Fitting in just below the feature-loaded P- and V-Series amps are the five Helix M-Series car audio amplifiers from Audiotec Fischer of Germany. The M-Series includes one six-channel, two four-channel and two monoblock amplifiers. These amps are designed around a compact extruded heatsink that makes it easy for your installer to integrate them into your car audio system.
Helix M-Series Four-Channel Amplifiers
The flagship of the Helix M-Series is the M FOUR DSP. This amp is rated to produce 100 watts per channel in both 2- and 4-ohm loads. Bridged power output is rated at 200 watts per pair of channels. The compact chassis is 2 inches high, 6 inches wide and only 9 inches long. What makes the M FOUR DSP special is its integrated 10-channel digital signal processor. The DSP uses the same processing technology found in the P- and V-Series DSP amplifiers to let your installer configure an impressive audio system upgrade. The processing includes summing, crossovers, signal delay options, equalization and a suite of built-in processing effects like RealCenter, StageXpander and ClarityXpander to further improve your listening experience. The amp features six RCA inputs and six speaker-level inputs that include Audiotec Fischer’s ADEP.3 circuit, which helps keep factory-source units happy with proper loading during the start-up process. There are six RCA outputs on a pigtail that allows your installer to add additional amplifiers to your system for a subwoofer, center channel or rear-fill speakers.
The M FOUR is the same Class-D amplifier circuit used in the M FOUR DSP but is paired to a conventional analog input stage. Separate front and rear stereo sensitivity controls are provided. Channels A and B can be run full-range or in a high-pass mode with filters adjustable from 15 to 4,000 Hz. The rear channels add an optional low-pass filter that’s adjustable from 40 to 4,000 Hz. A switch allows your installer to route the input signal from channels A and B to C and D to eliminate the need for Y-cables. The speaker-level inputs on both four-channel models will accept up to 13 volts from a factory-installed amplifier or source unit.
Helix M-Series Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifiers
The M-Series includes two monoblock subwoofer amplifiers. The M ONE is rated to produce 240 watts into 4 ohms, 410 watts into 2 ohms, and 600 watts into a 1-ohm load. The amp has a set of RCA preamp inputs along with speaker-level inputs. In terms of signal processing, the low-pass filter is adjustable from 50 to 250 Hz, while the infrasonic filter is adjustable from 10 to 50 Hz. A potentiometer offers phase shift capability from 0 to 180 degrees, and a bass boost circuit features an adjustable center frequency (25 to 75 Hz) and adjustable boost level (0 to 12 dB) functionality. There’s a jack on the end panel for the included remote subwoofer level control.
The M ONE X is about 3 inches longer than the M ONE at 12.6 inches. Power from the M ONE X jumps to 400 watts into 4 ohms, 700 watts into 2 ohms and 1030 watts into a 1-ohm load. The M ONE X has the same primary feature set as the M ONE, but adds a Q-factor control to the bass boost circuit. Your installer can strap a pair of M ONE X amplifiers to a single voice coil using the TWINPOWER LINK feature. With two amps connected to a single 4-ohm voice coil, power is rated at 1,400 watts and 2,060 watts with a 2-ohm load. The M ONE X also includes a remote subwoofer level control.
Helix M SIX System Amplifier
The M SIX is a six-channel amplifier rated to produce 100 watts into 2- and 4-ohm loads from each channel. Just like the four-channel amps, each pair of channels can be bridged to provide 200 watts to a single 4-ohm speaker. The amp heatsink length is the same as the M ONE X at 12.6 inches. Channels A and B have the same high-pass crossover as the M FOUR, as do channels C and D with the bandpass feature. Channels E and F are optimized for subwoofer duty or can be used full-range. When the crossovers are activated, the low-pass filter is adjustable from 40 to 4,000 Hz for the low-pass, and the high-pass (labeled as subsonic) is adjustable from 15 to 4,000 Hz. There’s also a stereo or summed button to mix the signals on E and F inputs for subwoofer duties.
Common M-Series Amp Features
Crucial to modern vehicles, all M-Series amps are Stop-Start compatible. This feature allows these amplifiers to stay on, even if the vehicle electrical system voltage drops to as low as 6 volts for up to five seconds. Speaker and power connections are made on one end of the amplifiers, while audio connections and controls are on the other.
If you’re looking for Helix performance in a compact package, drop by your local Audiotec Fischer dealer and ask for a demonstration of the M-Series amplifiers. For more information about Helix car audio products, visit the Audiotec Fischer website, their Facebook page or YouTube Channel. To find an authorized Audiotec Fischer retailer near you, visit the MSC Dealer Locator.