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Originally Posted by TonyBelmont  Let's preface this with there are many different types of Helios modules and consoles... some of them had three transistor preamps... some of them had seven transistors... some of them even had dreaded IC's (so I've heard). I can't even count the various differences between all of the various Helios modules.... virtually every console had something different (even transformers from various manufacturer's like Beyer, Lustraphone, etc)... ALL of them sound different, and I haven't heard every incarnation of this rather esoteric line. So, when we say Helios, we really aren't talking about one thing or one sound...
They don't all sound great... a handful of them definitely did, but it could be said that some don't sound very good at all (and never did).
Now, the older modules were designed to work in a console... It's not just that they sound different when removed (like a Neve or API for instance), it's that most of them required other parts of the console that were vital to the circuit to work properly (to balance the signal, provide necessary gain, etc).
Ever notice a lot of the old modules have really low output when racked? or are unbalanced? or don't sound good?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions than you know exactly what I am talking about.
If you still think they sound good , then that's great... But, I'll take a Neve 1073 over most racked Helios modules. |
I'm not saying they all sound the same
no argument there...I get what your saying Tony and believe me, I've had some different modules...original black 69's and the reissues [which ironically they initially
weren't racked properly.. i sold]and I've heard different modules sounding different and lower level[like the reissues
],
but some work great out of the console and I've got a rack of 1073/84's to compare to...Sure I still love the Neves,but the Helios have a
really cool musical vibe..thumbsup
..