Looking to purchase our Helios console? Serious inquiries can contact us.
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) and many other legendary Jamaican reggae artists such as Burning Spear, Big Youth, Dennis Brown, Augustus Pablo, King Tubby, Bunny Wailer, I Roy, Yellowman (see full list below). 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 for additional cost (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). Contact us with any custom requests. 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.
This will be professionally crated and freight shipped.
An approximate list of recordings done on this desk:
Bob Marley Recordings:
Get Up Stand Up
Recorded Bob Marley and the Wailers
Album Burnin'
On the session: Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh
Written by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh
Recorded April, 1973, Harry J Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Released October, 1973
Label Island
I Shot the Sheriff
Recorded Bob Marley and the Wailers
Album Burnin'
On the session: Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh
Written by Bob Marley
Recorded April, 1973, Harry J Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Released October, 1973
Label Island
No Woman No Cry
Recorded Bob Marley and the Wailers
Album Natty Dread'
On the session: Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh
Written by Vincent Ford
Recorded 1974, Harry J Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Released October, 1974
Label Island
Jamming
Recorded Bob Marley and the Wailers
Album Exodus'
On the session: Bob Marley, Aston and Carlton Barrett
Written by Bob Marley
Recorded 1977, Harry J Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Released June, 1977
Label Island
One Love/People Get Ready
Recorded Bob Marley and the Wailers
Album Exodus'
On the session: Bob Marley, Aston and Carlton Barrett
Written by Bob Marley and Curtis Mayfield
Recorded 1977, Harry J Studio, Kingston, Jamaica
Released June, 1977
Label Island
1972
Big Youth - Screaming Target
Dennis Brown - Super Reggae And Soul Hits
1972-76
Abyssinians - Declaration Of Dub
Glenmore Brown - Dub From The South East
1973
Bob Marley & Wailers - Burnin'
Bob Marley & Wailers - Catch A Fire
Chosen Few - Hit After Hit
John Holt - Time Is The Master
1974
Augustus Pablo - Ital Dub
Bob Marley & Wailers - Natty Dread
Dennis Alcapone - King Of The Track Keith Hudson - Pick A Dub
Mark Holder - Today Tomorrow And Always
Ras Michael & Sons Of Negus - Nyahbinghi
Ras Michael & Sons Of Negus - Peace & Love + Nyabingh
1975
Big Youth - Dread Locks Dread
Dave & Ansel Collins - In The Ghetto
Ethnic Fight Band - Out Of One Man Comes Many Dubs
Joe White - Jah Jah Dub
Judy Mowatt - Mellow Mood
Larry Marshall - I Admire You
Larry Marshall & King Tubby - I Admire You In Dub
Leslie Butler - Ja-Gan
Negril - Negril
Ras Michael & Sons Of Negus - Rastafari + Dub
Rupie Edwards - Ire Feelings
Ruple Edwards - Ire Feelings
1976
Abyssinians - Satta Massagana
Bob Marley & Wailers - Rastaman Vibration
Burning Spear - Man In The Hills
Fabulous 5 Inc. - My Jamaican Girl
Fred Locks - Black Star Liner
Harry Mudie & King Tubby- Harry Mudie Meet King Tubby's In Dub Conference Vol 1
Heptones - Cool Rasta
Heptones - Night Food
Junior Byles - Jordan
King Tubby- Herb Dub - Collie Dub
Mark Holder - Cameo
Martha Velez - Escape From Babylon
Riley All Stars - Concrete Dub
Vivian Jackson - Ram A Dam
Zap Pow - Now
Zap Pow - Revolution
1977
Augustus Pablo - East Of The River Nile
Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths - Kemar
Bunny Wailer - Protest
Burning Spear - Dry And Heavy
Freddie McKay - The Best Of Freddy McKay
Gladstone Anderson - Glady Unlimited
Harry Mudie & King Tubby- Harry Mudie Meet King
Tubby's In Dub Conference Vol 2
Horace Andy - In The Light
Horace Andy - In The Light / In The Light Dub
I Roy - Heart Of A Lion
Kable Drummond & Cables - Baby Why
Lloyd Willis - Gits Plays Bob Marley's Greatest Hits
Melodians - Sweet Sensation
Soul Syndicate - Harvest Uptown, Famine Downtown
U Roy - Rasta Ambassador
Welton Irie - Ghettoman Corner
1978
