|
Post by Johnkenn on Jun 21, 2019 10:23:27 GMT -6
Color me interested. Hoping the headroom will be a little higher in these...but I guess then it wouldn’t be a Helios...although, the headroom is kind of ridiculously low...I’m speaking only with experience with the Tony Arnold versions, though.
|
|
|
Post by indiehouse on Jun 21, 2019 14:11:50 GMT -6
What’s the appeal of the Helios? What does it bring that’s so unique/special over API/Neve/tube preamps/etc? EQ?
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Jun 21, 2019 14:14:40 GMT -6
It brings that special warm mojo. Vintage vibe. A treasure trove of velvety cream.
Just kidding. I've never heard one.
Chad
|
|
kcatthedog
Temp
Super Helpful Dude
Posts: 15,058
Member is Online
|
Post by kcatthedog on Jun 21, 2019 15:48:38 GMT -6
Yes, you have: just didn’t know it
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Jun 22, 2019 7:40:20 GMT -6
Oh none of you need those things. . . Trust me.
Keep the prices down so those of us who know what it can do can acquire this unobtanium.
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jun 22, 2019 8:14:34 GMT -6
I only have experience with the reissues, so maybe I have no idea what the real thing sounds like...and from my understanding, they all sounded kind of different. I’ve said before that my infatuation was just that: somewhat irrational fascination. But here’s why I liked them...
The sound was open, beautiful top and a little more pronounced lower mids than Neve/API. Then the EQ had a really great passive sounding 10khz shelf, really useful mid frequencies around 700-4khz to cut or boost. It was persnickety though, headroom was an issue. The eq was rudimentary with no Q. The more I dealt with one, the more I kind've got to the point that I thought there were better options - just because it doesn’t saturate in a pleasing way...maybe ok with guitars in certain situations, but just sounds bad on vocals. And if I wanted that “distortion” the UAD version nails it. I still have an irrational pull to it, though. The Stam 1073 is really, really good - like better than a ton of other 1073 clones I’ve heard, so the thought that the Helios could work a little better (even if it’s not completely the same as vintage) intrigues me.
|
|
|
Post by jeremygillespie on Jun 22, 2019 8:29:01 GMT -6
I’ve used a bunch of the originals. They are all a bit different, but the one consistent thing is what John is saying, the headroom is a bit of a problem.
That said, if you want a rock and roll guitar sound you don’t have to look much further than a Helios. It has it in spades. Other than that I don’t generally reach for them much.
I know a guy that has a Helios console that is sitting in a crate waiting for his studio build to be finished. Maybe I can convince him to have an RGO event when it’s all hooked up and we can stand around and drool 😅
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jun 22, 2019 10:55:03 GMT -6
stam is this the Swettenham design exactly? Does it have the limited headroom like the originals/reissues or is it a little different?
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jun 22, 2019 10:59:10 GMT -6
I would think the peak/trough switch should be on the other side of the white line in with the mids...
|
|
|
Post by shoe on Jun 22, 2019 12:41:21 GMT -6
I believe the main appeal of the originals is they were used on some pretty famous albums. Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones come to mind.
That said, I do use the UAD Helios EQ all the time. It's pretty great on guitars.
|
|
|
Post by sirthought on Jun 22, 2019 20:52:20 GMT -6
Yeah, I kind of dig the UAD Helios EQ. I haven't really used the unison preamp other than auditioning it on some snare and kick. I thought it sounded good, but we decided on a different one to track with. Haven't owned that too long.
I am interested to learn more about the Stam version too.
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 4, 2019 14:58:25 GMT -6
So stam - this is a clone of the original schematic? No output transformer?
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 4, 2019 15:04:19 GMT -6
Guess I could just read:
The Preamp section: The signal path strictly follows the original schematic. The signal enters a Sowter input transformer (original Lustraphone replica) and passes through a fully discrete circuit from the preamp section to the EQ section. The gain is controlled by a 7 step rotary switch with 10dB gain increase per position which can be trimmed with the output control.
