Thinking of adding a Helix DSP to my 80PRS setup… what’s the best way?

General
1

I’ve been running a 2-way active setup with a sub on my 80PRS for quite some time now, and I feel like it’s time to upgrade the system. I’ve learned a lot using REW and a Umik-1 mic, but I think I’ve pushed the 80PRS as far as it can go.

I just got a Helix DSP.3S with the Conductor interface, and I’m excited about all the new tuning options it offers. Plus, I can finally move to a 3-way + sub setup, which I’ve wanted to do for a while.

Here’s what I’m wondering:

  1. Should I set the 80PRS to standard mode and use one RCA output to the Helix, or stick with the three RCAs?
  2. Is there anything on the 80PRS worth keeping, or should I just let the Helix handle everything?

So far, I’ve updated the Helix on my PC and matched the output channels to my system. I’ve also transferred my time alignment and crossover settings so that I have a baseline setup ready to go. This way, if I don’t have time to tune everything in one go (life gets busy sometimes), I’ll still be good to go.

Anything else I should think about before diving in?

2

I’d say switch back to standard mode. That’s what I did when I moved to a VXi system.

3

Arlen said:
I’d say switch back to standard mode. That’s what I did when I moved to a VXi system.

Got it, thanks for the advice!

4

What’s your main audio source for this setup?

5

Emlyn said:
What’s your main audio source for this setup?

I use the 80PRS. It’s either an SSD with music files connected through USB or Spotify streaming via Bluetooth from my Pixel 8 Pro.

6

@Harlan
Yeah, the Bluetooth on the 80PRS is pretty bad. Have you thought about upgrading to a CarPlay or Android Auto head unit?

7

Emlyn said:
@Harlan
Yeah, the Bluetooth on the 80PRS is pretty bad. Have you thought about upgrading to a CarPlay or Android Auto head unit?

Definitely something I’ve been thinking about. Bluetooth 5.0 on newer units is a big improvement, and with the Helix in the mix, I have way more options for head units now.

I’ve been using the 80PRS for so long that I feel out of the loop with what the newer units can do. Never even tried Android Auto before.

Scrolling through endless folders on the 80PRS is such a pain—I’m really looking forward to better music management.

I was hoping to find something with optical or coax SPDIF for a direct digital signal to the DSP, but those options are super limited right now and come with compromises. Maybe I’ll wait to see if anything new comes out soon.

8

@Harlan
If you’re looking for Hi-Res playback, you could always connect a portable music player like an Astell & Kern or FiiO directly to the optical input on the Helix.