M SIX - Receiver Helix - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	6-Channel Class D Amplifier with Integrated Active Crossover
Dimensions (H x W x D)	50 x 320 x 154 mm / 2.00 x 12.60 x 6.06 inches
Weight	Not specified; estimated ~2.5 kg based on similar models
Power Supply Voltage	10.5 - 16 Volts (Start-Stop capable down to 6 Volts for max. 5 sec)
Idle Current	1,550 mA
Fuse Rating	2 x 35 A Maxi-fuse (APX)
Output Power RMS / Max @ 4 Ohms	6 x 100 / 200 Watts
Output Power RMS / Max @ 2 Ohms	6 x 100 / 200 Watts
Bridged Output Power RMS / Max @ 4 Ohms	3 x 200 / 400 Watts
Amplifier Technology	Class D
Inputs	6 x RCA / Cinch, 1 x Remote In
Input Sensitivity (RCA)	0.5 - 6 Volts
Input Impedance (RCA)	20 kOhms
Outputs	6 x Speaker Output (channels A-F)
Frequency Response	10 Hz - 30,000 Hz
Highpass Filter (HPF)	15 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable, slope 12 dB/Oct
Lowpass Filter (LPF)	40 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable, slope 12 dB/Oct
Bandpass Filter	15 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable (via combined HPF/LPF)
Subsonic / HPF Filter (Channel E/F)	15 - 4,000 Hz adjustable
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Analog Input)	98 dB (A-weighted)
Distortion (THD)	0.05%
Damping Factor	100
Protection Circuits	Overheating, overvoltage, undervoltage, short-circuit, false connection
Input Mode Switch (Channels E/F)	Stereo or Summed (for subwoofer)
Start-Stop Capability	Yes, operates down to 6V during engine crank

Frequently Asked Questions - M SIX Helix

What is the minimum impedance per channel?

The minimum impedance per channel is 2 Ohms (4 Ohms in bridged mode).

How do I set the crossover filters for a bandpass?

For a bandpass, set the X-Over switch to LPF on the desired channel pair. Then adjust the HPF control (item 3 or 6) for the highpass frequency and the LPF control (item 5) for the lowpass frequency. Ensure at least two octaves separation between the two frequencies.

What does the Power & Protect LED indicate?

The LED lights green when the amplifier is ready for operation and red when a malfunction occurs (e.g., overheating, over/undervoltage, short-circuit). If red, check connections, settings, and temperature.

Can I bridge channels?

Yes, you can bridge channel pairs (A/B, C/D, E/F) for a 3-channel configuration. In bridged mode, the minimum impedance is 4 Ohms.

What is the recommended power wire gauge?

Minimum 10 mm² / AWG 8. For distances over 1 m / 40 inches, use 16-25 mm² / AWG 6-4.

How do I adjust the input sensitivity?

Use the three Input Level controls (item 2) on the amplifier. This is not a volume control; it matches the amplifier gain to the source output voltage (range 0.5-6 Volts).

What is the function of the Input Mode switch for channels E/F?

When set to Stereo, each channel receives its own input. When set to Summed, the two inputs are summed and fed to both outputs, ideal for driving a subwoofer.

Can the amplifier handle Start-Stop systems?

Yes, the HELIX M SIX has Start-Stop capability and can operate down to 6 Volts for up to 5 seconds during engine crank.

Where should the remote lead be connected?

Connect the REM terminal to the remote output or automatic antenna output of the head unit. This turns the amplifier on/off with the head unit. Do not use the ignition switch to avoid pop noise.

What should I do if the amplifier does not turn on?

Check the +12V connection, REM signal, and GND connection. Ensure fuses are intact (2 x 35A). If still not working, the amplifier may be defective; contact an authorized HELIX dealer for repair.

USER MANUAL M SIX Helix

Abstract geometric logo with a stylized human figure and a triangular shape (no text or symbols)

HELIX

Black MELIX audio amplifier module with visible circuitry and branding (no readable text beyond branding)

M SIX

6-channel amplifier with integrated active

crossover

⑧ Power & Protect LED

⑧ Power & Protect LED

Kanal C/D

Hochpassfilter

Kanal E/F

Bandpass / Summiert

Kanal C/D

Hochpassfilter

Kanal E/F

Bandpass / Summiert

Congratulations on your purchase of this innovative and high-qual ity HELIX product.

