Helix Next V EIGHT DSP Ultimate - 8-Channel DSP Amplifier

HELIX NEXT V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE

The multi-tool in its ultimate development
With the V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE comes the ultimate evolution of this renowned all-rounder. Every aspect of this 8-channel amplifier with integrated 14-channel DSP has been rethought, refined, and consistently raised to a new level – from signal processing and connection versatility to impressive performance and sound quality. The V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE isn't simply an upgrade, but the result of ambition and the desire to take multi-channel DSP amplifiers to a new level.

State-of-the-art amplifier technology with next-generation performance

At the heart of the V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE lies a new generation of highly efficient TI Class D technology, offering a tremendous power increase of up to 66% compared to its predecessor – coupled with further refined sound quality and maximum speaker control. With 8 x 110 watts RMS at 4 ohms or 4 x 110 watts RMS at 4 ohms + 4 x 220 watts RMS at 2 ohms, the V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE delivers impressive power reserves for the most demanding speaker systems. Thanks to the significantly increased system performance, even complex systems with the highest demands can be operated confidently – precisely, powerfully, and dynamically.

Maximum connection versatility for modern multi-channel systems

The V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE offers an unprecedented range of connection options – 12 high-level inputs, 6 RCA inputs, an optical digital input, the Extension Card 2.0, and the brand-new USB PerfectStream are just waiting to serve any sound concept, whether it's OEM integration, adaptation to an aftermarket radio, or the direct connection of smartphones/tablets.
This amplifier also offers ideal conditions on the output side – in addition to the eight speaker outputs, the V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE features six line outputs for optimal control of additional amplifiers.

Perfected sound tuning thanks to optimization for the new DSP PC tool 6

The HELIX V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE was consistently designed to meet the requirements of demanding multi-channel systems – and with its integrated 14-channel signal processor, it offers a significant expansion of options compared to its predecessor. With its multitude of processed DSP channels, which now include six line outputs instead of two, it offers maximum flexibility in implementing complex system configurations.

This is underscored by the combination with our new DSP PC-Tool 6: The even more expanded setting options, numerous intelligent automations, and the further perfected user interface enable particularly efficient sonic fine-tuning. This means that every setup can be adapted down to the smallest detail to the acoustic conditions and individual listening preferences - for a sound experience of the highest quality.

ACO - Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor Platform

Rapid computing power not only in the signal path - the particularly powerful 32 Bit ACO platform takes over all control tasks and ensures the decisive speed advantage, especially in data communication with our DSP PC tool software, but also in the lightning-fast switching between up to ten possible sound setups. But ACO offers much more – fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter, dynamic processing such as Dynamic Loudness Control (DLC) or Remote Tone Control (RTC) are implemented, as is the new Advanced Input Signal Analyzer (AISA) for easy analysis and compensation of input signals from factory sound systems that already include sound settings.

Control and high-end audio in a perfect combination – thanks to USB PerfectStream

With the further developed ACO platform, USB PerfectStream is used for the first time in the HELIX V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE – an interface that sets new standards in connectivity and user-friendliness. This expands the amplifier with a bidirectional USB audio interface, which simultaneously enables lossless audio streaming from a smartphone/tablet or PC, the transmission of measurement signals for AISA, and DSP PC tool configuration. The ACO platform acts as an intelligent USB hub for coordination. Particularly clever: USB PerfectStream eliminates the need for external measurement interfaces for AISA, allowing input signals from factory sound systems to be analyzed extremely conveniently and precisely – a real advantage for professional integration and fast tuning.

Extension Card 2.0 – Maximum Future-Proof

For the first time, the new Extension Card 2.0 slot is being used – a redesigned expansion system with a screwed-on plastic cover and cross-series compatibility. Whether Bluetooth® HD or additional analog inputs – the V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE can be expanded modularly and precisely adapted to individual needs. The Extension Card 2.0 slot is therefore a maximally future-proof concept for connecting audio interfaces.

