Helix DSP ULTRA S 12 Channel Digital Signal Processor with 64 Bit Audio DSP

Advanced technology, proven excellence

The HELIX DSP ULTRA S once again defines the benchmark for digital sound processors. Targeted optimizations enhance the already outstanding performance of its predecessor for a sound experience that exceeds even the highest expectations. Audiophile precision and innovative engineering, combined in one device – and of course, completely made in Germany.

Audio performance par excellence

The HELIX DSP ULTRA S stands for the highest standards in audio performance. A newly designed audio signal path reduces the distortion factor to a minimum: at its heart are the renowned AKM Velvet Sound™ 32 Bit AD and DA signal converters and new, high-quality operational amplifiers from the legendary TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" with SoundPlus™ technology, assuring the highest sound quality. With the completely revised analog input stage, the ULTRA S achieves optimum interference immunity, enabling unsurpassed clarity and detail without external influences, even under the most demanding conditions.

TwinDSP Power

Computing power can only be replaced by even more computing power – which is precisely why the DSP ULTRA S is equipped with two of the most powerful 64 Bit audio signal processors currently available from Analog Devices. With incredible 2.4 billion MAC operations per second, the immense number of internal channels in conjunction with the highest quality sound processing is not even the slightest problem. Therefore, the ULTRA S comes with eight separately processable input channels, eight processable virtual channels and twelve processable output channels as well as numerous new sound features – all this at a sampling rate of 96 kHz, resulting in an audio bandwidth of over 40 kHz.

ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform

Rapid processing power that‘s not only in the signal path – the particularly powerful 32 Bit ACO platform handles all control tasks and provides the decisive speed boost, especially in data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software, but also in the lightning-fast switching between the up to ten possible sound setups. But ACO offers much more – fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter, dynamic processing such as Dynamic Loudness Control (DLC) or Remote Tone Control (RTC) are implemented as well as a channel-separated Input EQ including Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of input signals from OE radios already containing a sound setup.

Virtual Channel Processing – Modern signal routing

The adaptation to modern OE 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 recognized user-friendly DSP PC-Tool software makes it easy to realize even highly complex system configurations. Besides, it allows to freely assign our proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "Augmented Bass Processing".

Connectivity at the highest level

The HELIX DSP ULTRA S is, especially thanks to the HEC slot, highly configurable while our SCP (Smart Control Port) guarantees the optional connection of accessories with integrated power supply as well as special operational reliability. These upgrades allow for even more flexible customization and expansion of your sound system to meet the individual needs and desires of every audiophile user. For easy adaptation to existing factory radios or multi-channel OE sound systems, the DSP ULTRA S is not only equipped with the latest generation ADEP.3 circuit, but also has a particularly wide adjustment range for the input sensitivity. The enormous adjustment range of 1 - 8 Volts (Cinch / RCA) or 4 - 32 Volts (highlevel) enables problem-free adaptation to almost any conceivable analog signal source, even with powerful OE amplifiers.

Elegant, smart and compact

Despite its vast range of functions, the HELIX DSP ULTRA S inspires with its straightforward and timeless design that is still compact – ideal for a simple installation. The sum of its characteristics makes the HELIX DSP ULTRA S the perfect "tool" for every uncompromising audiophile music lover with highest demands.

Features

• TwinDSP Power – two extremely powerful “fixed point” Audio DSPs with 64 Bit resolution and 2.4 billion MAC operations per second for an extensive sound customization of all processed channels:
• Eight input channels
• Eight virtual channels
• Twelve output channels
• Cutting-edge audio signal path for minimized distortion and unparalleled sound quality
• AKM Velvet Sound™ 32 Bit AD and DA signal converters
• Highest-quality operational amplifiers from the TI / BurrBrown "OPA series" with SoundPlusTM technology
• Refined design of the analog inputs for outstanding noise immunity
• Smart 8-channel highlevel input with ADEP.3 circuit
• ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform for extended feature set:
• ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals
• DLC (Dynamic Loudness Control) and RTC (Remote Tone Control) for volume-dependent dynamic adjustment of highs and lows
• Proprietary TuneEQ function for automated adjustment of the input, virtual and output equalizers
• SFX (DSP Sound Effects) – Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter & Co.
• VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) allows even more flexible configuration for highly complex sound systems
• HEC slot for system add-ons like Bluetooth® HD Audio Streaming, High Resolution Audio Streaming via USB etc.
• Start-Stop capability down to 6V supply voltage
• “Ground lift” switch to avoid ground loops
• Continuous adjustment of the input sensitivity (highlevel up to max. 32 Volts, RCA / Cinch up to max. 8 Volts)
• Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and accessories
• Time alignment with up to 20 ms delay time per channel, additionally reverse time alignment for in-phase summation of the inputs
• 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: 12 x RCA/Cinch with max. 8 Volts output voltage
• Easiest configuration via the intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5 software

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.”

• Inputs    8 x RCA / Cinch
• 8 x Highlevel speaker input
• 1 x Optical SPDIF (12 - 96 kHz)
• 1 x Coax SPDIF (12 - 192 kHz)
• 1 x Remote In
• Input sensitivity    RCA / Cinch 1 - 8 Volts
• Highlevel 4 - 32 Volts
• Outputs    12 x RCA / Cinch
• 1 x Remote Out
• Output voltage    8 Volts
• Frequency response    10 Hz - 44,000 Hz
• DSP resolution    64 Bit
• DSP power    2 x 295 MHz (2.4 billion MAC operations/second)
• Sampling rate    96 kHz
• DSP type    2 x Audio signal processor
• Signal converters    A/D: Asahi Kasei 32 Bit
• D/A: Asahi Kasei 32 Bit
• Signal-to-noise ratio digital input    117 dB (A-weighted)
• Signal-to-noise ratio analog input    111 dB (A-weighted)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) digital input    < 0.0004 %
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N) analog input    < 0.0008 %
• IM distortion (IMD) digital input    < 0.0015 %
• IM distortion (IMD) analog input    < 0.003 %
• Crosstalk    > 90 dB
• Operating voltage    9.6 - 17 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts)
• Power rating    DC 12 V ⎓ 1.1 A max.
• Current draw    550 mA
• Max. remote output current    500 mA
• Operating temperature range    -40°C to +70°C
• 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 170 mm /
• 1.58 x 6.97 x 6.69“

• Signal processor HELIX DSP ULTRA S
• USB cable
• Mounting material
• Instruction manual