Abyssinians - Arise
Al Campbell - Loving Moods Of Al Campbell
Barry Brown - Step It Up Youthman
Big Youth - Isaiah First Prophet Of Old
Big Youth - Reggae Gi Dem Dub
Bunny Wailer - Dubd'sco Vol 1
Bunny Wailer - Struggle
Burning Spear - Living Dub
Burning Spear- Marcus Children
Cornell Campbell - Sweet Baby
Culture - Africa Stand Alone
Dandy Livingstone - The South African Experience
Ethiopian - Open The Gate Of Zion
Fatman Riddim Section - Bald Head Justice
Fred Locks - The Missing Link
George Faith - Loving Something
Gladiators - Proverbial Reggae
Heptones - Better Days
Horsemouth Wallace - Original Armageddon Dub
Hugh Mundell - Africa Must Be Free By 1983
Hugh Mundell - Africa Must Be Free By 1983 Dub
Jacob Miller - Wanted
Junior Delgado - Dance A Dub
Linval Thompson - Love Is The Question
Linval Thompson - Rocking Vibration
Mabrak - Drum Talk
Max Romeo - Reconstruction
Meditations - Guidance
Meditations - Wake Up
Pat Kelly - Give Love A Try
Pat Kelly - Lonely Man
Prince Far I - Long Life
Rockers All Stars - Chanting Dub With The Help Of The Father
Sons Of Negus - Rastafari In Dub
Sylford Walker - Lamb's Bread
Sylvan Morris & Harry J. - Cultural Dub
U Brown - Mr Brown Something
1978-79
Prince Far I - Health & Strength
1979
Barbara Jones - Don't Stop Loving Me
Barry Brown - Superstar
Big Youth - Progress
Bunny Wailer - In I Father's House
Byron Otis Missing Your Love
Congo - Congo Ashanti
David Isaacs - More Love
Dennis Brown - Joseph's Coat Of Many Colours
Dr. Alimantado - Kings Bread
Dr. Alimantado - Kings Bread Dub
Gladiators - Naturality
Gladiators - Sweet So Till
Gregory Isaacs - Soon Forward
Hugh Mundell & Augustus Pablo - Africa Must Be Free By 1983 Dub
I Kong - The Way It Is
I Roy - Cancer
Jimmy London - Children Crying In The Ghetto
Johnny Clarke - Satisfaction
Junior Delgado - Taste Of The Young Heart
Keith Poppin - More Of Keith Poppin
Ken Boothe - Reggae For Lovers
Leroy Smart - Let Everyman Survive
Leroy Smart Featuring Mighty Diamonds - Disco Showcase
Maytones - One Way
Prince Far I - Cry Tuff Dub Encounter II
Prince Far I - Dub To Africa
Prince Far I -Free From Sin
Ricky Grant - Poverty People
Rod Taylor - If Jah Should Come Now
Royal Rasses Featuring Prince Lincoln Thompson - Humanity
Slickers - Breakthrough
Sons Of Jah - Burning Black
Stanley Beckford - Gypsy Woman
The Rass-es - Experience
The Rass-es Band & Prince Jammy - Harder Na Rass
197X
African Brothers & King Tubby - The African Brothers Meets King Tubby In Dub
Deadly Headly Bennett & Ossie Scott - Deadly Headly Bennett Meets The Magnificent Ossie Scott
Delroy Melody - Dread Must Be Fed
Gregory Isaacs - Lonely Days
Ken Boothe - Natural Feeling
Light Of Saba - The Light Of Saba
Light Of Saba - The Light Of Saba In Reggae
Ossie Scott - The Supreme Sound Of Ossie Scott Paul Hurlock - Eloha
R. Zee Jackson - Trodding
1980
Al Campbell - Late Night Blues
Augustus Pablo - Eastman Dub
Big Youth - Rock Holy
Dennis Brown - Spellbound
Desi Roots Doing It Right
Dillinger Cup Of Tea
Don Carlos vs Earl Cunningham - Prison Oval Clash
General Plough - Midnight Rock
Horace Andy - Showcase
Hugh Mundell - Time And Place
John Holt - My Desire
Judy Mowatt - Black Woman
Knowledge - Judgement
Leroy Sibbles - Now
Ras Midas - Rastaman In Exile
Tetrack - Let's Get Started
Tetrack - Let's Get Started - Eastman Dub
Twinkle Brothers - Countrymen
1981
Badoo - Guess Who The General
Bunny Wailer - Dubd'sco Vol 2
Bunny Wailer - Rock'n'Groove
Bunny Wailer - Rootsman Skanking
Bunny Wailer - Sings The Wallers
Bunny Wailer - Tribute
Gregory Isaacs - The Best Of Vol 2
Hugh Griffiths - Mr Walker
Itals - Brutal Out Deh
Jack Miller - Dreadlock Rock
Little Roy - Columbus Ship
Mighty Diamonds - Changes
Mighty Diamonds - Indestructible
Morwells The Best Of The Morwells
Ranking Joe - Showcase
Toots & Maytals - Knock Out!
Twinkle Brothers - Me No You
1982
Augustus Pablo - Earth Rightful Ruler
Bim Sherman - Across The Red Sea
Delroy Williams- I Stand Black
Delton Screechie - Living In The Ghetto Showcase
Delton Screechie - Suffering In The Ghetto
Dennis Brown - More
Dennis Brown - Stagecoach Showcase
Earl Sixteen - Julia
Eek A Mouse - Skidip!
