Helix DSP MINI MK2 – compact 6-channel digital sound processor
The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 is the successor to the smallest signal processor in the HELIX range. With 4 RCA and 4 highlevel inputs, an optical digital input and 6 outputs in a very compact housing, it is designed for space-saving sound upgrades.
A 64-bit audio DSP and BurrBrown converters process at 96 kHz, giving audio bandwidth above 40 kHz. Compared with its predecessor, it offers a higher 6 V maximum output voltage, a better signal-to-noise ratio and lower distortion. The 32-bit ACO platform enables Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter, channel-separated Input EQ and ISA, while the snap-in Smart Control Port, ADEP.3 highlevel input and HEC slot handle connectivity.
Key Features
- 64-bit DSP: fixed-point audio DSP with 1.2 billion MAC operations per second.
- 96 kHz sampling rate: double the usual rate, extending bandwidth beyond 40 kHz instead of the typical 22 kHz.
- BurrBrown converters: A/D and D/A conversion by BurrBrown.
- ACO coprocessor: current-generation 32-bit controller for monitoring, setup switching and data transfer with DSP PC-Tool; boot loader for firmware updates of all components; 10 setup memory locations.
- ADEP.3 highlevel input: prevents error messages and lost functions such as fader control on factory radios, without unnecessarily loading the radio outputs at high volume; with Auto Turn-On.
- Smart Control Port (SCP): compact, future-proof port that supplies accessories with full power; the snap-in design holds connections firmly and reduces plug and cable damage.
- HEC slot: for expansions such as Bluetooth audio streaming and USB high-resolution audio streaming.
- Automatic digital signal detection: switches to the optical input when a signal is detected; can be disabled in DSP PC-Tool, or switched manually with an optional remote.
- Power Save Mode: switches off the remote output after 60 seconds without input signal and restores it within a second; timeout adjustable or disabled in DSP PC-Tool.
- Flexible routing: freely definable, with separate matrices for line, S/PDIF and HEC/AUX.
- Start-stop capability: switched-mode supply stays stable when the battery drops to 6 V during cranking.
- Ground lift switch: to prevent ground loops.
Inputs & Outputs
- Inputs: 4 x RCA/Cinch (sensitivity 2–4 V)
- Inputs: 4 x highlevel speaker input (sensitivity 5–11 V) with ADEP.3 and Auto Turn-On
- Inputs: 1 x optical S/PDIF (12–96 kHz)
- Inputs: 1 x remote in
- 1 x HEC slot
- Outputs: 6 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
- RealCenter: centre signal from content common to the front left and right channels, no centre output for a single-channel signal
- Augmented Bass Processing: Dynamic Bass Enhancement and SubXpander (subharmonics between 50 and 100 Hz)
- StageXpander: widens the front stereo image in four steps without reducing localisation
- ClarityXpander: adds upper harmonics for treble clarity in three steps, for the front channels and separately for the centre channel with optional dynamic control
- 10 memory locations for sound setups
- Configuration with DSP PC-Tool V4
Installation & Connectivity Notes
- Operating voltage 9.6–17 V; dips down to 6 V tolerated for max. 5 seconds
- Power Save Mode helps in cars with CAN or other bus systems that keep the head unit on for up to 45 minutes after locking
- Accessories listed by the manufacturer for this model: DIRECTOR CREATE, CONDUCTOR, URC.3, DIRECTOR display remote control, EPC 5.2, HDM 2 – C FOUR, HEC BT, HEC HD-Audio USB Interface, HEC BT HD and BT HD STREAMER
- Ground lift switch and auto remote switch
Technical Specifications
| 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” |
Scope of Delivery
1 x Signal processor DSP MINI MK2
1 x Control Input-to-SCP adaptor
1 x USB cable
1 x Mounting material
1 x Instruction manual
