- Description
- Features
- Specifications
- Additional Information
- Review
Helix – Ubiquitous Reference Standard Car Audio
Since its conception in 1990 Audiotec Fischer has evolved from a niche supplier to an internationally recognised leader in innovative audio products. A DIN ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified company, it now delivers its award-winning brands Brax, Helix and Match to more than fifty countries worldwide. To Audiotec Fischer the label "Made in Germany" has always been more than just a designation of origin; it's a promise of quality that everyone at the Schmallenberg site remains committed to. Audiotec Fischer has more than thirty years of experience in the development and manufacture of high-end car and home audio products. From the initial brief through to the finished product; all components are assembled in-house with the sole aim of reproducing acoustic signals as authentically as possible whilst optimizing the sound experience ever further.
Helix Processors – The Passion For Perfected Sound
It’s not the components, it’s the environment. Fundamental car audio components are often unfairly blamed for poor aural performance, despite the blame laying elsewhere. See whether you have OEM or enormously expensive speakers your windscreen still reflects, your right leg still absorbs the midrange and you’re still sitting to one side with a whole instrument cluster before you. It’s for this reason that all vehicles require a sound processor. These devices can rectify all negative cabin phenomenon and make even the most rudimentary components sound amazing. However a questionable quality processor is conducive to headaches aplenty, that’s why you need a Helix device. Helix processors are renown around the globe for being the best processors in history. Trickling technology down through its various processors means even its entry level processor far outperforms all other comers. Whether you’re planning a budget system or one only the Royal Family could afford; Helix has you well covered when it comes to processing it to perfection.
Design Ideologies
This is the next generation of the miniature DSP! The smallest Helix signal processor has now been evolved into the superb DSP MINI MK2. Like its ancestor this compact processor is a real technology powerhouse. A powerful 64-bit audio DSP and BurrBrown converters, combined with 96 kHz sampling rate and high resolution; offer an audio bandwidth up to over 40000 Hz and provide exceptional sound quality. The MK2 is also at the top level in terms of measured values. A higher maximum output voltage of 6 Volts, a significantly increased signal-to-noise ratio and reduced THD ensure the perfect sound.
The DSP MINI MK2 is based on the ACO platform with 32-bit CoProcessor, which not only handles all control tasks with incredible speed but also enables proprietary sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing and RealCenter. Lastly a channel separated input EQ includes Helix’s Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) functionality.
Design Features
The Helix engineering department is at the forefront of research pertaining to every aspect of digital sound processing. It’s developed proprietary analysis systems and invested heavily in state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing. The resulting range of products has become widely considered as reference standard, as this ingenious company continues to push the technology envelope further. Let’s take a closer look at some of this tech.
Seamless Integration In The Smallest Spaces
With the installation space for sound systems in modern vehicles becoming increasingly limited, the connection of individual components is not only getting more complicated but also putting the durability of plugs and cables to the test. The Smart Control Port of the DSP MINI MK2 allows the multifunctional connection of accessory products, it also handles their complete power supply. The solid design with snap-in function guarantees a stable connection while helping to prevent plug and cable damage.
All On The Board
The impressive abilities make it quickly clear than the MINI in the name refers only to physical dimensions, for there’s absolutely no compromises in terms of functionality. Helix’s intelligent high-level input with ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation), auto remote switching, an optical input as well as the Helix extension card slot (HEC slot) for system add-ons like Bluetooth® HD or high resolution audio streaming via USB are just part of the basic feature list.
96 kHz Sampling Rate
The DSP.3S handled all signals with the doubled sampling rate of 96 kHz. Thus the audio bandwidth is no longer limited to usual values like 22 kHz but allows an extended frequency response to more than 40000 Hz. Doubling the sampling rate requires significantly higher DSP power as the number of possible arithmetic operations is halved. Only the implementation of the latest DSP chip generation allows raising the sampling rate to 96 kHz and adding new features at the same time.
Advanced 32-Bit CoProcessor Platform
The DSP MINI MK2 incorporates an extraordinary powerful, latest generation 32-bit CoProcessor for all monitoring and communication tasks both internally and externally. A vast improvement over the 8-bit predecessor, this MCU achieves way higher speeds with respect to setup switching and data communication with the PC-Tool software. A further significant advantage is the integrated, native boot loader of the CoProcessor. It allows software upgrades of all components of the DSP, such as adjusting the microcontroller controlled ADEP.3 circuit for future modifications and updates to the system that interfaces with the diagnostic system of factory radios. Thanks to the new flash memory the ACO now offers ten memory locations for sound setups instead of the usual two.
Smart High-Level Input ADEP.3
Modern factory installed audio systems incorporate sophisticated abilities that diagnose all connected speakers. Latest generations of cars are equipped with additional monitoring functions so that failure messages and loss of specific features such as parking sensor and lane departure warnings often appear if a signal processor is plumbed in. Not with this processor though. The new ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation) avoids all these problems without loading the speaker outputs of the OEM radio during high volumes unnecessarily.
Start-Stop Capability
The switched power supply of the DSP ULTRA assures a constant internal supply voltage even if the battery’s voltage drops to six volts during engine cranking.
Power Save Mode
The Power Save Mode is also incorporated. It allows to significantly reduce the power consumption of the amplifiers that are connected to the processor once there’s no input signal present for more than sixty seconds. Many newer cars utilising digital networks and other internal bus structures may remains invisibly turned on for up to 45 minutes after you’ve locked the car! Once the power save mode is active the remote output and therefore the connected amplifiers will be turned off. The processor then reactivates the remote output within a second if a music signal is applied. It is possible to either modify the turn-off time or completely deactivate the function via PC-Tool software.