Fred Locks & Creation Steppers - Love And Only Love
Freddie McGregor - Big Ship
Gladiators - Babylon Street
Gladiators - Back To Roots
Gladiators - Reggae To Bone
Gladiators - Symbol Of Reality
Heptones - On The Run
Jackie Edwards - Tell It Like It Is
Junior Dan - KTW Dub
Junior Delgado - Bush Master Revolution
K.C. White - Try A Little Happiness
Lee Van Cleef - Reggae Sunsplash
Linval Thompson - Look How Me Sexy
Max Edwards - Rockers Arena
Mighty Diamonds - The Roots Is Here
Osbert Maddo - You Wanna Turn Me On
Ranking Joe - Armageddon
Raymond Naptali - Trouble Possee
Sid Lovejoy - Jah Jah Knows
Sir Coxsone Sound - King Of The Dub Rock Part 2
Sons Of Jah - Universal Message
Triston Palmer & Toyan - Nice Time
U Brown - Hotter Reggae Music
1982-84
Prince Alla - Sweet Sensation
1983
African Disciples - Place Called Earth
Bunny Wailer - Roots Radics Rockers Reggae
Delroy Wilson - Nice Times
Dennis Brown - Satisfaction Feeling
Don Carlos - Spread Out
Earl Sixteen - Songs For A Reason
Freddie McGregor - Come On Over
Itals - Give Me Power
Jahmel - Watchful Eyes
Josey Wales - No Way Better Than Yard
Nicodemus Junior - Snakes And Ladders
Ossie Scott - Reggae Exposure With Sax
Papa Finnigan & Junior Ranking - Two The Hard Way
Sister Candy & Purpleman - Laserbeam
Uplifter - We Are Moving
Viceroys - Brethren And Sistren
1983-84
Josey Wales - The Outlaw + No Way No Better Than Yard
1983-87
Twinkle Brothers - Dub Massacre Part 1 & 2
1984
Barrington Levy - Prison Oval Rock
Charlie Chaplin - Sound System Cocoa Tea Rocking Dolly
Don Carlos & Gold -Never Run Away
Earl Cunningham - John Tom
Earl Sixteen - Songs Of Love And Hardship Frankie Paul Pass The Tu Sheng Peng Gladiators - Serious Thing
John Holt - For Lovers And Dancers
Johnny Osbourne - Bring The Sensi Come
Michael Palmer - Angella
Michael Prophet - Blood Stain
Peter Chemist - Dub Mixture
Peter Chemist - Dub Prescription
Prince Far 1 - Umkhonto We Sizwe
Ras Midas - Stand Up Wise Up
Wailing Souls - Best Of Wailing Soul
Wailing Souls- The Best Of
Yellowman - Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt
1985
Albert Griffiths & Gladiators - Country Living
Dennis Brown - Revolution
Early B Sunday Dish
Frankie Jones - Them Nice
General Trees - Ghost Rider
Heptones - Swing Low
Itals - Rasta Philosophy
Junior Reid - Original Foreign Mind
Junior Reid & Leroy Smart - Back To Back
Leroy Sibbles - Selections
Leroy Smart & Junior Reid - Face To Face Clash
Lord Sassafrass - Pocomania Jump
Michael Palmer Meets Johnny Osbourne - Wicked
Reggae George - Fight On My Own
Zion Initation - Jah Light
1986
Daddy Freddy (The D.J. Chemist) - Body Lasher
Ernest Wilson - Love Revolution
General Trees- Negril
Heptones - Changing Times
Ijahman & Madge - I Do
Jah Screw - Herb Base Function
Junior Byles - Rasta No Pickpocket
Nicodemus - Mr. Fabulous
Shelly Thunder - Small Horse Woman
Tony Tuff - Ketch A Fire
Uglyman v/s Little John - Dance Hall Clash
198X
Cultural Roots - Pretty Woman
Danny Tucker - Changes
Frankie Paul - Hot Number
K.C. White - Showcase
K.C. White - Try A Little Happiness
Leroy Brown- Face To Face
Leroy Smart - Prophecy A Go Hold Dem
Mellow Yellow & Young Ranks - Herpes Take Over
Mighty Diamonds - Pass The Kouchie
Pat Kelly - Srevol
Rod Taylor - Lonely Girl
1992
Burning Spear - Living Dub Vol 1
[Compilations]
Abyssinians - Forward [1969-76]
African Brothers - Want Some Freedom [1970-78]
Aggrovators - Dubbing It Studio 1 Style [1973-78]
Alton Ellis & Heptones - Alton Ellis Sings, Heptones Harmonise [1978-80]
Augustus Pablo - Authentic Golden Melodies [1974-79]
Augustus Pablo - King David's Melody [1976-82]
Augustus Pablo - Original Rockers Vol 2 [1989]
