HELIX C ONE 1-Channel High-End Amplifier

Congratulations!

Dear Customer, Congratulations on your purchase of this innovative and high-quality HELIX product. The HELIX C ONE highlights best quality, excellent manufacturing and state-of-the-art technology. Thanks to more than 30 years of experience in research and development of audio products this amplifier generation sets new standards. We wish you many hours of enjoyment with your new HELIX amplifier. Yours, AUDIOTEC FISCHER Team

General Instructions

General installation instructions for HELIX components

To prevent damage to the unit and possible injury, read this manual carefully and follow all installation instructions. This product has been checked for proper function prior to shipping and is guaranteed against manufacturing defects.

Before starting your installation, disconnect the battery's negative terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire and / or risk of injury. For a proper performance and to ensure full warranty coverage, we strongly recommend to get this product installed by an authorized HELIX dealer.

Install your C ONE in a dry location with sufficient air circulation for proper cooling of the equipment. The amplifier should be secured to a solid mounting surface using proper mounting hardware. Before mounting, carefully examine the area around and behind the proposed installation location to ensure that there are no electrical cables or components, hydraulic brake lines or any part of the fuel tank located behind the mounting surface. Failure to do so may result in unpredictable damage to these components and possible costly repairs to the vehicle.

General instruction for connecting the HELIX C ONE amplifier

The HELIX C ONE amplifier may only be installed in vehicles which have a 12 Volts negative terminal connected to the chassis ground. Any other system could cause damage to the amplifier and the electrical system of the vehicle.

The positive cable from the battery for the complete system should be provided with a main fuse at a distance of max. 30 cm from the battery. The value of the fuse is calculated from the maximum total current input of the car audio system.

Use only suitable cables with sufficient cable cross-section for the connection of the HELIX C ONE. The fuses may only be replaced by identically rated fuses (3 x 30 A) to avoid damage of the amplifier.

Prior to installation, plan the wire routing to avoid any possible damage to the wire harness. All cabling should be protected against possible crushing or pinching hazards. Also avoid routing cables close to potential noise sources such as electric motors, high power accessories and other vehicle harnesses.

Connectors and control units

C ONE side view with optionally available HELIX Digital Input Module HDM 1

• 1. Optical Input (optional): Optical input for digital stereo signals (SPDIF format).
• 2. SPDIF Direct In switch (optional): Switch for routing the digital input signal directly to the amplifier's internal power stage.
• 3. Line Input: RCA inputs for connecting low-level line signals.
• 4. GND: Connector for the ground cable (negative terminal of the battery or metal body of the vehicle).
• 5. +12 V: Connector for the +12 V power cable of the positive terminal of the battery.
• 6. REM: Connector for the remote cable.

Rear view of the C ONE

• 7. TwinPower Link switch: Switch for operating two C ONE amplifiers in bridge mode.
• 8. Mono RCA/Cinch In- / Output: Mono RCA/Cinch signal in- or output for bridge mode operation in TwinPower Link mode.
• 9. Remote Control: Input for connecting the optionally available cable remote control for volume adjustment.
• 10. LPF: Control for adjusting the lowpass filter from 15 Hz to 4,000 Hz.
• 11. HPF: Control for adjusting the highpass filter from 15 Hz to 4,000 Hz.
• 12. Output Channel: Speaker outputs for connecting loudspeakers.
• 13. Phase: Control for adjusting the phase from 0° to 180°.
• 14. Bass Boost Frequency: Control for adjusting the center frequency of the Bass Boost from 40 Hz to 120 Hz.
• 15. Bass Boost Gain: Control for adjusting the bass boost from 0 to 9 dB.

Top view of the C ONE

• 16. Level control: Control for adjusting the input sensitivity of the low-level Line Inputs.
• 17. Input Mode switch (stereo / mono): Switch to adapt the amplifier to the number of used input channels.
• 18. Power & Protect LED: This LED indicates the operating mode of the amplifier (Green: Ready, Yellow: Overheated, Flashing Yellow: Fuses blown, Red: Malfunction).
• 19. Fuses: Input fuses for protection against internal errors. The system should also be protected by a main fuse near the battery (max. 30 cm). The C ONE uses 3 x 30 A fuses.
• 20. Impedance selection switch: Switch for adapting the amplifier to the impedance of the connected speaker (4, 2, or 1 Ohm). For multiple speakers, calculate impedance using series (Z total = Z x n) or parallel (Z total = Z / n) formulas. Note: For 3 Ohm speakers, select the "4 Ohms" position. Important: In TwinPower Link operation, both amplifiers must have the same impedance setting.
• 21. LED switch: Switch for turning on and off the extended LED illumination.
• 22. Cutoff Frequency switch: Switches to adjust the maximum upper cutoff frequency of the highpass (HPF) and lowpass (LPF) filters. Fine tuning can be done with controls 10 (LPF) and 11 (HPF).
• 23. X-Over switch: Allows setting the internal crossover to highpass, fullrange, or bandpass mode.
• 24. HDM Slot: Slot for the optional HELIX Digital Input Module HDM 1.

