Interview with the owner of the TT, Helix DSP PRO mk2 demo

Audi TT mk1 hi-end audio system:
Source: Fiio X5gen3
Processor: HELIX DSP PRO mk2
Amplifiers:
DLS TA2 x2,
DLS A5,
DLS A6
Speakers:
Audible Physics RAM1A tweeter
Audible Physics NZ3ALBE wideband/midrange
Dynaudio Esotar 650 midbass
Pioneer TS-W01RSII front subwoofer
Fi IB315v2 rear infra sub
/ pssounduk
/ audiblephysicsuk

[@deejayscandaluz]

I'm glad to see someone on youtube is representing the real car audio scene. Keep up the good work. I love to watch your videos. Amazing!

[@pssound9749]

deejay Thank you! I’m trying to share as much as time allows and to keep it real, nobody needs bullshitting! 😃

[@busyboxst7]

@21:00 Lianne La Havas Green and Gold. Recognized the hihats immediately. Great build and great conversation.

[@Wyn758]

Great build! When you are playing a CD, and a phone call comes in, will the music stop and let you answer the phone call? and after the phone call, will the CD continue to play? thanks for your reply!

[@pssound9749]

Yes, you can set that up in Helix software. Set the OEM HU as priority and set the input level sensitivity.

[@Wyn758]

@@pssound9749 thanks for your reply! In your setup, your phone is paired with the bluetooth module in the DSP. But the module doesn't come with a microphone. So I reckon it will not do hands-free phone calls. is that true? thanks again Also, is it possible to set RCA inputs priority higher than digital inputs? thanks

[@thephoenixgoldkid381]

Peters builds are sick guy obviously knows his stuff.. loving it..! I'm probably gonna come see this guy for my install in a BMW 5 series when I get the car. I'm after a free air install.Much love, unclebill.. talkaudio

[@pssound9749]

Hi Adam! You should definitely come to a meet or competition fo get a demo in some of the cars! Where are u based?

[@thephoenixgoldkid381]

@@pssound9749 I'm in Leeds peter, ill have to ask a friend for transport if I am to come for a demo..

[@pssound9749]

Adam I’m actually going up to Newcastle way this Sunday for the EMMA competition, so: - option A: you could come there and hear many other cars too - option B: i could see u on my way back down Sunday evening/Monday morning (you might be working then though?) and have a demo?

[@thephoenixgoldkid381]

@@pssound9749 I shall ask a friend of mine if he fancies a trip up north but that would depend on what he is up to.. Unless you mean you could pic me up on route.? Failing that if you can meet me on your way back down south then that would be great does not matter what day if you can meet me, my schedule is free.I live in Leeds 14 not not far from the motorway.. I will ask him tomorrow and see what he is up to.. Thanks peter ill look forward to using your services in future..

[@pssound9749]

Hi Adam, Please drop me a line to 07592506952 and then we can have a word about it. I could also pick & drop you off from the competition on Sunday or see you after it on Sunday evening.

[@treasurehunt7812]

Wow, incredible install.

[@TrumpWinner]

Hi Peter, I have a quick question about the Helix MK2 as i can't seem to find the answer elsewhere. Can i install more than 1 HEC module to the DSP, for example USB input HEC (for iphone) and also the bluetooth HEC (for android phones that support aptX). Also, what cable is needed to connect one of the 10 line out's to the Amp? Is it just RCA? but they only come in pairs don't they? Thanks!

[@pssound9749]

Hi Darmo Where do you live that you get no technical support on Helix products? Anyhow, you can only have 1 HEC card, there’s only 1 slot. If you’re not aware of what wire you need between the DSP & the amp inputs, then i’d rather suggest to stop it now and see an installer! You’ll more than likely to create more harm than any good. I’m gonna start a series of videos from September on system planning, kit selection, install and tuning from the very basics though, you may want to watch out for that! 😉

[@TrumpWinner]

Pssound Thanks Peter that answered the question, and actually I kind of answered my second question when I came across your video on tchernov plugs :) I always will use a pro installer (mostly because I’m too impatient and lazy to do a build myself) but I’m just curious and like to learn more and more about this ever since I got obsessed with it couple years ago, I find it fun haha. I actually have a plan in my mind already to take my existing system to the next level, I think I’ll drop you an email soon so I know what costings I’m looking at. And yes I think that video series will be appreciated by and help many starting out in car audio :) Great Channel!