Barbara Jones - For Your Ears Only [197X]
Barry Brown - Rich Man Poor Man [1978-80]
Barry Brown - Steppin Up Dub Wise [197X]
Barry Brown Meets Cornell Campbell - Barry Brown Meets Cornell Campbell [197X]
Bunny Wailer - Crucial Roots Classics [1978-82]
Burning Spear - Spear Burning [1975-79]
Charlie Chaplin - Dance Hall Rockers Vol 2 [1983-85]
Cornell Campbell - My Destination [197X]
Cornell Campbell - Original Blue Recordings [1970-79]
Cornell Campbell - Silver Jubilee [197X-8X]
Dennis Alcapone - Yeah Yeah Yeah [1970-73]
Derrick Harriott - Greatest Reggae Hits [197X]
Don Carlos - Inna Dub Style [1979-80]
Earl Sixteen - Special Request [1981-84]
Early B - Send In The Patient [1982-85]
Frankie Jones - Best Of Volume 1 [1986]
Frankie Paul - The Early Days Of Frankie Paul [1981-84]
Fred Locks & Friends - Love & Harmony [1978]
Freddie McGregor - Zion Chant [1979-81]
Gladiators Dreadlocks - The Time Is Now (1976-79]
Glen Brown - The Way To Mount Zion [1969-76]
Glen Brown & Friends - Rhythm Master Vol 1 [1971-76]
Glen Brown & King Tubby - Termination Dub [1973-79]
Gregory Isaacs - Cool Ruler Soon Forward Selection [1978- 79]
Gregory Isaacs - Happiness Come [1974-77]
Gregory Isaacs My Number One [197X]
Gregory Isaacs - Number One [197X]
Heptones - Heptones Dictionary [197X]
Jacob Miller Meets Fatman Riddim Section - Jacob Miller Meets The Fatman Riddim Section [1978-79]
John Holt- Can't Keep Us Apart [1970-77]
Johnny Clarke - A Ruffer Version [1974-78]
Johnny Clarke & Delroy Wilson & Doreen Shaffer - Lovers Rock Vol 2 [197X]
Josie Wails & The All Stars - Cornerstone Connection [198X]
Kiddus 1- Graduation In Zion [1978-80]
King Tubby & Errol Thompson - The Black Foundation In Dub [197X]
King Tubby & Scientist - King Tubby Meets Scientist In A World Of Dub [198X]
King Tubby & Scientist - King Tubby's Meets Scientist At Dub Station [198X]
King Tubby & Scientist & Bunny Tom Tom - King Tubby Studio verses Channel One Studio [197X]
Knowledge - Straight Outta Trenchtown [1975-80]
Larry Ethnic Meets Wailers With Various Artiste - Larry Ethnic Meets The Wailers With Various Artiste [1975]
Leroy Smart With Roots Radix & Friends - Leroy Smart with Roots Radix and Friends [1983]
Little Roy - Tafari Earth Uprising [197X]
Max Romeo - Crazy World Of Dub [197X]
Maytones Funny Man [1973-76]
Maytones Their Greatest Hits [197X]
Meditations Greatest Hits [197X]
Meditations Reggae Crazy [1971-79]
Mike Brooks - The Earth Is The Fullness [197X]
Paragons Silver Jubilee [197X]
Peter Ranking & General Lucky - Carry Go Bring Come [1982-84]
Prince Far I - Cry Freedom Dub [1980-83]
Prince Lincoln & Rasses - Vortex Dub [197X-8X]
Rupie Edwards & Various Artists - Hit Picks [1974]
Sonny Bradshaw Seven - Do It Reggae [1969-75]
Twinkle Brothers - Old Cuts Dub Pack [1975-90]
Various Artists - African Museum All Stars [1983]
Various Artists - Aquarius Rock [197X]
Various Artists - Boat To Progress [1970-74]
Various Artists - Calling Rastafari [1982]
Various Artists - Check The Winner [1970-74]
Various Artists - Computer [1985]
Various Artists - Cornerstone Connection Vol 2 [1982-84]
Various Artists - Down Santic Way [1973-75]
Various Artists - Dubbing At Harry J's [1972-75]
Various Artists - Dubble Attack [1972-74]
Various Artists - Every Mouth Must Be Fed [1973-76]
Various Artists - From GG's Reggae Hit Stable Vol 2 [1969- 73]
Various Artists - From Matador's Arena Vol 3 [1971-79]
Various Artists - Jamaica's Reggae Stars [1978-83]
Various Artists - King Culture & I & I Records Present Roots & Culture [198X]
Various Artists - King Jammy In Roots [197X-8X]
Various Artists - Kingston 13 Meet Corner Stone [1982-84]
