HELIX DSP PRO MK3 | 10-channel stand alone DSP

The next evolutionary stage of the DSP PRO

Proven look with (R)evolution on the inside. The further development of the DSP PRO presents itself in the classic, straightforward HELIX design, but equipped with the latest technology: Unparalleled high-resolution sound quality thanks to double the processing power compared to its predecessor, the ACO platform for expanded functionality, and VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) for simplified configuration of highly complex sound systems. In addition, there are the redesigned high-level inputs with 3-stage input sensitivity adjustment and an extended voltage range up to a maximum of 32 volts, as well as the particularly compact and robust Smart Control Port. One thing is clear: By employing all these state-of-the-art technologies, the DSP PRO MK3 belongs to the "crème de la crème" of signal processors for the highest sound demands.

State-of-the-art technology and TwinDSP power for the ultimate high-resolution sound experience

The DSP PRO MK3 is equipped with two of Analog Devices' most powerful 64-bit audio signal processors currently available. The incredible processing power of 2.4 billion MAC operations per second, combined with the high sampling rate of 96 kHz (resulting in an audio bandwidth of over 40 kHz) and AKM Velvet Sound AD/DA signal converters, ensures outstanding sound in high-resolution quality.

ACO – Advanced 32-bit Co-Processor Platform

The DSP PRO MK3 is now also equipped with the proprietary 32-bit ACO platform. This unit not only handles all control tasks ultra-fast, but above all, it offers a whole range of audio functions: Fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter are implemented, as well as a channel-separated input EQ including Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the input signals from OEM radios that already include a factory sound setup. Everything you need for optimal connectivity: With its numerous inputs and outputs (8 x high-level, 8 x RCA, 1 x optical, 1 x coaxial, 1 x HEC slot & 10 x line output), the DSP PRO MK3 offers all the prerequisites for easy adaptation to existing factory radios or multi-channel OEM sound systems. And thanks to the extended voltage range, seamless adaptation to virtually any conceivable analog signal source is possible, even with high-performance OEM amplifiers.

DSP PC-Tool 5 feat. TuneEQ – Powerful features for ultimate sound experiences

Of course, the HELIX DSP PRO MK3 can be configured using our new, professional, and exceptionally intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5. The familiar, numerous settings leave nothing to be desired and guarantee extremely precise sound adjustment, even with complex system configurations. And thanks to the new, proprietary TuneEQ function for automated frequency response correction, you also save a lot of time when tuning your sound.

Features

• TwinDSP Power – two extremely powerful fixed-point audio DSPs with 64-bit resolution and 2.4 billion MAC operations per second
• State-of-the-art 32-bit AD and DA signal converters from AKM
• High-resolution audio bandwidth up to over 40 kHz for unsurpassed sound quality
• ACO – Advanced 32-bit coprocessor platform for extended functionality
  • ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals
  • Proprietary TuneEQ function for automated adjustment of the output equalizers
  • SFX sound effects – Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter & Co.
• VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) allows for even more flexible configuration of highly complex sound systems
• HEC slot for system expansions such as Bluetooth® HD audio streaming, high-resolution audio streaming via USB, etc.
• Intelligent 8-channel high-level input with ADEP.3 circuit
• Start-stop capability down to 6V supply voltage
• Ground lift switch to prevent ground loops
• Channel-pair-separated, 3-stage input sensitivity adjustment (high-level up to max. 32 volts, RCA up to max. 4 volts)
• Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and other accessories
• Time alignment with up to 20 ms delay time per channel, plus input time alignment for accurate timing Input summation
• Freely definable signal routing with separate matrices for line, SPDIF, and HEC/AUX
• Inputs: 8 x RCA, 8 x high-level, 1 x optical SPDIF, and 1 x coaxial SPDIF
• Outputs: 10 x RCA with a maximum output voltage of 8 volts
• Easiest configuration via the intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5 software

Special Features:

TwinDSP Power

The DSP PRO MK3 houses two of Analog Devices' most powerful 64-bit audio DSPs with an extreme total processing power of 2.4 billion MAC operations per second.
The TwinDSP Power concept makes the 10 separately processable channels and the multitude of new sound features, combined with the high sampling rate of 96 kHz (from which one Audio bandwidth up to over 40 kHz is only possible with this.

