HELIX DSP.3S | 8-channel stand alone DSP

DSP Standard Redefined

The HELIX DSP.3S is our new definition of the standard for digital signal processors.
Continuously developed, this 8-channel DSP features numerous detailed improvements. In addition to the standard optical digital input, a new coaxial digital input provides ideal conditions for connecting high-resolution signal sources with up to 192 kHz sampling rate.

State-of-the-art technology for the ultimate high-resolution audio experience

The latest generation Sigma350 64-bit audio DSP and end-to-end native signal processing with a 96 kHz sampling rate, along with Burr-Brown AD and DA converters, ensure impressive sound quality. This makes the DSP.3S perfectly equipped for processing high-resolution audio signals with an audio bandwidth of over 40 kHz.

ACO – Advanced 32-bit Co-Processor Platform

Naturally, the DSP.3S is equipped with the proprietary 32-bit ACO platform. This not only handles all control tasks ultra-fast, but also enables 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 factory-installed radios. Practical features for optimal connectivity: The well-designed features of the DSP.3S offer everything needed for easy connection to factory radios or multi-channel factory sound systems. In addition to the intelligent high-level input with ADEP.3 circuitry, the standard features include an optical and now also a coaxial digital input, an auto remote switch, and the HEC slot for system expansions such as Bluetooth® HD Audio Streaming, etc. But that's not all – the new Smart Control Port (SCP) was also incorporated into the DSP.3S during the redesign. This allows for the multifunctional connection of accessory products and now even takes over their complete power supply. The robust construction and the locking mechanism guarantee a stable connection, prevent cable and connector damage, and thus facilitate space-saving installation concepts.

Focus on the essentials

Typical of HELIX, clear and very compact – in terms of design, the DSP.3S offers ideal prerequisites for quick and easy integration.

DSP PC-Tool – Fine-tuning for the highest demands

Without a doubt, the HELIX DSP.3S can be configured with the usual ease using our professional and at the same time very user-friendly DSP PC-Tool software. The numerous adjustment options leave nothing to be desired and thus guarantee extremely precise sound adjustment even with complex system configurations.

Features

• Extremely powerful "Fixed Point" audio DSP with 64-bit resolution and 1.2 billion MAC operations per second
• High-resolution audio bandwidth up to over 40 kHz for unsurpassed sound quality
• AD and DA signal converters from BurrBrown
• Advanced CoProcessor (ACO) for extended functionality
  • Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) and InputEQ
  • DSP sound effects (SFX) such as "Augmented Bass Processing" for dynamic optimization of the subwoofer's low-frequency reproduction, the "StageXpander" for widening the stereo perspective, and the "RealCenter" function, which provides an equally immersive sound experience for both driver and front passenger. Perfectly focused soundstage imaging and much more
  • 10 internal memory locations for sound setups
• Intelligent high-level input with ADEP.3 circuitry and automatic turn-on
• Optical (max. 96 kHz) and coaxial (max. 192 kHz) digital input in SPDIF format
• Compact, future-proof Smart Control Port (SCP)
• HELIX Extension Card slot (HEC slot) for system expansions such as Bluetooth® audio streaming, high-resolution audio streaming via USB, etc.
• Freely definable signal routing with separate matrices for line, SPDIF, and HEC/AUX
• Optimal signal path and power supply for excellent sound quality
• Ground lift switch to prevent ground loops
• Compact dimensions for easy installation Integration
• Easiest configuration via the intuitive DSP PC-Tool V4 software

Special Features:

96 kHz Sampling Rate

The HELIX DSP.3S offers signal processing with a double sampling rate of 96 kHz. This means the audio bandwidth is not limited to the usual 22 kHz, but allows for an extended frequency response up to over 40 kHz. However, the higher sampling rate places significantly higher demands on the DSP itself, as the number of possible calculations is halved when the sampling rate is doubled. Only the use of the very latest generation of chips makes it possible to increase the sampling rate to 96 kHz despite the increased functionality.

ACO – Advanced 32-Bit CoProcessor

The HELIX DSP.3S uses a particularly powerful, latest-generation 32-bit coprocessor for all internal and external control and communication tasks. In contrast to the previously used 8-bit processor, this results in significant speed advantages, not only when switching between different sound setups but especially in data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software. Another key advantage is the integrated, native bootloader of the CoProcessor. This enables software upgrades for all DSP components, allowing, for example, the microcontroller-controlled ADEP.3 circuit to be adapted to future changes in the diagnostic systems of factory radios or the device to be expanded with additional interfaces. Furthermore, thanks to the new flash memory, the ACO offers space for 10 sound setups instead of the usual two.

Intelligent High-Level Input ADEP.3

Modern, factory-installed car radios are becoming increasingly intelligent in terms of diagnosing the connected speakers. The latest generation, in particular, is equipped with additional monitoring functions, so connecting an additional signal processor can lead to error messages or even malfunctions. The new ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection Generation 3) prevents these problems without unnecessarily straining the radio's speaker outputs at high levels. Start-Stop Capability: The power supply in the HELIX DSP.3S ensures a stable internal voltage supply even during brief voltage drops down to 6 volts. This guarantees that the HELIX DSP.3S 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 when 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 "invisibly" 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.3S 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 switch-off delay or to completely deactivate the "Power Save Mode" using the DSP PC-Tool software. Automatic Digital Signal Detection: The HELIX DSP.3S allows signal-controlled switching between the analog and digital inputs. As soon as an audio signal is detected at the optical or coaxial input, the signal processor switches to this input. In the DSP PC-Tool software, this function can be activated, 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 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 touch too much of the latter, especially in combination with music rich in overtones, 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 Signal Processor DSP.3S
1 x Control Input-to-SCP Adapter
1 x USB Cable
1 x Mounting Hardware
1 x User Manual