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The H2 Audio 2128 "Helios" 500 Series Microphone Preamp faithfully  recreates the legendary 0011 mic preamp circuit that defined the sound of countless ‘70s rock records — now in a compact, modern format. With its punchy character, open top end, and fast transient response, the 2128 delivers the same musical warmth and headroom that made Helios the choice of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and countless other icons.

 

Not just vintage flavor

it’s the real Helios DNA, re-engineered for today’s studios. Whether you’re tracking vocals, drums, guitars, or bass, the 2128 adds that unmistakable analog presence that jumps out of the speakers. Complete with modern refinements like phantom power, phase reverse, selectable high-pass filter, and a transformer-balanced output with level control, the 2128 gives you legendary tone with modern flexibility.

 

What Makes It Legendary

Faithful Helios DNA in 500-Series Form
The 2128 brings the iconic preamp circuit from the Helios 0011 into your Lunchbox or rack, preserving the tonal essence that powered ‘70s British rock recordings.

Ultra-Flexible Gain Staging
Offers up to 70 dB of gain (25–75 dB in 5 dB increments) with a –20 dB pad—perfect for delicate vocals or driven drums and guitars.

Transformative Input Stage
Custom transformer design delivers rich harmonic depth and unmistakable Helios warmth right at the source.

Performance-Ready Features
Onboard 48 V phantom power, phase inversion, and selectable high-pass filter (0 Hz, 40 Hz, or 80 Hz) give you instant control over clarity and phase.

Pro-Level Output Control
Transformer-balanced output stage with integrated fader for up to +10 dB extra level control — more versatile than vintage modules ever were.

 

The 2128 packs the unmistakable punch, clarity, and open top end of the legendary Helios consoles into a compact 500-series module — ready to bring the golden era of rock to your rack.

H2 Audio 2128 "Helios" 500 Series Microphone Preamp

$950.00Price
Quantity
This product has a 1-2 week lead time from the manufacturer
  • 70 db of gain

    20 db pad

    Phase control

    48V phantom power

    High pass filter

    Cinemag input transformer

    Output amp section

  • - High-quality ELMA gold plated rotary switches

    Gold plated toggle switches

    Power rail is +/-16V (32V total) power rail for higher output before clipping vs the original Helios 0011 preamp.

    Mic Input

    Custom Lustraphone M10 input transformer providing 20dB of mic gain before the preamp.

    180/0 toggle switch

    - Inverts phase in 'up' position.

    PAD switch

    - ~20dB pad

    FILTER toggle switch

    - 0, 40 and 80Hz roll off.

    P48 switch

    - 48V phantom power

    GAIN dB rotary switch

    - 25 to 75dB of mic gain in 5dB increments.

    OUTPUT control

    - Output fader, allows distorted preamp effects while keeping nominal output level.

    Analog I/O connections

    Standard 500 series input/output connections on rear edge connector

    Physical

    Height: 5.25” (3U)
    Width: 1.5”

    Power source

    Power is provided by 500 series rack

    To the original 0011 preamp circuit (2128), H2 Audio has added a transformer balanced line output amplifier of original Helios design. 600 ohm drive capability up to 25dBm before clipping. Custom output transformer. The line output amplifier can add 10dB of gain after the mic preamp giving a total of 85dB of gain through the 2128.

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