DSP processor Helix DSP Pro MK3

6-channel DSP processor, inputs: 6 x RCA, 6 x Hi-level, 1x optical SPDIF, 1x coaxial SPDIF, outputs: 8 x RCA
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DSP processor Helix DSP Pro MK3

A familiar look with (r)evolution inside. The successor to the DSP PRO comes in the famous, elegant Helix design, but equipped with the latest technology. Unrivaled high-resolution audio quality thanks to twice the processing power compared to its predecessor, the ACO platform, for an expanded set of features such as VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) for easy configuration of highly complex audio systems. In addition, there are revised high-level inputs with three-step input sensitivity settings and an extended voltage range up to 32V max, as well as our extremely compact and robust Smart Control Port. One thing is for sure, with all these cutting-edge technologies, the DSP PRO MK3 belongs without a doubt in the A-list of signal processors.

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

DSP PRO MK3 is equipped with two of the most powerful 64-bit audio signal processors from Analog Devices. The incredible processing power of 2.4 billion MAC operations per second combined with a high sampling rate of 96 kHz (resulting in an audio bandwidth of over 40 kHz) and AKM Velvet Sound A/D and D/A signal converters ensure excellent sound in High Definition Quality .

ACO - Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor Platform

DSP PRO MK3 is now equipped with its own 32-bit ACO platform, which not only takes over all control tasks ultra-fast, but also handles a lot of audio functions: Fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or Real Center are now available as well as channel-separated Input EQ including an Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the input signals of OE radios that already include sound settings from the factory.

Everything you need for an optimal connection

With a wide range of inputs and outputs (8 x high level, 8 x RCA, 1 x optical, 1 x coaxial, 1 x HEC slot and 10 x line output), the DSP PRO MK3 offers everything for easy adaptation to existing factory radios or multi-channel OE sound systems . In addition, the extended voltage range allows combination with almost any analog signal source imaginable, even with high-performance OE amplifiers.

DSP PC-Tool 5 feat. TuneEQ - powerful functions for a perfect sound experience

The Helix DSP PRO MK3 can of course be easily configured with our new, professional and exceptionally intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5. The well-known numerous setting options with extensive sound processing functions leave nothing to be desired and guarantee extremely accurate sound settings even in the most difficult conditions. And thanks to the new, proprietary TuneEQ function for automatic frequency response correction, you'll also save a lot of time optimizing your sound.

Important features

TwinDSP Power - Two extremely powerful "fixed point" audio DSPs with 64Bit resolution and 2.4 billion MAC operations per second.
State-of-the-art 32-bit AD and DA signal converters from AKM.
ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform for extended feature set.
ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals.
Proprietary TuneEQ function for automatic adjustment of output equalizers.
SFX (DSP Sound Effects) – extended bass processing, RealCenter & Co.
VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) enables even more flexible configuration for highly complex audio systems.
HEC slot for system accessories such as Bluetooth® HD Audio Streaming, High Resolution Audio Streaming via USB, etc.
Intelligent 8-channel high-level input with ADEP circuit.3.
Start-Stop option up to 6V supply voltage.
"Ground lift" switch to prevent ground loops.
Separate channels, three-level input sensitivity adjustment (high level up to max. 32 V, RCA / Cinch up to max. 4 V).
Compact, perspective SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and accessories.
Time equalization with a delay of up to 20 ms per channel, plus reverse time equalization for summing the inputs in phase.
Freely definable signal routing with separate matrices for line, SPDIF and HEC/AUX.
Inputs: 8 x RCA/Cinch, 8 x Highlevel, 1 x optical SPDIF and 1 x coaxial SPDIF.
Outputs: 10 x RCA/Cinch with max. output voltage 8V.
Easiest configuration with the intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5 software.

TwinDSP performance

The Helix DSP PRO MK3 features two of Analog Devices' most powerful 64-bit audio signal processors with an outstanding total processing power of 2.4 billion MAC operations per second. The TwinDSP Power concept enables twelve independently processed channels and numerous new audio features combined with an extended sampling rate of 96kHz (resulting in an audio bandwidth of more than 40kHz).

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.

TuneEQ

TuneEQ is an extremely flexible and particularly easy-to-use automatic frequency response correction function. A single measurement per audio channel or channel pair with a suitable measurement microphone (eg our MTK1) is enough for TuneEQ to independently and accurately adjust the EQs to the desired reference curve. TuneEQ uses a full set of parametric equalizer functions including center frequency, Q-factor and gain settings. And since the very complex arithmetic operations required for this run in the background, you'll also save a lot of time optimizing your audio with TuneEQ.

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.