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Helix V Eighteen DSP 18-Channel Pure Class GD Amplifier with 20-Channel TwinDSP
An 18-channel Pure Class GD amplifier with integrated 20-channel TwinDSP from Helix, the V Eighteen DSP delivers 12 x 70W RMS at 4Ω (channels 1-12) and 6 x 75W RMS at 4Ω subwoofer channels (13-18, up to 160W RMS at 2Ω), with 18 high-level ADEP.3 inputs (up to 32V) for native 1:1 IOR, 6 RCA inputs, optical SPDIF, TwinDSP at 2.4 billion MAC ops/sec, BurrBrown 24-bit converters, 18-channel InputEQ with ISA, ACO 32-bit CoProcessor, TuneEQ, VCP, Augmented Bass Processing, RealCenter, StageXpander, HEC slot, SCP Smart Control Port, Power Save Mode, Auto Remote, and EV-ready 10.5-18V operation in a compact 44 x 255 x 220mm housing.
Product Overview
The Helix V Eighteen DSP is the most channel-dense amplifier in the Helix V Series range, positioning itself as the all-in-one tool for upgrading or designing entirely new complex multi-channel audio configurations. Combining 18 amplifier channels, 20 DSP channels, 18 high-level inputs, 6 RCA inputs, and native 1:1 IOR in a compact 44 x 255 x 220mm housing, the V Eighteen DSP sets new standards for what a single amplifier unit can achieve in premium OEM system upgrade and bespoke multi-channel design applications.
Pure Class GD technology delivers 18 x 70-75W RMS at 4Ω across all channels, with channels 13-18 rated to 120W RMS at 2Ω and maximum output of up to 160W RMS per channel at 2Ω. The TwinDSP platform runs two independent 64-bit fixed-point Analog Devices audio signal processors simultaneously at 295 MHz each, delivering a combined 2.4 billion MAC operations per second across 20 separately processed DSP channels at 48kHz sampling rate. BurrBrown 24-bit A/D and D/A converters handle signal conversion with 107dB SNR from digital input and 102dB from analog input, and THD below 0.015%.
The 18 high-level ADEP.3 inputs provide two switchable sensitivity ranges (max. 16V or max. 32V) and two switchable impedance settings (9-33Ω with ADEP.3 or 20kΩ), matching exactly the same number as the 18 amplifier output channels for true 1:1 Input-to-Output Routing across all channels from a single amplifier unit. Six RCA inputs (max. 4V or 8V switchable) accommodate aftermarket head units and DSP processors simultaneously. The optical SPDIF input accepts 12-96kHz digital signals. Two 3V RCA outputs connect external amplifiers. The HEC slot accepts optional Bluetooth HD and USB high-resolution audio streaming expansion cards. The SCP connects optional CONDUCTOR, DIRECTOR, and remote control accessories. Power Save Mode reduces consumption after 60 seconds of no signal with 1-second reactivation. Operating voltage is 10.5-18V with Start-Stop capability to 6V. Fused at 3 x 30A LP-Mini (APS) for up to 108A maximum draw.
Features & Benefits
18 Amplifier Channels with 20-Channel TwinDSP - Complete Multi-Channel Architecture: The V Eighteen DSP provides 18 amplifier outputs and 20 separately processed DSP channels from a single unit, enabling complete multi-channel system upgrades including premium OEM systems with up to 18 speaker channels plus 2 additional DSP processing channels for system routing and signal management.
Pure Class GD Technology - Exceptional Sound Quality with Maximum Efficiency: Pure Class GD varies the internal supply voltage continuously based on the input signal amplitude, combining the sonic excellence of a fully differential signal path and improved output filter design with near-maximum efficiency and negligible heat dissipation - outperforming conventional Class D designs in both efficiency and audio quality.
18 High-Level ADEP.3 Inputs with Native 1:1 IOR - Up to 32V: All 18 high-level ADEP.3 inputs match the 18 amplifier output channels for true 1:1 Input-to-Output Routing across every channel simultaneously. Switchable sensitivity (max. 16V or 32V) and switchable impedance (9-33Ω ADEP.3 or 20kΩ) cover the full range of OEM factory and premium OEM amplifier output configurations. The ADEP.3 Gen 3 circuit prevents error messages and feature loss in all OEM factory systems.
