Axxess AX-DSP-X User manual

AX-DSP-X
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AxxessInterfaces.com © COPYRIGHT 2019 METRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION REV. 9/19/19 INSTAX-DSP-X
Google Play Store Apple App Store
iOS 12.1 or higher
INTERFACE FEATURES
INTERFACE COMPONENTS
TOOLS & INSTALLATION ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
• Crimping tool and connectors, or solder gun,
solder, and heat shrink • Tape • Wire cutter
• Zip ties • Multimeter
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ....................................................................2
Installation Options ...............................................3
Installation .............................................................3
Connections ........................................................ 4-7
AX-DSP-X app .................................................... 8-17
Pinout ....................................................................18
Specifications ....................................................... 19
Axxess 10-Channel Digital Signal Processor
• 31 Band graphic EQ
• 6 Inputs, 10 individually assignable outputs
• Independent equalization on each of the 10 outputs
• Independent high pass, low pass, and bandpass filters
• Each channel can be delayed independently up to 10ms
• Easy behind the radio installation in most applications
• Can be used with OE and aftermarket radios
• Chime control for GM/Chrysler vehicles
• Clipping detection and limiting circuits
• Bass knob included
• Retains OE voice prompts (SYNC® and OnStar®)
• Retains factory chimes including parking sensor and cross path
detection alerts
• Settings adjusted via Bluetooth® in a smart device application (tablet
or mobile phone), compatible with both Android and Apple devices
• Read, write, and store configurations for future recall
• Password protect feature available in the mobile app
• Micro-B USB updatable
• AX-DSP-X interface
• AX-DSP-X harness (16-pin & 20-pin)

2
PREFACE
The AX-DSP-X can be used with an aftermarket system, OEM system, and also an OEM system that is amplified with either an analog or digitally controlled (fixed signal) OEM amplifier .
The AX-DSP-X can also grow as your stereo system grows. Start off by adding a subwoofer to an OEM system, then add on from there. Simply reference the Installation Options page to
change the AX-DSP-X to the new system. All 10 channels of the AX-DSP-X can be assigned however needed for the installation at hand. If 10 channels of a subwoofer signal is needed,
the AX-DSP-X can do it.
In the following section, Installation Options , choose the installation type, then either click on the hyperlink, or reference the page number.
It is highly suggested to use an AX-DSP-X pre-wired harness (sold separately) unless you are installing it with an aftermarket radio. As such, the instructions are written in that
manner. Certain connections to the vehicle are unique per vehicle and will require the pre-wired harness to reference to.
The AX-DSP-X provides a 12v 1-amp output to turn on an aftermarket amplifier. If installing multiple amplifiers, an SPDT automotive relay will be required if the current exceeds that
amount. Use Metra part number E-123 (sold separately) for best results.
If installing the AX-DSP-X behind the radio to install a sub amp, the OEM amp can be retained for mids/highs. If installing the AX-DSP-X at the OEM amp location, the OEM amp must
be fully removed.
In most cases the CAN Bus wires need to be connected in order for the AX-DSP-X to communicate with the vehicle to turn on and provide an amp turn-on output.

