Phonic HELIX BOARD 24 FIREWIRE User manual

Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
FireWire-enabled Mixing Console

1. Read these instructions before operating this
apparatus.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings to ensure safe operation.
4. Follow all instructions provided in this document.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water or in locations
where condensation may occur.
6. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not use aerosol or liquid
cleaners. Unplug this apparatus before cleaning.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer
’ s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plug, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-
over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lighting
storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated
“ dangerous voltage ” within the
product ’
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is in-
tended to alert the user to the presence of important operat-
ing and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance
of procedures other than those may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on the apparatus. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
Warning: the user shall not place this apparatus in the area during the operation so that the mains switch
can be easily accessible.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
Phonic preserves the right to improve or alter any information within this document without prior notice.
V1.0 SEP 11th,2006
FireWire-enabled Mixing Console
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 4
FEATURES................................................................................................................................... 4
PACKAGE INCLUDES ................................................................................................................. 5
GETTING STARTED .................................................................................................................... 5
CHANNEL SETUP ........................................................................................................................5
CONVERTING TO TABLE TOP MODE ........................................................................................6
INSTALLING THE RACK MOUNT KIT..........................................................................................7
MAKING CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................8
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS ....................................................................................................8
MAIN MIXING PANEL ......................................................................................................10
CONTROLS AND SETTINGS .....................................................................................................10
REAR PANEL ...................................................................................................................10
CHANNEL CONTROLS ................................................................................................... 11
DIGITAL EFFECT SECTION.............................................................................................12
MASTER SECTION .........................................................................................................13
FIREWIRE PRE / POST SWITCHES ...............................................................................15
FIREWIRE INTERFACE..............................................................................................................16
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................................16
DRIVER INSTALLATION...................................................................................................16
CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT.................................................................................................20
CUBASE LE .....................................................................................................................20
HELIX BOARD CONTROL PANEL ..................................................................................21
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................23
DIGITAL EFFECTS TABLE ........................................................................................................24
APPLICATION .............................................................................................................................25
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................................27
DIMENSIONS..............................................................................................................................29
BLOCK DIAGRAM ......................................................................................................................30

4Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Helix Board 24 FireWire
MKII, one of Phonic’s newest mixers that sounds great
and works hard both in the studio and on the road. The
mixer features a FireWire interface that can stream up
to 18 independent channels of audio to the computer
and return two tracks for monitoring, all at screaming
fast transfer rates of up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Also featured
is an onboard 32/40-bit digital multi-effect processor
providing 100 popular programs plus tap delay, test-
tones and foot switch jacks. The multi-directional
Input/Output pod makes the device versatile; making
rack mounting or table-top connections much easier.
There are sixteen extremely low noise Mic preamps,
each with individual phantom power, and sixteen
1/4” phone jacks spread across the Helix Board 24
FireWire MKII 16 mono channels. Each channel
features a 3-band EQ (with a sweepable mid control),
$8;();DQG*URXSVHQGVDVZHOODVDORZFXW¿OWHU
for removing troublesome stage-rumble. Additional
features include AUX sends and returns, input and
output soloing, four true subgroups, dedicated Mono/
Subwoofer output with selectable Low Pass Filter, S/
PDIF digital outputs, Steinberg Cubase LE workstation
software and an included rack-mounting kit.
We know how eager you are to get started – wanting
to get the mixer out and hook it up to your computer
is probably your number one priority right now – but
before you do, we strongly urge you to take a look
WKURXJK WKLV PDQXDO ,QVLGH \RX ZLOO ¿QG LPSRUWDQW
instructions and warnings on the set up, use and
applications of your brand new Helix Board 24
FireWire MKII. If you do happen to be one of the many
SHRSOH ZKR ÀDWO\ UHIXVH WR UHDG XVHU PDQXDOV WKHQ
we just urge you to at least glance at the Instant Setup
and FireWire Interface sections. After glancing at or
reading through the manual (we applaud you if you do
read the entire manual), please store it in a place that
LVHDV\IRU\RXWR¿QGEHFDXVHFKDQFHV DUHWKHUH¶V
VRPHWKLQJ\RXPLVVHGWKH¿UVWWLPHDURXQG
FEATURES
• 24-input analog mixer with extremely low noise
circuitry
•96kHz FireWire interface for streaming 18
independent channels of audio to computer with
near-zero latency
•Pre/post switches for swapping streaming input
channels to computer from pre low cut, EQ to post
EQ, post fader
•2 channels of monitoring from computer via
FireWire interface, can be assigned to control
room monitors, main mix and AUX 1
•');RXUELWKLJKGH¿QLWLRQDOJRULWKPGLJLWDO
multi-effect processor with 100 programs plus tap
delay and foot switch jacks
•16 Mic/Line channels with inserts
•3-band EQ with swept mid-range
•+]ORZFXW¿OWHURQHDFKFKDQQHO
•AUX 1 & 2 with Pre/Post switch
•Six AUX send mixing bus
•Four stereo AUX returns, three with effect to
monitor
•+48V phantom power on Mic channels
•Four true subgroups with main L and R routing
switches
•Direct outputs for multi-track recording
•Control Room and Phones outputs with multi-input
source matrix
•0RQRRXWZLWKYDULDEOHORZSDVV¿OWHUIURP+]
to 160 Hz for subwoofer
•Dual-position I/O pod
•Built-in switching power supply with universal
connector, 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
•Rack-mounting kit included
•44.1k S/PDIF digital audio output
•Compatible with Mac OSX and Windows XP
•Steinberg Cubase LE included

