***AEA RPQ2 preamp/eq - Discontinued, Sold Out***
***Replaced by AEA RPQ3 in 2023***
The AEA RPQ2 preamp and EQ provided 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.
- Two channels with 81dB of sweet and quiet JFET gain
- High-frequency CurveShaper™ EQ and low frequency proximity control
- 63k ohm high-impedance circuitry providing better overall transients, frequency response, and higher output sensitivity
- High-resolution, high-impedance front-panel 1/4" DIs
- Mic/Line mode with Post-Mic and Pre-EQ Inserts for convenient routing options
- Switchable phantom-power and polarity reverse
- Made in the U.S.A.
The AEA RPQ2 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 RPQ2 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound that ribbons are uniquely known for.
The RPQ2 is a powerhouse that provides unparalleled high gain with low-noise. With 81db of JFET output, the RPQ2 gives you enough juice to record soft sources without ever having to worry about noise.
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 RPQ2 boasts an extra high input impedance of 63K Ohms.
Preamps with an impedance of under 10k ohms will limit the lows, highs, and transients of your passive microphones. The RPQ2’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 will also benefit from the RPQ2’s impedance.
The RPQ2 is the tool of choice for all microphones whenever a true and pristine signal path is desired.
LESS NOISE THAN OUTER SPACE
With the RPQ2 you will never consider a source too quiet to record with a ribbon mic ever again. Passive ribbons with low output levels benefit from preamps that supply high output levels. 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 RPQ2 eliminates this concern.
The RPQ2’s CurveShaper™ EQ is a powerful tool that gives you the ability to control your ribbons right at the start of the signal path. Adjustable 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.
Your Sound At Your Fingertips
Many mixing and mastering engineers turn to the RPQ2 purely for its post-processing EQ and routing functionality.
Plug your instrument directly into the RPQ2’s high impedance circuit with its front-panel direct inputs. The RPQ2 also includes a Mic/Line switch for balanced line inputs and outputs, as well as inserts for patching compressors or other effects between the preamp and CurveShaper™ EQ section.
The RPQ2 provides a secondary line level balanced output for sending an additional line signal to a separate recording device or mixer. In Line Mode, the preamp and EQ section become two independent units with separate inputs and outputs. This allows you to insert compressors or other effects between the preamp and CurveShaper™ EQ section.