Helix DSP.3S – compact 8-channel digital sound processor
The HELIX DSP.3S is a refined successor in the HELIX processor line: an 8-channel digital sound processor that adds a coaxial digital input alongside the optical one, so high-resolution sources up to 192 kHz can be connected. Its compact HELIX-style chassis is designed for easy installation in the vehicle.
Inside is a 64-bit audio DSP of the Sigma350 generation processing natively at 96 kHz, with BurrBrown A/D and D/A converters for audio bandwidth above 40 kHz. The proprietary 32-bit ACO platform adds an extended feature set with ISA, Input EQ and sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander and RealCenter, while the ADEP.3 highlevel input, HEC slot and new Smart Control Port handle connectivity.
Key Features
- 64-bit DSP: fixed-point audio DSP with 1.2 billion MAC operations per second, processing at 96 kHz.
- High-resolution bandwidth: audio bandwidth above 40 kHz.
- BurrBrown converters: A/D and D/A conversion by BurrBrown.
- ACO coprocessor: 32-bit platform for control tasks and switching between 10 internal sound setup memories, with ISA, Input EQ and SFX sound effects.
- ADEP.3 highlevel input: smart highlevel input with Auto Turn-On.
- Optical and coaxial digital inputs: S/PDIF format, optical up to 96 kHz, coaxial up to 192 kHz.
- Smart Control Port (SCP): compact, future-proof port that connects accessories and powers them via a snap-in connector.
- HEC slot: for add-ons such as Bluetooth HD audio streaming and high-resolution USB audio streaming.
- Flexible routing: freely definable, with separate matrices for line, S/PDIF and HEC/AUX signals.
- Optimised design: improved signal path and power supply for better sound quality.
- Ground lift switch: to prevent ground loops.
- Start-stop capability: switched power supply keeps the internal voltage constant when battery voltage drops to 6 V during engine crank.
Inputs & Outputs
- Inputs: 6 x RCA/Cinch (sensitivity 2–4 V)
- Inputs: 6 x highlevel speaker input (sensitivity 5–11 V) with ADEP.3 and Auto Turn-On
- Inputs: 1 x optical S/PDIF (12–96 kHz) and 1 x coaxial S/PDIF (12–192 kHz)
- Inputs: 1 x remote in
- 1 x HEC slot
- Outputs: 8 x RCA/Cinch with 6 V output voltage
- Outputs: 1 x remote out (max. 500 mA)
- Smart Control Port (SCP)
DSP & Sound Tuning
- 64-bit audio signal processor, 295 MHz, 1.2 billion MAC operations per second
- Sampling rate 96 kHz, frequency response 10 Hz – 44,000 Hz
- ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and channel-separated Input EQ for factory radios that already carry a sound setup
- RealCenter: centre signal built from content common to the front left and right channels, absent when only one channel carries audio
- Augmented Bass Processing: Dynamic Bass Enhancement and SubXpander (subharmonics added between 50 and 100 Hz)
- StageXpander: widens the front stereo image without reducing localisation precision, four adjustment steps
- ClarityXpander: adds upper harmonics for treble clarity, three steps; also separately for the centre channel with optional automatic dynamic control
- 10 memory locations for sound setups
- Configuration with DSP PC-Tool V4
Installation & Connectivity Notes
- Operating voltage 9.6–17 V; max. 5 seconds down to 6 V (start-stop capable)
- Accessories listed by the manufacturer for this model: CONDUCTOR, URC.1, URC.3, DIRECTOR display remote control, HEC HD-Audio USB Interface, HEC BT HD, BT HD STREAMER and BT HD Hands-Free Microphone Kit
- Ground lift switch and auto remote switch
Technical Specifications
| Inputs | 6 x RCA / Cinch 6 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 2 – 4 Volts Highlevel 5 – 11 Volts |
| Outputs | 8 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 | < 450 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 120 mm / 1.58 x 6.97 x 4.72” |
Scope of Delivery
1 x Signal processor DSP.3S
1 x Control Input-to-SCP adaptor
1 x USB cable
1 x Mounting material
1 x Instruction manual
