Universal Audio Helios Type 69 Preamp and EQ Plugin Collection

The Universal Audio Helios Type 69 preamp and EQ plugin collection captures the unmistakable tone of one of the most iconic recording consoles in music history. Revered for its fat, punchy sound, the Helios Type 69 was central to legendary studios like Olympic in London and Musicland in Munich, shaping the recordings of artists such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. Faithfully recreated by UA's engineers, this plugin brings the console's rich analog character directly to your DAW. From its colorful preamp saturation to its bold EQ curves, the Helios Type 69 collection injects your tracks with the same attitude and depth found on countless classic albums.

Authentic Preamp Emulation for Vintage Analog Warmth

The Helios Type 69 collection offers a meticulous emulation of the original console's preamp, delivering the thick, harmonically rich sound that defined classic recordings. UA engineers modeled two pristine Type 69 units to ensure every nuance of the console's custom circuitry was captured. The result is a preamp that adds depth and weight to vocals, guitars, drums, and bass, with the same saturation characteristics that made the hardware legendary. Whether subtly warming up a signal or driving it into colorful distortion, this plugin replicates the vintage analog character with precision, providing a bold sonic foundation for your productions.

Three-Band EQ for Precise Tone Shaping

The Helios Type 69 EQ delivers the console's famously assertive three-band design, offering musical tone shaping that enhances every source. Its midrange control emphasizes clarity and punch, making guitars and synths cut through a mix with authority. The low-frequency band features four uniquely voiced boost filters, ideal for adding weight to kick drums or bass guitars, while the high shelf adds shimmering air to vocals and cymbals. Even at extreme settings, the EQ retains its smooth, musical quality, ensuring your adjustments enhance rather than overpower the track. This combination of precision and character makes the Helios EQ an invaluable tool for shaping your mix.

Unison Technology for Real-Time Recording

When used with a Universal Audio Apollo interface, the Helios Type 69 preamp takes full advantage of UA's Unison technology, allowing you to record in real time with the same impedance and gain staging as the original hardware. This feature ensures that every aspect of the preamp's behavior—from its dynamic response to its harmonic saturation—is faithfully recreated, offering an unparalleled level of realism. Whether tracking vocals or instruments, the Helios preamp provides a vintage recording experience that captures the essence of the source with stunning authenticity.

Low-Frequency Control for a Solid Bass Foundation

The Helios Type 69 preamp and EQ collection excels at sculpting low-end frequencies, thanks to its specialized bass controls. With four distinct low-frequency boost settings, it adds warmth and depth to bass guitars and kick drums without sacrificing clarity. Additionally, its fixed 50Hz low-cut mode is perfect for cleaning up room mics and overheads, ensuring a focused and balanced mix. This unique approach to low-end processing gives your tracks the same solid foundation found on classic rock, reggae and pop recordings, enhancing their overall impact and cohesiveness.

Timeless Analog Tone for Modern Producers

The Universal Audio Helios Type 69 preamp and EQ collection brings vintage analog tone to your modern productions. Whether you're crafting a dense rock mix or adding warmth to a vocal track, this plugin provides the tools needed to achieve professional-quality results. Its seamless integration with Apollo interfaces through Unison technology ensures an authentic recording experience, while its compatibility with any DAW makes it accessible to all producers. Experience the unmistakable sound of a classic Helios console and elevate your tracks with the rich, analog warmth that has defined countless iconic records.