The next generation of the miniature DSP
The smallest HELIX signal processor gets a worthy successor with the DSP MINI MK2. Like its ancestor, this compact DSP is a real technology package. A powerful 64 Bit audio DSP and BurrBrown converters combined with 96 kHz sampling rate and high resolution audio bandwidth up to over 40 kHz 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, significantly increased signal-to-noise ratio and reduced THD ensure the perfect sound.
Of course, 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 or RealCenter and, last but not least, a channel-separated Input EQ including Input Signal Analyzer (ISA).
Seamless integration and maximum control even in the smallest spaces
As the installation space for sound systems in modern vehicles is becoming increasingly limited, the connection of individual components is getting more complicated and puts the durability of plugs and cables to the test. The Smart Control Port (SCP) of the DSP MINI MK2 allows the multifunctional connection of accessory products and now even takes over their complete power supply. The solid design with snap-in function guarantees a stable connection while helping to prevent plug and cable damage and thus facilitates compact, space-saving installation concepts.
All on board
The equipment package makes it clear that the name of the DSP MINI MK2 only refers to the dimensions as there are absolutely no compromises in terms of functionality. Our intelligent highlevel input with ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation), the Auto Remote switch, 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, of course, part of the basic features.
Features
Extremely powerful 64 Bit “fixed point” Audio DSP with 1.2 billion MAC operations per second
High Resolution audio bandwidth up to more than 40 kHz for unrivalled sound quality
A/D and D/A signal converters from BurrBrown
Advanced CoProcessor (ACO) for extended feature set
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, 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 highlevel input with ADEP.3 circuit and Auto Turn-On function
Optical digital input in SPDIF format
Compact, future-proof Smart Control Port (SCP)
HEC slot for system expansions for additional input / output modules like 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 path and power supply for further improved sound quality
“Ground lift” switch to avoid ground loops
Very compact dimensions for easy integration into the vehicle
Easiest configuration via the intuitive DSP PC-Tool V4 software
Special features:
96 kHz sampling rate
The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 allows to handle 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 40 kHz. 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.
ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor
The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 incorporates an extraordinary powerful 32 Bit CoProcessor of the latest generation for all monitoring and communication tasks, both internally and externally. In opposite to the 8 Bit predecessor generation this MCU achieves way higher speeds with respect to setup switching and data communication with our DSP 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 in order to adjust the microcontroller-controlled ADEP.3 circuit for example at future modifications / changes in the diagnostic system of factory radios or if the device will be extended with additional interfaces. In addition, thanks to the new flash memory, the ACO offers 10 memory locations for sound setups instead of the common two.
Smart highlevel input ADEP.3
Modern, factory-installed car radios incorporate sophisticated possibilities of diagnosing the connected speakers. In particular the latest generation of car radios are equipped with additional monitoring functions so that failure messages and loss of specific features (e.g. fader function) quite often appear if a signal processor will be hooked up – but not with the DSP MINI MK2.
The new ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection, 3rd Generation) avoids all these problems without loading the speaker outputs of the OE radio during high volumes unnecessarily.
Start-Stop capability
The switched power supply of the HELIX DSP MINI MK2 assures a constant internal supply voltage even if the battery’s voltage drops to 6 Volts during engine crank.
Power Save Mode
The Power Save Mode is incorporated in the basic setup. It allows to significantly reduce the power consumption of the amplifiers that are connected to the HELIX DSP MINI MK2 once there’s no input signal present for more than 60 seconds. Please note that in many up-to-date cars with “CAN” or any other internal
bus structures it may happen that the radio remains “invisibly” turned on for up to 45 min. even after locking and leaving the car! Once the “Power Save Mode“ is active the remote output and therefore the connected amplifiers will be turned off. The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 will reactivate the remote output within a second if a music signal is applied. It is possible to either modify the turn-off time of 60 sec. or completely deactivate the “Power Save Mode” via the DSP PC-Tool software.
Automatic Digital Signal Detection
The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 allows signal-controlled switching between the analog inputs and the digital input. As soon as an input signal is detected on the Optical Input, the signal processor automatically switches to this input. This feature can be deactivated in the DSP PC-Tool software. Alternatively you can use an optional remote control for manual switching between analog and digital inputs.
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 are those of their respective owners.
DSP features
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 center signal. In contrast to common procedures, in which only the channels are summed up, the intensity of the center 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 center channel will not reproduce a signal. In the case of common algorithms, the volume level of the center channel is only reduced by 6 dB (= half volume level). 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”, consisting of the two revolutionary sound features “Dynamic Bass Enhancement” and “SubXpander”, has 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 which bass performance is suddenly possible.
If you want an even lower and “darker” bass reproduction, the “SubXpander” can be additionally activated. Therefore, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.
StageXpander
Depending on the speaker arrangement in the vehicle, a more or less wide stereo sound stage can be created on the front seats. A center speaker may limit the spatial reproduction of the music additionally. This is where Audiotec Fischer’s new “StageXpander” comes into play – 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 in four steps.
