Axxess AX-DSP User manual

CAUTION! All accessories, switches, climate
controls panels, and especially air bag indicator
lights must be connected before cycling the
ignition. Also, do not remove the factory radio
with the key in the on position, or while the
vehicle is running.
AX-DSP
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
axxessinterfaces.com © COPYRIGHT 2017 METRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION REV. 8/10/17 INSTAX-DSP
INTERFACE FEATURES
INTERFACE COMPONENTS
TOOLS REQUIRED
• Cutting tool • Crimping tool • Tape
• Connectors (example: butt-connectors, bell
caps, etc.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation Options ...............................................2
Installing the AX-DSP .............................................2
Wire Description
(20-pin Microfit)..................................................3
(16-pin Microfit) ..................................................4
DSP application .................................................4-10
Axxess Digital Signal Processor
• 31 Band graphic EQ
• 6 Inputs and 6 Outputs, including front, rear and subwoofer
• Selectable High and Low level inputs
• Front, rear and subwoofer outputs have an independent two-way
crossover in-line with the EQ
• Front and rear outputs can be delayed independently up to 10ms
• Easy behind the radio installation
• Can be used with OE and aftermarket radios
• Chime control for vehicles with amp-generated chimes (When
retaining OEM radio)
• Retains Sonar sensors in vehicles where the tone is provided by the
amplifier(when retaining OEM radio)
• Clipping detection and limiting circuits
• Retains OE voice prompts (SYNC and OnStar)
• Settings adjusted via Bluetooth application, compatible with both
Android and Apple devices
• Read, Write, and Store your configuration for future recall
• DSP interface
• Universal harness

2
INSTALLATION OPTIONS INSTALLING THE AX-DSP
Attention!: Axxess has created a line of vehicle specific T-harnesses for the AX-DSP. We highly recommend
that you purchase the T-Harness to cut down on installation time and mistakes.
Please visit www.axxessinterfaces.com for T-harness options.
OE Radio with Digital Amplifier
Digital systems work differently from analog. They have a fixed level output that is controlled through the
vehicle’s CAN Bus. Most of the time the programming content (audio) is provided through two channels, this can
be front or rear. The other channels are for content like Phone/Bluetooth, SMS reader, SYNC, or OnStar. The AX-DSP
retains these OE features.
Adding a Subwoofer to OE System
This feature offers the installer the ability to add a subwoofer to an OE system. Whether the OE amplifier is digital
or analog, the AX-DSP will output a usable signal to feed the aftermarket amplifier while maintaining the OE
features.
OE Radio with Analog Amplifier
This option will allow the installer to tap directly to the output of the factory radio and feed signal into the DSP.
Aftermarket Radio System
The AX-DSP can be used in the aftermarket environment to improve the overall listening experience for car audio
enthusiasts. Installers will plug the RCA inputs of the AX-DSP into the output of the aftermarket radio and continue
with the normal installation process. When using an aftermarket radio and setting up the DSP in the Configuration
tab, General must be chosen from the vehicle type button.
OE Radio without factory amplifier
This option will allow the installer to wire directly into the output of the factory radio for signal and feed it through
the DSP to the aftermarket amplifiers. In many cases the CAN Bus wires need to be connected in order for the DSP
to communicate with the vehicle to turn on and give your installer a 12-volt 150mA remote turn-on output.
It is highly advisable to read the following steps beforehand, to ensure a clear
understanding of what is to be expected. The following steps must be done in the
order that they are numbered.
With the vehicle completely off:
AX-DSP is designed to be installed behind the OE radio:
1. Download AX-DSP app from Google Play Store or the Apple Store.
2. Remove the factory radio, we recommend you refer to
www.metraonline.com, use our vehicle fit guide to get dash disassembly
instructions.
3. Unplug all connectors from radio.
4. Install vehicle specific T-harness.
5. Plug 20-Pin AX-DSP harness into the DSP.
6. Plug 16-Pin output harness into the DSP.
7. Plug all connectors back into factory radio.
8. Plug in all applicable RCA’s, leave amplifier turn on wire disconnected until
DSP setup is complete.
9. Using the app, select the vehicle.
10. Connect the amplifier turn-on wire.
11. Test and reassemble.