The HELIX M SIX highlights best quality, excellent manufacturing and state-of-the-art technology.

Thanks to more than 30 years of experience in research and development of audio products this amplifier generation sets new standards.

We wish you many hours of enjoyment with your new HELIX amplifier.

Yours,

AUDIOTEC FISCHER Team

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.

Install your M SIX in a dry location with sufficient air circulation for proper cooling of the equipment. The amplifier 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 ensure 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.

General instruction for connecting the HELIX M SIX amplifier

The HELIX M SIX amplifier 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 amplifier and the electrical system of the vehicle.

The positive cable from the battery for the complete 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 input of the car audio system.

Use only suitable cables with sufficient cable cross-section for the connection of the HELIX M SIX. The fuses may only be replaced by identically rated fuses (2 x 35 A) to avoid damage of the amplifier.

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.

① Line Input

RCA inputs for connecting lowlevel line signals.

② Input Level

Control for adjusting the input sensitivity of the lowlevel Line Inputs for the individual stereo signals.

③ HPF

Control for adjusting the highpass filter of the channel pairs A/B and C/D from 15 Hz to 4,000 Hz.

④ X-Over

Switch for activating the filters for each channelpair.

⑤ LPF

Control for adjusting the lowpass filter of the channel pairs C/D and E/F from 40 Hz to 4,000 Hz.

⑥ Subsonic / HPF

Control for adjusting the subsonic / high-pass filter of the channel pair E/F from 15 to 4,000 Hz.

⑦ Input Mode channel E/F

Switch to summate the input signals of the channels E and F and to route it to the respective amplifier channels.

⑧ Power & Protect LED

This LED indicates the operating mode of the amplifier.

⑨ Speaker Output

Speaker outputs for connecting speaker systems.

⑩ +12 V

Connector for the +12 V power cable of the positive terminal of the battery.

11 REM

Connector for the remote cable.

12 GND

Connector for the ground cable (negative terminal of the battery or metal body of the vehicle).

Initial start-up and functions

① Line Input

6-channel lowlevel line input to connect signal sourc es such as head units / radios / DSPs.

② Input Level

These controls are used to adapt the input sensitivity of the channel pairs A/B, C/D and E/F to the output voltage of the connected signal source.

This is not a volume control, it's only for adjusting the amplifier gain. The control range is 0.5 - 6 Volts.

③ HPF

This control is used to adjust the crossover frequency of the highpass filter of the channel pairs A/B and C/D from 15 Hz to 4,000 Hz. This control is activated if the X-Over switch of the specific channel pair is set to HPF (highpass filter). On channel pair C/D it is also activated in switch position LPF / Bandpass, means that its adjustment is mandatory.

④ X-Over

This switch allows to set the internal crossover to highpass, fullrange or lowpass / bandpass mode.

The filter options depend on the channel pair.

Channel pair A/B: Highpass filter or fullrange.

If this X-Over switch is set to HPF (highpass filter) the crossover frequency for the highpass can be adjusted with control 3 of the channel pair A/B.

At switch position FULL (fullrange) the crossover is bypassed.

Channel pair C/D: Highpass filter, fullrange or low-pass filter / bandpass.

If this X-Over switch is set to HPF (highpass filter) the crossover frequency for the highpass can be adjusted with control 3 of the channel pair C/D. At switch position FULL (fullrange) the crossover is bypassed.

At switch position LPF (lowpass filter / bandpass) the highpass is always active. That means a bandpass is created in any case.

By adjusting the highpass (control 3) and lowpass filter (control 5 of the channel pair C/D) any bandpass between 15 Hz and 4,000 Hz can be realized. Channel pair E/F: Fullrange or lowpass filter / bandpass.

At switch position FULL (fullrange) the crossover is bypassed. If this switch is set to LPF (lowpass filter / bandpass) the subsonic / highpass filter is always active. That means a bandpass is created in any case.

By adjusting the subsonic / highpass (control 6) and lowpass filter (control 5 of the channel pair E/F) any bandpass between 15 Hz and 4,000 Hz can be realized.