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Aftermarket radio system:
The AX-DSP-X can be used with an aftermarket radio to improve the overall listening experience for
car audio enthusiasts. Installers will connect the RCA inputs from the AX-DSP-X to the outputs from
the aftermarket radio; Front, Rear, Sub (sub is optional). When using an aftermarket radio with the
AX-DSP-X, General must be chosen for the vehicle type. (refer to page 4)
Adding a subwoofer to an OEM System:
This feature offers the Installer the ability to add an aftermarket subwoofer to an OEM system,
whether the OEM system is non-amplified, or amplified with an analog or digitally controlled (fixed
signal) amplifier. If the vehicle is equipped with noise canceling mics, they must be disabled for this
type of system. (refer to page 5)
OEM System without an amplifier:
This option allows the Installer to wire the AX-DSP-X directly to the speaker outputs from the OEM
radio for an audio signal (high-level). (refer to page 6)
OEM System with an “analog” amplifier:
This option allows the Installer to tap directly to the output of the OEM radio and feed an audio
signal into the AX-DSP-X. This type of installation requires the removal of the factory amplifier, and
will provide a full range signal to the input side of the AX-DSP-X. (refer to page 7)
OEM System with a “digitally controlled” amplifier:
Digitally controlled systems function differently than analog systems. They have a fixed level audio
signal that is controlled through the vehicle’s CAN bus. In most cases the programming content (audio)
provided is just two channels, which can be either front or rear. The other channels are for content like
Phone/Bluetooth, SMS reader, SYNC, or OnStar. The AX-DSP-X can retain these OEM features, and also
provide a clean audio signal. This type of installation requires the removal of the factory amplifier, and
will provide a full range signal to the input side of the AX-DSP-X. (refer to page 7)
Factory Radio Systems
1. Remove the factory radio*, then unplug all connectors.
2. Install the vehicle specific T-harness (sold separately) and make all necessary
connections, but leave the amp turn-on wire disconnected.
3. Plug the 20-pin AX-DSP-X harness into the AX-DSP-X.
4. Plug the 16-pin AX-DSP-X harness into the AX-DSP-X.
5. Plug all connectors back into the OEM radio.
6. Download and install the AX-DSP-X app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store .
7. Using the app, select the vehicle.
8. Connect the amp turn-on wire from the AX-DSP-X.
9. Test all functions of the installation, then reassemble the dash to complete the
installation.
* Refer to Metra online for dash disassembly. If Metra makes a dash kit for the
vehicle, disassembly will be within the instructions.
Aftermarket Radio Systems
1. Complete all necessary connections to the radio and vehicle, but leave the amp
turn-on wire disconnected.
2. Plug the 20-pin AX-DSP-X harness into the AX-DSP-X.
3. Plug the 16-pin AX-DSP-X harness into the AX-DSP-X.
4. Download and install the AX-DSP-X app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store .
5. Using the app, select the vehicle.
6. Connect the amp turn-on wire from the AX-DSP-X.
7. Test all functions of the installation, then reassemble the dash to complete the
installation.
INSTALLATION OPTIONS I N S TAL L AT IO N

4
FrontRearSub
Bass Knob (included)
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
Aftermarket Radio
AX-DSP-X (included)
Do not use amp turn-on
from aftermarket radio!
Any remaining wires
tape off and disregard
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
Assignable Outputs Labeled CH 6-10
INPUT 5
INPUT 6
INPUT 5
Optional
An SPDT relay, Metra part number
E-123, must be used if more than
one amplifier will be installed
Black - Chassis Ground
Yellow - Battery Power
Red - Accessory Power
Orange - Control Wire
AFTERMARKET RADIO SYSTEM

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ADDING A SUBWOOFER TO AN OEM SYSTEM
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
AX-DSP-X (included)
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
Bass Knob (included)
Factory Radio
These outputs can be used for
additional sub amps, or for adding
onto the system at a later date
Factory Harness
AX-DSP-X pre-wired harness
(sold separately)
Refer to pre-wired harness
for wire connections
Keep Connected
SUB
Orange - Control Wire

6
OEM SYSTEM WITHOUT AMP
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
AX-DSP-X (included)
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
Assignable Outputs Labeled CH 6-10
An SPDT relay, Metra part number
E-123, must be used if more than
one amplifier will be installed
Bass Knob (included)
Factory Radio
Factory Harness
AX-DSP-X pre-wired harness
(sold separately)
Refer to pre-wired harness
for wire connections
Unplug Connector
SUB
Orange -
Control Wire

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OEM SYSTEM WITH AMP BYPASS HARNESS
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
AX-DSP-X (included)
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
Assignable Outputs Labeled CH 6-10
An SPDT relay, Metra part number
E-123, must be used if more than
one amplifier will be installed
Bass Knob (included)
Orange - Control Wire
AX-DSP-X pre-wired harness
(sold separately) Refer to pre-wired harness
for wire connections
SUB
Factory Amp
(must be removed)
Factory Amp Harness
Speaker Wire Out to Amp(s)

8
AX-DSP-X APP
Setup Instructions
• General information tab for installing the AX-DSP-X.
Continued on the next page

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AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Bluetooth Connection
• Scan - Press this button to start the Bluetooth pairing process, then
select the AX-DSP-X from the mobile device. The AX-DSP-X must be
powered during this process. Confirmation that you are connected
will show in the top left corner of the app.
• Disconnect - Disconnects the AX-DSP-X from the app.
Continued on the next page

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Continued on the next page
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Configuration
• Identify - Click this button to confirm that the AX-DSP-X is connected
properly. If so, a chime will be heard from the front left speaker.
• Reset to Defaults - Resets the AX-DSP-X to factory settings. During the
reset process the amplifiers will shut off for 5-10 seconds.
•
Vehicle Type - Select the vehicle type from the drop down box, select either
Without OE Amplifier or With OE Amplifier, then click the apply button .
• Lock Down - Click this button to save the selected settings.
Attention! This button must be selected before closing the app or cycling
the key otherwise all settings will be lost.
•
Save Configuration - Saves the current configuration to the mobile device .
• Recall Configuration - Recalls a configuration from the mobile device.