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REV. 8/10/2017 INSTAX-DSP
WIRE DESCRIPTION (20-PIN MICROFIT)
Pin 1 - RED - Accessory 12-volt
• Connect this wire to 12-volt accessory that comes on when the key is in the run position.
Note: If your vehicle does not have an accessory wire at the radio, cap off and disregard the wire.
Pin 2 - BROWN - Not in use
Pin 3 - PINK - CAN High (CAN +)
• This wire is connected to the CAN Bus wire in the radio connector. Consult the vehicle specific
manual to the wire locations. (All CAN Bus wires must be soldered)
Pin 4 - BLACK/YELLOW - Future use, do not connect
Pin 5 - WHITE/BLACK - Front Left Speaker (-)
• Connect to the front left signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
Pin 6 - GREY/BLACK - Front Right Speaker (-)
• Connect to the front right signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
Pin 7 - GREEN/BLACK - Rear Left Speaker (-)
• Connect to the rear left signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
Pin 8 - PURPLE/BLACK - Rear Right Speaker (-)
• Connect to the rear right signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
Pins 9 & 19 - RCA Input 5
•
Alert input that is required on some Ford models, installation manual will reference when required.
In aftermarket applications, this will be the subwoofer input from your aftermarket radio .
Pins 10 & 20 - RCA Input 6
• TBD
Pin 11 - YELLOW - Constant 12-volt Supply
• Connect to the 12-volt constant wire in the radio harness.
Pin 12 - ORANGE - Control Wire for AX-BASSKNOB
• This wire gets connected to the Orange wire
of the AX-BASSKNOB, this is an optional
accessory (sold separately) and allows
external control of the subwoofer level.
Pin 13 - BLUE/PINK - CAN Low (CAN -)
• This wire is connected to the CAN Bus wire
in the radio connector. Consult the vehicle
specific manual to the wire locations. All CAN
Bus wires should be soldered.
Pin 14 - BLACK - Ground
• This wire gets connected to the ground wire
in the factory radio harness.
Pin 15 - WHITE- Front Left Speaker (+)
• Connect to the front left signal wire from the
OE radio to this wire.
Pin 16 - GREY- Front Right Speaker (+)
• Connect to the front right signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
Pin 17 - GREEN- Rear Left Speaker (+)
• Connect to the rear left signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
Pin 18 - PURPLE- Rear Right Speaker (+)
• Connect to the rear right signal wire from the OE radio to this wire.
20-pin Microfit

4
White (+) and White/Black (-) RCA Output - Left Front speaker
Gray (+) and Gray/Black (-) RCA Output - Right Front Speaker
Green (+) and Green/Black (-) RCA Output - Left Rear Speaker
Purple (+) and Purple/Black (-) RCA Output - Right Rear Speaker
Red and White RCA Output - Subwoofer
Red Single RCA - CH 6 Output
Pin 16 – Blue/White Remote Turn-on
• Provides 12-volt output for aftermarket amplifiers. This is a 150mA remote turn-on, Axxess
recommends that a relay be added when connecting more than 150mA amplifiers.
• DO NOT USE remote turn-on from the aftermarket radio, use turn-on from DSP.
The AX-DSP is a free application that can be found in the Google Play Store and iTunes.
We recommend download on a tablet with a larger screen for easier viewing.
Bluetooth Connection - Set-up and Disconnect from the AX-DSP device.
• Scan - Hit the Scan button and select the AX-DSP from available devices. DSP must be
powered during the setup process. Confirmation that you are connected to the AX-DSP
will show in the top left corner of your device.
• Disconnect - Disconnects your AX-DSP from the application.
Continued on the next page
WIRE DESCRIPTION (16-PIN MICROFIT) DSP APPLICATION
16-pin Microfit

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Continued on the next page
DSP APPLICATION (CONT)
Configuration - Select your vehicle and save your configured files for future recall.
• Identify - Click this button to confirm the AX-DSP is connected properly.
Chimes will be generated from the front left speaker confirming the AX-DSP
is working.
• Reset to defaults - Resets the DSP customization settings, will not reset
vehicle type. During the reset process, the amplifiers will shut off for 5-10
seconds, and then turn back on once completed.
• Lock Down - This is a very important button. This saves all your settings and
must be hit before you exit the app or cycle the ignition. If you fail to hit the
“Lock Down” button, all your infornmation will be lost.
• Vehicle Type - Select the vehicle from the drop down box. Select the vehicle,
then select “Without OE Amplifier” or” With OE Amplifier” before the apply
button can be selected. This will load the vehicle parameters into the AX-DSP.

