New Audio Build log

[Exquisite_Red]

I've never heard of an amp faulting when something is plugged into the input, that's bizarre. Seems like a weird short or something.

I probably won't be much more help since my setup is so different. But, regarding the hiss, I'll say that even with 12db of gain in my DSP and my head unit cranked, I get zero hiss or noise. The factory signal is surprisingly quiet. So, it sounds like you may have some kind of weird bleed or maybe a gain staging issue. Definitely not normal.

 

[takemorepills]

I've clipped the tapped signals going to the stock amp (after the rca taps but before the amp), and output voltage is still between .3 and .4 ac volts which is below the technical threshhold for the Helix M Four DSP. I've got an AudioControl LC1i on the way that I'll install as a line driver to boost the stock signals before they get to the Helix.

I also moved the ground. Sub amp still faults immediately if the RCA's are plugged in. Once I get that installed I'll do a complete reboot of the DSP and install everything fresh.

Remember that the outer shell of RCA connectors is usually shared with the amplifier power ground, so check to make sure something isn't out of polarity

 

[wykdtr0n]

Lc2i is set up, gains have been set to the Helix DSP and now suddenly everything is working. Went home with Bass for the first time in weeks! Next up I need to tweek my tune, install the conductor pro and get my mess of wires in the hatch better organized. I'm not sure if this was an issue specific to Helix but whatever the cause, the line driver seems to have fixed the issue.

 

[wykdtr0n]

I've never heard of an amp faulting when something is plugged into the input, that's bizarre. Seems like a weird short or something.

I probably won't be much more help since my setup is so different. But, regarding the hiss, I'll say that even with 12db of gain in my DSP and my head unit cranked, I get zero hiss or noise. The factory signal is surprisingly quiet. So, it sounds like you may have some kind of weird bleed or maybe a gain staging issue. Definitely not normal.

I honestly can't wrap my head around that either. I measured voltage at the RCA's and didn't see anything amiss, but after reading countless threads on DIYMA, there seem to be occasional ghost issues with Helix amps and dsp's. Things like software glitches sending full signals despite established crossovers, etc. Life was a lot easier when you just had a few knobs on the outside of the amp Hopefully the added DSP capabilities really do translate to a better soundstage.

 

[Exquisite_Red]

I honestly can't wrap my head around that either. I measured voltage at the RCA's and didn't see anything amiss, but after reading countless threads on DIYMA, there seem to be occasional ghost issues with Helix amps and dsp's. Things like software glitches sending full signals despite established crossovers, etc. Life was a lot easier when you just had a few knobs on the outside of the amp Hopefully the added DSP capabilities really do translate to a better soundstage.

Glad you got it worked out. I had a few moments of regret when I was working through my bugs, but in the end it was worth it. It’s my first full DSP setup and I am extremely happy with it. I’ll be honest, the tuning process is also monotonous and frustrating, so your grief may not be over, lol. But, like I said, definitely worth it. Hearing flat, clean bass all the way down to 25Hz is *chef’s kiss*.