The EQ section: The equalizer is pulled from the legendary Helios consoles built for Island Studios, The Rolling Stones, Apple Studios, and The Who. With the aid of two Carnhill inductors and by staying true to the original in every respect, the SA-T69 features a 10k high-shelf band, a 50hz low-cut or adjustable boost low band, as well as an adjustable “peak” or “through” mid band. The icing on the cake comes from the Vishay capacitors and ohmite carbon resistors to match the frequency response and harmonic distortion of the original unit.
|
|
kcatthedog
Temp
Super Helpful Dude
Posts: 15,058
Member is Online
|
Post by kcatthedog on Jul 4, 2019 15:34:29 GMT -6
What and spoil all the fun?
Happy forth of July everyone!?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2019 11:04:54 GMT -6
I only have experience with the reissues, so maybe I have no idea what the real thing sounds like...and from my understanding, they all sounded kind of different. I’ve said before that my infatuation was just that: somewhat irrational fascination. But here’s why I liked them... The sound was open, beautiful top and a little more pronounced lower mids than Neve/API. Then the EQ had a really great passive sounding 10khz shelf, really useful mid frequencies around 700-4khz to cut or boost. It was persnickety though, headroom was an issue. The eq was rudimentary with no Q. The more I dealt with one, the more I kind've got to the point that I thought there were better options - just because it doesn’t saturate in a pleasing way...maybe ok with guitars in certain situations, but just sounds bad on vocals. And if I wanted that “distortion” the UAD version nails it. I still have an irrational pull to it, though. The Stam 1073 is really, really good - like better than a ton of other 1073 clones I’ve heard, so the thought that the Helios could work a little better (even if it’s not completely the same as vintage) intrigues me. i liked how open it sounded music and vocals sounded fine on eric claption slowhand. i actually bought one from stam, hopefully its as good as the neve 73 clone they did, that would be awesome. i have high expectations from stam, so far they have nailed everything. i bought it since the neve 73 was great for 1/3 of the price of the competition, i hope this is even better.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2019 11:07:59 GMT -6
So stam - this is a clone of the original schematic? No output transformer? i think they should do whatever to make it close using modern components. and finding a way to fix the low headroom issue with new technologies. i heard the same thing as you that the reissues had that problem. i heard its the bugatti of preamps, its good to have more vintage option/colors than just neve.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2019 11:22:33 GMT -6
heard on bass guitar here using helios type 69, the tone is fantastic
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 12, 2019 12:56:12 GMT -6
Well, it's not the Stam that we're listening to...also, haven't listened, but are those through reissues or vintage?
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Jul 12, 2019 13:45:36 GMT -6
heard on bass guitar here using helios type 69, the tone is fantastic I can't thank you enough for introducing me to Moonbound and Fabio's music. Best mature yet current pop music I've heard since Jude Cole. That's a long time!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2019 13:54:14 GMT -6
heard on bass guitar here using helios type 69, the tone is fantastic I can't thank you enough for introducing me to Moonbound and Fabio's music. Best mature yet current pop music I've heard since Jude Cole. That's a long time! i ran across their music by accident trying to find samples of these type 69 modules. and i was very impressed with bass playing skills and by overall music composition/vocals. i dont know if they are famous on major platform or independent. i went to amazon last night to check the music, the whole album kicks ass. i will download/buy both of their albums.
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Jul 12, 2019 14:11:30 GMT -6
I'll be doing the same, @gearlust
|
|
|
Post by stam on Jul 12, 2019 16:00:26 GMT -6
So stam - this is a clone of the original schematic? No output transformer? No output transformer A Carnhill can be added I guess But, why?
|
|
|
Post by Johnkenn on Jul 12, 2019 20:43:59 GMT -6
So stam - this is a clone of the original schematic? No output transformer? No output transformer A Carnhill can be added I guess But, why? I’m not saying I want one (transformer). I was just wondering if it was the same as the original.
|
|
|
Post by roundbadge on Jul 17, 2019 3:45:23 GMT -6
I had 4 late 60's Helios 3 band modules from Basing st. studios w/ the Lustraphone Transformers. they did have considerably more headroom than the reissues. the pre amps alone were nice but what made them more interesting was the passive eq. they were very cool but not $4k cool lol
|
|
|
Post by levon on Jul 17, 2019 12:54:21 GMT -6
Wow, I'm amazed anyone remembers Jude Cole. What a great artist, I have all his albums. Haven't heard them in a while, guess it's time to dig them out again. Thanks Ward. Back to Helios...
|
|