Helix P SIX DSP ULTIMATE – 6-channel DSP amplifier with 12-channel TwinDSP processor

The HELIX P SIX DSP ULTIMATE combines a powerful 6-channel amplifier with a sophisticated integrated 12-channel signal processor. It delivers 6 x 120 W RMS at 4 Ohms and up to 285 W RMS per channel at 2 Ohms (channels C–F), while 4 RCA line outputs and an optical digital output allow further amplifiers to be added.

Its Ultra HD Class D concept aims to combine the sound character of Class AB with the efficiency of Class D, extending frequency response beyond 40 kHz and reducing distortion through an advanced feedback design. Two 64-bit Analog Devices DSPs with doubled processing power, BurrBrown converters, the 32-bit ACO platform, Virtual Channel Processing, TuneEQ and a refined signal path with a new, more powerful power supply complete the package – and it runs on 12 V or 24 V without modification.

Key Features

Ultra HD Class D: Class AB-like sound with Class D efficiency, compact design with low heat dissipation.
TwinDSP Power: two 64-bit fixed-point Analog Devices audio DSPs with 2.4 billion MAC operations per second, processing twelve channels separately at 96 kHz.
BurrBrown converters: A/D and D/A conversion by BurrBrown.
ACO 32-bit coprocessor: control tasks and switching between up to ten sound setups, with Input EQ, ISA, TuneEQ and SFX; boot loader allows updates of all DSP components including the ADEP.3 circuit.
Virtual Channel Processing (VCP): for configuring highly complex systems.
ADEP.3 highlevel input: 6 channels with up to 32 V RMS input; prevents fault messages and lost functions such as fader control on factory radios without unnecessarily loading their outputs.
Digital in and out: optical (max. 96 kHz) and coaxial (max. 192 kHz) S/PDIF inputs, plus an optical S/PDIF output (96 kHz) for a fully digital chain to amplifiers such as the P ONE MK2 or P TWO MK2.
Ready for 24 V: operates on 12 V or 24 V (e.g. trucks) without modification, with identical performance.
HEC slot: for expansions such as Bluetooth HD audio streaming and USB high-resolution streaming.
Automatic digital signal detection: switches to the optical or coaxial input when a signal is detected; can be disabled in DSP PC-Tool or switched with an optional remote.
Power Save Mode: enabled by default – switches off the remote output after 60 seconds without signal and reactivates within one second; adjustable or can be disabled in DSP PC-Tool.
Start-stop capability: switched power supply keeps the internal voltage stable down to 6 V supply during cranking.

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs: 6 x RCA/Cinch (sensitivity 1–4 V or 4–8 V, input impedance 13 kOhms)
Inputs: 6 x highlevel speaker input (sensitivity 4–16 V or 8–32 V, input impedance 9–33 Ohms with ADEP.3)
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: 6 x speaker output
Outputs: 4 x RCA/Cinch with max. 3 V output voltage
Outputs: 1 x optical S/PDIF (96 kHz)
Outputs: 2 x remote out (max. 500 mA)
Smart Control Port (SCP) for remote controls and accessories

Power & Amplifier Section

6 x 120 W RMS at 4 Ohms, channels A–F (≤1 % THD+N)
4 x 230 W RMS at 2 Ohms, channels C–F (≤1 % THD+N)
Max. output power per channel in typical multi-channel applications: up to 145 W RMS at 4 Ohms (A–F), up to 285 W RMS at 2 Ohms (C–F)
Amplifier technology: Ultra HD Class D, frequency response 10 Hz – 44,000 Hz
Operation on 12 V or 24 V with identical performance
Start-stop capability down to 6 V supply voltage

DSP & Sound Tuning

Two 64-bit audio signal processors, 2 x 295 MHz, 2.4 billion MAC operations per second, 12 separately processed channels
Sampling rate 96 kHz (audio bandwidth above 40 kHz)
TuneEQ: one measurement per channel or channel pair (e.g. with the MTK1 microphone) adjusts the parametric EQ (centre frequency, Q-factor, gain) of the outputs to a chosen reference curve
ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and channel-separated Input EQ for adapting factory radios, including those with a pre-configured sound setup
RealCenter: centre signal from content common to the front channels, silent when only one channel carries signal, for a wider soundstage
Augmented Bass Processing: Dynamic Bass Enhancement and optional SubXpander (subharmonics between 50 and 100 Hz)
Virtual Channel Processing and up to ten sound setups
Configuration with DSP PC-Tool 5 with TuneEQ

Installation & Connectivity Notes

Operating voltage 10.5–32 V; max. 5 seconds down to 6 V; DC 12/24 V, 65 A max.
Fusing: 3 x 20 A LP-Mini fuse (APS)
Accessories listed by the manufacturer for this model: DIRECTOR CREATE, CONDUCTOR, URC.1, URC.3, DIRECTOR display remote control, HEC HD-Audio USB Interface, HEC BT HD, HEC ANALOG IN and BT HD STREAMER
Automatic remote switch
Operating temperature range -40 °C to +70 °C

Technical Specifications

Power RMS ≤ 1% THD+N
– @ 4 Ohms	Channel A – F: 6 x 120 Watts
– @ 2 Ohms	Channel C – F: 4 x 230 Watts
– @ 1 Ohm	–
– bridged @ 4 Ohms	–
– bridged @ 2 Ohms	–
Max. output power per channel*	Channel A – F: up to 145 Watts RMS @ 4 Ohms Channel C – F: up to 285 Watts RMS @ 2 Ohms
Amplifier technology	Ultra HD Class D
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 1 – 4 Volts or 4 – 8 Volts Highlevel 4 – 16 Volts or 8 – 32 Volts
Input impedance RCA / Cinch	13 kOhms
Input impedance highlevel	9 – 33 Ohms with ADEP.3
Outputs	6 x Speaker output 4 x RCA / Cinch 1 x Optical SPDIF (96 kHz) 2 x Remote Out
Output voltage RCA / Cinch	3 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: BurrBrown D/A: BurrBrown
Signal-to-noise ratio digital input	108 dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-noise ration analog input	102 dB (A-weighted)
Distortion (THD)	< 0,004 %
Damping factor	> 100
Operating voltage	10.5 – 32 Volts (max. 5 sec.down to 6 Volts)
Power rating	DC 12 / 24 V ⎓ 65 A max.
Idle current	1350 mA
Max. remote output current	500 mA
Operating temperature range	-40 °C to +70 °C
Fuse	3 x 20 A LP-Mini-fuse (APS)
Additional features	32 Bit CoProcessor, HEC slot, ADEP circuit, Auto Remote switch, Smart Control Port
Dimensions (H x W x D)	50 x 260 x 190 mm / 1.97 x 10.24 x 7.48“

* In typical multi-channel applications (2- / 3-way system + rear + subwoofer)

Scope of Delivery

1 x Amplifier HELIX P SIX DSP ULTIMATE
1 x Control Input-to-SCP adaptor
1 x USB cable
2 x Allen key
1 x Mounting material
1 x Instruction manual

10.5V – 32V

Helix P SIX DSP ULTIMATE