Initial Start-up and Functions

1. Optical Input (optional): SPDIF format for digital audio sources with sampling rates between 28-96 kHz. Note: Not standard equipment; requires HDM 1 module. Important: Digital audio sources may not have volume control, potentially damaging speakers. Use volume-controlled sources. Note: Handles stereo signals only, no MP3 or Dolby-coded streams. Can be used simultaneously with Line Input.
2. SPDIF Direct In switch (optional): Bypasses input stages, routing digital signal directly from the integrated DA converter to the power stage. Set to "On" for direct routing. Requires HDM 1 module. Note: Only affects optical input signal routing. Amplifier must be in fullrange mode (X-Over switch to "FULL"). With "On" position, Line Input and Level control are inactive.
3. Line Input: 2-channel low-level input for connecting signal sources like head units/radios/DSPs.
4. GND: Connect ground cable to a common ground reference point (where battery negative is grounded to chassis) or a cleaned metal chassis location. Recommended cross-section: min. 16 mm² / AWG 6.
5. +12 V: Connect +12 V power cable to the battery positive terminal. Recommended cross-section: min. 16 mm² / AWG 6.
6. REM: Connect to the remote output/automatic antenna output of the head unit/car radio. Activated only when the head unit/car radio is on. If a DSP is used, connect the DSP's remote output.
7. TwinPower Link switch: Connects two C ONE amplifiers for increased output power. Set one as "Master" (controls all settings) and the other as "Slave" (controls deactivated). Minimum speaker impedance in this mode is 2 Ohms. If operating individually, set to "Master".
8. Mono RCA/Cinch In- / Output: Signal in-/output for connecting another C ONE amplifier in bridge mode.

Installation

Connection of HELIX C ONE to the head unit / car radio:

Caution: Installation requires special tools and knowledge. Consult your dealer if unsure. Installation by an authorized HELIX dealer is recommended.

1. Connecting the low-level line inputs: Use RCA/Cinch cables. Connect to low-level line outputs of head unit/car radio. If using only one channel, use channel A and set Input Mode switch to "MONO". For both channels, set to "STEREO".
2. Connecting a digital signal source: If HDM 1 module is installed, connect optical digital output from signal source to the amplifier. Important: Digital audio sources may not have volume control, potentially damaging speakers. Use volume-controlled sources. Note: Handles uncompressed digital stereo PCM signals (28-96 kHz); no MP3 or Dolby.
3. Configuration of the digital signal input: With HDM 1 installed and a digital source connected, you can route the digital signal directly from the integrated DA converter to the power amplifier. Activate direct routing by setting the SPDIF Direct In switch to "On" and the X-Over switch to "FULL". Note: This switch only affects the optical input signal routing.
4. Adjustment of the input sensitivity: Mandatory to adapt input sensitivity to the signal source to avoid amplifier damage. Use the Level control (item 16) for adjustment.
5. Connection to power supply: Disconnect the battery before installation. Connect the +12 V power cable to the battery positive terminal. Install an inline fuse on the positive wire within 30 cm (12") of the battery. Fuse value calculated from maximum total current draw (C ONE max. 90 A RMS at 12 V). For short wires (<1m), use 16 mm² / AWG 6. For longer wires, use 25-35 mm² / AWG 4-2. Connect the ground cable (same gauge as +12 V) to a common ground reference point or a cleaned metal chassis location.
6. Connecting the remote input: Connect to the radio remote output. Activated only when the head unit/car radio is on. Avoid controlling via ignition switch to prevent pop noise. If a DSP is used, connect the DSP's remote output.
7. Connecting the loudspeaker outputs: Connect directly to loudspeaker wires. Never connect loudspeaker cables to chassis ground, as this will damage the amplifier and speakers. Ensure loudspeakers are identical and correctly connected (in phase). Exchanging plus/minus causes bass loss. Positive terminal is usually marked. Minimum impedance must not be less than 1 Ohm (2 Ohms in TwinPower Link mode), otherwise amplifier protection will activate. See page 24 for speaker configuration examples.

Unique Features of the HELIX C ONE

• Start-Stop capability: The switched power supply ensures operation even if the battery voltage drops to 6 Volts during engine crank.
• High-Resolution audio: The extremely broadband audio bandwidth ensures lossless audio reproduction of High-Resolution audio content for studio-quality sound.

Examples for speaker configurations

Mono subwoofer application

Subwoofer with one voice coil (single voice coil).

Maximum output power:

• 1 x 4 Ohms: 525 / 1,050 Watts
• 1 x 2 Ohms: 830 / 1,660 Watts
• 1 x 1 Ohm: 1,100 / 2,200 Watts

Filter settings (Bandpass, high- and lowpass filter)

Diagrams showing filter settings for Bandpass (BPF), Highpass filter (100 Hz, ca. 15 Hz), and Lowpass filter (100 Hz, ca. 80 Hz).

