Helix DSP.3S 8Ch DSP Processor

Description

HELIX DSP.3S

Refining Our Standards

The HELIX DSP.3S redefines the standard for digital signal processors. As a refined 8-channel DSP, it delivers numerous detailed improvements. In addition to the essential optical digital input, a new coaxial digital input allows connection to high-resolution signal sources with sampling rates up to 192 kHz.

Cutting-Edge Technology for the Ultimate High-Res Sound Experience

With a 64-bit audio DSP from the latest Sigma350 generation and native 96 kHz signal processing, the DSP.3S ensures outstanding sound quality. A/D and D/A converters from BurrBrown make it ready for High-Res audio signals with bandwidths over 40 kHz.

ACO – Advanced 32-Bit CoProcessor Platform

Like its predecessors, the DSP.3S is equipped with HELIX’s proprietary ACO platform:

• Ultra-fast control management

• Instant switching between up to 10 sound setups

• Integrated sound effects like Augmented Bass Processing and StageXpander

• Channel-separated Input EQ and Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy OE integration

Practical Features for Maximum Connectivity

The DSP.3S is optimized for use with factory radios and OEM systems. It includes:

• Smart high-level input with ADEP.3 circuit

• Optical (up to 96 kHz) and coaxial (up to 192 kHz) SPDIF digital inputs

• Auto Remote switch

• HEC slot for expansion (Bluetooth HD audio, USB streaming, etc.)

• Smart Control Port (SCP) for powering and connecting accessories

Its robust SCP design with a snap-in connector ensures stable, durable connections and supports compact installation.

Focused, Compact Design

With its clean, HELIX-typical design, the DSP.3S is compact and easy to integrate into virtually any vehicle.

DSP PC-Tool – Precision Tuning Made Simple

The HELIX DSP.3S is fully configurable via the professional yet user-friendly DSP PC-Tool V4 software. With numerous tuning and routing options, it delivers precise and highly customizable sound adjustment for even the most complex systems.

Key Features

• Powerful 64-bit fixed-point DSP with 1.2 billion MAC operations/sec

• High-resolution audio processing up to 40+ kHz bandwidth

• BurrBrown A/D and D/A signal converters

• ACO platform for expanded feature set and real-time control

• ISA and InputEQ for easy signal analysis and calibration

• DSP sound effects:

  • Augmented Bass Processing

  • StageXpander

  • RealCenter

  • ClarityXpander

• 10 internal memory locations for sound setups

• Smart high-level input with ADEP.3 & Auto Turn-On

• Optical and coaxial SPDIF inputs (96 kHz and 192 kHz)

• HEC slot for Bluetooth HD Audio, USB, and more

• Smart Control Port (SCP)

• Ground lift switch for avoiding ground loops

• Separate signal routing matrices for line, SPDIF, and HEC/AUX

• Compact dimensions for easy integration

Special Features

96 kHz Sampling Rate

The DSP.3S handles signals with a 96 kHz sampling rate, allowing audio bandwidths over 40 kHz. This doubles standard audio resolution — made possible by the newest generation DSP chips.

ACO CoProcessor

The ACO CoProcessor ensures:

• Fast setup switching

• Enhanced internal/external communication

• Software updates via built-in bootloader

• Compatibility with future OE radio diagnostics

• 10 memory slots (vs. 2 in older models)

ADEP.3 High-Level Input

The third-generation ADEP.3 circuit ensures compatibility with modern factory radios — avoiding diagnostic errors and protecting speaker outputs even at high volume.

Start-Stop Compatibility

Maintains stable operation even when battery voltage drops to 6V during engine start.

Power Save Mode

• Powers down connected amps after 60 seconds of silence

• Reactivates instantly when signal resumes

• Adjustable or deactivatable via DSP PC-Tool

Automatic Digital Signal Detection

• Auto-switches between analog and digital inputs

• Can be manually controlled via optional remote

• Fully configurable via software

DSP Sound Features

RealCenter

Creates a unique center signal by analyzing the stereo content from left and right channels. Unlike conventional methods, the signal is dynamically adjusted:

• If only one channel is active, the center stays silent

• Delivers a natural, expansive soundstage for both driver and passenger

Augmented Bass Processing

Includes:

• Dynamic Bass Enhancement – deep, controlled bass without distortion

• SubXpander – adds subharmonic tones (50–100 Hz) for extended low-end response

• Adaptively boosts bass at low/medium volume while protecting the sub at high levels

StageXpander

Significantly widens the stereo image without distorting the location of vocals or instruments. Especially useful when a center speaker compresses the soundstage. Adjustable in four levels.

ClarityXpander

Boosts treble detail by adding harmonic content to the upper frequency range:

• Adjustable in three levels

• Available for front and center channels

• Center channel includes dynamic control to avoid listening fatigue during bright recordings