6
Configuration (Cont)
• Save Configuration - Saves the current configuration to
the smart device memory stored on tablet.
• Recall Configuration - Recalls a configuration from the
smart device from the smart device and into the app.
• Apply Configuration - Applies the recently recalled
configuration to the AX-DSP. This process will shut the
amplifier off between 5-10 seconds while the setting
are being loaded into the AX-DSP.
Note:
The Lock Down process still needs to happen,
this only applies the configuration.
• Delete Configuration - Delete unused or old file from
the device.
• About - Displays information about this app, the
vehicle that has been selected and the AX-DSP.
DSP APPLICATION (CONT)
Continued on the next page

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Inputs - Adjusting the way the inputs are installed.
• Subwoofer Input: Front + Rear - When using an OE radio, the subwoofer signal will be
summed from the front and rear signals.
Subwoofer - Select this option to use the subwoofer output signal when using an
aftermarket unit.
• Input Level Select - Use this section to indicate the option that was used for
installation, low level (RCAS) or high level (wire-to-wire). If using a T-harness the
option will be high level.
• Amplifier Turn-on
Signal Sense - Will turn-on the amplifier any time audio is detected, and keep it
on for 10 seconds past the last signal (so the amplifier doesn’t shut off between
tracks). The main benefit of this is to prevent hiss when the radio is off.
Always on - Will keep your amplifiers on when the vehicle ignition is on and will
shut off with your ignition.
DSP APPLICATION (CONT)
Continued on the next page

8
DSP APPLICATION (CONT)
Crossover Adjust - If a subwoofer is being installed, the front and rear outputs are set up
with a 100Hz high pass filter, to keep the low bass out of the mid-range speakers.
If a subwoofer is not being used, drag the front and rear crossover points down to
20Hz for full range. The crossover points can be moved around to fit the installations
specific needs.
Equalizer Adjust - The fronts, rears, and subwoofer can be adjusted independently within
this tab. We offer 31 bands of equalization. The subwoofer gain can also be adjusted
here, but start with the gain settings on the aftermarket amplifiers, and then fine tune
them here. Get an RTA (Real Time Analyzer), or do it by ear.

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REV. 8/10/2017 INSTAX-DSP
DSP APPLICATION (CONT)
Delay Adjust - Allows for the user to adjust the delay of each speaker, up to 10 milliseconds.
Measure the distance from each speaker to the listening position and enter those
values in inches into the corresponding locations on the app.
• Clipping Level - This is designed to protect tweeters, which get damaged when
the volume of the audio is driven past the capabilities of the electronics. If the
output signal of the AX-DSP clips, the audio will be reduced by 20dB, which is done
intentionally. Turn it down a little, and your audio comes back. You can set the
sensitivity of this function, depending on your customers listening preferences.
Levels

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Enhance your installation and fabrication skills by
enrolling in the most recognized and respected
mobile electronics school in our industry.
Log onto www.installerinstitute.com or call
800-354-6782 for more information and take steps
toward a better tomorrow.
®
Metra recommends MECP
certified technicians
IMPORTANT
If you are having difficulties with the installation of this product,
please call our Tech Support line at 1-800-253-TECH. Before doing
so, look over the instructions a second time, and make sure the
installation was performed exactly as the instructions are stated.
Please have the vehicle apart and ready to perform troubleshooting
steps before calling.
axxessinterfaces.com © COPYRIGHT 2017 METRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION REV. 8/10/17 INSTAX-DSP
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AX-DSP
• Chime Volume -
The best way to identify if the vehicle
requires the AX-DSP to generate the
chimes is to leave the OE amplifier
connected and disconnect the OE
radio, with ignition off and the
driver’s door open, turn-on the
headlights. If chimes are heard
coming through the factory speakers,
there is a digital amplifier and the
chime feature will be required to
maintain that feature in the vehicle.
Note: If the OE amplifier produces the vehicle’s chimes, use this feature to add them back into the system.
Note:
The slider bar will control the volume of the chime. 10 sets the chimes to their maximum level and 1
sets them to the minimum level.
Note: In newer Ford vehicles, when disconnecting the OE amplifier, chimes and sensor sounds will re-direct
to sound through the gauge cluster.
Last and the most important:
You Must Lock Down Your Configuration!!!
DSP APPLICATION (CONT.)