Helix HEC HD-AUDIO USB-INTERFACE – high-resolution USB audio input for HELIX DSPs
Version: DSP ULTRA S
This module adds a high-resolution USB audio input to HELIX DSP devices, so a PC or smartphone can be used as an HD-Audio player. The signal goes digitally from the source straight into the DSP without additional A/D or D/A conversion, enabling lossless processing up to 192 kHz/32-bit.
An asynchronous USB connection with its own clock generators provides high jitter immunity. Two operating modes are available: Full Speed (default, broadest compatibility, up to 96 kHz/32-bit, no driver) and High Speed (up to 192 kHz/32-bit; Windows needs an additional driver above 96 kHz/32-bit). The module is sold in versions for each compatible HELIX DSP, with a device-specific side panel included.
Key Features
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS (iPhone 16 and older) and Android
- Lossless HD audio: up to 192 kHz/32-bit, PCM, 32–192 kHz at 16, 24 or 32-bit
- Direct digital feed: no additional A/D or D/A conversion before the DSP
- Asynchronous USB: own clock generators for high jitter immunity
- Automatic signal detection: input is detected automatically
- Two operating modes: Full Speed (driverless, up to 96 kHz) and High Speed (up to 192 kHz)
Compatibility
- Versions available for (model selection on the manufacturer page):
- HELIX DSP ULTRA
- HELIX DSP PRO MK3
- HELIX DSP PRO / MK2
- HELIX DSP.3S
- HELIX DSP.2 / DSP.3
- HELIX DSP MINI MK2
- HELIX DSP MINI
- HELIX P SIX DSP ULTIMATE
- HELIX P SIX DSP / MK2
- HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP
- HELIX V TWELVE DSP MK2
- HELIX V TWELVE DSP
- HELIX V EIGHT DSP MK2
- HELIX V EIGHT DSP
- HELIX DSP ULTRA S
Installation Notes
- Android: USB-C devices need a USB-C to mini USB cable; micro USB devices need a micro USB OTG cable.
- Apple: iPhone up to generation 16 supported, generation 17 not supported. USB-C devices need a USB-C to mini USB cable; Lightning devices need the Apple Camera Connection Kit.
- The module cannot charge the connected mobile device.
- Windows: an additional driver is required for sample rates above 96 kHz/32-bit in High Speed mode.
Technical Specifications
| Input sampling rate | 32 kHz to 192 kHz / 16 Bit, 24 Bit or 32 Bit |
| Input format | PCM |
| Supported device operating systems | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS (iPhone 16 and older) |
| Additional features | Asynchronous USB connection with own clock generators for highest jitter immunity |
Scope of Delivery
1 x HEC HD-AUDIO USB-INTERFACE module
1 x Device-specific side panel
1 x Allen screw
1 x Allen key
1 x Instruction manual
