top of page

The Full Helios Channel. All in One Rack.

Mic pre, 3-band EQ, and classic FET compression — the complete Helios signal path that defined ‘70s rock, now in a rugged 19” rackmount channel strip.

 

The H2 Audio Helios Channel delivers the full sonic DNA of the legendary Helios consoles in one powerful rack unit. Combining the 0011 mic preamp, inductor-based 3-band EQ, and the classic Helios FET compressor/limiter, this channel strip recreates the punch, warmth, and musical shaping that defined the golden age of British rock.

 

From vocals and guitars to bass and drums, the Helios Channel gives you everything you need to track with character — starting with the iconic Lustraphone M10 transformer input, a musical EQ section that sculpts instead of carves, and a compressor/limiter stage famous for its punch and vibe. Add in modern refinements like gold-plated ELMA switches, Acme Audio Motown DI, and rugged Neutrik I/O, and you’ve got a complete front end that’s both historically accurate and built for today’s studios.

H2 Audio Helios Style Channel Strip- 19' Rack

$3,999.00Price
Quantity
This product has about a 2 week lead time from the manufacturer
  • Full Helios Signal Path
    Classic 0011 mic pre, 3-band inductor EQ, and FET compressor/limiter — all in one rackmount unit.

    Vintage Input Stage
    Lustraphone M10 input transformer provides up to 75 dB of mic gain, with pad, line input, and DI options.

    Acme Motown DI
    Built-in DI uses the Acme Audio Motown transformer for instant vintage bass and keys tone.

    Musical Inductor EQ
    Custom wound LF/MF inductors with selectable frequencies, fixed 10 kHz shelf, and musical cut/boost curves.

    Iconic FET Compression
    Classic Helios compressor/limiter with selectable ratios, fast/slow attack & release, limiter threshold, and sidechain access.

    Professional Metering & Control
    Console-style output fader, analog gain reduction meter, and stereo link capability.

    Rugged Rackmount Build
    Heavy-duty 19” 2U steel chassis with Neutrik gold-plated I/O, gold ELMA switches, and sealed conductive plastic pots.

  • Preamp

    Mic Gain: 25–75 dB in 5 dB steps (up to 85 dB with fader)

    Pad: –20 dB

    Input: Line/Mic via Lustraphone M10 transformer

    DI: ¼” instrument input with Acme Audio Motown DI transformer

    Output: Transformer-balanced XLR

    EQ

    LF Boost: 60, 100, 200, 300 Hz

    LF Cut: 50 Hz (–3 to –15 dB)

    MF: Selectable 0.7–6 kHz with peak/trough toggle

    HF: Fixed 10 kHz shelf, ±10 dB

    Filter: 0 / 40 / 80 Hz high-pass

    EQ Bypass: Toggle switch

    Compressor/Limiter

    Ratios: 6 stepped settings with varying thresholds (2:1 up to 10:1)

    Attack: 0.25 – 25 ms (6 steps)

    Release: 0.025 – 3.2 sec + Auto dual release

    Modes: Comp+Limit or Limit Only

    Sidechain: Insert via rear panel TRS

    Stereo Link: CV link toggle

    Metering: Analog gain reduction (0–20 dB)

    Build

    Format: 19” rackmount, 2U

    Construction: Heavy-duty steel

    Switches: ELMA gold rotary, gold-plated toggles

    Pots: Sealed conductive plastic

    I/O: Neutrik gold-plated XLR, TRS for sidechain and CV link

    Power: External PSU, 120V/230V selectable

    Acme Audio Motown DI transformer for the DI input

bottom of page