The RPQ3 includes an equalizer designed for recording: LF Boost/Cut and HF Boost/Cut with sweepable frequencies to precisely adjust the low end (cleaning, body reinforcement) and the high end (presence, "air," smoothing) without harshening the signal. The EQ input/output switching (global and individual bands) facilitates quick comparisons, and the LEDs only light up when the equalizer is actually engaged: a simple but crucial detail when running multiple takes and wanting to instantly know what's in the audio path.
Another studio advantage: the pre-EQ line output remains always active. You can thus record an untreated signal while using the EQ for monitoring comfort or keep a "safe" track for post-production. Finally, the insertion switch input switching allows using a line input that bypasses the mic preamp, convenient for integrating the RPQ3 into a broader routing setup.

Compatibility and reliability: phantom power, polarity, power supply

The RPQ3 offers 48 V phantom power for microphones that require it, as well as a polarity switch to quickly correct phase inversion during multi-mic setups. The unit is powered by a linear power supply with external 115 V/230 V switching to ensure a stable electrical foundation in the studio and adapt to international environments.

Technical specifications

Number of channels	2	Rack unit	1
EQ	2 channels

Mic preamp	2 channels, high gain, full rack format	HF Boost/Cut	sweepable frequency 2.5 kHz to 30 kHz (3 dB point), maximum cut/boost -20 dB to 20 dB
Gain	7 to 85 dB	Line output	pre-EQ, always active
JFET output	85 dB	Insert switch input switching	line input bypassing the mic preamp
Ultra-high input impedance	68 kOhms (phantom power disabled)	Phantom power	48 V
EQ input/output switching	global and individual bands	Polarity switch	yes
LED indicators	lit only when the equalizer is actually enabled	Power supply	linear with external switching 115 V/230 V
LF Boost/Cut	sweepable frequency 40 Hz to 675 Hz (3 dB point), maximum cut/boost -20 dB to 20 dB