Features

Overview: The Helix P SIX DSP Mk2 is a 6-channel amplifier that delivers clean power and outstanding sound processing using its "Ultra HD Class D" amp technology and cutting-edge 8-channel DSP. Features like a 96 kHz sampling rate, an extended audio bandwidth of more than 40 kHz, and user-friendly 64-bit internal DSP allow for superior sound quality. The P SIX offers a lot of configuration flexibility with 6 RCA inputs, 6 high-level inputs, an optical digital input, along with 6 speaker outputs and 2 processed RCA outputs. Internal jumper plugs are provided for changing sensitivity level ranges on all of the speaker and pre-amp inputs. The Helix Extension Card slot (HEC) allows for additional features, such as Bluetooth audio streaming and high-resolution audio playback, to be added with one of the optional Helix Extension Cards (sold separately).

Internal DSP: The P SIX needs to be connected to your PC, via the supplied USB cable, for configuration using the DSP PC-Tool software. This can be downloaded to your PC from the Audiotec-Fischer website and is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. The "fixed point" Audio DSP features 64-bit resolution and 1.2 billion MAC operations per second and also includes a Real-time Analyzer (RTA), digital time alignment, phase adjustment, high-pass and low-pass filters, a 30-band parametric EQ, and output level adjustment. The internal DSP is applied to all outputs of the P SIX including the RCA line outputs.

Ultra HD Class D Amp: Helix's new "Ultra HD Class D" technology combines the high-end sound quality of Class AB amps with the benefits of Class D amplifiers. By running at a 96 kHz sampling rate, the audio bandwidth isn't limited to 22 kHz and can achieve an extended frequency response of more than 40 kHz.

Power Save Mode: The Power Save Mode will turn off the internal amplifier stages and the remote outputs when the input signal has dropped off for more than 60 seconds. When a signal is re-applied, the amplifier and remote outputs will reactivate within a second. This feature was developed since many newer vehicles use a CAN or BUS system which may "invisibly" keep the factory radio on for up to 45 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off, thus, keeping the sound system active. The turn-off time can be changed or deactivated completely using the DSP PC-Tool software.

Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection (ADEP): The P SIX utilizes Helix's new ADEP circuitry that allows it to be integrated with OEM (factory) car stereos. Many newer OEM stereos can detect the presence of connected speakers and when amplifiers are installed, the radio may display a failure message causing some features, such as fader control, to be lost. The ADEP circuit avoids these problems without loading the speaker outputs of the factory stereo during high volumes.

Ready for 24 V: The P SIX can operate with either 12 or 24 volt (e.g. large trucks) systems without changing any settings. In both operating modes the amp will have equal performance characteristics.

Helix Extension Card slot: Helix has included an Extension Card slot inside the amplifier to accommodate one of their optional Extension Cards. Each of the cards comes with a replacement side panel for the amp, which provides the necessary cut-outs for the additional ports. To access the Extension Card slot (along with the configuration jumpers), the bottom panel is removed by taking out ten hex-head screws with the provided 2 mm Allen wrench. The four available cards are:

• Optical In - Provides an additional optical input that accepts all digital sources with S/PDIF format (stereo PCM only).
• Aux In - The AUX card has a stereo 3.5 mm jack to input an auxiliary audio source. Also includes an optical digital output.
• BT - This card allows for a Bluetooth (v. 3.0) connection to the amp for audio streaming from a Bluetooth device. Also includes an optical digital output.
• HD-USB - Adds a mini-USB (Type B) input that accepts PCM digital inputs with 32 kHz to 192 kHz sampling rate and 16-, 24-, or 32-bit resolution. Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

Helix Director: The P SIX is designed to be used with the optional Helix Director, a wired remote control that adds flexibility and control over the DSP functions without having to access the amplifier. Its 2.8-inch color touchscreen, with 180-degree display rotation and auto-dimming, can control amp input source selection, volume for all sources, subwoofer volume, sound setup selection, and can switch between 22 stored DSP setups. The Director also allows connection and control of the optional Bluetooth expansion card.

Connection Panels: All of the P SIX inputs are on one side of the amp with all of the outputs on the other side. The two panels are as follows:

• Input Panel:
  • Control push button: This button is used to switch between the setups and to reset the amp.
  • Status LED: This LED indicates the operating mode of the DSP and which setup has been chosen.
  • USB (mini type-B 2.0): Connects the P SIX to your PC for configuration.
  • Control Input: This round 8-pin socket is used to connect an optional wired remote control such as the Helix Director.
  • Optical Input: For connecting sources with a digital audio output (2 channel PCM only) with a sampling rate between 12 and 96 kHz.
  • Input Sensitivity: Three dials are provided for adjusting the input sensitivity of the six high- and low-level inputs. The dials are labeled: A/B, C/D, and E/F.
  • Line Inputs: This section has six RCA inputs for line level signals. Inputs are labeled A - F.
  • High-Level Inputs: A twelve-section terminal block, with set screws, allows for speaker level input connections. Each pair of connections is labeled: A - F.
• Output Panel:
  • Speaker Output Channels A - D: This eight section terminal block, with 2mm hex-head set-screws, contains the speaker outputs for channels A - D.
  • Clip LED: This red LED will light if one of the analog inputs is overdriven.
  • Fuse LED: This red LED will light if one of the internal fuses is faulty.
  • Power/Ground/Remote: This three-section terminal block has +12 volt and Ground connections, that can accept up to 4ga.wire, and a remote terminal that can accept wire up to 16ga. Power and ground use 4mm set-screws while the remote terminal uses a 2mm set-screw.
  • Line Outputs: Two RCA connections for channels G and H provide a pre-amp output for connecting outboard amplifiers. These outputs can be assigned to any of the inputs using the DSP PC-Tool software.
  • Remote Output: The P SIX has a set-screw terminal block with two remote outputs for triggering outboard amplifiers.
  • Speaker Output Channels E/F: Two additional speaker outputs, using 2mm set-screws, are provided for channels E and F.

Specifications:

• RMS Power:
  • Channel A - F @ 4 Ohms: 120 watts per channel
  • Channel C - F @ 2 Ohms: 230 watts per channel
• Signal Inputs:
  • 6 x RCA
  • 6 x Speaker level
  • 1 x Optical
• Signal Outputs:
  • 6 x Speaker
  • 2 x RCA
• Input Sensitivity:
  • RCA: 2 - 4 volts or 4 - 8 volts
  • Speaker Level: 5 - 10 volts or 10 - 20 volts
• Line Output Voltage: 3 volts RMS
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 44kHz
• DSP Resolution: 64 bit
• Sampling Rate: 96kHz
• A/D, D/A Converters: Burr Brown
• Signal to Noise Ratio:
  • Digital Inputs: 105 dB
  • Analog Inputs: 100 dB
• THD: < 0.008%
• Damping Factor: > 100
• Dimensions: Width - 10.232", Height - 1.953", Depth - 7.467"