Caution: To avoid a loss of gain make sure that the crossover frequencies of the highpass or subsonic / HPF and lowpass filters do have an interval of at least two octaves when generating a bandpass.

That means if the lowpass signal is adjusted to 320 Hz the highpass or subsonic / HPF should be adjusted to 80 Hz or less (one octave = doubled frequency or halved frequency).

⑤ LPF

This control is used to adjust the crossover frequency of the lowpass filter of the channel pairs C/D and E/F from 40 Hz to 4,000 Hz.

⑥ Subsonic / HPF

This control is used to adjust the crossover frequency of the subsonic / highpass filter of the channel

Initial start-up and functions

pair E/F from 15 to 4,000 Hz. The subsonic /high-pass filter cuts off very low frequencies which are not in the audible range and relives the amplifier and the subwoofer. Additionally the amplifier will have more power available for the audible frequencies. This control is always activated and its adjustment is mandatory.

⑦ Input Mode channel E/F

This switch is used to summate the input signals of the channels E and F and to route it to the respective amplifier channels.

Stereo: The speaker outputs E and F are fed with the corresponding input signals of the channels E and F.

Summed: In this mode a sum signal is generated by the input signals of the channels E and F. That means, that output channel E and F are fed with the same signal.

Note: Both input channels (E and F) have to be connected to generate a sum signal. The summation of the input channels should be made if a subwoofer is connected to the output channels E and F.

⑧ Power & Protect LED

The power and protect LED indicates the operating mode of the amplifier.

Green: The amplifier is ready for operation.

Red: A malfunction has occurred. A malfunction may have different causes as the HELIX M SIX is equipped with several protection circuits. These protections shut off the amplifier in case of overheating, over- and undervoltage, short-circuit on loudspeakers and false connection. Please check for connecting failures such as short-circuits, wrong connections, wrong adjustments and over temperature. If the amplifier does not turn on it is defective and has to be sent to your local

authorized dealer for repair service. A detailed description of the malfunction and the purchase receipt has to be attached.

⑨ Speaker Output

Speaker outputs of the channels A - F to connect speaker systems. The impedance per channel must not be lower than 2 Ohms (4 Ohms in bridged mode).

⑩ +12 V

Connect the +12 V power cable to the positive terminal of the battery. Recommended cross section: min. 10 mm² / AWG 8.

⑪ REM

The remote lead should be connected to the remote output / automatic antenna (aerial positive) output of the head unit / car radio. This is only activated if the head unit / car radio is switched on. Thus the amplifier is switched on and off together with the head unit / car radio.

12 GND

The ground cable should be connected to a common ground reference point (this is located where the negative terminal of the battery is grounded to the metal body of the vehicle) or to a prepared metal location on the vehicle chassis i.e. an area which has been cleaned of all paint residues. Recommended cross section: min. 10 mm ^2 / AWG 8.

Connection of HELIX M SIX to the head unit / car radio:

Caution: Carrying out the following steps will require special tools and technical knowledge. In order to avoid connection mistakes and / or damage, ask your dealer for assistance if you have any questions and follow all instructions in this manual (see page 11). It is recommended that this unit will be installed by an authorized HELIX dealer.

1. Connecting the lowlevel line inputs

Use the correct cable (RCA / Cinch cable) to connect these inputs to the lowlevel line outputs of your head unit / car radio.

2. Adjustment of the input sensitivity

Attention: It is mandatory to properly adapt the input sensitivity of the M SIX to the signal source in order to avoid damage to the amplifier.

If you want to change the input sensitivity of the channel pairs use the three Input Level controls (see page 13, item 2; Input Level).

3. Connection to power supply

Make sure to disconnect the battery before installing the HELIX M SIX!

Connect the +12 V power cable to the positive terminal of the battery. The positive wire from the battery to the amplifier power terminals needs to have an inline fuse at a distance of less than 12 inches (30 cm) from the battery. The value of the fuse is calculated from the maximum total current draw of the whole car audio system (M SIX = max. 70 A RMS at 12 V power supply). If your power wires are short (less than 1 m / 40") then a wire gauge of 10 mm² / AWG 8 will be sufficient. In all other cases we strongly recommend gauges of 16 - 25 mm² / AWG 6 – 4! The ground cable (same gauge as the +12 V wire) should be connected to a common ground reference point (this is located where the negative terminal of the battery is grounded to the metal body of the vehicle), or to a prepared metal location on the vehicle chassis, i.e. an area which has been cleaned of all paint residues.

