HELIX V Eighteen DSP | 18-Channel DSP Amplifier

HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP – Connectivity that exceeds all expectations

Whether upgrading a premium multi-channel sound system or redesigning an extensive system configuration, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is the all-in-one tool for anyone with ambitious sound system plans who simply can't get enough. This versatile device sets new standards for upgrading and implementing highly complex audio systems.

Multifunctionality and intelligent adaptation for a breathtaking sound experience

The 18-channel amplifier combines exceptional sound quality and high performance according to the Pure Class GD concept, creating an impressive musical experience even for the most demanding users. Furthermore, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP also features 18 high-level inputs with up to 32 V RMS input sensitivity, enabling 1:1 input-to-output routing. Especially when replacing existing components is an obstacle and only expansion via an amplifier is possible, the V EIGHTEEN DSP, with its extensive adaptation options, is the ideal solution. The management of the remarkable twenty (20!) separate DSP channels is handled by two extremely powerful 64-bit fixed-point audio DSPs in conjunction with our unique DSP PC tool. Our Smart Control Port (SCP) simplifies the connection of accessories and, in addition to a compact and secure connector, offers an integrated power supply for remote controls such as the CONDUCTOR or DIRECTOR. The integrated HEC slot enables system expansions such as Bluetooth® HD audio streaming, high-resolution audio streaming via USB, etc. Virtual Channel Processing – Modern Signal Routing: Adapting to modern factory sound systems, with their increasing number of signal inputs, necessitates increasingly complex signal routing within the amplifier. Especially when multiple input signals are mixed together and then split into multi-way systems, conventional routing concepts quickly reach their limits. Audiotec Fischer's multi-stage "Virtual Channel Processing," in conjunction with the award-winning DSP PC-Tool software, makes it easy to map even highly complex system configurations and to freely assign proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "Dynamic Bass Enhancement."

Rapid computing power – thanks to ACO

Of course, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is also equipped with the proprietary 32-bit ACO platform.

This 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 and RealCenter are implemented, as well as an 18-channel input EQ including Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the input signals from OEM radios that already include a factory-installed sound setup.

DSP PC-Tool 5 feat. TuneEQ – Powerful Features for Ultimate Sound Experiences

Of course, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP can be configured using our professional and exceptionally intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5. The numerous familiar 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. Perfect sound without compromise. The sound performance of the new HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is as impressive as its range of functions. The highly efficient Class GD technology and state-of-the-art AD and DA converters from BurrBrown ensure optimal sound performance, the best possible signal-to-noise ratio, and minimal distortion. Thus, despite its extremely high flexibility and very compact design, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP stands as an absolute sonic masterpiece and in no way needs to hide from the absolute top class.

Features

• 20 DSP channels for maximum flexibility in multi-channel sound upgrades
• 18-channel amplifier with Pure Class GD concept, which combines exceptional sound quality with high performance
• Heavy-duty 18-channel high-level input with up to 32 V RMS input sensitivity and ADEP.3 circuitry
• 1:1 IOR (Input-to-Output Routing) – the same number of high-level inputs and amplifier channels
• Up to 160 W RMS maximum power per channel at 2 Ω
• TwinDSP Power – two extremely powerful 64-bit fixed-point audio DSPs Resolution
• VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) allows highly complex sound systems to be configured even more flexibly
• ACO – Advanced 32-bit Co-Processor platform for system and DSP features:
  • ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals
  • SFX sound effects – Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander, RealCenter & Co.
  • 10 internal memory locations for sound setups
• Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and other accessories
• HEC slot for system expansions such as Bluetooth® HD audio streaming, high-resolution audio streaming via USB, etc.
• Optical digital input in SPDIF format and two processed signal outputs
• Start-stop capable power supply with extended input voltage range up to 18 V – ideal for modern electric vehicles
• Automatic remote switch
• Extremely compact dimensions and low heat generation thanks to very high efficiency

Special Features:

Pure Class GD amplifier technology

The Pure Class GD concept combines the advantages of Class G technology with the principle of a Class D amplifier. This results in an exceptionally high efficiency, surpassing even that of conventional Class D amplifiers. The Pure Class GD concept demonstrates its advantages at low and medium output levels by varying the internal supply voltage of the power stages depending on the amplitude of the input signal. Furthermore, the entire analog signal path in this amplifier is completely symmetrical, which benefits both total harmonic distortion and signal-to-noise ratio.

