Helix DSP Ultra DSP processor

12-channel DSP processor, inputs: 8 x RCA, 8 x Hi-level, 1x optical SPDIF, 1x coaxial SPDIF, outputs: 12 x RCA
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Helix DSP Ultra DSP processor

The name says it all. The new Helix DSP Ultra is not just another multi-channel signal processor. Rather, it is another technological milestone that impressively demonstrates Audiotec Fischer's expertise in DSP technology.

TwinDSP performance

Computing power can only be replaced by even more computing power – and that's why DSP ULTRA is equipped with two of the most powerful 64-bit audio signal processors from Analog Devices. An incredible 2.4 billion MAC operations per second are enabled by twelve independently processed channels and a host of new audio features combined with a high sampling rate of 96kHz (resulting in an audio bandwidth of over 40kHz).

ACO - Advanced 32-bit coprocessor platform

Fast computing power not only in the signal path – the particularly fast 32-bit ACO platform takes over all control tasks and ensures a decisive increase in speed, especially for data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software, but also for lightning-fast switching between up to ten possible sound settings. But ACO offers much more - fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or StageXpander are implemented, as well as a channel-separated input equalizer including an Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the input signals of OE radios that already have factory sound settings .

Even better sound performance

Helix DSP Ultra lives up to its name not only in terms of functionality, but also in terms of sound quality. The extremely complex and newly designed analog input stage ensures phenomenal sound characteristics with full high-resolution audio bandwidth up to more than 40kHz. But that's not all - a huge effort was made to filter out unwanted interference in the power supply of the individual stages. In addition, only ultra-low-noise operational amplifiers from the legendary TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" are now used.

Virtual Channel Processing - a new era of signal routing begins

Adapting to modern OE audio systems through an increasing number of inputs has a significant impact on the complexity of signal routing inside the processor. Especially when multiple input signals are mixed together and then split back into multipath systems, conventional routing concepts quickly reach their limits, both in terms of implementation and usability. Audiotec Fischer's new multi-stage "Virtual Channel Processing" in conjunction with the acclaimed user-friendly DSP PC-Tool software facilitates the implementation of even highly complex system configurations. In addition, it allows you to freely assign our proprietary audio FX functions such as "RealCenter" or "StageEQ".

Absolute connectivity

Easy adaptation to existing factory radios or multi-channel OE sound systems is more important than ever - which is why the DSP ULTRA is not only equipped with the latest generation ADEP.3 circuit, but also offers a particularly large range of settings for input sensitivity. A huge range of 1 - 8 volts (RCA) or 4 - 32 volts (high level) allows for combination with almost any analog signal source imaginable, even high-powered OE amplifiers.

Elegant, smart and compact

Despite its wide range of functions, the new HELIX DSP ULTRA inspires with its straightforward and timeless design, which is still compact – ideal for simple installation. The sum of its features makes the HELIX DSP ULTRA the perfect "tool" for every uncompromising audiophile music lover with the highest demands.

Important features

TwinDSP Power - Two extremely powerful "fixed point" audio DSPs with 64Bit resolution and 2.4 billion MAC operations per second.
State-of-the-art 32-bit AD and DA signal converters from AKM.
Virtual Channel Processing (VCP) enables even more flexible configuration for highly complex audio systems.
ACO - Advanced 32-bit CoProcessor platform for a number of new system and DSP features.
ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals.
SFX (DSP Sound Effects) – extended bass processing, StageXpander, RealCenter & Co.
10 internal memory slots for sound settings.
HELIX expansion card (HEC) slot for additional input/output modules such as Bluetooth® Audio Streaming, High Resolution Audio Streaming via USB, etc.
Intelligent 8-channel high-level input with ADEP circuit.3.
Start-Stop option up to 6V supply voltage.
"Ground lift" switch to prevent ground loops.
Control input for connecting remote controls and accessories.
Time equalization with a delay of up to 20 ms per channel, plus reverse time equalization for summing the inputs in phase.
Freely definable signal routing with separate matrices for line, SPDIF and HEC/AUX.
Inputs: 8 x RCA/Cinch, 8 x Highlevel, 1 x optical SPDIF and 1 x coaxial SPDIF.
Outputs: 12 x RCA/Cinch with max. output voltage 8V.

