HELIX DSP MINI MK2

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this innovative and high-quality HELIX product. With over 30 years of experience in audio component research and development, Audiotec Fischer sets new standards with the HELIX DSP MINI MK2. This processor is developed with the latest technical knowledge, featuring excellent workmanship and advanced technologies.

General Installation Instructions

To prevent damage and injury, please read this manual carefully and follow all installation instructions. Ensure the product has been checked for proper function before shipping.

Before starting installation: Disconnect the battery's negative terminal to prevent damage, fire, or injury. For optimal performance and warranty coverage, professional installation by an authorized HELIX dealer is strongly recommended.

Install the HELIX DSP MINI MK2 in a dry location with sufficient air circulation for cooling. Secure the processor to a solid mounting surface. Before mounting, inspect the area for electrical cables, components, brake lines, or fuel tanks that could be damaged.

Important: Only use the provided connectors. Incorrect connections can damage the signal processor, head unit, or amplifiers.

Plan wire routing carefully to avoid damage. Protect cables from crushing or pinching. Avoid routing cables near potential noise sources like electric motors or high-power accessories.

The signal processor is designed for vehicles with a 12V negative terminal connected to chassis ground. Other systems may cause damage.

The positive cable from the battery should be fused within 30 cm of the battery. The fuse value depends on the total current draw of the car audio system.

Connectors and Control Units

1. Line Input: RCA inputs for pre-amplifier signals. Assignable to any output via DSP PC-Tool software. Automatic turn-on does not function; the remote input must be connected.

2. Highlevel Input: High-level speaker inputs for connecting factory radios or aftermarket radios without low-level outputs. Input sensitivity is factory-set to 11 Volts, adjustable between 5-11 Volts via DSP PC-Tool. Automatic turn-on is enabled when a speaker signal is present. Do not use Highlevel and lowlevel inputs on the same channel simultaneously.

3. Optical Input: SPDIF input for digital stereo signals (12-96 kHz). Input signal is automatically adapted. Volume control requires an optional remote or WIFI CONTROL. Supports stereo PCM signals only, not MP3 or Dolby-coded data.

4. Auto Remote: Switch to activate/deactivate the automatic turn-on feature for highlevel inputs. Deactivate if disturbing noises occur. If deactivated, the remote input must be connected.

5. Power Input: For DC power supply and remote in/out. Remote output is used to switch on external amplifiers. It activates upon DSP boot completion and deactivates during Power Save Mode or software updates.

6. Ground Lift Switch: Defines the connection between power ground and signal ground (separated, hard-wired, or via 200 Ohm resistor).

7. Control Pushbutton: Switches between sound setups or initiates a device reset. Long press for reset.

8. Status LED: Indicates operating mode: Green (ready), Orange (Power Save), Red (Protection Mode). Red/green flashing indicates missing or empty software/setup.

9. USB Input: Connects to a PC for configuration via DSP PC-Tool software. USB storage devices are not supported.

10. SCP (Smart Control Port): Multifunction interface for HELIX accessories like remote controls. Configuration via DSP PC-Tool software.

11. Line Output: 6-channel pre-amplifier output (6 Volts max). Use the remote output from Power Input to turn on connected amplifiers to avoid switching noises.

Installation and Setup

Connecting to Head Unit / Car Radio:

1. Pre-amplifier Inputs (Line Input): Use RCA/Cinch cables. Inputs can be assigned to outputs via DSP PC-Tool. Automatic turn-on is not active; connect the remote input.

2. Highlevel Speaker Inputs: Connect directly to speaker outputs using appropriate cables (max. 1 mm²). Recommended channel assignment: A=Front Left, B=Front Right, C=Rear Left, D=Rear Right. Polarity is crucial. Automatic turn-on is active; remote input not needed.

3. Digital Signal Source (Optical Input): Connect to optical digital output. Automatic turn-on can be activated in DSP PC-Tool software. Remote input must be connected. Digital audio signals typically lack volume control; use an optional remote for volume adjustment to prevent speaker damage.

4. Adjustment of Input Sensitivity: Adapt sensitivity to the signal source using DSP PC-Tool software to avoid damage. Factory settings: Highlevel 11V, Line Input 4V. Adjust sensitivity carefully using the software's 'Input Gain' function, monitoring the clipping indicator.

5. Connection to Power Supply: Disconnect battery before connecting. Use the provided screw-terminal. Ensure correct polarity. Ground wire must connect to an uninsulated chassis point. Use minimum 1 mm² / AWG18 wire for power supply.

