Get all the clean gain you could ever need for the quietest mic sources with the AEA RPQ500. This mono, single-slot module offers both mic and line input modes allowing it to be used not only as a pristine mic pre, but also as an EQ and fader unit during mixdown.

Between the 12-position mic pre gain and the continuously variable output level, up to 81 dB of JFET gain is available. Three LEDs are provided for clear indication of levels at -20, 0, and +24 dBu. Use the CurveShaper EQ to finesse the high-band character at the frequency of your choosing, between 2.5 and 30 kHz. Tame bass buildup and proximity effect at the twist of a knob with the low-cut filter, which features -20 dB of maximum reduction and variable frequency selection from 22 to 515 Hz.
 
The Controls
- LED Indicators: Green, yellow, and red LEDs indicate levels at -20, 0, and +24 dBu
- Curve Gain: This continuously variable control adjusts the HF gain from flat (+0 dB) to maximum (approximately +20 dB); the slope of the CurveShaper EQ varies as Curve frequency and gain settings interact
- Curve Freq: This continuously variable control adjusts the +3 dB break-frequency from 2.5 to 30 kHz
- HF Switch: Out is true bypass; In inserts the CurveShaper circuitry
- LF Switch: Out is bypass; In inserts the -20 dB low-cut shelving filter
- Low Freq Cut: This continuously variable control adjusts the -3 dB break frequency of the filter from 22 to 515 Hz; maximum LF reduction is -20 dB
- P48 Switch: Out is off; In applies full-spec P48 phantom power to the input (indicated by the red LED near the switch)
- Mic/Line Switch: Out is Mic Input mode; In is Line Input mode (green LED on), which bypasses the mic preamp stage to accommodate line-level signals
- Polarity Switch: Out is normal; In is inverted
- Mic Gain: This 12-position switch selects from +13 to +62 dB of preamplifier gain
- Output Level: This continuously variable control provides up to +19 dB additional output gain in Mic Input Mode (following the optional CurveShaper circuitry); it acts as a fader and allows -60 dB attenuation of the output signal (0 dB unity is one tick below +6 dB)
 
The Features
- One channel with 81 dB of sweet and quiet JFET gain
- High-frequency CurveShaper EQ and low-frequency proximity control
- Mic and line inputs for mixdown EQ versatility
- Switchable phantom power, polarity, and mic/line input mode
- NoLoad 10-kilohm high-impedance circuitry providing better overall transients, frequency response, and higher output sensitivity
- Made in the USA