HELIX DSP ULTRA S

Congratulations!

Dear Customer, Congratulations on your purchase of this innovative and high-quality HELIX product. Thanks to more than 30 years of experience in research and development of audio products the HELIX DSP ULTRA S sets new standards in the range of digital signal processors.

We wish you many hours of enjoyment with your new HELIX DSP ULTRA S.

Yours, AUDIOTEC FISCHER

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.

Installation Location

Install your HELIX DSP ULTRA S in a dry location with sufficient air circulation for proper cooling of the equipment. The signal processor 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 insure 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.

Vehicle Electrical System Connection

The HELIX DSP ULTRA S signal processor 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 signal processor and the electrical system of the vehicle. The positive cable from the battery for the entire sound 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 draw of the car audio system.

Use only the provided connectors for connection of the HELIX DSP ULTRA S. The use of other connectors or cables can result in damage of the signal processor, the head unit / radio or the connected amplifiers / loudspeakers!

Wiring and Cable Routing

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

The device features several input and output connectors, as well as control elements. These are detailed below:

• 1. Low-level line inputs: Connects to RCA/Cinch outputs of source units. (Page 20, point 2)
• 2. Digital inputs (Coaxial & Optical): For digital audio sources. (Page 21, point 4)
• 3. Clipping LED: Indicates signal overload on analog inputs. (Page 24, point 1)
• 4. Auto Remote switch: Controls automatic turn-on function. (Page 21, point 5)
• 5. High-level speaker inputs: Connects directly to speaker outputs of factory or aftermarket radios/amplifiers. (Page 21, point 3)
• 6. Power & Remote connector: For power supply and remote turn-on signal. (Page 21, point 6)
• 7. Control pushbutton: For switching between sound setups and device reset. (Page 24, point 2)
• 8. USB input: For connecting to a PC for configuration via DSP PC-Tool software. (Page 22, point 7)
• 9. SCP (Smart Control Port): For connecting HELIX accessories like remote controls. (Page 25, point 4)
• 10. Line outputs: 12 pre-amplifier outputs for connecting to amplifiers. (Page 24, point 11)
• 11. Status LED: Indicates operating mode (Green: Ready, Orange: Power Save, Red: Protection). (Page 25, point 3)

Diagram Description: The front panel shows various RCA inputs and outputs, digital inputs (Coaxial, Optical), a USB port, and a control port. The rear panel features power and remote connectors, status LEDs, and control buttons.

Hardware Configuration

1. Configuration of the "Load Jumper" for the High-Level Input

This adjustment is necessary when connecting premium sound system amplifiers with an output power of more than 50 W RMS to the high-level inputs. For standard applications (factory radios, aftermarket radios via Cinch), this adjustment is not required.

Changing the "Load Jumper" Setting:

1. Open the signal processor: Remove the side panel by loosening five Phillips screws and pulling the bottom plate out.
2. Determine output voltage: Measure the maximum output voltage of the signal source or consult your HELIX dealer. If unsure, removing the jumper is recommended to avoid damage.
3. "Load Jumper" configuration:
   • Inserted (Factory Setting): Value range: High-level 4 - 11 Volts.
   • Removed: Value range: High-level 12 - 32 Volts.
   Diagram Description: Two images show the internal circuit board with the "Load Jumper" in place (green box) and removed (blue box).
4. Reassemble the signal processor.

2. Connecting the Pre-amplifier Inputs

Connect the eight low-level line inputs to the RCA/Cinch outputs of your source unit. Input sensitivity is factory-set to 4 Volts for all channels. The automatic turn-on circuit does not work with pre-amplifier inputs; therefore, the remote input must be connected.

3. Connecting the High-Level Speaker Inputs

Connect the eight high-level inputs directly to the speaker outputs of your car radio or amplifier using cables up to 1 mm² (AWG 18). Recommended channel assignment for a standard car radio: Channel A = Front Left, Channel B = Front Right, Channel C = Rear Left, Channel D = Rear Right. Polarity must be correct. Using these inputs enables automatic turn-on, so the remote input does not need to be connected. Input sensitivity is factory-set to 11 Volts. Use only the provided screw-terminals.

4. Connecting a Digital Signal Source (SPDIF)

Connect coaxial or optical digital outputs. Sampling rates: Optical 12-96 kHz, Coaxial 12-192 kHz. The input signal is automatically adapted. The optical input is activated by default. Note: Digital audio signals are typically not volume-controlled. This can lead to full output levels, potentially damaging speakers. An optional remote control is recommended for volume adjustment. Supported formats: Uncompressed digital stereo PCM (12 kHz to 96 kHz / 192 kHz). MP3 or Dolby-coded data are not supported.

5. Configuration of the Remote Input

The DSP turns on automatically via high-level inputs or a remote signal. The "Auto Remote" switch (Page 19, point 4) can disable the high-level turn-on feature, useful if noises occur. If disabled, the remote input must be connected. The remote output is used to turn on/off connected amplifiers. It activates automatically after DSP boot-up and turns off during "Power Save Mode" or software updates. Never use a different signal than the remote output to activate amplifiers.

6. Connection to Power Supply & Remote

Disconnect the battery before installation. Use the included screw-type terminal for power connection. Ensure correct polarity. Use appropriate wire gauge (min. 1 mm² / AWG 18). Ground wire must connect to a non-insulated point on the chassis with adequate gauge. Inadequate grounding causes interference.

7. Connecting the PC & First Start-up

Connect the DSP ULTRA S to a PC via USB for configuration using the DSP PC-Tool software. Download the latest software version from www.audiotec-fischer.com. Install the software and USB drivers *before* connecting the DSP. Turn on the DSP, then start the software. The operating software will update automatically if needed.