5
Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
PACKAGE INCLUDES
1 x Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII mixer
1 x FireWire cable
1 x CD-ROM with ASIO & WDM drivers
1 x CD-ROM with Steinberg Cubase LE
1 x Power cable
1 x Rack mounting kit
If any items are missing from your package, please
contact your local Phonic dealer
GETTING STARTED
1. Ensure all power is turned off on your mixer. To
totally ensure this, the AC cable should not be
connected to the unit.
2. All faders and level controls should be set at the
lowest level and all channels off to ensure no
sound is inadvertently sent through the outputs
when the device is switched on. All levels can be
altered to acceptable degrees after the device is
turned on using the channel setup instructions.
3. Plug any necessary equipment into the device’s
YDULRXVRXWSXWV7KLVFRXOGLQFOXGHDPSOL¿HUVDQG
speakers, monitors, signal processors, and/or
recording devices.
4. Plug the supplied AC cable into the AC inlet on the
back of the device and then into a power outlet of
a suitable voltage.
5. Turn the power switch on and follow the channel
setup instructions to get the most out of your
equipment.
CHANNEL SETUP
1. To ensure the correct audio level of the input
channel is selected, each of the Mixer’s Channel’s
ON buttons should be disengaged (which should
turn the corresponding LED indicator off), as
well as the Solo buttons on each channel and all
buttons in the Control Room Source section, with
exception to the Main L/R button.
2. Ensure the channel you wish to set has a signal
sent to it similar to the signal that will be sent when
in common use. For example, if the channel has
a microphone connected to it, then you should
speak or sing at the same level the performer
normally would during a performance; if a guitar
is plugged into the channel, then the guitar should
also be strummed as it normally would be (and so
on). This ensures levels are completely accurate
and avoids having to reset them later.
3. Move the Channel fader and Maser fader to around
the 0 dB mark.
4. Turn the Channel ON.
5. Pushing the channel’s Solo button and releasing
the Pre/Post button on the CTRL RM section will
send the pre-fader signal of the activated channel
to the Control Room / Phones mixing bus and the
Level Meter will display the Control Room’s signal
properties.
6. Set the gain so the level meter indicates the audio
level is around 0 dB (it is advisable to never let the
level exceed 7 dB).
7. This channel is now ready to be used; you can stop
making the audio signal.
8. You can now repeat the same process for other
channels if you wish.

6Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
CONVERTING TO TABLE TOP MODE
When the connecting panel sits
perpendicular to the base of the
mixer, the design of the Helix
Board 24 FireWire MKII allows
uers to utilize it as a desk top
mixer, with a slightly angled face
to allow easier controllability.

7
Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
INSTALLING THE RACK MOUNT KIT
7RLQVWDOOWKHUDFNPRXQWNLWWRWKH+HOL[%RDUG)LUH:LUH0.,,WKHFRQQHFWLQJSDQHOVKRXOGEH¿UVWURWDWHGWRVLW
parallel to the mixer’s base. This is the optimal position for rack mounting, as it saves space.

8Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Inputs and Outputs
1. XLR Jacks
These jacks accept typical 3-pin XLR inputs for
balanced and unbalanced signals. They can be used in
conjunction with microphones – such as professional
condenser, dynamic or ribbon microphones – with
standard XLR male connectors, and feature low
QRLVH SUHDPSOL¿HUV VHUYLQJ IRU FU\VWDO FOHDU VRXQG
replication. The Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII features
a total of sixteen Microphone inputs.
NB. When these inputs are used with condenser microphones, the
Phantom Power should be activated. However, when Phantom Power
is engaged, single ended (unbalanced) microphones and instruments
should not be used on the Mic inputs.
2. Line In Jacks
This input accepts typical 1/4” TRS (balanced) or
TS (unbalanced) inputs, for balanced or unbalanced
signals. They can be used in conjunction with a wide
range of line level devices, such as keyboards, drum
machines, electric guitars, and a variety of other
electric instruments.
3. Insert Jacks
The primary use for these 1/4” TRS phone jacks is
for the addition of external devices, such as dynamic
processors or equalizers, to the corresponding mono
input channel. This will require a Y cord that can
send and receive signals of the mixer to and from an
external processor. The tip of the TRS jack will send
the signal from the input channel, and the ring will
return the signal back to the mixer (the sleeve is the
grounding).
4. Direct Outputs
These connections are for the direct output of the
signals received by mono channels 1 through to 8,
post-fader, post-EQ, post-HPF, and post-mute. They
are most commonly used to connect multitrack
recorders.
5. Auxiliary (AUX) Returns
The 1/4” TRS AUX Return inputs are for the return
of audio to the Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII mixer,
processed by an external signal processor. If really
needed, they can also be used as additional stereo
inputs. The feed from these inputs can be adjusted
using the AUX Return controls on the face of the
mixer. When connecting a monaural device to the
AUX Return 1, 2 and 4 inputs, simply plug a 1/4”
phone jack into the left (mono) input, and the signal
will appear in the right as well. This, however, does not
work for the AUX Return 3.
NB.When any device is plugged into the mixer’s corresponding EFX
Return inputs (AUX Return 3), the signal processed by the mixer’s
internal digital effect engine is then not fed to the Main L/R; the signal
fed into the EFX Return 3 inputs will be instead.
6. Auxiliary (AUX) Sends
7KHVH ´ 756 SKRQH MDFNV DUH WKH ¿QDO RXWSXW RI
line-level signal fed from the corresponding auxiliary
send mixing buses, and are best suited for use with
external effect processors or stage monitors. Feeding
WKHRXWSXWIURPWKH$X[LOLDU\RXWVWRDQDPSOL¿HUDQG
SRVVLEO\ DQ HTXDOL]HU  DQG WKHQ WR D ÀRRU PRQLWRU
speaker allows artists to monitor their own instruments
or vocals whilst performing. The AUX 5 and AUX 6
Sends take their signal directly from AUX Controls 3
and 4, when the 5/6 Shift Button is activated.
7. Group Outs
7KHVH´SKRQHMDFNVRXWSXWWKH¿QDOIHHGIURPWKH
Group 1, 2, 3 and 4 Faders on the main panel of the
mixer. These outputs can be used to feed multi-track
UHFRUGV DV ZHOO DV DQ DPSOL¿HU DQG VSHDNHUV WR EH
used along with the Main Speakers.
8. CTRL RM (Control Room) Output
These two 1/4” Phone Jack outputs feed the signal
altered by the Control Room level control on the face
of the mixer. This output has extensive use, as it can
be used to feed the signal from the mixer to an active
monitor, for the monitoring of the audio signal from
within a booth, among many other possible uses.
56
3
2
1
4

9
Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
9. DSP Effect Output
These ports are for the immediate output of the EFX
signal, processed by the internal effect processor, the
level of which is not determined by the AUX 3 Return /
EFX control on the face of the mixer. This can be used
to send to external devices, for monitoring purposes,
or returned to a few channel on the Helix Board 24
FireWire MKII, and routed to the AUX 1, 2, and 4
outputs (the AUX 3 control must, of course, be turned
down to avoid forming a feedback loop), as well as the
Group Outs, allowing the processed signal to be sent
to multiple destinations for various applications.
10. Foot Switch Jacks
These ports are for the inclusion of a foot switch (non-
latchable), used to remotely adjust properties of the
built-in Digital Effect processor, to the mixer. The
uppermost jack is used to turn the device on and off,
where the lower jack is used for adjusting tap delay
properties.
11. Mono / Subwoofer Output
This XLR and 1/4” TRS output feeds a monaural
signal of the Main L-R signals combined or the AUX 4
signal (depending on the Mono Source Select Switch),
the level of which is adjusted by the accompanying
level control. This is ideal for use with a mono sound
system, or for the addition of a subwoofer to your set
of speakers, adding more punch to low frequency
sounds at your PA or monitoring system. Also featured
is an Insert point, allowing external devices, such as
a compressor, to be used to alter the mono signal
before it is fed through the outputs.
12. Main Outputs
7KHVH RXWSXWV ZLOO RXWSXW WKH ¿QDO VWHUHR OLQH OHYHO
signal sent from the main mixing bus. The primary
purpose of the two XLR jacks is to send the main
output to external devices, which may include power
DPSOL¿HUV DQG LQWXUQ D SDLU RI VSHDNHUV RWKHU
mixers, as well as a wide range of other possible
signal processors (equalizers, crossovers, etcetera).
The two 1/4” TRS phone jacks are able to send
the Main output to external devices that may run in
parallel with the mixer. This may include additional
SRZHU DPSOL¿HUV PL[HUV 3$ V\VWHPV DV ZHOO DV D
wide range of other possible signal processors.
13. Main Inserts
Located above each of the Main 1/4” Outputs, the
primary use for these 1/4” TRS phone jacks is for
the addition of external devices, such as dynamic
processors or equalizers, to the main L and main R
signals. This will require a Y cord that can send (pre-
fader) and receive signals to and from an external
processor.
14. 2T Return
These inputs accommodate connections from RCA
cables, able to receive signals from such devices as
tape and CD players.
15. Record Outputs
As with the 2T Return ports, these outputs will
accommodate RCA cables, able to be fed to a variety
of recording devices.
78910
11
13
12
141516
17

