The RPQ3 is the next evolution in AEA’s trusted lineage of high-impedance, high-gain preamplifiers.
Based on the circuit design of our celebrated RPQ2, the RPQ3 features a powerful combination of ultra-low noise, low-distortion op-amps, ultra-high 68KΩ input impedance, and 85dB of clean gain, all packaged in a durable full-rack chassis. The RPQ3 also includes an expanded EQ section with boost and cut controls for both low and high end as well as a low-end frequency sweep to identify and eliminate rumbles and resonances.
At once open and transparent but equally responsive and dynamic, the RPQ3 is a versatile tool for the front end of any signal path.
Improved EQ Section
The RPQ3 expands on our signature CurveShape circuitry, offering boost and cut curves for both bands of the EQ allowing users to control their sound right at the start of the signal path.
With easy-to-understand controls and sweepable frequency knobs, the expanded EQ section of the RPQ3 offers boost and cut options for both lows and highs. Even when boosting aggressively, the RPQ3 remains phase coherent and flatteringly natural. LF/HF LED indicators illuminate only when the EQ is engaged, eliminating confusion and simplifying workflow. The RPQ3 also has a +/- 10dB Gain Range for increased accuracy in boosting and cutting.
● LF Boost/Cut: sweepable frequency adjustment from 40Hz to 675Hz (3 dB point), with max cut or boost from -20dB to 20dB
● HF Boost/Cut: sweepable frequency adjustment from from 2.5kHz to 30kHz (3 dB point), with max cut or boost from -20dB to 20dB
Power Switching
The RPQ3 chassis features open-back access to the AC power switch, making voltage conversion between US standard 115V and 230V easy for set-up, anywhere in the world.
Spec Overview
● 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
Specifications:
Max Gain at 1 kHz: 85 dB
EIN (Max gain, 22 Hz to 22 KHz, unweighted):
-130 dBu (typical), 40 Ω source
-128 dBu (typical), 150 Ω source
Frequency Response:
30 dB gain: (-0.6 dB 10 Hz, -3 dB 160 kHz)
85 dB gain: (-3 dB 10 Hz and 160 kHz)
THD+N: 0.0018% (1kHz, 22 Hz-22 kHz @30 dB Gain +4 dBu output)
XLR Output Max Level: +27 dBu into 600 Ω load
Input Impedance: 11.3 kΩ (with Phantom), 68 kΩ (no Phantom)
Output Impedance: 50 Ω Max Input Signal Level: +20 dBu (minimum gain)
Stepped Gain Control: 12-position switch from +7 dB to +65 dB
Output Trim: Continuously variable from 0 dB to +20 dB
EQ Circuitry:
First order shelving response
20 dB max boost/cut high range, 10 dB max boost/cut low range
Low frequency sweep continuously variable 40 Hz to 675 Hz
High frequency sweep continuously variable 2 kHz to 28 kHz
Input and Output XLR Polarity: Pin 2 hot
LED Signal Level Indicators:
Green LED ≅ -20 dBu
Yellow LED = 0 dBu
Red LED ≅ +20 dBu (clipping +27 dBu)
