AEA has announced the RPQ503 500 Series preamp and EQ module and Snaqbox two-channel 500 Series chassis.
Built on third-generation circuitry derived from its RPQ3, the RPQ503 represents more than 45 years of ribbon mic expertise and nearly three decades of in-house manufacture. The units promises ‘the rich, natural sound and clean, high-gain performance that engineers and artists have come to expect from AEA’.
RPQ503 builds on the legacy of the RPQ500, introducing an expanded EQ section that includes AEA’s CurveShaper EQ with sweepable high and low controls and up to ±20 dB of boost or cut.
With 85 dB of clean gain and an ultra-high 68 kΩ input impedance, the RPQ503 is optimised for use with passive ribbon microphones, while remaining fully compatible with dynamic and phantom-powered condenser mics.
‘Our focus has always been on developing ultra-low noise, low-distortion preamps for those who demand high, clean gain,’ says AEA CEO, Julie Tan. ‘With the RPQ503, we’ve brought our best third-generation preamp design to the 500 Series format — making it a flexible and portable front-end for everything from intimate vocals to loud instruments.’
Key specifications:
- Single-space 500 Series preamp.
- AEA third-generation preamp circuitry.
- Ultra-high 68kΩ input impedance (phantom power off).
- 7–85dB of gain.
- Sweepable low- and high-frequency EQ.
- ±20dB EQ boost/cut.
- EQ in/out switching with centre-detented gain pots.
- +48V phantom power.
- Polarity (phase invert) switch.
- Mic/line input switching (line input bypasses mic pre).
Built with separate linear regulators for each slot, the Snaqbox ensures complete power isolation between modules, preserving signal integrity across any configuration. Its rugged steel frame and clear or fluorescent acrylic side panels provide a visual window into the 500 Series signal chain, while the Link/Cascade switch enables internal routing between channels without the need for external cabling.
Compatible with all standard 500 Series modules, Snaqbox is well-suited to use in studios, mobile set-ups, and live performance environments, and supports a wide range of workflows – equally housing AEA preamps and third-party gear.