6. Connecting the Remote Input: Connect to the radio's remote output if using Line or Optical inputs. Avoid using ignition switch for remote input to prevent pop noise.

7. Configuration of the Remote Input: Automatic turn-on via Highlevel Input or remote input. Use the Auto Remote switch to disable if needed. If disabled, the remote input is mandatory.

8. Configuration of the DSP: Perform initial settings using DSP PC-Tool software before first use to prevent damage to amplifiers or speakers.

9. Connecting the Remote Output: Use this output to supply remote signals to external amplifiers for turn-on/off to avoid switching noises.

Connection to a PC

Configure the HELIX DSP MINI MK2 using the DSP PC-Tool software. Download the latest version from www.audiotec-fischer.com. Read the knowledge base before first use.

Important: Do not connect the processor to the PC until the software and USB driver are installed.

Steps:

1. Download and install the DSP PC-Tool software.
2. Connect the processor to the PC using the USB cable. Use an active USB extension cable for longer distances or the optional WIFI CONTROL interface.
3. Turn on the signal processor, then start the software. Software will update automatically if needed.
4. Configure the processor using the DSP PC-Tool software. Refer to the knowledge base for hints.

Caution: Set the car radio volume to minimum during initial startup. Do not connect any devices to the processor until initial settings are made in the DSP PC-Tool software, especially for fully active systems, to avoid speaker damage.

DSP Sound Effects Configuration

The HELIX DSP MINI MK2 offers unique DSP sound effects like Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander, and RealCenter. Specific hardware and software settings are required.

Center Processing (RealCenter & ClarityXpander): Requires at least one left and one right analog/digital input signal. Route these to output channels A and B. Generate a summation signal from these inputs and route to output channel E (defined as "Center Full"). Repeat for all routing matrices. Activate the effect in the FX menu.

StageXpander & ClarityXpander: Normally affect channels A and B. For fully active 2-way front systems affecting channels A-D, activate "Link to C+D" in the FX menu under "Front Processing".

Augmented Bass Processing (Dynamic Bass Enhancement & SubXpander): Requires at least one left and one right analog/digital input signal. Route a summation signal from all input signals to output channel F. Repeat for all routing matrices. Activate the effect in the FX menu.

ACO Platform Features

The ACO platform offers system features configurable via the DSP PC-Tool software.

Turn On & Off Delay: Adjusts the delay time for DSP power on/off (factory setting 0.2 seconds). Modify if noise occurs during switching.

URC Setup Switch Configuration: Allows selection between 10 sound setup memory locations. Two locations can be pre-assigned. Optional remote controls (DIRECTOR, CONDUCTOR, WIFI CONTROL) are recommended for accessing all locations.

Remote Output Configuration: Controls temporary deactivation of the remote output during sound setup switching. Activated (ON) by default.

ADEP.3 Configuration: Adapts the ADEP.3 circuit to OEM radio diagnostic modes (e.g., "Class SB" output stage) to prevent distortions at high volumes. Compatibility mode is disabled by default.

HELIX Extension Card (HEC) Slot

Extend functionality with HEC modules (e.g., Bluetooth®, USB soundcard). Installation involves replacing the side panel with the one provided with the HEC module. Ensure the HEC module is installed in the correct slot. Follow the steps provided: disconnect cables, remove side panel, pull out bottom plate, insert HEC module, ensure proper seating, reinsert bottom plate, fix new side panel, reconnect cables, turn on processor. The HEC module will be detected and can be configured via DSP PC-Tool.

Technical Data

• Inputs: 4 x RCA/Cinch, 4 x Highlevel speaker, 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 Power: 64 Bit / 295 MHz
• 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, Analog input: 107 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N): Digital input: < 0.0008 %, Analog input: < 0.002 %
• IM Distortion (IMD): Digital input: < 0.003 %, Analog input: < 0.005 %
• Crosstalk: > 90 dB
• Operating Voltage: 9.6 - 18 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts)
• Power Rating: DC 12V = 3A 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"

Warranty Disclaimer

Warranty service is based on statutory regulations. Overload or improper handling are excluded. Returns require prior consultation, original packaging, detailed error description, and proof of purchase. Technical modifications and errors are excepted. Audiotec Fischer GmbH is not liable for vehicle damage or device defects due to incorrect operation. The product has CE marking for EU use.

Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. used under license by Audiotec Fischer GmbH. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.