On Friday, AEA announced the launch of the RPQ503, a 500 Series preamp and EQ module built on the third-generation circuitry of the celebrated RPQ3.

"Drawing on over 45 years of ribbon mic expertise and nearly three decades of in-house manufacturing, the RPQ503 delivers the rich, natural sound and clean, high-gain performance that engineers and artists have come to expect from us," they said in a statement.

"RPQ503 builds on the legacy of the RPQ500, introducing an expanded EQ section and refined circuitry designed for clean, responsive performance. AEA’s CurveShaper EQ offers sweepable high and low EQ controls with up to ±20 dB of boost or cut, allowing engineers to shape tone directly at the front end of the signal path."

"With 85 dB of clean gain and an ultra-high 68 kΩ input impedance, the RPQ503 is optimized for passive ribbon microphones while remaining fully compatible with dynamic and phantom-powered condenser mics."

"Launching alongside the RPQ503 is the AEA Snaqbox, a portable and transparent two-channel 500 Series chassis."

"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."

"Compact and durable, the Snaqbox is well-suited for use in studios, mobile setups, and live performance environments. Compatible with all standard 500 series modules."

Both will begin shipping now. Check out the link below to learn more! 

RPQ503 MSRP: $749 USD                 

Snaqbox (Clear or Orange) MSRP: $299 USD

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The post Introducing the AEA RPQ503 & Snaqbox—Plus a Special KU5A Moment first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.