Helix Digital High-Res 12-Channel Signal Processor
| *Special Order* | Owner's Manual | DSP PC-Tool 5 |
HELIX DSP ULTRA S
Advanced technology, proven excellence
The HELIX DSP ULTRA S once again defines the benchmark for digital sound processors. Targeted optimizations enhance the already outstanding performance of its predecessor for a sound experience that exceeds even the highest expectations. Audiophile precision and innovative engineering, combined in one device – and of course, completely made in Germany.
Audio performance par excellence
The HELIX DSP ULTRA S stands for the highest standards in audio performance. A newly designed audio signal path reduces the distortion factor to a minimum: at its heart are the renowned AKM Velvet Sound™ 32 Bit AD and DA signal converters and new, high-quality operational amplifiers from the legendary TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" with SoundPlus™ technology, assuring the highest sound quality. With the completely revised analog input stage, the ULTRA S achieves optimum interference immunity, enabling unsurpassed clarity and detail without external influences, even under the most demanding conditions.
TwinDSP Power
Computing power can only be replaced by even more computing power – which is precisely why the DSP ULTRA S is equipped with two of the most powerful 64 Bit audio signal processors currently available from Analog Devices. With incredible 2.4 billion MAC operations per second, the immense number of internal channels in conjunction with the highest quality sound processing is not even the slightest problem. Therefore, the ULTRA S comes with eight separately processable input channels, eight processable virtual channels and twelve processable output channels as well as numerous new sound features – all this at a sampling rate of 96 kHz, resulting in an audio bandwidth of over 40 kHz.
ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform
Rapid processing power that‘s not only in the signal path – the particularly powerful 32 Bit ACO platform handles all control tasks and provides the decisive speed boost, especially in data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software, but also in the lightning-fast switching between the up to ten possible sound setups. But ACO offers much more – fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter, dynamic processing such as Dynamic Loudness Control (DLC) or Remote Tone Control (RTC) are implemented as well as a channel-separated Input EQ including Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of input signals from OE radios already containing a sound setup.
Virtual Channel Processing – Modern signal routing
The adaptation to modern OE sound systems via an increasing number of inputs has a significant impact on the complexity of the signal routing inside the amplifier. Especially when several input signals are mixed together and then split again into multi-way systems, conventional routing concepts quickly reach their limits. Audiotec Fischer's new multi-stage "Virtual Channel Processing", in conjunction with the recognized user-friendly DSP PC-Tool software makes it easy to realize even highly complex system configurations. Besides, it allows to freely assign our proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "Augmented Bass Processing".
Connectivity at the highest level
The HELIX DSP ULTRA S is, especially thanks to the HEC slot, highly configurable while our SCP (Smart Control Port) guarantees the optional connection of accessories with integrated power supply as well as special operational reliability. These upgrades allow for even more flexible customization and expansion of your sound system to meet the individual needs and desires of every audiophile user. For easy adaptation to existing factory radios or multi-channel OE sound systems, the DSP ULTRA S is not only equipped with the latest generation ADEP.3 circuit, but also has a particularly wide adjustment range for the input sensitivity. The enormous adjustment range of 1 - 8 Volts (Cinch / RCA) or 4 - 32 Volts (highlevel) enables problem-free adaptation to almost any conceivable analog signal source, even with powerful OE amplifiers.
Elegant, smart and compact
Despite its vast range of functions, the HELIX DSP ULTRA S inspires with its straightforward and timeless design that is still compact – ideal for a simple installation. The sum of its characteristics makes the HELIX DSP ULTRA S the perfect "tool" for every uncompromising audiophile music lover with highest demands.
Features
- TwinDSP Power – two extremely powerful “fixed point” Audio DSPs with 64 Bit resolution and 2.4 billion MAC operations per second for an extensive sound customization of all processed channels:
- Eight input channels
- Eight virtual channels
- Twelve output channels
- Cutting-edge audio signal path for minimized distortion and unparalleled sound quality
- AKM Velvet Sound™ 32 Bit AD and DA signal converters
- Highest-quality operational amplifiers from the TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" with SoundPlusTM technology
- Refined design of the analog inputs for outstanding noise immunity
- Smart 8-channel highlevel input with ADEP.3 circuit
- ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform for extended feature set:
- ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals
- DLC (Dynamic Loudness Control) and RTC (Remote Tone Control) for volume-dependent dynamic adjustment of highs and lows
- Proprietary TuneEQ function for automated adjustment of the input, virtual and output equalizers
- SFX (DSP Sound Effects) – Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter & Co.
- VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) allows even more flexible configuration for highly complex sound systems
- HEC slot for system add-ons like Bluetooth® HD Audio Streaming, High Resolution Audio Streaming via USB etc.
- Start-Stop capability down to 6V supply voltage
- “Ground lift” switch to avoid ground loops
- Continuous adjustment of the input sensitivity (highlevel up to max. 32 Volts, RCA / Cinch up to max. 8 Volts)
- Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and accessories
- Time alignment with up to 20 ms delay time per channel, additionally reverse time alignment for in-phase summation of the inputs
- 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. 8 Volts output voltage
- Easiest configuration via the intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5 software
Note: “The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audiotec Fischer GmbH is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.”
DSP features
TuneEQ
TuneEQ is an extremely flexible and particularly easy-to-use function for automated frequency response correction. A single measurement per audio channel or channel pair with a suitable measurement microphone (e.g. our MTK1) is sufficient for TuneEQ to independently and precisely adjust the equalizers to the desired reference curve. TuneEQ uses the full function set of the parametric equalizer including center frequency, Q-factor and gain adjustment. And since the highly complex arithmetic operations required for this run in the background, you also save a lot of time when optimizing your sound with TuneEQ.
RealCenter
The “RealCenter” feature is an algorithm, developed by Audiotec Fischer, that emphasizes the music information which is present in both the left and right front channel to create an unique center signal. In contrast to common procedures, in which only the channels are summed up, the intensity of the center signal is also dynamically controlled by the stereophonic informational content of the left and right channel.
Sounds complicated but this effect is astonishing: That means if solely the left or right channel delivers an audio signal, the center channel will not reproduce a signal. In the case of common algorithms, the volume level of the center channel is only reduced by 6 dB (= half volume level). Audiotec Fischer’s “RealCenter” allows a unique, broadened sound staging for both driver and co-driver at the same time! Therefore, the disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as an intrusive, small sound stage, are things of the past.
Augmented Bass Processing
Audiotec Fischer’s proprietary “Augmented Bass Processing”, consisting of the two revolutionary sound features “Dynamic Bass Enhancement” and “SubXpander”, has been especially developed to dramatically improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers.
The “Dynamic Bass Enhancement” ingeniously combines maximum deep bass and highest sound pressure – regardless of the music style or the tone controls in the head unit. Depending on the input signal, the “Dynamic Bass Enhancement” gains the lower frequency range and varies the cut-off frequency of the subsonic filter. The result is a significantly more powerful and deeper bass response at low and medium volume levels without the risk of overloading the subwoofer neither mechanically nor electrically at high volume levels. It is simply fascinating which bass performance is suddenly possible.
If you want an even lower and “darker” bass reproduction, the “SubXpander” can be additionally activated. Therefore, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.
Technical data
| Inputs | 8 x RCA / Cinch 8 x Highlevel speaker input 1 x Optical SPDIF (12 - 96 kHz) 1 x Coax SPDIF (12 - 192 kHz) 1 x Remote In |
| Input sensitivity | RCA / Cinch 1 - 8 Volts Highlevel 4 - 32 Volts |
| Outputs | 12 x RCA / Cinch 1 x Remote Out |
| Output voltage | 8 Volts |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 44,000 Hz |
| DSP resolution | 64 Bit |
| DSP power | 2 x 295 MHz (2.4 billion MAC operations/second) |
| Sampling rate | 96 kHz |
| DSP type | 2 x Audio signal processor |
| Signal converters | A/D: Asahi Kasei 32 Bit D/A: Asahi Kasei 32 Bit |
| Signal-to-noise ratio digital input | 117 dB (A-weighted) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio analog input | 111 dB (A-weighted) |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) digital input | < 0.0004 % |
| Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) analog input | < 0.0008 % |
| IM distortion (IMD) digital input | < 0.0015 % |
| IM distortion (IMD) analog input | < 0.003 % |
| Crosstalk | > 90 dB |
| Operating voltage | 9.6 - 17 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts) |
| Power rating | DC 12 V ⎓ 1.1 A max. |
| Current draw | 550 mA |
| Max. remote output current | 500 mA |
| Operating temperature range | -40°C to +70°C |
| Additional features | HEC slot, Ground lift switch, Smart Control Port, 32 Bit CoProcessor, ADEP.3 circuit, Auto Remote switch |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 40 x 177 x 170 mm / 1.58 x 6.97 x 6.69“ |
Scope of delivery
1 x Signal processor HELIX DSP ULTRA S
1 x USB cable
1 x Mounting material
1 x Instruction manual