Automatic Signal Detection
Switching from analogue input to one of the digital inputs is done automatically as soon as a signal is detected on the optical or coaxial input. This feature can be deactivated in the DSP PC-Tool software. Alternatively you can use an optional remote control for manual switching between sources.
As If That Wasn’t Enough
Now we’ve cover some of the abilities in detail let’s just have a quick recap before we move into some of the software abilities.
– Extremely powerful “fixed point” Audio DSP with 64-bit resolution and 1.2 billion MAC operations per second.
– High resolution audio bandwidth up to more than 40000 Hz for unrivalled sound quality.
– A/D and D/A signal converters from BurrBrown.
– Advanced CoProcessor (ACO) for extended feature suite.
– Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) and InputEQ.
– DSP Sound Effects (SFX) such as the Augmented Bass Processing which dynamically optimizes the bass response of the subwoofer, the StageXpander that significantly widens the stereo perspective and the RealCenter function which allows a perfectly focussed sound staging for both driver and co-driver and much more.
– 10 internal memory locations for sound setups.
– Smart high-level input with ADEP.3 circuit and auto turn-on function.
– Optical digital input in SPDIF format.
– Compact, future-proof Smart Control Port (SCP).
– Helix extension card slot for system expansions. Additional input / output modules like Bluetooth® audio streaming, high resolution audio streaming via USB etc.
– Freely definable signal routing with separate matrices for SPDIF and HEC / AUX.
– Optimal signal path and power supply for further improved sound quality.
– Ground lift switch to avoid ground loops.
– Very compact dimensions for easy integration into any vehicle.
– Easy configuration via the intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5 software.
DSP Features Explained
All Helix digital sound processors posse and extraordinary amount of technology. With said technology comes terms and acronyms aplenty. We’ll explain some of them below thenceforth.
RealCenter
The RealCenter feature is an algorithm developed by Audiotec Fischer that emphasizes the music information which is present in both the left and right front channel to create an unique centre signal. In contrast to common procedures, in which only the channels are summed up; the intensity of the centre signal is also dynamically controlled by the stereophonic informational content of the left and right channel.
Sounds complicated but this effect is astonishing: That means if solely the left or right channel delivers an audio signal, the centre channel will not reproduce a signal. In the case of common algorithms the volume level of the centre channel is only reduced by 6 dB. Audiotec Fischer’s RealCenter allows a unique, broadened sound staging for both driver and co-driver at the same time! Therefore, the disadvantages of a conventional center channel such as an intrusive, small sound stage, are things of the past.
Augmented Bass Processing
Audiotec Fischer’s proprietary augmented bass processing consists of the two revolutionary sound features called Dynamic Bass Enhancement and SubXpander. These have been especially developed to dramatically improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers. The dynamic bass enhancement ingeniously combines maximum deep bass and highest sound pressure regardless of the music style or the tone controls in the head unit. Depending on the input signal, the dynamic bass enhancement gains the lower frequency range and varies the cut-off frequency of the subsonic filter. The result is a significantly more powerful and deeper bass response at low and medium volume levels without the risk of overloading the subwoofer neither mechanically nor electrically at high volume levels. It is simply fascinating how much subbass performance is suddenly possible.
If you want an even lower and darker bass reproduction, the SubXpander can be additionally activated. In doing this, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.
StageXpander
Regardless of the speaker arrangement in the vehicle a wide stereo sound stage can be created on the front seats. A center speaker often will limit the spatial reproduction of the music additionally. This is where Audiotec Fischer’s new StageXpander comes into play. It’s a sound feature which seems to break the acoustic limitations and thus allows to create a way broader stereo base without negatively affecting the precision of the localization of voices or instruments! The effect can be adjusted according to your personal preferences.
ClarityXpander
If you’re looking for more transparency and substance in the treble reproduction, then the ClarityXpander tool is what you need. Properly adjusted the feature adds additional harmonics in the upper frequency range; this is especially useful if the original speakers lack brilliance in the treble response. The extra treble is not only available for the two front channels but also separately adjustable for the centre channel. Even better, the centre channel allows to activate an automatic and dynamic control so that music with loads of treble doesn’t fatigue your hearing.
Electrical Specifications
– Nominal configuration: six channel digital sound processor
– Frequency response: 10 Hz – 44000 Hz
– Total harmonic distortion: 0.002 %
– Signal-to-noise ratio: 107 dB
Physical Specifications
– Length: 177 mm
– Width: 104 mm
– Height: 40 mm
– Weight: 0.7 kg
Documentation
– Software download
– User manual
Important disclaimers
Given the dynamic nature of electronics industries these days; below are listed some very important specifics you need to be aware of.
Brand authorization and stock sourcing
We are a fully authorised Australian dealer of this brand and all stock is sourced through legitimate channels. It therefore enjoys full Australian warranty, backing and support.
Pricing structure
Whilst we endeavor to offer the best price possible, we ask that if you do find a better price elsewhere from an authorised dealer; please contact us. Also be aware that we regularly conduct group buys and sales, therefore pricing can sometimes be subject to change without notice.
Stock structure
Being a dynamic store is conducive to our inventory constantly changing. We list only a small portion of our stable online, usually products most popular. Aside from these we also stock numerous other variants and configurations of these products, hence if you don’t see what you’re after please contact us.
Shipping
All our products are shipped with registered and insured postage. Upon ordering you’ll be issued with a receipt, a consignment note via which you can track your order, and we’ll also SMS you photos of the package for identification purposes.
Technical support
This last one we cannot emphasise enough! Please contact us if you require any further information or assistance with the setup and use of this product, especially pertaining to aspects more technical. As we want you to get the very best from this product.
Helix DSP MINI MK2 - Car Audio Digital Sound Processor.
$849.00
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