HELIX DSP ULTRA | Digital high-res 12-channel signal processor with control input

HELIX DSP ULTRA

A New Dimension Begins

The name says it all – the new HELIX DSP ULTRA is anything but a signal processor with simply more channels. It's another technological milestone that impressively demonstrates Audiotec Fischer's expertise in DSP technology.

TwinDSP Power

The only way to replace processing power is with even more processing power – and that's precisely why the DSP ULTRA is equipped with two of Analog Devices' most powerful 64-bit audio signal processors currently available. An incredible 2.4 billion MAC operations per second make the twelve separately processable channels and the multitude of new sound features possible, in combination with the high sampling rate of 96 kHz (resulting in an audio bandwidth of over 40 kHz).

ACO – Advanced 32-bit Co-Processor Platform

Rapid computing power not only in the signal path – the particularly powerful 32-bit ACO platform handles all control tasks and provides the crucial speed boost, especially in data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software, but also in lightning-fast switching between up to ten possible sound setups. But ACO offers much more – fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander, and RealCenter are implemented, as well as a channel-separated input EQ with Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the input signals from OEM radios that already include a factory-installed sound setup. Further improved audio performance: The HELIX DSP ULTRA lives up to its name not only in terms of functionality but also in sound quality. An extremely sophisticated and newly designed analog input stage ensures phenomenal sound characteristics with full Hi-Res audio bandwidth up to over 40 kHz. But that's not all – even more effort has been put into filtering out unwanted interference in the power supply of the individual stages. Furthermore, only exceptionally low-noise operational amplifiers from TI/BurrBrown's legendary "OPA series" are now used. Virtual Channel Processing – a new era of signal routing begins. Adapting to modern OEM sound systems via an increasing number of signal inputs makes increasingly complex signal routing within the processor unavoidable. Especially when multiple input signals are mixed together and then split into multi-channel 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 renowned user-friendly DSP PC-Tool software, makes it easy to map even highly complex system configurations and freely assign proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "StageEQ." Unconditional Connectivity: Easy adaptation to existing factory radios or multi-channel OE sound systems is more important than ever these days – and that's why the DSP ULTRA is not only equipped with the latest generation ADEP.3 circuit, but also features a particularly wide input sensitivity adjustment range. The enormous adjustment range of 1-8 volts (RCA) or 4-32 volts (high-level) allows for effortless adaptation to virtually any conceivable analog signal source, even with powerful OE amplifiers.

Elegant, smart and compact

As vast as the range of functions of the new HELIX DSP ULTRA is, its straightforward and timeless design remains compact – ideal for easy installation. The sum of its features makes the HELIX DSP ULTRA the perfect tool for every uncompromising, audiophile music lover with the highest demands.

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
• Virtual Channel Processing (VCP) allows for even more flexible configuration of highly complex sound systems
• ACO – Advanced 32-bit coprocessor platform for a variety of innovative system and DSP features such as:
  • ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals
  • SFX (DSP Sound Effects) – Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander, RealCenter & Co.
  • 10 internal memory locations for sound setups
• HELIX Extension Card slot (HEC) 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.3 circuitry
• Start/stop capability down to 6V supply voltage
• Ground lift switch to prevent ground loops
• Control input for connecting remote controls and other accessories
• Time alignment with up to 20 ms delay per channel, plus input time alignment for accurate summation of inputs
• 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: 12 x RCA with a maximum output voltage of 8 volts

  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 the property of their respective owners.

DSP Features

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 method also 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 supplying 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 – and is equally optimal for the driver and passenger! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as an intrusive, narrow spatial sound reproduction, are finally a thing of the past. Augmented Bass Processing Audiotec Fischer's proprietary "Augmented Bass Processing" consists of two revolutionary sound features: "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" and "SubXpander." These have been specially developed to dramatically improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers. "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" ingeniously combines maximum deep bass foundation and high maximum sound pressure – regardless of the music genre being listened to or the sound settings on the radio. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" amplifies the lower frequency range and simultaneously 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 even deeper and "blacker," the "SubXpander" can also be activated. This adds subharmonic tones to the fundamental frequencies in the 50 to 100 Hz range. StageXpander: Depending on the speaker arrangement in the vehicle, a more or less wide stereo image can be created for the front seats. If a center speaker is also installed, it can sometimes further limit the spatial imaging of the music. This is where Audiotec Fischer's new "StageXpander" comes into its own – a sound feature that seems to dissolve acoustic boundaries, thus enabling a significantly wider stereo base without negatively impacting the precision of voice or instrument localization. The effect can be adjusted to personal taste in four stages. ClarityXpander: Want more transparency and substance in the treble reproduction? Audiotec Fischer now offers just the right tool with the "ClarityXpander." When used correctly (and therefore selectable in three stages), it gives the overtones additional brilliance – particularly useful if the original speakers lack the necessary sparkle in the high frequencies. This extra treble boost is available not only for the two front channels but also separately adjustable for the center channel. And because even a tiny bit too much of the latter, especially in combination with overtone-rich music, can tire the ear, an automatic, dynamic control of the additional overtone content can even be activated here.

Technical Data

Scope of Delivery

1 x HELIX DSP ULTRA Signal Processor
1 x USB Data Cable
1 x Mounting Hardware
1 x User Manual