NAMM 22: AEA Releases TRP500 Preamp

US High-gain, high impedance, low-noise 500 series preamp 07/06/22

Audio Engineering Associates (AEA), manufacturers of ribbon microphones and preamplifiers, has announced the first product in their 3rd-generation of microphone preamps, the TRP500. This is what they have to say about it...

Over the past 16 years, AEA's preamps have surpassed the limitations of 20th century electronics, allowing you to fully appreciate the sonic complexities of your microphone. The TRP500 leans on the side of neutral but is unlike other "clean" preamps because of its rich and musical tonality. Optimized for ribbon mics, the TRP500 offers up to 85dB of effortless gain for any microphone.

"At AEA, we put the same thought and care into our preamps as we put into the development of our microphones: sonic quality comes first," said Wes Dooley, Founder of AEA. "We hope the TRP500 helps you capture many magical musical performances."

Based on the circuit and topology of the company's original AEA TRP preamp, the TRP500 has the low noise, musical sonics, and ultra-high gain and impedance (100,000 Ohms) that AEA is renowned for. The TRP500 excels at drawing out the warmth and lush sound of ribbon mics as well as other top-level microphones. With up to 85 dB of quiet DC-coupled gain, minimal path architecture, and a gentle 115 Hz or 230 Hz high pass filter, this preamp puts as little as possible between you and your audience.

Features:

Single-channel, 500 series format

85dB of quiet, DC-coupled JFET gain

Ultra-high impedance (100,000 Ohms)

Switchable 115 Hz or 230 Hz high-pass filter

Switchable phantom power and polarity reverse

Like all AEA products, the TRP500 is 100 percent handcrafted in Pasadena, California from locally sourced parts. AEA is a family-owned company with a small crew of skilled technicians, many of whom are musicians themselves.