Intelligent high-level input ADEP.3

Modern, factory-installed car stereos include sophisticated diagnostic options for connected speakers. In particular, the latest generation of car radios are equipped with additional monitoring functions, so when connecting a signal processor, error messages and loss of specific functions (eg fader function) appear quite often - but not with the DSP Mini MK2. The new ADEP.3 (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation) circuit avoids all these problems without unnecessarily loading the OE radio's speaker outputs at high volume.

Start-Stop capability

The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 switching power supply ensures a constant internal supply voltage even if the battery voltage drops to 6 volts while the engine is cranking.

Economy mode

Energy saving mode is part of the basic settings. It allows to significantly reduce the power consumption of amplifiers that are connected to the HELIX DSP MINI MK2 when no input signal is present for more than 60 seconds. Please note that in many modern cars with "CAN" or any other internal bus structure, the radio may remain "invisible" on for up to 45 min. even after locking and leaving the car! As soon as "Power Save Mode" is active, the remote output and thus the connected amplifiers are switched off. The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 reactivates the remote output within a second if a music signal is applied. It is possible to either adjust the switch-off time to 60 sec. or completely disable the "power saving mode" using the DSP PC-Tool software.

Automatic digital signal detection

The Helix DSP Mini MK2 enables signal-controlled switching between analog inputs and digital input. As soon as an input signal is detected at the optical input, the signal processor automatically switches to this input. This function can be deactivated in the DSP PC-Tool software. Alternatively, you can use the optional remote control to manually switch between analog and digital inputs.

RealCenter

The "RealCenter" function is an algorithm developed by Audiotec Fischer that emphasizes the musical information present in both the left and right front channels to create a unique center signal. Unlike conventional procedures in which only channels are summed, the intensity of the center signal is also dynamically controlled by the stereo information content of the left and right channels. It sounds complicated, but the effect is stunning: This means that if only the left or right channels provide an audio signal, the center channel will not reproduce the signal. In the case of common algorithms, the volume level of the center channel is reduced by only 6 dB (= half the volume level). Audiotec Fischer "RealCenter" enables a unique, expanded soundstage for both driver and passenger at the same time! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as a distracting, small soundstage, are therefore a thing of the past.

Advanced bass processing

Audiotec Fischer's proprietary "Augmented Bass Processing" technology, consisting of two revolutionary sound functions "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" and "SubXpander", has been specially developed to significantly improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers. "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" ingeniously combines maximum deep bass and highest sound pressure regardless of music style or tone controls in the head unit. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" gains a lower frequency range and changes the cutoff frequency of the subsonic filter. The result is a significantly stronger and deeper bass response at low and medium volume levels without the risk of mechanical or electrical overload of the subwoofer at high volume levels. It's simply fascinating what bass performance is suddenly possible. If you want even lower and "deeper" bass reproduction, you can additionally activate "SubXpander". Therefore, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

StageXpander

Depending on the arrangement of the speakers in the vehicle, a more or less wide stereophonic soundstage can be created on the front seats. The center speaker can additionally limit the spatial reproduction of music. This is where Audiotec Fischer's new "StageXpander" comes in - a sound feature that seems to break through acoustic limitations, allowing a much wider stereo base to be created without negatively affecting the accuracy of voice or instrument localization! The effect can be adjusted according to your personal preferences in four steps.

ClarityXpander

Looking for more transparency and substance in treble reproduction? With the "ClarityXpander", Audiotec Fischer now offers the right tool. Correctly set (and therefore selectable in three steps), this function adds additional harmonics in the upper frequency range - this is especially useful if the original speakers lack some brilliance in the treble response. Extra high kick is not only available for the two front channels, but also separately adjustable for the center channel. Even better - the center channel allows you to activate automatic and dynamic control, so that music with a "bunch" of highs does not tire your ears.