4. Connecting the remote input

The remote input (REM) has to be connected to the radio remote output to switch the amplifier on and off together with the head unit / car radio. We do not recommend controlling the remote input via the ignition switch to avoid pop noise during turn on/off.

5. Connecting the loudspeaker outputs

The loudspeaker outputs can be connected directly to the wires of the loudspeakers. Never connect any of the loudspeaker cables to the chassis ground as this will damage your amplifier and your speakers.

Ensure that the loudspeakers are correctly connected (in phase), i.e. plus to plus and minus to minus. Exchanging plus and minus causes a total loss of bass reproduction. The positive terminal is indicated on most speakers. The impedance of each channel must not be less than 2 Ohms (4 Ohms in bridged mode), otherwise the amplifier protection will be activated. Examples for speaker configurations can be found on page 16 et sqq.

Examples of speaker configurations

6-channel application with 2 x 2 Ohms subwoofer
Component system + coaxial system + subwoofer

Channel A/B Highpass filte

Channel C/D Highpass filter

Kanal E/F Bandpass / Summed

5-channel application with 1 x 4 Ohms subwoofer
Component system + coaxial system + subwoofer

Channel A/B Highpass filter

Channel C/D Highpass filter

Channel E/F Bandpass / Summed

6-channel fully active application

Tweeters + midrange speakers + mid-woofers

Channel A/B Highpass filter

HPF

3000 - 4000 Hz

Channel C/D Bandpass

LPF

Highpass filter 800 - 1000 Hz

Lowpass filter 3000 - 4000 Hz

Channel E/F Bandpass / Stereo

LPF

Stereo

Lowpass filter 800 - 1000 Hz

Subsonic / highpass filter 50 - 100 Hz
Note: The values listed here are empirical values that have been approved as useful in practice. Depending on the size of the loudspeaker we recommend the following highpass filter settings: ca. 50 Hz for 6.5"/16.5 cm LS; ca. 70 Hz for 5.25"/13 cm LS; ca. 100 Hz for 4"/10 cm LS

Technical Data

Output power RMS / max.

- @ 4 Ohms 6 x 100 / 200 Watts

- @ 2 Ohms 6 x 100 / 200 Watts

- bridged @ 4 Ohms .... 3 x 200 / 400 Watts

Amplifier technology .... Class D

Inputs....6 x RCA / Cinch

1 x Remote In

Input sensitivity.... RCA / Cinch 0.5 - 6 Volts

Input impedance RCA / Cinch 20 kOhms

Outputs....6 x Speaker output

Frequency response....10 Hz - 30,000 Hz

Highpass.... 15 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable

Lowpass 40 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable

Bandpass.... 15 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable

Subsonic / HPF 15 Hz - 4,000 Hz adjustable

Slope high- / lowpass 12 dB/Oct.

Signal-to-noise ratio analog input....98 dB (A-weighted)

Distortion (THD)....0.05%

Damping factor 100

Operating voltage 10.5 - 16 Volts (max. 5 sec. down to 6 Volts)

Idle current.... 1,550 mA

Fuse....2 x 35 A Maxi-fuse (APX)

Additional features.....Active, adjustable crossover, subsonic, input mode

switch channel E / F, Start-Stop capability

Dimensions (H x W x D) 50 x 320 x 154 mm / 2.00 x 12.60 x 6.06"

Unique Features of the HELIX M SIX

Start-Stop capability

The switched power supply of the HELIX M SIX assures operation even if the battery's voltage drops down to 6 Volts during engine crank.

Warranty Disclaimer

The limited warranty comply with legal regulations.

Failures or damages caused by overload or improper use are not covered by the warranty. Please return the defective product only with a valid proof of purchase and a detailed malfunction description.

Technical specifications are subject to change!

Errors are reserved! For damages on the vehicle and the device, caused by handling errors of the device, we can't assume liability. These devices are certified for the use in vehicles within the European Community (EC).

Notizen / Notes

AUDIOTEC

FISCHER