ClarityXpander
You are looking for more transparency and substance in the treble reproduction? With the “ClarityXpander” Audiotec Fischer is now offering the right tool. Properly adjusted (and therefore selectable in three steps) the feature adds additional harmonics in the upper frequency range – this is especially useful if the original speakers lack some brilliance in the treble response. The extra treble-kick is not only available for the two front channels but also separately adjustable for the center channel. Even better – the center channel allows to activate an automatic and dynamic control so that music with “loads” of treble doesn’t fatigue your hearing.
Technical data
Inputs 4 x RCA / Cinch
4 x Highlevel speaker input
1 x Optical SPDIF (12 - 96 kHz)
1 x Remote In
Input sensitivity RCA / Cinch 2 - 4 Volts
Highlevel 5 - 11 Volts
Outputs 6 x RCA / Cinch
1 x Remote Out
Output voltage 6 Volts
Frequency response 10 Hz - 44,000 Hz
DSP resolution 64 Bit
DSP power 295 MHz (1.2 billion MAC operations/second)
Sampling rate 96 kHz
DSP type Audio signal processor
Signal converters A/D: BurrBrown
D/A: BurrBrown
Signal-to-noise ratio digital input 112 dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-noise ratio analog input 107 dB (A-weighted)
Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) digital input < 0.0008 %
Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) analog input < 0.002 %
IM distortion (IMD) digital input < 0.003 %
IM distortion (IMD) analog input < 0.005 %
Crosstalk > 90 dB
Operating voltage 9.6 - 17 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts)
Power rating DC 12 V ⎓ 3 A max.
Current draw < 480 mA
Max. remote output current 500 mA
Additional features HEC slot, Ground lift switch, Smart Control Port, 32 Bit CoProcessor, ADEP.3 circuit, Auto Remote switch
Dimensions (H x W x D) 40 x 177 x 104 mm /
1.58 x 6.97 x 4.09”
CONDUCTOR
One-touch remote control
The CONDUCTOR combines design and functionality in perfection. With just one knob you have all important functions of your (DSPs) sound system fully under control – from volume adjustment, signal source selection and setup change up to the control of an optional Bluetooth module.
Tailor-made for your needs
The CONDUCTOR can always be optimally adapted to your needs – whether as a simple subwoofer remote or as a control unit for complex system configurations. For example, two playback zones with different volumes: music for the parents in the front and a radio play for the children in the back.
All signal sources under control
With the CONDUCTOR you can manage all your connected signal sources in no time at all. For example, use your smartphone as a digital media source and intuitively control its playback (play / pause, track forward / back) and volume in combination with the optional Bluetooth Extension Card.
Sound Setup switch according to your music taste
Manage different optimized sound setups of your DSP for rock, pop, classic or absolute pure sound and enjoy your music always with optimal sound quality.
Seamless integration
Thanks to its compact, fully symmetrical design and high-quality materials, the CONDUCTOR can be integrated almost seamlessly into the existing vehicle interior and blends in with its appearance as inconspicuously as an original part.
Features
Up to 4 individual volume menus configurable (Master, Digital, HEC/AUX, Subwoofer, Rear Attenuation)
Volume range selectable (60 dB, 24 dB, 12 dB)
Volume steps selectable (1 dB steps, 0.5 dB steps)
Individual color for each volume menu configurable
Sound Setup selection between all 10 memory slots
Intuitive Bluetooth playback control and pairing activation (only in combination with an optional Bluetooth Extension Card)
12 x RGB-LEDs for visual feedback
Wide color space with over 16 million colors
Brightness and automatic dimming function configurable
Easy installation
Flush mount installation with Ø 40 mm hole cut-out
5 m cable harness with split connector and single connector supply
Optional housing for on-dash installation available soon
Full configuration and updatability through the DSP PC-Tool software
Technical data
Housing ABS housing with machined aluminum knob
Hardware Rotary encoder, 12 x RGB-LEDs & 48 MHz ARM processorr
Connection Single connector supply through MiniDIN
Cable length
5 m total length – split into 4.8 m connection cable + 0.2 m CONDUCTOR cable
Dimensions (Ø x H)
Ø 46 x 28.7 mm / Ø 1.81 x 1.13”
Installation depth
17 mm / 0.67"
Compatibility
DSP PC-Tool 4.75a or higher
BRAX DSP
HELIX DSP ULTRA
DSP.3S*
DSP.3
DSP MINI MK2*
DSP MINI
V TWELVE DSP
V EIGHT DSP MK2
M FOUR DSP
MATCH UP 10DSP*
M 5.4DSP*
M 5DSP MK2
Note: The CONDUCTOR is not compatible with the WIFI CONTROL or the DIRECTOR.
* The Control Input-to-SCP adaptor supplied with the DSP product is required for connecting the CONDUCTOR.