DSP processor Helix DSP Mini MK2

Name: DSP processor Helix DSP Mini MK2
Brand: Helix
Price: 400.72 EUR
Availability: InStock

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6-channel DSP processor, inputs: 4 x RCA, 4 x Hi-level, 1 x optical SPDIF, outputs: 6 x RCA
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DSP processor Helix DSP Mini MK2

The smallest signal processor from the Helix range gets a worthy successor with the DSP Mini MK2. Like its predecessor, this compact DSP represents a complete technology package. Powerful 64-bit audio DSP and BurrBrown converters combined with a 96kHz sampling rate and a high-resolution audio bandwidth of over 40kHz deliver exceptional sound quality. The MK2 is also at a top level in terms of measured values. A higher maximum output voltage of 6 Volts, significantly increased signal-to-noise ratio and reduced THD ensure perfect sound. The DSP Mini MK2 is of course based on the ACO platform with a 32-bit co-processor, which not only handles all control tasks with incredible speed, but also enables proprietary sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter and, last but not least, a channel-separated input EQ including an input signal analyzer (ISA ).

Seamless integration and maximum control even in the smallest spaces

Since the installation space for sound systems in modern vehicles is increasingly limited, connecting individual components is more complex and tests the durability of connectors and cables. DSP Mini MK2's Smart Control Port (SCP) enables multi-functional accessory connections and now even takes over their complete power supply. The solid construction with snap-in function guarantees a stable connection while helping to prevent connector and cable damage, facilitating compact, space-saving installation concepts.

Everything important available in a compact chassis

The equipment package makes it clear that the DSP Mini MK2 name refers only to dimensions, as there are absolutely no compromises in terms of functionality. Our intelligent high-level input with ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation), Auto Remote, optical input as well as a HELIX expansion card slot (HEC slot) for system accessories such as Bluetooth® HD or high-resolution audio streaming via USB is of course part of the basic functions.

Important features

Extremely powerful 64-bit "fixed point" audio DSP with 1.2 billion MAC operations per second.
High-resolution audio bandwidth of up to more than 40kHz for unrivaled sound quality.
A/D and D/A signal converters from BurrBrown.
Advanced CoProcessor (ACO) for an extended feature set.
Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) and InputEQ.
DSP sound effects (SFX) such as "Augmented Bass Processing" which dynamically optimizes the bass response of the subwoofer, "StageXpander" which greatly expands the stereo perspective, the "RealCenter" function which enables a perfectly focused soundstage for both driver and passenger and many another one.
10 internal memory slots for sound settings.
High-level intelligent input with ADEP.3 circuit and automatic power-on function.
Optical digital input in SPDIF format.
Compact, perspective Smart Control Port (SCP).
HEC slot for expanding the system with additional input/output modules 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 and power path for further improvement of sound quality.
"Ground lift" switch to prevent ground loops.
Very compact dimensions for easy integration into the vehicle.
The easiest configuration with the intuitive software DSP PC-Tool V4.

Sampling frequency 96 kHz

The Helix DSP Mini MK2 allows you to process all signals with a double sampling frequency of 96 kHz. The audio bandwidth is thus no longer limited to the usual values such as 22 kHz, but enables an extended frequency response to more than 40 kHz. Doubling the sample rate requires significantly higher DSP performance, as the number of possible arithmetic operations is halved. Only the implementation of the latest generation of DSP chips makes it possible to increase the sampling frequency to 96 kHz and at the same time add new functions.

ACO - Advanced 32-bit coprocessor

The Helix DSP Mini MK2 contains an extremely powerful 32-bit co-processor of the latest generation for all monitoring and communication tasks, both internal and external. Unlike its 8-bit generation predecessor, this MCU achieves much higher speeds with regard to switching settings and data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software. Another significant advantage is the integrated native CoProcessor loader. Enables software upgrades of all DSP components to modify the microcontroller controlled ADEP.3 circuit for example in future modifications / changes in the diagnostic system of factory radios or if the device is expanded with additional interfaces. In addition, thanks to the new flash memory, ACO offers 10 memory locations for sound settings instead of the usual two.

Intelligent high-level input ADEP.3

Modern, factory-installed car stereos include sophisticated diagnostic options for connected speakers. In particular, the latest generation of car radios are equipped with additional monitoring functions, so when connecting a signal processor, error messages and loss of specific functions (eg fader function) appear quite often - but not with the DSP Mini MK2. The new ADEP.3 (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation) circuit avoids all these problems without unnecessarily loading the OE radio's speaker outputs at high volume.