TwinDSP Power - Dual 64-Bit DSPs at 2.4 Billion MAC ops/sec: Two independent 64-bit fixed-point Analog Devices audio signal processors running simultaneously at 295 MHz each deliver a combined 2.4 billion MAC operations per second across 20 DSP channels, providing the processing power to handle all 18 amplifier channels plus routing, equalisation, crossover, time alignment, and sound effects simultaneously with exceptional precision.
18-Channel ISA InputEQ for OEM Signal Correction: The 18-channel Input Signal Analyzer with InputEQ analyses and corrects OEM factory sound system processing applied to each of the 18 input channels independently, removing factory EQ curves, bass boost, and other signal modifications before they enter the DSP processing chain.
ACO 32-Bit CoProcessor - TuneEQ, VCP, RealCenter, Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander: The ACO platform manages TuneEQ automated parametric EQ calibration, VCP cross-channel group equalizers and multi-way speaker configuration, RealCenter dynamic center image synthesis, Augmented Bass Processing (Dynamic Bass Enhancement and SubXpander), StageXpander stereo image enhancement, DLC, and RTC, with up to 10 sound setup memories and instant switching.
VCP - Virtual Channel Processing for the Most Complex 18-Channel Configurations: VCP provides cross-channel group equalizers affecting multiple output channels simultaneously and multi-way speaker configuration with DSP Sound Effects, enabling the most complex multi-amplifier, multi-way active speaker system configurations to be implemented and tuned through the DSP PC-Tool interface.
6 RCA Inputs with Dual Sensitivity Ranges: Six RCA inputs with switchable sensitivity (max. 4V or 8V) accommodate aftermarket head units and DSP processors simultaneously with the high-level inputs, providing complete flexibility for mixed OEM and aftermarket source architectures.
HEC Slot and SCP Smart Control Port: The HEC slot accepts optional Bluetooth HD audio streaming and USB high-resolution audio streaming cards. The SCP connects optional CONDUCTOR, DIRECTOR, and other remote control accessories directly with integrated power.
Power Save Mode with 1-Second Reactivation: Power Save Mode automatically disables the remote output and connected amplifiers after 60 seconds of no signal, with 1-second reactivation when a music signal is detected, protecting the vehicle battery in vehicles where the radio may remain active after the ignition is off.
EV-Ready - Extended Operating Voltage to 18V: The extended operating voltage range of 10.5-18V with Start-Stop capability to 6V supports conventional combustion engines, mild hybrids, and fully electric vehicle (EV) electrical platforms with higher and more variable supply voltages.
Auto Remote Switch: Auto Remote activates the amplifier automatically from the audio signal without requiring a separate remote wire.
What's in the Box
- Helix V Eighteen DSP Amplifier
- 4 x Speaker Connection Cables
- 1 x USB Cable
- 2 x Allen Key
- Mounting Material
- Instruction Manual
Technical Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | V EIGHTEEN DSP |
| Brand | Helix |
| Range | V Series |
| Channels | 18 (Amplifier) / 20 (DSP) |
| Amplifier Class | Pure Class GD |
| Power RMS - Ch 1-12 at 4Ω | 12 x 70W |
| Power RMS - Ch 13-18 at 4Ω | 6 x 75W |
| Power RMS - Ch 13-18 at 2Ω | 6 x 120W |
| Max Output - Ch 1-12 at 3Ω | Up to 100W per Channel |
| Max Output - Ch 13-18 at 2Ω | Up to 160W per Channel |
| THD | Less than 0.015% |
| Damping Factor | Greater than 50 |
| RCA Inputs | 6 x RCA (Max. 4V or 8V Switchable, 12kΩ) |
| High-Level Inputs | 18 x High-Level ADEP.3 (Max. 16V or 32V Switchable) |
| High-Level Input Impedance | 9-33Ω (ADEP.3) or 20kΩ Switchable |
| Digital Input | 1 x Optical SPDIF (12-96kHz) |
| Outputs | 18 x Speaker, 2 x RCA (3V), 2 x Remote Out |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-22,000Hz |
| SNR - Digital Input | 107dB (A-weighted) |
| SNR - Analog Input | 102dB (A-weighted) |
| DSP Resolution | 64-Bit Fixed-Point |
| DSP Processing Power | 2 x 295 MHz TwinDSP (2.4 Billion MAC ops/sec) |
| Sampling Rate | 48kHz |
| Signal Converters | BurrBrown 24-Bit A/D and D/A |
