H2 Audio Helios Style Channel Strip- 19' Rack

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.

What Makes It Legendary — Feature Highlights]

• 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. 

The legendary Helios channel — complete and uncompromising.
From input to compression, the Helios Channel delivers the full analog path that shaped rock history, rebuilt for today’s studio standards.