Helios Historic Analog Mixing Console Jamaica Vintage Rare Retro Gear Shop

Retro Gear Shop is a high-end boutique store located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Helios HJ-1 Dub Station 20-Channel Mixing Console Blue Vintage Rare
Retro Gear Shop is proud to offer this once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a historic vintage 20-Channel Helios recording console, estimated build year in 1973. Helios consoles are very rare to come by, who knows many other complete Helios consoles are still left available in the world. Rough estimates put it at only a couple dozen. Most have been parted out for their amazing analog preamp/equalizer channels. The Helios sound is absolutely legendary, with artists including Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Roxy Music and many more having recorded through Helios consoles.

This historic Helios console in blue / green color comes from Harry J's in Jamaica and recorded Bob Marley's first four studio albums (Soul Rebels, Catch a Fire, Burnin', Natty Dread including hits such as Get Up Stand Up, No Woman No Cry, Jamming, One Love/People Get Ready) and many other legendary Jamaican reggae artists such as Burning Spear, Big Youth, Dennis Brown, Augustus Pablo, King Tubby, Bunny Wailer, I Roy, Yellowman, etc. (we have a large list of recordings done on this desk, contact us if you'd like to see the full list). This console is an undeniable piece of recording history. You can hear the beautiful tone of this console through all the amazing music that's been made with it.

This is a 20 input, 16 output console with VU meters.

A walk-through of the channel features include:

Mic pre gain steps: 34, 40, 46, 52, 58, 64, 70, 78
Mic section pushbuttons: Phase, -20db pad, Tone, Line
Level adjust knob
EQ Cut switch
3-band equalizer:
Hi-band 10kHz: -/+ 0-10
Mid-band 0.7, 1, 1.4, 2, 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, 6 kHz, -/+ gain knob, PK/TR switch
Bass-band + at 300, 200, 100, 60 Hz, 0, -db 50hz 3, 6, 9, 12, 15
Track Select L
Track Select R
FB1 / FB2
Pushbuttons: Ins 1, Ins 2, Echo Pre, Echo 1, 2, 3, 4, Pan
Pan knob Left / Center / Right and channel Fader

We went to Jamaica in person to acquire this desk. This console was recently pulled from long-time previous owner's home recording studio. It is currently operational (powers up, passes signal, functional) but could likely benefit from an electrical servicing to be in optimal functional condition (recommended if intended use is for full time recording situations). It is currently offered in as-is cosmetic and functional condition for historic purposes, but Retro Gear Shop can refurbish it if desired (we can go through it completely electronically and cosmetically as requested, as well as perform any custom wiring / patchbay package specific to buyer's studio for additional cost, contact us for details). Includes external power supply and pictured matching color Yamaha NS10 speakers. See the last two photos for a picture during a recording session of the Helios console in Jamaica.

**Check out the pictures to make sure you like it. Pictures are of actual item for sale**

For shipping safety, this will be professionally crated and freight shipped. Buyer pays actual shipping costs. Please allow 2-3 weeks for preparing the item for shipment.