Start-Stop capability

The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 switching power supply ensures a constant internal supply voltage even if the battery voltage drops to 6 volts while the engine is cranking.

Economy mode

Energy saving mode is part of the basic settings. It allows to significantly reduce the power consumption of amplifiers that are connected to the HELIX DSP MINI MK2 when no input signal is present for more than 60 seconds. Please note that in many modern cars with "CAN" or any other internal bus structure, the radio may remain "invisible" on for up to 45 min. even after locking and leaving the car! As soon as "Power Save Mode" is active, the remote output and thus the connected amplifiers are switched off. The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 reactivates the remote output within a second if a music signal is applied. It is possible to either adjust the switch-off time to 60 sec. or completely disable the "power saving mode" using the DSP PC-Tool software.

Automatic digital signal detection

The Helix DSP Mini MK2 enables signal-controlled switching between analog inputs and digital input. As soon as an input signal is detected at the optical input, the signal processor automatically switches to this input. This function can be deactivated in the DSP PC-Tool software. Alternatively, you can use the optional remote control to manually switch between analog and digital inputs.

RealCenter

The "RealCenter" function is an algorithm developed by Audiotec Fischer that emphasizes the musical information present in both the left and right front channels to create a unique center signal. Unlike conventional procedures in which only channels are summed, the intensity of the center signal is also dynamically controlled by the stereo information content of the left and right channels. It sounds complicated, but the effect is stunning: This means that if only the left or right channels provide an audio signal, the center channel will not reproduce the signal. In the case of common algorithms, the volume level of the center channel is reduced by only 6 dB (= half the volume level). Audiotec Fischer "RealCenter" enables a unique, expanded soundstage for both driver and passenger at the same time! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as a distracting, small soundstage, are therefore a thing of the past.

Advanced bass processing

Audiotec Fischer's proprietary "Augmented Bass Processing" technology, consisting of two revolutionary sound functions "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" and "SubXpander", has been specially developed to significantly improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers. "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" ingeniously combines maximum deep bass and highest sound pressure regardless of music style or tone controls in the head unit. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" gains a lower frequency range and changes the cutoff frequency of the subsonic filter. The result is a significantly stronger and deeper bass response at low and medium volume levels without the risk of mechanical or electrical overload of the subwoofer at high volume levels. It's simply fascinating what bass performance is suddenly possible. If you want even lower and "deeper" bass reproduction, you can additionally activate "SubXpander". Therefore, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

StageXpander

Depending on the arrangement of the speakers in the vehicle, a more or less wide stereophonic soundstage can be created on the front seats. The center speaker can additionally limit the spatial reproduction of music. This is where Audiotec Fischer's new "StageXpander" comes in - a sound feature that seems to break through acoustic limitations, allowing a much wider stereo base to be created without negatively affecting the accuracy of voice or instrument localization! The effect can be adjusted according to your personal preferences in four steps.

ClarityXpander

Looking for more transparency and substance in treble reproduction? With the "ClarityXpander", Audiotec Fischer now offers the right tool. Correctly set (and therefore selectable in three steps), this function adds additional harmonics in the upper frequency range - this is especially useful if the original speakers lack some brilliance in the treble response. Extra high kick is not only available for the two front channels, but also separately adjustable for the center channel. Even better - the center channel allows you to activate automatic and dynamic control, so that music with a "bunch" of highs does not tire your ears.

Catalog number	DSP MINI MK2
Brand	Helix
Links	Official web presentation
Number of DSP processor channels	6
Inputs	4 x RCA, 4 x Hi-level, 1 x optical SPDIF
Outputs	6 x RCA
Input sensitivity	RCA: 2 - 4 V / Highlevel: 5 - 11 V
Output voltage	6 V
Frequency range	10 - 44000 Hz
Signal converter	A/D: BurrBrown, D/A: BurrBrown
Signal-to-noise ratio (digital input)	112 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (analog input)	107 dB
Harmonic Distortion (THD) (analog input)	< 0.002%
Harmonic Distortion (THD) (Digital Input)	< 0.0008%
High level inputs	Yes, 4 times
Low Level Inputs (RCA)	Yes, 4 times
Low level outputs (RCA)	Yes, 6 times
Optical input	Yes
Remote control input	Yes
Automatic switching	Yes
Integrated Bluetooth	No
Optional Bluetooth module	Yes (Helix HEC BT HD)
Hi-Res music streaming option	Yes
Other properties	HEC slot, Ground lift switch, Smart Control Port, ADEP.3 circuit
Dimensions	40 x 177 x 104 mm