Helix is a dual channel digital audio equalizer packaged in a 2U 19" rackmount format. Designed to be intuitive and simple to operate the unit offers five main functions: dual 31-band graphic EQ with no less than five selectable modes of operation; dual 12-filter fully parametric EQ; dynamic or ‘Threshold Dependent’ (T-DEQ) EQ; four configurable filters per channel; and configurable delay of up to 1 second per channel. Like all Klark Teknik DSP devices, Helix is equipped with more than enough processing power to allow all functions to be fully operative at all times.
The simultaneous availability of graphic and parametric EQ has many advantages. In particular it allows the engineer to separate out the different sections of equalization. For example, during set-up and any soundcheck, the parametric mode can be used to set a basic EQ for the venue with maximum flexibility. However, once the show starts the engineer can flip to graphic mode, which now starts from a ‘flat’ baseline. Thus any problems that need fast attention can be addressed using the speed of a graphic EQ without getting it confused with the original venue set-up. At any time, a quick glance at the home page on the large graphic display on the front panel will show the true overall response of the unit.
The Threshold Dependent Dynamic EQ (T-DEQ) is another Klark Teknik innovation. This is not a frequency-conscious compression - rather it allows the user to select a frequency, apply 'Q', attack and release values to it, then program upper and/or lower levels for that frequency that will be attained when the chosen frequency reaches the programmed level(s). In real life this means total easily accessible real-time dynamic control over any potential problem frequency.
Helix also offers a specific advantage to owners of Midas Heritage and Legend consoles in the form of an auto-solo function. When suitably connected and programmed, activating a Solo function on the console (whether input or output) will cause the channel of Helix connected to it to appear in the control surface of the master unit, allowing instant access to all the Helix functions allocated to that input or output. An RS-232 connection is supplied on the rear panel for this purpose, and up to 64 channels of Helix can be interconnected using RS-485 standard microphone cables.
The Helix has been nominated for a PLASA Product Excellence Award. See www.plasa.org/show for details.
Klark Teknik can be found on stand B10.