10 Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
16. S/PDIF Output
This RCA S/PDIF (Sony / Phillips Digital Interface)
jack is for the output of digital audio signals, allowing
the Main L&R audio from the Helix Board 24 FireWire
MKII to be passed to another device without having
to convert the signal from digital to analog and back
again. The output sampling rate is set to 44.1 kHz per
second – however, if the FireWire interface is in use, it
will use the sampling rate decided by the Helix Board
control software.
17. FireWire Interface
These two FireWire ports are for connecting the
Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII to any PC or Macintosh
computer. They allow all 16 input channels, as well
as an additional channel (as decided by the FireWire
Select Switch), to be sent to a PC or Mac computer.
The main stereo signal of the computer is also
returned to the Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII. The
returned FireWire signal can be utilized by selecting
it in the Control Room Source section on the face of
the mixer.
18. Power Connector and Fuse Holder
This port is for the addition of a power cable and
supply, allowing power to be supplied to the mixer.
Please use the power cable that is
included with this mixer only. The
Fuse holder, located above the AC
Power connector, is, of course, for
Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII fuse.
If the fuse happens to blow, open
the holder cover, and replace the
fuse with a suitable replacement
(as indicated underneath the
power connector).
Main Mixing Panel
19. 12V Lamp
This BNC socket allows you to attach a
12 Volt gooseneck lamp, allowing better
visibility in areas with poor light.
20. Phones Output
This output port is best suited for use with
headphones, allowing monitoring of the mix.
The audio level of this output is controlled
using the Phones control on the front panel’s
master section.
CONTROLS AND SETTINGS
Rear Panel
21. Power Switch
This switch is used to turn the mixer on and off. Ensure
you turn all level controls down before activating.
Activating the Power Switch will be accompanied
by an illuminated LED located above the right Level
Meter.
22. Phantom Power
By turning this switch selector
to the ON position will activate
+48V of phantom power for the
corresponding microphone inputs,
allowing condenser microphones
(well, the ones that don’t use batteries) to be used on
these channels. Activating the master Phantom Power
switch will be accompanied by an illuminated LED
above the left channel Level Meter. Before turning
Phantom Power on, turn the level control down of the
channel you wish to activate to a minimum and lower
all master output levels, as to avoid the possibility of a
ghastly popping sound from the speakers.
NB. Phantom Power should be used in conjunction with balanced
microphones. When Phantom Power is engaged, single ended
(unbalanced) microphones and instruments should not be used
on the Mic inputs. Phantom Power will not cause damage to most
dynamic microphones, however if unsure, the microphone’s user
manual should be consulted.
23. Mono Output Source Select Switch and Volume
Control
7KHURWDU\FRQWUROWRWKHULJKWDGMXVWVWKH¿QDORXWSXW
level of the Mono/Subwoofer output. By using the
switch on the left, users are able to select signal they
wish to send through the Mono/Subwoofer output
between the main mix and AUX 4 mix. If, for example,
there is audio in the main mix you do not wish to
send to the subwoofer, simply sending all the audio
you wish to use to the AUX 4 send and set the select
switch to AUX 4.
24. Low Pass Filter
The mono output on the Helix Board 24 FireWire MKII
includes a Low Pass Filter (LPF) for removing high
frequency sounds to make the audio more appropriate
for use with subwoofers. The switch to the left turns
the LPF on and off, and the rotary control on the right
allows users to adjust the cut-off frequency between
60Hz and 160Hz.
141516
17
18
19
20
23
24
21 22