TwinDSP Power

The V EIGHTEEN DSP 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 20 separately processable channels and the multitude of new sound features possible.

ACO – Advanced 32-Bit CoProcessor

The HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP amplifier 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 significant advantage is the CoProcessor's integrated, native bootloader. This enables software upgrades for all components of the integrated DSP, 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. 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 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 amplifier is connected. 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. Power Save Mode: The Power Save Mode is enabled in the basic settings of the DSP PC-Tool software. It allows the power consumption of the V EIGHTEEN DSP (and any additional connected amplifiers) to be drastically reduced when no input signal is present for more than 60 seconds. As soon as the Power Save Mode is active, the internal amplifier stages of the V EIGHTEEN DSP and the remote output are switched off, thus significantly reducing power consumption. The amplifier returns to normal operation within 2 seconds as soon as a music signal is present at its input. The shutdown delay can be varied or completely deactivated via the DSP PC-Tool software.

Start-Stop Capability

The power supply in the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP amplifier ensures a stable internal voltage supply even during brief dips down to 6 volts. This guarantees that the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP remains fully functional even when the engine is started.

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

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 functionality of the parametric equalizer, including the center frequency, Q factor, and gain. And because the necessary, highly complex calculations run in the background, you also save a considerable amount of time when tuning your sound with TuneEQ. 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. Here, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

Technical Data

RMS Power ≤ 1% THD+N
- @ 4 Ohms	Channels 1 - 12: 70 Watts Channels 13 - 18: 75 Watts
- @ 2 Ohms	Channels 13 - 18: 120 Watts
- @ 1 Ohm	-
- bridged to 4 ohms	-
- bridged to 2 ohms	-
Max. Power per channel*	Channels 1 - 12: Up to 100 Watts RMS @ 3 Ohms Channels 13 - 18: Up to 160 Watts RMS @ 2 Ohms
Amplifier Technology	Pure Class GD
Inputs	6 x RCA 18 x High-level speaker inputs 1 x Optical SPDIF (12 - 96 kHz) 1 x Remote In
Input Sensitivity	RCA: max. 4 or 8 Volts High-level: max. 16 or 32 Volts
Input impedance RCA	12 kOhm
Input impedance High-level	9 - 33 Ohm or 20 kOhm with ADEP.3
Outputs	18 x speaker output 2 x RCA 2 x remote out
Output voltage RCA	3 volts
Frequency range	20 Hz - 22,000 Hz
DSP Resolution	64-bit
DSP Processing Power	2 x 295 MHz (2.4 billion MAC operations/second)
Sampling Rate	48 kHz
DSP Type	2 x Audio Signal Processors
Signal Converters	A/D: Burr-Brown 24-bit D/A: Burr-Brown 24-bit
Signal-to-Noise Ratio Digital Input	107 dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-noise ratio analog input	102 dB (A-weighted)
Total harmonic distortion (THD)	<0.015%
Damping factor	> 50
Operating voltage	10.5 - 18 volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 volts)
Power consumption	DC 12 V ⎓ 108 A max.
No-load current consumption	1.3 A
Max. Remote output current	500 mA
Operating temperature range	-40°C to +70°C
Fuse	3 x 30 A LP mini plug-in fuses
Additional features	HEC slot, ADEP.3 circuit, smart control port, auto remote switch, 32-bit coprocessor
Dimensions (H x W x D)	44 x 255 x 220 mm

*In typical Multi-channel applications (2-/3-way system + rear speakers + subwoofer)

Scope of delivery

1 x HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP amplifier
4 x speaker connection cables
1 x USB data cable
2 x Allen keys
1 x mounting hardware
1 x user manual