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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the world of legendary sound with the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp. This iconic software plug-in brings the unmistakable character of the renowned Helios Type 69 consoles straight to your digital studio. Known for their punchy and fat analog tones, these consoles have been the backbone of countless classic recordings by artists like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix. Now, you can harness this vintage magic with a modern twist.

With meticulous engineering, Universal Audio has faithfully recreated the distinct custom-made character of two original Helios Type 69 units. This ensures that every note, beat, and chord you produce is imbued with the same colorful flavors that defined an era. The Helios Type 69 plug-in boasts the original hardware’s assertive three-band EQ, perfectly capturing its rich saturation behaviors. Whether you're dialing in the thick low-end or sculpting the midrange, this EQ plugin promises ultra-musical results even at extreme settings.

Thanks to UA’s groundbreaking Unison technology, you can track in real-time through the Helios Type 69 plug-in using your Apollo interface. This feature replicates the vintage hardware’s line/mic preamp impedance and gain stage “sweet spots,” offering you an authentic recording experience. With the Helios Type 69, you are not just using a plugin; you’re integrating a piece of music history into your projects.

Key Features:

  • Authentic emulation of the classic Helios Type 69 preamp/EQ used on iconic records
  • Colorful midrange EQ adds punch and attitude to synths and guitars
  • Four uniquely voiced low-frequency boost filters for rich bass tones
  • Real-time tracking through vintage Helios preamp with Unison™ technology
  • Compatible with any audio interface; UA hardware not required

System Requirements:

  • macOS 10.15 Catalina, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey, 13 Ventura
  • Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit only Editions)
  • Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon processor
  • Internet connection for software download and UADx plug-in authorization
  • Free iLok account with iLok Cloud or iLok USB (2nd generation or higher)

Product specs

Software Type Preamp, EQ
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, AU, VST3 (UAD Native), UAD DSP
Authorization Type iLok Account Required (UADx Native version)
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.15 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What are the main features of the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp plugin?

The Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp plugin offers a faithful emulation of the classic Helios Type 69, known for its warm, musical EQ and preamp characteristics. It provides a unique three-band EQ with selectable frequencies and a high-pass filter, ideal for adding vintage analog warmth to your tracks.

Is the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp compatible with my DAW?

This plugin is compatible with DAWs that support AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, including popular options like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live. Ensure your DAW supports these formats and meets the system requirements for optimal performance.

What are the system requirements for running the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp?

For Mac, you'll need macOS 10.15 or later, with at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB RAM. For PC, it requires Windows 10 or later, with an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor and 4GB RAM. An iLok account is required for authorization.

How does the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp differ from other EQ plugins?

This plugin stands out due to its authentic recreation of the Helios Type 69's distinct tonal characteristics, offering a classic British sound with rich, musical EQ curves. It's particularly favored for its ability to add analog warmth and character to recordings, which many modern EQs lack.

Can the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp be used for both mixing and mastering?

Yes, the Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp is versatile enough for both mixing and mastering applications. Its musical EQ curves and vintage preamp emulation make it ideal for enhancing individual tracks or adding warmth and depth to a full mix.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Mixing Rock Drums with Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ | UAD Quick Tips

Video thumbnail for Mixing Rock Drums with Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ | UAD Quick Tips by Universal Audio

Mixing Rock Drums with Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ | UAD Quick Tips

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ Sound Examples | UAD Native & UAD-2 by Universal Audio

Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ Sound Examples | UAD Native & UAD-2

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for UA Helios Type 69 EQ and Preamp - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week by Mixing With Mike

UA Helios Type 69 EQ and Preamp - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week

Mixing With Mike

Mixing With Mike

Video thumbnail for Universal Audio - Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ | How To Use - Walkthrough | Sound Of Rock's Golden Age by Colorful Tones Studio

Universal Audio - Helios Type 69 Preamp & EQ | How To Use - Walkthrough | Sound Of Rock's Golden Age

Colorful Tones Studio

Colorful Tones Studio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Universal Audio Helios Type 69 EQ and PreAmp.

Comparisons

  • The Helios Type 69 is likened to a darker Neve sound, distinct from the clean, crisp nature of SSL channel strips.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's particularly favored for electric guitar EQ, often used post an analog chain including API preamps and various strips.

    Source
  • Noted for enhancing vocals, it's often the first plugin in vocal mixes for a richer sound.

    Source
  • Boosting 1kHz on snare and kick drums with the Helios EQ is described as exceptionally effective, adding a magical beef and fullness to the sound.

    Source
  • Notching away some 2.8kHz is highly recommended for electric guitars to enhance their sound quality and presence in a mix.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users report achieving effective bass taming, high boosting, and low-mid cutting, with distortion added by driving the circuit.

    Source
  • The Helios Type 69 EQ offers a unique tonal characteristic that slows down fast transients while maintaining airiness without sounding dull, which is particularly valued in recording.

    Source
  • The EQ section of the Helios adds a distinct fullness and beef to audio sources, with the low-end boosts tightening the Q curve to a near self-resonating state.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The UAD version may replicate a unique low-end bump at 60Hz, similar to the Waves version, which some see as a feature or potential quirk.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the Helios Type 69 for the 500-format note that while it lacks vintage compression or distortion, it adds historic tonal character to recordings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

New Software Review: Helios Type 69 Preamp and EQ Collection by Universal Audio — SonicScoop

sonicscoop.com

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Genre Usage

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