[@smokievapez4113]

Your work is incredible really digging this build!! What are your plans for the midbass?

[@pssound9749]

Thanks! Midbass location has to change more than anything, but we’ll see what’s doable once we get to that stage. It won’t happen till the summer though.

[@17shakil]

Did he just spent whole TT on sound!! Impressive

[@pssound9749]

Nah, we spend 10x more on audio! 👍

[@17shakil]

@@pssound9749 Peter.. Have you done any audio upgrade in volvo v40 model? Please upload videos when do Thanks in advance. Or any volvo for that matter.

[@pssound9749]

Never touched any Volvo yet unfortunately.

[@christophertaylor2409]

Peter, what is the name of the song playing at 11:45? Enjoy watching your videos. Thanks

[@pssound9749]

Christopher Taylor SG Lewes - Yours

[@TrumpWinner]

Wow incredible build and excellent chat too, really insightful conversation. Could you pleas elaborate the midbass positioning problem again, i have a 350z which is a very similar car to the TT, never been happy with whatever speakers i use in the kick panel, got mille legends at the moment, you mention 'speaker in a barrel' sound effect, i think i am suffering from that, is it because the speaker should be in it's own sealed box in that location? Also what is the effect you mention about the boot being open and bass being better from the rear sub? sorry for a in-depth questions really keen to understand and you seem very knowledgeable. I'm currently saving up for new build with a Helix DSP so i can use a DAP plugged into it via optical. May just give your shop a ring when the time comes :)

[@pssound9749]

Hi Darmo! I'm glad you watched this long video and you found useful information in it! ;) Please check out the series of midbass install videos in this TT, which were shared after this video. Open my channel and scroll through. Once you watched those videos as well you'll get more answers, then come back and let me know what you think! ;)

[@rms974]

Goog work . I want to know how the Pioneer head unit is connected to the DSP ,is it in analog or in Digital?

[@bbfoto7248]

+rms974 Peter says in the video that the Pioneer CD Head Unit is connected to the Helix DSP Pro MK II via analog RCA.

[@ranvijaydhami7246]

Awesome . please tell me that which dsp is better helix dsp mk2 or audiocontrol dm810 ?

[@pssound9749]

Are you a pro DSP user or a complete beginner? Would you do tuning by yourself or would get someone to do it?

[@ranvijaydhami7246]

i am not a professional nor beginner. intermediate

[@pssound9749]

Ranvijay Dhami I was asking it as most people find the Helix very advanced, there’s a lot you can do with it. If you learn to use it, then it’s hard to beat it. As an overall good option is Zapco, better for everyday users.

[@ranvijaydhami7246]

ok thanks alot . i think i will go for helix mk2

[@myboy051]

Do you have any experience with the Mosconi 8to12 Aerospace or The new ZAPCO Dsp ? I can’t decide if I want to run the Mosconi , ZAPCO, Helix.

[@bbfoto7248]