8. Adjustment of the Input Sensitivity

Properly adapt input sensitivity to the signal source for optimal quality and to prevent damage. For high-level inputs, configure the "Load Jumper" first (Page 20, point 1). Open the device to access eight rotary controls for adjusting each channel's sensitivity. Gain ranges: High-level: 4-32V; Line Input/Cinch: 1-8V. Factory settings are 11V (high-level) and 3V (line/cinch). Adjust sensitivity using the Clipping LED as a guide: reduce sensitivity if the LED lights up, increase until it lights up, then back off until it turns off. Repeat for each channel. Mandatory: Configure "Load Jumper" before setting sensitivity above 11V.

9. Configuration of the DSP

Perform general DSP settings using the DSP PC-Tool software before initial use. Set radio volume to minimum for first start-up. Caution: Incorrect setup can damage speakers, especially in fully active systems.

10. Analyzing the Input Signal

Use the Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) in the DSP PC-Tool software to check factory equalization and filters. Refer to the Knowledge Base at www.audiotec-fischer.com.

11. Connecting the Line Outputs

Connect the 12 pre-amplifier outputs (Line Output) to external amplifier inputs using RCA/Cinch cables. Outputs provide up to 8V. Always use the DSP's remote output to turn amplifiers on/off to avoid noise.

12. Sound Tuning

Create your sound setup. Refer to the Knowledge Base or your HELIX dealer for tuning information.

13. Optional: Adjustment of the Ground Connection

The signal ground is galvanically decoupled from the power ground. This setup helps avoid alternator noise. In some cases, it may be necessary to tie signal and power ground together directly or via a 200 Ohm resistor. Access the ground lift switch by opening the device. Positions: ISO (separated), GND (tied), 200Ω (200 Ohms resistor).

Additional Functions

1. Clipping LED

Normally off. Lights up if analog inputs are overdriven. Reduce input sensitivity until the LED turns off. No function for digital inputs.

2. Control Pushbutton

Switches between 10 internal sound setup memory locations. Long press performs a device reset. Setup switching indicated by Status LED flash. Optional remote controls (URC.3, DIRECTOR, CONDUCTOR) offer more functionality.

3. Status LED

Indicates operating mode: Green: Ready. Orange: Power Save Mode. Red: Protection Mode (over/undervoltage, overheating). Red/Green slow blink: No operating software (update via PC-Tool). Red/Green fast blink: Selected setup memory is empty.

4. SCP (Smart Control Port)

Connects HELIX accessories like remote controls. Functionality configured via DSP PC-Tool. An adapter may be needed for non-NanoFit connectors.

5. Ground Lift Switch

Adjusts signal and power ground connection (separated, tied, or 200 Ohm coupled). See Hardware Configuration section for details.

Virtual Channel Processing (VCP)

VCP is a multi-stage signal processing concept for complex sound systems, enabling advanced sound tuning. It adds a layer of processed channels between inputs and outputs, offering eight virtual channels and twelve output channels. Key advantages include cross-channel group equalization, multi-way speaker configuration, and features like Rear Attenuation. More information is available on www.audiotec-fischer.com.

Diagram Description: A workflow diagram illustrates the VCP process, showing Input Processing, Virtual Channel Processing, and Output Processing stages, with various signal routing and processing steps like EQ, Time, Gain, and SFX.

Configuration of a Subwoofer Remote Control

Configure subwoofer remote control settings via the DSP PC-Tool software. Activate the remote control in the "Extended Features" tab. If VCP is not activated, the remote control is tied to output channels K and L. When VCP is activated, it's tied to virtual subwoofer signals ("Subwoofer 1" or "Subwoofer 2") in the "Virtual to Output Routing" matrix. Input signals must be assigned to these virtual signals in other routing matrices.

Diagram Description: Screenshots show the DSP PC-Tool interface for configuring subwoofer remote control, illustrating routing assignments for both VCP activated and deactivated states.

ACO Platform Features

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

• Turn On & Off Delay: Adjusts delay time for DSP power-on/off (factory default 0.2s). Modify if noises occur.
• URC Setup Switch Configuration: Allows switching between ten sound setup memory locations using an optional remote or the Control pushbutton.
• Remote Output Configuration: Controls whether the remote output is temporarily deactivated during sound setup switching (default ON).
• DAC Digital Filter Config: Assigns a filter characteristic to the DA converter based on preference.

HELIX Extension Card Slot (HEC Slot)

Extend functionality with optional HELIX Extension Cards (HEC), such as Bluetooth or USB Audio modules. Installation requires removing the side panel and replacing it with the HEC module's panel. Ensure the HEC module is installed in the correct slot to prevent damage. Follow steps: disconnect cables, remove side panel, pull out bottom plate, prepare module, insert into slot, ensure proper pin contact, reinsert bottom plate, attach new side panel, bolt module, reconnect cables, power on. The HEC module is automatically detected and configured via DSP PC-Tool.

Diagram Description: Images show the correct insertion of the HEC module into its slot, with pins aligned correctly (green checkmark), and an incorrect insertion attempt (red cross).

Technical Data

Warranty Disclaimer

Warranty service is based on statutory regulations. Defects and damage from overload or improper handling are excluded. Returns require prior consultation, original packaging, detailed error description, and proof of purchase. Technical modifications, misprints, and errors are excepted. No liability for damages caused by handling errors.

Trademarks

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

Correct Disposal of this Product

This symbol ♻️ indicates that the product must not be discarded as household waste. It should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. Follow local rules and never dispose of with normal household waste. Proper disposal prevents negative environmental and health consequences.

Regular Notes

CE Marking: Certified for use in vehicles within the European Union (EU).

UKCA Marking: Certified for use in vehicles within the United Kingdom.

EAC Marking: Certified for use in vehicles within the Eurasian Customs Union.