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.

V Series – The Multitool Of High Resolution Audio
Unlike the vehicles of yesteryear modern ones often feature complex audio systems with channels aplenty. These channels are often monitored closely by the vehicles computer system, and many are heavily processed. Ergo when it comes to upgrading your system with serious high-end components you cannot just plonk any old device in there. You’re going to need an amplifier with plenty of channels, plenty of processing and given the amount of free space there isn’t in new vehicles; it’ll want to be compact too. Welcome to Helix’s V series units.

Design Ideologies
The V EIGHTEEN DSP represents connectivity beyond expectations. Whether it’s an upgrade for a multichannel premium sound system or even the design of an entirely new, extensive audio configuration; the V EIGHTEEN DSP is the all-in-one tool for anyone with insatiable audio system ambitions. This all-purpose miracle sets new standards for the enhancement and implementation of highly complex audio setups.

Multifunction Rethought
Multi-functionality and intelligent adaptation for a breathtaking audio experience is the primary goal for the V EIGHTEEN DSP. Following the pure class GD concept, this eighteen channel amplifier combines exceptional sound quality and high performance, delivering an impressive musical experience even for the most discerning audiophiles. Moreover the V EIGHTEEN DSP features an equal number of 18 high-level inputs with up to 32 V RMS input sensitivity, enabling an 1:1 input-to-output routing. Especially when the exchange of existing components poses an obstacle and only the expansion through another amplifier is possible, the V EIGHTEEN DSP with its extensive adaptation capabilities is the ideal problem solver. The management of the remarkable twenty separate DSP channels is handled by two extremely powerful fixed point audio DSPs with 64 Bit resolution, in conjunction with Helix’s unique DSP PC-Tool.

The smart control port (SCP) simplifies accessory connection, providing a compact and secure plug connection along with integrated power for remote controls such as the CONDUCTOR or DIRECTOR. The integrated HEC slot allows system expansions like Bluetooth® high-definition audio streaming, high-resolution audio streaming via USB and more.

Pure Class GD Amplifier Technology
Audiotec Fischer’s proprietary Pure Class GD concept takes the efficiency of conventional class D switching to the next level. By varying the internal supply voltage depending on the amplifier’s input signals; idle losses are significantly reduced and overall efficiency is close to maximum at any time.
As a result, heat dissipation is almost negligible thus allowing smallest heat sinks and most compact form factors. Pure Class GD amplifiers outperform conventional class D designs in terms of sound quality, by implementing a fully differential signal path and improved output filter design.

Advanced 32-Bit CoProcessor
The V EIGHTEEN DSP incorporates an extraordinary powerful latest generation 32-bit CoProcessor for all monitoring and communication tasks, both internally and externally. Evolved significantly from the previous 8-bit generation, this MCU achieves way higher speeds with respect to setup switching and data communication with the PC-Tool software. Another significant advantage is the integrated, native boot loader of the CoProcessor. It allows software upgrades of all components of the integrated DSP and the microcontroller controlled ADEP.3 circuit. Basically, as cars’ OEM abilities expand the ADEP.3 can expand with them. Lastly, thanks to the new flash memory; the ACO offers 10 memory locations for sound setups instead of the common 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 unit 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 V EIGHTEEN DSP 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.

Virtual Channel Processing
The adaptation to modern OEM sound systems via an increasing number of inputs has a significant impact on the complexity of the signal routing inside the amplifier. Especially when several input signals are mixed together and then split again into multi-way systems. Conventional routing concepts quickly reach their limits. Audiotec Fischer’s new multi-stage Virtual Channel Processing, in conjunction with the user-friendly PC-Tool software; makes it easy to implement even highly complex system configurations. It allows you to freely assign Helix’s proprietary SFX sound features such as RealCenter and augmented bass processing. Thanks to its enormous number of channels the V EIGHTEEN DSP is also a brilliant solution for applications in which a 1-to-1 routing (IOR) is required.

Rapid Processing Power
Such a huge number of channels not only requires a rapid processing power in the signal path. To that end Audiotec Fischer’s proprietary 32-bit ACO platform takes over all control tasks and thus ensures exceptional speed especially for data communication with the PC-Tool software. It also allows for lightning-fast switching between up to ten possible sound setups. The fantastic sound effects associated with the ACO platform included things like augmented bass processing, StageXpander and RealCenter. And the unit also includes Helix’s input signal analyser (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of the processed input signals from OEM radios.

Perfect Sound Without Compromises
The sound performance of the V EIGHTEEN DSP is as impressive as its range of features. The highly efficient Class GD technology and excellent A/D and D/A converters from BurrBrown ensure optimal sound performance, best possible signal-to-noise ratio and lowest distortion. Thus despite its extremely high flexibility and super compact design, the V EIGHTEEN DSP is an sound masterpiece that does not need to hide.

Design Features
Now we’ve cover some of the functionality in detail let’s just have a quick recap before we move into some of the ancillary abilities:
– 20 DSP channels for maximum flexibility with multi-channel sound upgrades.
– 18 channel amplifier with pure class GD switching, which combines exceptional sound quality with high performance.
– Up to 160 watts continuous output power per channel into 2 ohms.
– Extremely powerful 64-bit fixed point audio DSP.
– A/D and D/A signal converters from BurrBrown.
– Advanced 32-bit CoProcessor platform for system and DSP features like input signal analyzer (ISA), InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals and SFX sound effects like augmented bass processing, StageXpander and RealCenter.
– 10 internal memory locations for sound setups.
– High power 18 channel high-level inputs with up to 32 Volts input sensitivity and ADEP.3 circuit.
– Two processed RCA / Cinch outputs.
– 1:1 Input to output routing (IOR). The same number of high-level inputs and amplifier outputs.
– Virtual Channel Processing allows even more flexible configuration for highly complex sound systems.
– Smart control port for connecting remote controls and accessories.
– HEC slot for system add-ons like Bluetooth® high definition audio streaming, high resolution audio streaming via USB etc.
– Automatic remote switch.
– Start-stop capability down to 6 Volt supply voltage.
– Compact design with low heat dissipation thanks to extraordinary efficiency.

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.

Electrical Specifications
– Nominal configuration: eighteen channel class D amplifier with twenty channel processor
– Continuous power @ 4 Ohms: 18 x 75 Watts
– Continuous power @ 2 Ohms: 18 x 120 Watts
– Frequency response: 20 Hz – 22000 Hz
– Total harmonic distortion: 0.015 %
– Damping factor: 70
– Signal-to-noise ratio: 102 dB

Physical Specifications
– Length: 255 mm
– Width: 220 mm
– Height: 44 mm
– Weight: 6.1 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.