AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier

AEA TRP3
AEA TRP3 Ribbon Preamp delivers two channels of 85 dB high-gain, low-noise amplification with ultra-high 68 kΩ impedance, housed in a compact half-rack design optimised for ribbons but perfect for all microphones.

AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier Details

The AEA TRP3 Ribbon Preamp is a compact, half-rack microphone preamp that delivers two channels of exceptionally high-output, high-impedance, and low-noise gain. Built on AEA’s newest third-generation circuit design, the AEA TRP3 captures the warmth, clarity, and natural sound of ribbon microphones while providing the power and transparency required for any microphone type.

With 85 dB of clean gain and an ultra-high 68 kΩ input impedance, the AEA TRP3 ensures that even the quietest sources can be recorded without added noise. Passive ribbons and other low-output microphones benefit greatly, as the AEA TRP3 eliminates the softness and noise often associated with insufficient preamp gain, making it ideal for quiet instruments, distant mic placements, or long cable runs.

Incorporating professional features in a compact half-rack chassis, the TRP3 includes 48V phantom power, polarity invert, and a selectable high-pass filter (-3 dB at 115 Hz or 230 Hz) to tame proximity effect and reduce low-frequency build-up. Its external universal power supply keeps hum away from high-gain circuits while allowing worldwide use without modification.

The AEA TRP3 is highly portable, designed for both studio and remote work, with optional rack ears or rack shelves available for integration into standard rack systems. Like all AEA preamps, the AEA TRP3 faithfully reproduces the true character of microphones and sources, making it a versatile choice for stereo recording and critical capture where transparency is paramount.

Features

  • Two-channel design: High-gain, half-rack mic preamp
  • Ultra-high input impedance: 68 kΩ (phantom power off) for optimal microphone performance
  • Gain range: 7 dB to 85 dB
  • Phantom power and polarity invert: Switchable controls for flexibility
  • High-pass filter: Selectable -3 dB at 115 Hz or 230 Hz
  • External power supply: Universal PSU with grounded AC plug reduces hum
  • Rack options: Optional rack ears (single unit) or rack shelf (dual units)
  • Compact build: Lightweight, portable half-rack chassis for studio and remote use

Specifications

Released in: 2023
Made in: U.S.A.
  • Max gain at 1 kHz: 85 dB
  • EIN (Max gain, 22 Hz–22 kHz, unweighted): -130 dBu typical (40 Ω source), -128 dBu typical (150 Ω source)
  • Frequency response:
    • 30 dB gain: -0.5 dB from <10 Hz to 200 kHz
    • 85 dB gain: -3 dB, 9 Hz to >200 kHz
  • THD+N: 0.0015% (1 kHz, 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 (phantom on), 68 kΩ (phantom off)
  • 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: Switchable passive first-order high-pass filter; selectable -3 dB at 115 Hz or 230 Hz
  • Input and output XLR polarity: Pin 2 hot
  • LED signal level indicators: Green ≅ -20 dBu; Yellow = 0 dBu; Red ≅ +20 dBu (clipping at +27 dBu)
See more from

The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

User Reviews

AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier User Reviews

There are currently no reviews, why not be the first?

Used it? Leave your rating and review.

Audio Samples

AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier Audio Samples

There are no samples available at the moment. If you can help, please contact us.

Alternatives

Alternatives to the AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier

Currently no information available…

Plugin Alternatives

AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier Plugins

Currently no information available…

Classic Tracks

AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier Used on these Recordings

Famous Racks

AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier Appears in These Famous Racks

No results found.

Related Articles

Articles related to the AEA TRP3 Microphone Preamplifier

No results found.