Parallel operation

Two identical subwoofers with one voice coil or one subwoofer with dual voice coil connected in parallel. Note: Parallel connection halves the impedance.

Maximum output power:

• Two subwoofers with 1 x 4 Ohms (2 Ohms total): 830 / 1,660 Watts
• One subwoofer with 2 x 4 Ohms (2 Ohms total): 830 / 1,660 Watts
• Two subwoofers with 1 x 2 Ohms (1 Ohm total): 1,100 / 2,200 Watts
• One subwoofer with 2 x 2 Ohms (1 Ohm total): 1,100 / 2,200 Watts

Note: Parallel connection of 1 Ohm voice coils can shut down the amplifier.

Filter settings (Bandpass, high- and lowpass filter)

Diagrams showing filter settings for Bandpass (BPF), Highpass filter (100 Hz, ca. 15 Hz), and Lowpass filter (100 Hz, ca. 80 Hz).

Series operation

Two identical subwoofers with one voice coil or one subwoofer with dual voice coil connected in series. Note: Series connection doubles the impedance.

Maximum output power:

• Two subwoofers with 1 x 2 Ohms (4 Ohms total): 525 / 1,050 Watts
• One subwoofer with 2 x 2 Ohms (4 Ohms total): 525 / 1,050 Watts
• Two subwoofers with 1 x 1 Ohm (2 Ohms total): 830 / 1,660 Watts
• One subwoofer with 2 x 1 Ohm (2 Ohms total): 830 / 1,660 Watts

Note: Series connection of 4 Ohm subwoofers is not recommended due to low output power.

Filter settings (Bandpass, high- and lowpass filter)

Diagrams showing filter settings for Bandpass (BPF), Highpass filter (100 Hz, ca. 15 Hz), and Lowpass filter (100 Hz, ca. 80 Hz).

Example configurations for TwinPower Link operation

Amplifier connection in TwinPower Link operation

Master and Slave amplifier connection via RCA/Cinch cable. Switch settings for Master and Slave indicated.

Important: Both amplifiers must have the same impedance setting. Filter settings are assumed by the master amplifier; slave controls are deactivated.

Speaker connection in TwinPower Link operation

One subwoofer with one voice coil (single voice coil)

Maximum output power:

• 1 x 4 Ohms: 1,660 / 3,320 Watts
• 1 x 2 Ohms: 2,200 / 4,400 Watts

Note: Negative terminals of both amplifiers must be connected using a speaker wire of similar gauge to the subwoofer connection wires.

One subwoofer with dual voice coil (dual voice coil)

Maximum output power:

• 2 x 4 Ohms: 1,050 / 2,100 Watts
• 2 x 2 Ohms: 1,660 / 3,320 Watts
• 2 x 1 Ohms: 2,200 / 4,400 Watts

Note: 1 Ohm configuration in TwinPower Link operation is possible but not advisable.

Attention: The second voice coil of the subwoofer must be connected in reversed polarity to the amplifier adjusted as "Slave".

Installation of the HELIX Digital Input Module HDM 1

Extend the HELIX C ONE amplifier with an optical digital input in SPDIF format including SPDIF Direct In switch by mounting the HELIX Digital Input Module HDM 1.

To install, remove the C ONE's side panel and replace it with the panel provided with the HDM 1.

Attention: Install the HDM 1 only in the designated device and slot. Using it in other devices or slots can damage the module, amplifier, head unit/car radio, or other connected devices.

Installation steps:

1. Disconnect power supply (+12 V / GND / REM) and RCA/Cinch cables.
2. Remove acrylic cover by loosening eight Allen screws.
3. Dismantle the side panel with the power supply by removing two Allen screws.
4. Prepare the module for installation. Refer to the HDM 1 instruction manual for further mounting information.
5. Insert the module into the specific slot marked in the picture. Ensure proper installation.
6. Insert and carefully fix the provided Allen screw into the module's mounting hole. Caution: Do not overtighten the screw to avoid module damage.
7. Fix the new side panel with Allen screws. Re-mount the acrylic cover.
8. Reconnect all connections.
9. Turn on the amplifier. The digital inputs are automatically detected. Refer to the HDM 1 instruction manual for more information on the module and SPDIF Direct In function.

Technical Data

Warranty Disclaimer

The limited warranty complies with legal regulations. Failures or damages caused by overload or improper use are not covered by the warranty. Please return the defective product only with a valid proof of purchase and a detailed malfunction description. Technical specifications are subject to change!

Errors are reserved! For damages on the vehicle and the device, caused by handling errors of the device, we can't assume liability. This product is tagged with a CE-Certifikation mark. Thereby these devices are certified for the use in vehicles within the European Community (EC).

Audiotec Fischer GmbH
Hünegräben 26 · 57392 Schmallenberg · Germany
Tel.: +49 2972 9788 0 Fax: +49 2972 9788 88
E-mail: helix@audiotec-fischer.com · Internet: www.audiotec-fischer.com