Helios Electronics LTD Type 69-500

The Helios Electronics Ltd Type 69 is a microphone preamplifier and equalizer channel strip that is designed for 500 series rack casings. You need a 500 series rack and power supply to use this, as it doesn't have it's own connections. It's an analog piece of gear that is both unique is make up and sound. It isn't rack mountable in a traditional sense or outside of a 500 series casing.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Helios Electronics Ltd Type 69 has more going on than most 500 series channel strips will, which is really a great thing in my opinion. I'm always interested in gear that has it's own unique qualities, and this is definitely the case with the Type 69 mic pre/equalizer. Starting from top to bottom, you've got a line/mic selector with a trim knob to set your input level. You've also got a pad option on the mic pre at -20 db. The high band on the equalizer simply has a gain knob that is fixed at a 10 kHz frequency. The middle band splits it up into two separate parameters for both gain and frequency as well as a peak/through switch, while the bass filter has the same make up minus the extra switch. On the very bottom there is then an EQ bypass switch, a phase revere switch, and a high pass filter which can be set at either 0, 40, or 80 Hz. I didn't need to look at a manual for this, so I don't know anything about it.

SOUND QUALITY

The main thing that I want to stress with the Helios Electronics Ltd Type 69 channel strip is that it has a unique sound! This is rare this day and age where a lot of microphone preamplifiers sounds similar. There is plenty of control over your sound, so it not only sounds great but it is also versatile and can be used for just about any application. I've yet to find a context that I didn't like the open sound of this microphone preamp, and I've used it on vocals, acoustic guitar, and snare drum thus far...

OVERALL OPINION

I've yet to use a channel strip in any format that sounds quite like the Helios Electronics Ltd Type 69 mic pre and equalizer. It's really got an incredible sound that needs to be heard to believe. Of course with top notch sound comes a big price tag, as the Type 69 is more expensive than any other 500 series module that I've seen. Having said this it does indeed have both a mic pre and an equalizer which isn't always seen on 500 series casings. If you're a professional who is looking to add to your 500 series case, this is one of the best modules I've used to date and I'd recommend it to anyone who can afford it.