| CoProcessor | ACO 32-Bit |
| DSP Channels | 20 |
| Input Channels with ISA | 18 (Independent InputEQ per Channel) |
| Sound Setup Memories | 10 |
| 1:1 IOR | Yes (18 Inputs to 18 Outputs) |
| HEC Slot | Yes (Helix Extension Card) |
| SCP | Yes (Smart Control Port) |
| Power Save Mode | Yes (60 Seconds, Adjustable via DSP PC-Tool) |
| Auto Remote | Yes |
| Operating Voltage | 10.5-18V (Stable to 6V for 5 Seconds) |
| Power Rating | DC 12V, 108A Max |
| Idle Current | 1300mA |
| Max Remote Output Current | 500mA |
| Fuse | 3 x 30A LP-Mini (APS) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +70°C |
| Dimensions | 44mm x 255mm x 220mm |
DSP Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISA | 18-Channel Input Signal Analyzer with independent InputEQ |
| TuneEQ | Automated parametric EQ calibration via measurement microphone |
| VCP | Virtual Channel Processing with cross-channel group EQ |
| 1:1 IOR | Yes (18 inputs to 18 amplifier outputs natively) |
| RealCenter | Dynamic center image synthesis |
| Augmented Bass Processing | Dynamic Bass Enhancement and SubXpander |
| StageXpander | Stereo image enhancement |
| DLC | Dynamic Loudness Control |
| RTC | Remote Tone Control |
| Sound Setups | Up to 10 with instant ACO switching |
| DSP PC-Tool | Version 5 with TuneEQ |
Compatible With
The V Eighteen DSP is compatible with 10.5-18V vehicle electrical systems including EV and mild hybrid platforms. High-level ADEP.3 inputs support factory OEM head units at up to 32V with dual sensitivity range and impedance switching, covering standard and high-voltage premium OEM factory amplifier outputs. RCA inputs suit aftermarket head units and DSP processors at up to 4V or 8V. Optical SPDIF input accepts 12-96kHz digital signals. HEC expansion modules including Bluetooth HD and USB audio streaming cards are sold separately. SCP accessories are sold separately. DSP configuration via DSP PC-Tool 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the V Eighteen DSP the highest channel-count option in the Helix V Series?
The V Eighteen DSP provides 18 amplifier channels, 20 DSP channels, and 18 high-level inputs in a single 44 x 255 x 220mm unit, the highest channel count of any Helix V Series amplifier. It enables a single-amplifier upgrade of complete premium OEM multi-channel sound systems with up to 18 speaker channels, including complex multi-way front, rear, center, and subwoofer configurations, without requiring multiple amplifier units.
What is TwinDSP Power on the V Eighteen DSP?
TwinDSP Power uses two independent 64-bit fixed-point Analog Devices audio signal processors running simultaneously at 295 MHz each, delivering a combined 2.4 billion MAC operations per second. This dual-processor architecture makes the 20 separately processed DSP channels possible, providing the processing headroom required for independent equalisation, crossover, time alignment, and sound effects across all 18 amplifier channels simultaneously.
Does the V Eighteen DSP provide native 1:1 IOR?
Yes. The V Eighteen DSP has exactly the same number of high-level inputs (18) as amplifier output channels (18), enabling direct 1:1 Input-to-Output Routing across all 18 channels from a single amplifier unit without the need for additional routing hardware.
Is the V Eighteen DSP compatible with EV and mild hybrid vehicles?
Yes. The V Eighteen DSP operates across 10.5-18V with Start-Stop capability to 6V, supporting the higher and more variable supply voltages of electric vehicles and mild hybrid platforms, as well as conventional combustion engine vehicles.
What is the Power Save Mode on the V Eighteen DSP?
Power Save Mode automatically disables the remote output and all connected amplifiers after 60 seconds of no input signal, protecting the vehicle battery. This is particularly important in modern vehicles with CAN bus radio systems that may remain active for up to 45 minutes after the ignition is switched off. The remote output reactivates within 1 second when a music signal is detected. The 60-second delay is adjustable or can be deactivated via DSP PC-Tool 5.
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