Helix V EIGHTEEN DSP

Helix V EIGHTEEN DSP – 18-channel DSP amplifier with 20 DSP channels

The V EIGHTEEN DSP combines 18 amplifier channels, a 20-channel signal processor and an 18-channel highlevel input in one HELIX housing. With equal numbers of highlevel inputs and speaker outputs it supports 1:1 input-to-output routing, making it a central unit for large active systems and for integration into extensive factory sound systems. Its 18 outputs are split into twelve 70 W channels and six more powerful channels that deliver 120 W into 2 Ohms. It is an EISA award-winning product, made in Germany.

Technically it rests on several HELIX technologies: TwinDSP Power with two 64-bit Analog Devices audio DSPs, the Pure Class GD amplifier design whose internal supply voltage follows the input signal to cut idle losses, and the 32-bit ACO (Advanced CoProcessor) that handles control, ADEP.3, the Input Signal Analyzer, an 18-channel Input EQ and SFX features such as Augmented Bass Processing and RealCenter. Setup is done with DSP PC-Tool 5, including the automatic TuneEQ function.

Key Features

• 18 amplifier channels: 12 x 70 W RMS at 4 Ohm (ch. 1–12) and 6 x 75 W at 4 Ohm / 6 x 120 W at 2 Ohm (ch. 13–18).
• 20-channel DSP (TwinDSP Power): two 64-bit fixed-point audio DSPs, 2 x 295 MHz, 2.4 billion MAC operations per second.
• 18-channel highlevel input: with 1:1 input-to-output routing and ADEP.3 for OEM integration.
• Pure Class GD: signal-dependent internal supply voltage, low heat, small heatsinks, fully differential signal path and improved output filter.
• ACO 32-bit CoProcessor: replaces the previous 8-bit controller; faster setup switching and data transfer, native boot loader for firmware updates of all DSP components and 10 sound setup memories.
• Input Signal Analyzer and 18-channel Input EQ: analyzes and compensates the pre-equalized signal of OE radios.
• TuneEQ: automated frequency response correction with a measurement microphone such as the MTK1.
• Virtual Channel Processing (VCP): multi-stage routing to mix inputs and split them into multi-way systems, with freely assignable SFX.
• SFX sound effects: RealCenter, Augmented Bass Processing and StageXpander.
• HEC slot: for add-on modules such as Bluetooth HD audio or high-resolution USB audio streaming.
• Smart Control Port (SCP): secure plug connection that also powers remote controls such as CONDUCTOR and DIRECTOR.
• Power Save Mode and start-stop capability: energy-saving standby and a power supply that holds through voltage drops to 6 V.

Inputs & Outputs

• 6 x RCA inputs, max. input sensitivity 4 or 8 V, input impedance 12 kOhm
• 18 x highlevel speaker inputs, max. input sensitivity 16 or 32 V, input impedance 9–33 Ohm or 20 kOhm with ADEP.3
• 1 x optical S/PDIF input (12–96 kHz)
• 1 x remote input
• 1 x HEC slot for optional source modules
• 18 x speaker outputs
• 2 x RCA outputs (processed signal), output voltage 3 V
• 2 x remote outputs, max. remote output current 500 mA

Power & Amplifier Section

• Channels 1–12: 70 W RMS at 4 Ohm; up to 100 W RMS at 3 Ohm per channel in typical multi-channel applications
• Channels 13–18: 75 W RMS at 4 Ohm and 120 W RMS at 2 Ohm; up to 160 W RMS at 2 Ohm per channel in typical multi-channel applications
• Ratings at ≤1% THD+N; amplifier technology Pure Class GD
• THD below 0.015%, damping factor above 50, frequency response 20 Hz–22 kHz
• SNR 107 dB (digital input) and 102 dB (analog input), A-weighted
• Fusing 3 x 30 A LP-Mini (APS); max. 108 A at 12 V DC; idle current 1.3 A

DSP & Sound Tuning

• 2 x Analog Devices fixed-point audio DSP, 64-bit resolution, 295 MHz each, 48 kHz sampling rate
• BurrBrown 24-bit A/D and D/A converters
• Input Signal Analyzer with 18-channel Input EQ for factory head unit signals
• TuneEQ: one measurement per channel or channel pair; the parametric EQ (center frequency, Q, gain) is adjusted to a target curve
• RealCenter: center signal derived dynamically from content common to front left and right; silent when only one front channel carries signal (conventional summing only reduces it by about 6 dB)
• Augmented Bass Processing: Dynamic Bass Enhancement (more low end at low and medium volume via variable subsonic cutoff, independent of head unit tone controls) and SubXpander (subharmonics between 50 and 100 Hz)
• Virtual Channel Processing with freely assignable SFX; configuration via DSP PC-Tool 5

Installation & Connectivity Notes

• Operating voltage 10.5–18 V (max. 5 s down to 6 V); the extended range up to 18 V makes it suitable for electric vehicles
• ADEP.3 prevents OE radio fault messages and loss of functions such as the fader, without loading the radio outputs heavily at high volume
• Power Save Mode turns off the remote output after more than 60 s without signal and reactivates within about 1 s; delay adjustable or mode can be disabled in PC-Tool
• Auto remote switch; remote control ready via SCP
• Compatible accessories listed: CONDUCTOR, DIRECTOR, URC.1, HEC HD-Audio USB interface, HEC BT HD module, BT HD Streamer, PP-TES 5.15 V EIGHTEEN extension harness
• Operating temperature range −40 °C to +70 °C

Technical Specifications

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

Scope of Delivery

1 x Amplifier HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP
4 x Speaker connection cable
1 x USB cable
2 x Allen key
1 x Mounting material
1 x Instruction manual