Helix DSP ULTRA S - 12 channel

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 all 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 as well as new, particularly high-quality operational amplifiers from the legendary TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" with SoundPlus™ Technology, which guarantee the highest sound quality. With the completely redesigned 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 - and that 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. An incredible 2.4 billion MAC operations per second make the immense number of internal channels in combination with the highest quality sound processing possible in the first place: eight separately processable input channels, eight processable virtual channels and twelve processable output channels are already available for optimum configuration, enabling the most extensive setting options and numerous sound features. And 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 computing power 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 that already contain a sound setup ex works.

Virtual Channel Processing - modern signal routing
The adaptation to modern factory sound systems makes increasingly complex signal routing in the processor unavoidable due to an increasing number of signal inputs. Especially when several input signals are mixed together and then broken down again 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, enables even highly complex system configurations to be easily mapped and proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" to be freely assigned.

Connectivity at the highest level
The HELIX DSP ULTRA S is highly configurable, especially thanks to the HEC slot, 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 (RCA) or 4 - 32 volts (high level) enables problem-free adaptation to almost any conceivable analog signal source, even with powerful OE amplifiers.

Elegant, smart and compact
As powerful as the new HELIX DSP ULTRA S's range of functions is, its straightforward and timeless design remains as compact as ever - ideal for easy installation. The sum of its features makes the HELIX DSP ULTRA S 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 enable extensive sound adjustment of all processed channels:
- Eight input channels
- Eight virtual channels
- Twelve output channels
✓ Innovative audio signal path for minimized distortion and highest sound quality
✓ AKM Velvet Sound™ 32 bit AD and DAsignal converter
✓ Highest quality operational amplifiers of the TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" with SoundPlus TM Technology
✓ Optimized design of the analog inputs for particularly high noise immunity
Intelligent 8-channel high-level input with ADEP.3-Circuit
✓ ACO - Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform for a variety of new system and DSP features such as:
✓ 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 input, virtual and output equalizers
✓ SFX sound effects - Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter & Co.
✓ Virtual Channel Processing (VCP) enables highly complex sound systems to be configured even more flexibly
✓ HEC slot for system extensions such as 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
✓ Stepless adjustment of the input sensitivity (high level up to max. 32 volts, RCA up to max. 8 volts)
✓ Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and other accessories
✓ Delay time correction with up to 20 ms delay time per channel, additional input delay time correction for correctly timed summing of the inputs
✓ Freely definable signal routing with separate matrices for Line, SPDIF and HEC/AUX
✓ Inputs: 8 x RCA, 8 x Highlevel, 1 x Optical SPDIF and 1 x Coaxial SPDIF
✓ Outputs: 12 x RCA with a maximum output voltage of 8 volts
✓ Easy 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 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 adjust the equalizers independently and precisely to the desired reference curve. TuneEQ uses the entire range of functions of the parametric equalizer, including the mid frequency, the Q factor and the gain. And because the highly complex computing operations required for this run in the background, you also save a lot of time when tuning the 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. In contrast to conventional methods, where only the channels are summed up, the center signal is also dynamically controlled by the stereophonic information content of the left and right channels. This means that the center channel does not play back a signal if only the left or only the right channel delivers an audio signal. With conventional algorithms, the center channel would only be 6 dB quieter in this case. Audiotec Fischer's "RealCenter" therefore enables a unique, wide-ranging soundstage - and this is optimal for both driver and front passenger! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as an intrusive, narrow spatial sound presentation, 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 low bass foundation and high maximum sound pressure - regardless of the type of music you are listening to or the sound settings on the radio. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" boosts the lower frequency range on the one hand and varies the cut-off frequency of the subsonic filter on the other. The result is a much more powerful, deeper bass reproduction at low and medium volumes without running the risk of mechanically or electrically overloading the subwoofer at high volumes. The bass performance that is suddenly possible is simply fascinating.

If you want the bass range to be a little deeper and "blacker", you can also activate the "SubXpander". This adds subharmonic tones to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

Technical data

Inputs	8 x cinch 8 x high-level speaker input 1 x optical SPDIF format (12 - 96 kHz) 1 x Coaxial SPDIF format (12 - 192 kHz) 1 x Remote In
Input- Sensitivity	RCA 1 - 8 volts High level 4 - 32 volts
Outputs	12 x RCA 1 x Remote Out
Output voltage	8 Volt
Frequency range	10 Hz - 44.000 Hz
DSP resolution	64 bit
DSP processing power	2 x 295 MHz (2.4 billion MAC operations/second)
Sampling rate	96 kHz
DSP type	2 x audio signal processor
Signal converter	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)
Distortion factor (THD+N) digital input	< 0,0004 %
Distortion factor (THD+N) analog input	< 0,0008 %
Intermodulation distortion Digital input	< 0,0015 %
Intermodulation distortion Analog input	< 0,003 %
Crosstalk	> 90 dB
Operating voltage	9.6 - 17 volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 volts)
Power consumption	DC 12 V ⎓ 1.1 A max.
Current consumption	550 mA
Max. Remote- output current	500 mA
Ambient temperature range for operation	-40°C to +70°C
Additional features	HEC slot, ground 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

✓ Scope of delivery

1 x DSP ULTRA S signal processor

1 x USB cable

1 x Mounting material

1 x operating instructions

Operating instructions
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DSP Tool Center
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Shipping countries:
✓ Germany
✓ Austria
✓ France