+Pssound Beautiful install, Peter! Great equipment choices as well. :) Did you solve the mid bass cancellation issue? I haven't watched any of the other videos yet. I agree that door mounted mid-bass drivers can be a problem sometimes due to cancellation modes that result from the interior dimensions of the vehicle and boundaries such as the large transmission hump/center console. But A LOT can be done if you know how to tune and understand that frequencies below 300-400Hz operate in a purely pressure-based manner and PHASE COHERENCY is extremely important. I also feel that your placement of the 10-inch subwoofer in the glove box is going to create multiple and more complex cancellation modes at the listening position. I feel that it would have been better if you kept it placed down in the passenger footwell which would result in better corner/boundary loading. With the 10-inch subwoofers' current location, you're going to have at least two nasty cancellation waves/modes that wrap up and over the top of the dash to the windshield area, AND also down below the dash to the open footwell. :/ By placing that 10" subwoofer down in the far left passenger footwell corner, it will minimize those multiple cancellation modes and provide stronger/more even bass output through proper corner loading. The Esotar2 650's are great Midrange drivers IMO, but mid-BASS is not their strong suit. If you have to stick with 6.5" drivers, try the Audiofrog GB60, the Stereo Integrity TM65-III, or a Scanspeak Illuminator. Audible Physics makes great mids & highs, but I've not been impressed with their 6.5" midbass drivers yet. Also, move those 6.5" midbass drivers to the kickpanel/firewall area!!! The Audiofrog GB60's would work well here as would the new Focal Elite Utopia 8WM 8" shallow midbass drivers. Kickpanel/Firewall placement will reduce the midbass cancellation modes that are typical with door locations and also provide much better Corner/Boundary Loading (stronger midbass output using less power), to the point where you could probably eliminate the 10" glove box subwoofer completely. ;-) In terms of resonance control as well, the mid-bass drivers will be much better in the kickpanel/firewall location. It's really tough to tame the resonance problems created by high output mid-bass drivers placed in the doors. This destroys or masks the important imaging/staging cues. I think that you're also introducing too many low-frequency cancellation and modal problems at the listening position by trying to integrate the two separate subwoofers along with the midbass drivers since they all operate in such a narrow bandwidth. :/ Try the Fi Q rear-mounted sub w/o the glovebox sub and make sure that your XO's between the rear Subwoofer and the Esotar 650 mid-bass drivers are not Over-Lapped! Measure for the smoothest transition & frequency response at the mid-bass-to-subwoofer crossover region. Also, IME time alignment or digital delay does not respond linearly within the subwoofer frequency range. You'll need to dial in the phase and/or time alignment between the front stage and the rear subwoofer using the Helix DSP's adjustments. Of course, you mentioned that you haven't even done any EQ yet! By balancing and perfectly MATCHING the Left AND Right frequency response (at the listening position) with something close to the Harman/JBL target curve, you should massively improve the overall FR and achieve much better imaging & staging! Anyway, I hope that you're able to get to midbass issues sorted. Thanks for posting such a great video and congrats on a beautiful install! 👍👍 Cheers

[@pssound9749]

bb foto You’ll smile a lot when you watch the rest of the videos! 😃 Go to the playlists on the channel and find the Audi TT one, which probably has 10+ videos. 🙏

[@UltraLowMuzik]

How much cubic space do you have for the mids? What about a T-line build for the mids? I found that you gain a better response that way.

[@pssound9749]

Are you asking the midbass, 6,5” drivers? If so, they use the door space. T-Line would make no difference when it comes to the acoustical problems of the car.

[@scottlincoln6286]

Nice set up

[@hairkutta1]

I love it man!!! I am going through all your videos right now!!

[@pssound9749]

Haha, enjoy! There’s lots of info in some of the videos. I hope you like them! ;)

[@fredriktorsell196]

Nice work as always with your builds 👍😃

[@enkrypt3d]

what module are you using to run the coax from the Fiio to the helix? I didn't know it accepts coax? only USB, BT or Optical?

[@pssound9749]

enkrypt3d the DSP PRO has coax input on it as standard.

[@enkrypt3d]

@@pssound9749 Ah ok my P SIX MK2 doesn't have coax :( using BT seems to be fine though. Or should I convert coax to optical? Or is it not worth it? AptX is high res enough or no?

[@pssound9749]

enkrypt3d many say yes, it’s enough for CD quality. I still prefer hard wired digital.

[@enkrypt3d]

@@pssound9749 true - i guess i'll have to find a way to convert coax to optical then without making it too complicated.

[@pssound9749]

enkrypt3d check out the Kia Soul build, you can see one there.

[@saarhadad]

amazing work :D

[@mattroadfeldt9012]

I just want to hear more of it

[@pssound9749]

Matt I hope to see Chris and the TT back in the next months! What would you like to hear about?