Features

• 14 DSP channels for maximum flexibility for multi-channel sound upgrades
• 8-channel amplifier with optimized Class HD concept, which combines excellent sound quality with outstanding efficiency
• Heavy-duty 12-channel high-level input with up to 32 V RMS input sensitivity and ADEP.3 circuitry for seamless integration into OEM sound systems
• 1:1 IOR (Input-to-Output Routing) – all high-level inputs can be assigned to an amplifier or line output and thus routed from the input to the output
• Up to 270 W RMS maximum power per channel at 2 Ω
• USB PerfectStream technology – lossless high resolution Audio streaming (up to 192 kHz / 32 bit), AISA measurement (Advanced Signal Input Analyzer) and simultaneous DSP configuration via USB-C input
• Extremely powerful "Fixed Point" audio DSP with 64-bit resolution
• VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) enables highly complex sound systems to be configured even more flexibly through:
• Group equalizer across output channels
• Multi-way configuration of DSP sound effects (SFX)
• Additional functions such as rear attenuation
• ACO – Advanced 32-bit CoProcessor platform for system and DSP features:
• AISA (Advanced Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and correction of input signals
• DLC (Dynamic Loudness Control) and RTC (Remote Tone Control) for volume-dependent dynamic adjustment of treble and Bass
• Proprietary TuneEQ function for automated adjustment of the input, virtual and output equalizers
• SFX sound effects - Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter & Co.
• Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and other accessories
• Extension Card 2.0 slot for integrating additional interfaces such as Bluetooth® HD Audio, additional analog inputs, or future signal sources
• Optical digital input in SPDIF format and six RCA outputs with a maximum output voltage of 3 volts
• Stabilized Output Power technology (SOP Max) for permanently stable output power – consistently full performance regardless of the operating voltage
• Intelligent energy management for perfect voltage stability across all modern vehicle platforms
• Start-stop capable power supply with extended input voltage range up to 18 V – ideal for modern electric vehicles
• Auto Remote switch for automatic switching on of the amplifier without an additional remote cable
• Extremely compact dimensions and low heat generation thanks to very high Efficiency
• Maximum control with DSP PC-Tool 6 – professional software for optimal amplifier configuration and precise sound tuning in the vehicle

Special Features:

Class HD Amplifier Technology
The unique Class HD concept combines the advantages of Class H technology with the principle of a Class D amplifier. The result is unsurpassed efficiency that even surpasses conventional Class D amplifiers.
The advantages of the Class HD concept come into play at low and medium input levels. The internal supply voltage of the power stages is continuously regulated depending on the amplitude of the input signal. This drastically reduces the average power loss generated by the amplifier.

USB PerfectStream

USB PerfectStream technology expands the amplifier with a powerful, bidirectional USB audio interface. It enables lossless high-resolution audio streaming at up to 192 kHz/32-bit directly into the DSP, allowing music content or test signals for calibration to be streamed directly from a computer or smartphone into the DSP. Furthermore, USB PerfectStream also offers the option of forwarding the audio data of individual DSP channels directly to the computer for processing in high resolution and real-time in our Advanced Input Signal Analyzer, and for correction and optimization using input processing.

ACO – Advanced 32-Bit CoProcessor

The ACO platform (Advanced CoProcessor) handles all control and communication tasks within the DSP system. It ensures extremely fast system startups, lightning-fast switching between up to ten sound setups, and smooth, delay-free data communication with the DSP PC-Tool software.

ACO also forms the basis for numerous additional functions – including our SFX sound effects such as "Augmented Bass Processing" and "RealCenter," functions such as Dynamic Loudness Control (DLC) and Remote Tone Control (RTC), as well as a channel-separated input EQ with integrated Advanced Input Signal Analyzer (AISA) for easy analysis and correction of input signals that already include factory equalization. ACO thus stands for maximum performance, flexibility, and future-proofing.

Intelligent High-Level Input ADEP.3
Modern, factory-installed car radios are becoming increasingly intelligent when it comes to diagnosing the connected speakers. The latest generation, in particular, is equipped with additional monitoring functions, so that error messages or even malfunctions can occur when an additional amplifier is connected. The ADEP.3 circuit (Generation 3) meets the latest requirements of modern OEM car radios and ensures flawless integration. Controlled via the ACO platform, the system is future-proof and can respond flexibly to future changes in the diagnostic systems of factory radios. This ensures maximum compatibility with virtually all OE radios – without unnecessary strain on the speaker outputs at high levels.

Power Save Mode
Power Save Mode reduces the power consumption of the amplifier (and any additional connected amplifiers) if no music signal is detected for a certain period of time.
If Power Save Mode is activated, the internal amplifier stages and the remote output are automatically switched off. If a music signal is subsequently present again, the device returns to normal operation within approximately 2 seconds.
The shutdown delay can be varied or completely deactivated using the DSP PC-Tool software.