ACO – Advanced 32-bit CoProcessor

The DSP PRO MK3 uses a particularly powerful, latest-generation 32-bit coprocessor. This not only handles all control tasks ultra-fast, but also the lightning-fast switching between up to ten possible sound setups.
But ACO offers much more – in addition to a channel-separated input EQ with Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the input signals from OEM radios and fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter, there is now the revolutionary TuneEQ function for automated adjustment of the output equalizers.
Another significant advantage is the coprocessor's integrated, native bootloader. This enables software upgrades for all DSP components, allowing, for example, the microcontroller-controlled ADEP.3 circuit to be adapted to future changes in factory radio diagnostic systems or to expand the device with additional interfaces.

Intelligent High-Level Input ADEP.3

Modern, factory-installed car radios are becoming increasingly intelligent in their diagnostics of connected speakers. The latest generation, in particular, is equipped with additional monitoring functions, which can lead to error messages or even malfunctions when an additional signal processor is connected. The new ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection Generation 3) prevents these problems without unnecessarily stressing the radio's speaker outputs at high levels.

Start-Stop Capability

The power supply in the HELIX DSP PRO MK3 ensures a stable internal voltage supply even during short-term drops down to 6 volts. This ensures that the signal processor remains fully functional even when the engine is started.

Power Save Mode

The Power Save Mode is activated in the basic settings of the DSP PC-Tool software. It allows the power consumption of the amplifiers connected to the signal processor to be drastically reduced if no input signal is present for more than 60 seconds. It should be noted that many vehicles today are equipped with CAN or similar internal bus systems that keep the radio switched on for up to 45 minutes, even if the user has left and locked the vehicle. As soon as the Power Save Mode is active, the remote output and thus the connected amplifiers are switched off. The HELIX DSP PRO MK3 reactivates the remote output within one second as soon as a music signal is present at one of its inputs. It is also possible to vary the power-off delay or completely deactivate the "Power Save Mode" using the DSP PC Tool software. Automatic Digital Signal Detection: Switching between the analog and one of the two digital inputs is signal-controlled. As soon as an audio signal is detected at the optical or coaxial input, the signal processor switches to that input. This function can be deactivated in the DSP PC Tool software, or alternatively, manual control via an optional remote control can be selected. Note: The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of these marks by Audiotec Fischer GmbH is under license. Other trademarks and trade names belong to 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 (such as our MTK1) is sufficient for TuneEQ to automatically and precisely adjust the equalizers to the desired reference curve. TuneEQ utilizes the full range of functions of the parametric equalizer, including the center frequency, Q factor, and gain. And because the highly complex calculations required for this take place in the background, you also save a lot of time when tuning your sound with TuneEQ.

RealCenter

The "RealCenter" function is a proprietary algorithm from Audiotec Fischer that emphasizes the monaural information of the left and right front channels to create a unique center signal. Unlike conventional methods that simply sum the channels, this system dynamically controls the center signal based on the stereo information content of the left and right channels. This means that the center channel does not reproduce a signal if only the left or only the right channel is delivering an audio signal. With conventional algorithms, the center channel would only be 6 dB quieter in this case. Audiotec Fischer's "RealCenter" thus enables a unique, wide soundstage – optimal for both driver and passenger! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as an intrusive, narrow spatial sound representation, are finally a thing of the past.

Augmented Bass Processing

Audiotec Fischer's proprietary "Augmented Bass Processing," consisting of two revolutionary sound features: "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" and "SubXpander." These have been specially developed to dramatically improve the bass response of subwoofers. "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" ingeniously combines maximum deep bass foundation and high maximum sound pressure level – regardless of the music genre or radio sound settings. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" amplifies the lower frequency range and also varies the cutoff frequency of the subsonic filter. The result is significantly more powerful, deeper bass reproduction at low and medium volumes without the risk of mechanically or electrically overloading the subwoofer at high volumes. It's simply fascinating what kind of bass performance is suddenly possible. For those who want the low frequencies to be even deeper and "blacker," the "SubXpander" can also be activated. Here, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

Technical Specifications

Scope of Delivery

1 x HELIX DSP PRO MK3 Signal Processor
1 x Control Input-to-SCP Adapter
1 x USB Data Cable
1 x Mounting Hardware
1 x User Manual