HELIX NEXT DSP ULTRA XT - 16 Channel High-End DSP | 12ch In

A new era of HELIX DSP performance

The HELIX DSP ULTRA XT marks the new pinnacle of HELIX standalone DSPs. As an ultra high-end 16-channel signal processor, it is designed for modern multi-channel sound upgrades with the highest sonic standards. No matter how complex the factory sound system, how diverse the signal sources or how ambitious the requirements – with comprehensive connectivity, state-of-the-art signal processing and audio performance par excellence, the DSP ULTRA XT sets a new benchmark in high-end car audio. The result is a NEXT-level HELIX processor that redefines the limits of premium sound systems – Made in Germany, of course.

Maximum flexibility & connectivity for demanding multi-channel upgrades

The HELIX DSP ULTRA XT offers exceptional connectivity for demanding multi-channel upgrades and complex integrations into modern vehicle environments. With 8 RCA inputs, 12 highlevel inputs, one optical and one coaxial SPDIF input, one optical SPDIF output, the Extension Card 2.0 slot and USB PerfectStream via USB-C, numerous analog and digital signal paths are available. This allows the DSP ULTRA XT to be flexibly connected to a wide variety of sources, factory sound systems and high-end system concepts.

The 12-channel highlevel input with an input sensitivity of up to 32 V RMS enables the seamless connection of powerful factory amplifiers and provides ideal conditions for integration into modern OEM sound systems. For high-quality digital signal input, an optical and a coaxial SPDIF input are also available – ideal for directly connecting digital signal sources such as high-res players. The optical SPDIF output also enables digital signal transmission to downstream components.

At the same time, the DSP ULTRA XT acts as a central digital hub within the vehicle. Internally, its powerful DSP architecture with 12 input channels, 8 virtual channels and 16 processed output channels provides the foundation for maximum flexibility in signal routing, source integration and channel management. In addition, the USB-C input with innovative USB PerfectStream technology allows high-resolution audio signals of up to 192 kHz / 32 Bit to be transmitted losslessly directly into the DSP. AISA measurements and configuration via DSP PC-Tool 6 can also be carried out conveniently via the same connection.

The integrated Extension Card 2.0 slot expands connectivity as needed with additional interfaces such as Bluetooth HD Audio, further analog inputs or future modules. The feature set is complemented by the Smart Control Port (SCP), which enables the connection of remote controls and additional accessories including integrated power supply. The result is a future-proof DSP platform that combines exceptional system freedom with state-of-the-art digital connectivity.

High-end signal processing with ESS SABRE technology

The high-end standard of the DSP ULTRA XT is particularly evident in its use of highest-quality components. Signal conversion is handled by powerful A/D and D/A converters from ESS Technology featuring HyperStream® IV architecture as well as SABRE and SABRE HIFI® technology. This converter technology enjoys an outstanding reputation in the audio world and provides the foundation for exceptionally precise, low-noise and low-distortion signal processing. The result is a particularly pure, detailed and dynamic music reproduction that makes even the finest nuances audible.

With a signal-to-noise ratio of 128 dB, total harmonic distortion of < 0.0003 % THD+N, intermodulation distortion of < 0.0008 % and a maximum output voltage of 8 volts, the DSP ULTRA XT proves its outstanding detail resolution, dynamics and sonic control. Internal signal processing at 96 kHz / 32 Bit enables an audio bandwidth of up to 44 kHz and underlines its consistent design for high-resolution playback. The innovative audio signal path consistently minimizes interference and distortion, while the use of high-quality premium RCA connectors ensure a reliable, mechanically stable connection and permanently clean signal transmission.

High-end down to the smallest component

The exceptional quality standard of the HELIX DSP ULTRA XT does not end with converter technology, processing power and connectivity – it is reflected in the selection and tuning of each individual hardware component. In a signal processor of this class, even a seemingly standard component can have a decisive impact on measured performance, noise behavior and sound quality.

The outputs feature coupling capacitors manufactured exclusively for Audiotec Fischer – specifically developed for audio applications and optimized for a minimal dissipation factor (tan δ). They pass the audio signal as neutrally and losslessly as possible, without sonic coloration or measurable distortion. At critical points in the signal path, tightly tolerated thin-film resistors with a maximum deviation of 0.1 % ensure highest precision – an essential prerequisite for the outstanding measured performance of the DSP ULTRA XT.

The power supply of the A/D and D/A converters has also been consistently designed for maximum signal purity: Special linear voltage regulators from ESS Technology create optimal operating conditions for extremely low-noise and low-distortion conversion of even the smallest audio signals. Each of the three A/D converters and both D/A converters is equipped with its own dedicated power supply – mutual interference between the converter channels is thereby structurally excluded.

A newly developed analog input stage with extremely high common-mode rejection effectively keeps unwanted interference away from the audio signal, before it can even reach the signal path. In addition, particularly low-noise and low-distortion SoundPlus™ operational amplifiers from Texas Instruments are used in the input and output stages – consistent engineering on every level.

TwinDSP Power

Processing power can only be replaced by even more processing power – which is precisely why the DSP ULTRA XT is equipped with two extremely powerful 64 Bit fixed-point audio signal processors. With an incredible 2.4 billion MAC operations per second, they provide the enormous processing headroom required for the extensive sound tuning of all internal channels in combination with the highest quality signal processing. For optimal configuration, the ULTRA XT offers twelve separately processable input channels, eight processable virtual channels and sixteen processable output channels – enabling comprehensive adjustment options and numerous sound features.

ACO – Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform

Rapid processing power that‘s not only in the signal path – the particularly powerful 32 Bit ACO platform handles all control tasks and provides the decisive speed boost, especially in data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software, but also in the lightning-fast switching between the up to ten possible sound setups. But ACO offers much more – fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter, dynamic processing such as Dynamic Loudness Control (DLC) or Remote Tone Control (RTC) are implemented as well as a channel-separated Input EQ including Advanced Input Signal Analyzer (AISA) for easy analysis and compensation of input signals from OE radios already containing a sound setup.

Maximum control with DSP PC-Tool 6

Of course, the HELIX DSP ULTRA XT can be configured via our professional yet exceptionally intuitive DSP PC-Tool 6 software. Its numerous adjustment options leave nothing to be desired and enable extremely precise sound tuning, even in highly complex multi-channel configurations.

Thanks to extended DSP features, intelligent automation and powerful algorithms such as TuneEQ, TuneToTarget or AISA, the sound tuning process is further supported and made significantly more efficient in practice. At the same time, the optimized user guidance of DSP PC-Tool 6 ensures that every setup can be adapted down to the smallest detail to the acoustic conditions of the vehicle and individual listening preferences – for a sound experience at the highest level.

Virtual Channel Processing – Modern signal routing

The adaptation to modern OE sound systems via an increasing number of inputs has a significant impact on the complexity of the signal routing inside the amplifier. Especially when several input signals are mixed together and then split again into multi-way systems, conventional routing concepts quickly reach their limits. Audiotec Fischer's multi-stage "Virtual Channel Processing", in conjunction with the recognized user-friendly DSP PC-Tool software makes it easy to realize even highly complex system configurations. Besides, it allows to freely assign our proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "Augmented Bass Processing".

NEXT-level technology in a high-end look

The HELIX DSP ULTRA XT underlines its technological ambition on the outside. Its new, distinctive housing design with a cooling-fin look, chamfered edges and high-quality premium RCA connectors makes the exceptional standard of this signal processor visible at first glance. Despite its enormous range of functions, the DSP ULTRA XT offers a compact form factor, supporting practical integration into the vehicle.