[@mattroadfeldt9012]

@@pssound9749 I would like it if you could just record a demo of the audio. From what I can hear in the video it sounds amazing.

[@proffessasvids]

wonderful pete!

[@pssound9749]

Henry, i want to see you making similar vids and show the details to people! ;)

[@chriswray2132]

Peter , what is the song playing at 6.20 sec ? This has come out really well, enjoyed watching this several times already !

[@pssound9749]

Dead Can Dance - Opium Yeah, i was also stunned what crazy low-end comes through the recording! 😳😃

[@Jacob-Faria]

Wowwwww

[@Mr215Alive]

Do I need to use the director remote with the Helix dsp or can I retain factory volume?

[@pssound9749]

Mr215Alive✌🏻👆🏻🖐🏻🤙🏻 If your source is low/high level from a HU, then you don’t necessarily need the Director for volume control. However, if you have a digital source, then you do need it.

[@bhenson2829]

How many this system will coast for mine audi tt,,

[@pssound9749]

This very same system?? Definitely above 5 digit in £ 😃

[@badlilstang]

Voltage display has been there hasn't it?

[@pssound9749]

Not on the mk1.

[@badlilstang]

Ahh ok. I have only ran the MK2 and P6mk2.

[@djgrand2]

Does the Helix Director show battery voltage?

[@pssound9749]

Pablo Amigo The PRO mk2 has that feature, so yes, it does.

[@CarlosOrlando92]

Overkill

[@pssound9749]

Carlos Alvarado exactly!! It’s overkill for you, but it’s a must for someone else to get the quality of sound and aesthetics of install. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@CarlosOrlando92]

I should know with an audio system ranging around $10,000 no need to take offense.

[@pssound9749]

Carlos Alvarado how would i know how to take it after a single word comment you had? 😃

[@levrone0075]

@@CarlosOrlando92 so what is your reference to with regards to your overkill comment?

[@tombstonelv8506]

is it a big difference bettween tidal on iphone and tidal on FiiO?

[@tombstonelv8506]

im using tidal on iphon via HEC bluethooth module in 3 way active system with heliks dsp mk2,for future I want to bay a FiiO m6 to improve sound ,is it worth it?

[@pssound9749]

TOMBSTONE LV It depends on how you can connect both devices to your system, if you can keep the lossless playback or not.

[@tombstonelv8506]

iphone will only give a mobile data transfer to Fiio m6 ,FiiO M6 will be a main source connected via bluetooth module with helix dsp , wondering if it will be huge difference in sound from source,before i was using tidal in Iphone 8 as a main source

[@bbfoto7248]

+TOMBSTONE LV You will lose some quality when streaming with an *iPhone using any app via Bluetooth* to the HEC BT module in the Helix DSP Pro MK II. AFAIK, none of Apple's mobile devices support the higher-quality Apt-X Streaming Codec that the HEC BT module uses. Most Android smartphones support APT-X or even APT-X HD. So if the FiiO DAP supports Apt-X BT streaming, it *should* sound a bit better than the AAC codec via BT from the iPhone. To achieve the best quality, get the HEC-USB module for the DSP Pro MKII. Then use Apple's "Camera Connection Kit 3" to connect directly via USB cable to the Helix HEC-USB input module. The Apple "CCK3" allows you to connect your iPhone/iPad charger as well. You can do this from the FiiO DAP's USB port as well (and you obviously don't need the Apple CCK3), however depending on which DAP model, you might need a USB ''OTG'' cable instead, and 'most' Android devices don't support concurrent charging when connected digitally via USB. Another way to connect directly and Losslessly to the DSP Pro MKII using the FiiO DAP would be to use its Coaxial or Optical Digital Output connected to one of the DSP Pro MKII's digital inputs, as Peter & Chris are doing in the video. HTH & good luck.

[@levrone0075]

@@bbfoto7248 awesome info do you have a channel?

[@jayinmi3706]

DLS amps are so sexy.

[@trankali7166]

Every SQ man car dream.