Start-stop capability
The power supply in the HELIX V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE amplifier ensures the internal voltage supply even during brief drops of as little as 6 volts. This ensures that the amplifier remains fully functional even when the engine is started.

DSP Features

TuneEQ

TuneEQ is an extremely flexible and particularly easy-to-use function for automated frequency response correction. A single measurement per respective audio channel or channel pair with a suitable measurement microphone (such as our AMI Tuning Kit) is sufficient for TuneEQ to independently and precisely adjust the equalizers to the desired reference curve. TuneEQ utilizes the full range of functions of the parametric equalizer, including center frequency, Q factor, and gain. And because the highly complex calculations required for this run in the background, you also save a lot of time when tuning your sound with TuneEQ.

RealCenter

The "RealCenter" function is a proprietary algorithm from Audiotec Fischer that emphasizes the monaural information of the left and right front channels to create a unique center signal. In contrast to conventional methods, which simply sum the channels, this additionally dynamically controls the center signal using the stereophonic information content of the left and right channels. This means that the center channel will not reproduce any signal if only the left or right channel is delivering an audio signal. With conventional algorithms, the center channel would only be 6 dB quieter in this case. Audiotec Fischer's "RealCenter" thus enables a unique, broad soundstage – equally optimal for driver and passenger! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as an intrusive, narrow spatial sound representation, are finally a thing of the past.

Augmented Bass Processing

Audiotec Fischer's proprietary "Augmented Bass Processing" consists of two revolutionary sound features: "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" and "SubXpander." These were specifically developed to dramatically improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers.

"Dynamic Bass Enhancement" ingeniously combines maximum deep bass and high maximum sound pressure – regardless of the music genre or the sound settings on the radio. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" amplifies the lower frequency range and varies the cutoff frequency of the subsonic filter. The result is a significantly more powerful, deeper bass reproduction at low and medium volumes, without the risk of mechanically or electrically overloading the subwoofer at high volumes. It's simply fascinating what kind of bass performance is suddenly possible.

If you want the bass range to be a little deeper and "blacker," you can also activate the "SubXpander." Here, subharmonic tones are added to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

Technical data

• Power RMS ≤ 1% THD+N
• @ 4 Ohm Channel 1 - 8: 8 x 110 Watts
• @ 2 Ohm Channel 5 - 8: 4 x 220 Watts
• @ 1 Ohm -
• bridged at 4 Ohms -
• bridged at 2 Ohms -
• Max. Power per channel* Channel 1 - 8: up to 140 watts RMS @ 4 ohms
• Channel 5 - 8: up to 270 watts RMS @ 2 ohms
• Amplifier technology Class HD
• Inputs 6 x RCA
• 12 x high-level speaker input
• 1 x optical SPDIF (12 - 96 kHz)
• 1 x Remote In
• 1 x USB Audio
• Input sensitivity RCA: 1 - 8 volts
• High level: 4 - 32 volts
• Input impedance RCA: 25 kOhm
• High level: 9 - 33 ohms with ADEP.3
• Outputs 8 x speaker output
• 6 x RCA
• 2 x Remote Out
• Output voltage RCA 3 Volt
• Frequency range 15 Hz - 22,000 Hz
• DSP resolution 64 bit
• DSP processing power 295 MHz (1.2 billion MAC operations/second)
• Sampling rate 48 kHz
• DSP type audio signal processor
• Signal converter A/D: BurrBrown 24 bit
• D/A: BurrBrown 24 bit
• Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted) digital input: 107 dB
• Analog input: 102 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD @ 1 kHz, 1 W at 4 ohms) < 0.007%
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N @ 1 kHz, 1 W into 4 ohms) < 0.009%
• Attenuation factor 100
• Operating voltage 10.5 - 18 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts)
• Power consumption DC 12 V ⎓ 110 A max.
• No-load current consumption 750 mA
• Max. remote output current 500 mA
• Operating temperature range -40 °C to +70 °C
• Fuse 2 x 40 A LP mini plug-in fuse
• Additional features 32-bit co-processor, extension card 2.0 slot, ADEP.3 circuit, auto remote switch, smart control port, USB-C, USB PerfectStream
• Dimensions (H x W x D) 44 x 220 x 180 mm

Scope of delivery

• 1 x amplifier HELIX NEXT V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE
• 1 x USB-C cable with USB-A adapter
• 2 x Allen keys
• 4 x connection cables
• 1 x mounting material
• 1 x user manual