HEN'S TEETH. Up for grabs is one Helios 1R Type 69 mic pre & EQ with ORIGINAL BOX
– in unprecedented near mint condition.

• 19" rack version w/ internal PSU – same internal gain structure as the full size modules, NOT like the 500 series adaptation
• real Tony Arnold era – 'the sound of records'
• up to 70db of amplification (!) 
• 3 EQ bands (low band: 30, 80, 120, 240, 400 // mid-high: 0.7, 1, 1.4, 2, 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, 6, 16k (!) // high: 10k)
• unique proprietary 30Hz bass lift & 16kHz air band – both not implemented neither in the 1970s 69s nor in any of the clones / emulations. Compare frequencies to H2 Audios's recent clone.
• additional switchable HP filter (40 or 80 Hz) & phase reverse
• low band can act as an additional HP filter at 70 Hz, with switchable steepness
• custom-wound transformers, designed by Brian Sowter
• all discrete components (no chips)
• on-board phantom power, attenuation switch, phase reverse switch
• runs on a 32-volt rail supplied from an internal OEM switching power supply (90-250V)

Only a handful of these have ever been built. Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Bob Marley, Roxy Music, Joy Division... you know why you are here.

Edition note: Helios 69s come in 3 shapes. There are the full size Swettenham era modules, which are the basis for most contemporary clones (hard and soft: Realios, H2, UAD etc). In the 1990s, Dick Swettenham retired and passed production, servicing and brand to Tony Arnold who updated the 69 design with a re-calibrated choice of frequency points. The 30Hz and air band selection are proprietary Arnold and haven't been replicated anywhere else so far. The differences are substantial, and should justify viewing the Arnold 69 as a quite distinct variation of the classic design. 3 versions were built: full size modules which need dedicated powered frames, a few 19" units with internal PSU, and a 500 series module adapted to the API standard.

Technical condition: everything works fine. 

Cosmetics: There are very few, light scratches on top and bottom, but no "rack rash." It appears it has been briefly inserted into a rack, but not screw-fastened (very clean rack ears). There is one mark on the top & edge of the front plate: left side, above the 70db level setting. Other than this, the unit is in pristine cosmetic condition. It appears to have been stored in its box most of the time and has seen very few hours. See photos.

Shipping: worldwide, with tracking and insurance. 

≈!≈ EU BUYERS: you need a VAT ID number, or add 19% VAT (currently displayed in shipping costs field).