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

10
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.

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Continued on the next page
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Configuration (Cont.)
• Apply Configuration - Allows a recalled configuration to the AX-DSP-X.
The AX-DSP-X will need to be locked down to save the recalled
configuration. This process will shut the amplifier off between 5-10
seconds while the configuration is uploaded to the AX-DSP-X.
• About - Displays information about the app, vehicle, AX-DSP-X,
and mobile device.
• Set Password - Assign a 4-digit password to lock the AX-DSP-X. If no
password is desired, use “0000”. This will clear out any currently set
password. It is not necessary to lock down the AX-DSP-X when setting a
password.
Note: A 4-digit only password must be chosen otherwise the interface
will show “password not valid for this device”.

12
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Continued on the next page
Amp Turn On
• Signal Sense - Will turn the amplifier on when an audio signal
is detected, and keep on for 10 seconds past the last signal. This
ensures the amplifier doesn’t shut off between tracks.
• Always On - Will keep the amplifiers on as long as they is cycled on.
• Turn on Delay - Can be used to delay amp turn-on to avoid turn-on pops.
Outputs
Output Channels
• Location - Location of speaker.
• Group - Used to join channels together. Example, left front woofer/
midrange and left front tweeter will be considered simply left front
to the AX-DSP-X. The letter M denotes the speaker assigned as the
master speaker.
• Invert - Will invert the phase of the speaker.
• Mute - Will mute desired channel(s) for tuning individual channels.

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13
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Crossover Adjust
• If installing a subwoofer, the front and rear outputs will default to a
100Hz high pass filter to keep the low frequency signals out of the
full range speakers. If a subwoofer is not being installed, change the
front and rear crossover points down to 20Hz for a full range signal,
or to the lowest frequency the speakers will play to.
• Selecting High Pass and Low Pass will provide one crossover frequency
adjustment. Selecting Band Pass will provide two crossover frequency
adjustments, one for low pass, and one for high pass.
Continued on the next page

14
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Equalizer Adjust
• All channels can be adjusted independently within this tab with 31
bands of available equalization. It is best to tune this by using an RTA
(Real Time Analyzer).
• The Gain slider on the far left is for the channel selected.
Continued on the next page

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AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Delay Adjust
• Allows a delay of each channel, up to 10 milliseconds. First measure
the distance (in inches) from each speaker to the listening position,
then enter those values. If a delay is desired, add to the desired
channel(s), up to 99 inches.
Continued on the next page

16
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)
Levels
• Clipping Level - Use this feature to protect sensitive speakers like
tweeters from being driven past their capabilities. If the output
signal of the AX-DSP-X clips the audio will be reduced by 20dB.
Turning down the stereo will allow the audio to come back at a
normal level. The sensitivity of this feature can be adjusted to the
listening preference of the user.
• Chime Volume - Allows the chime volume to be adjusted up or down.
Note: In newer Ford vehicles chimes will be heard through the gauge
cluster if the OEM amplifier is removed
Continued on the next page

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Locking Down Data
Last and the most important.
You must lock down your configuration!!!
AX-DSP-X APP (CONT.)

18
PINOUT
Input 6 - Subwoofer Right Input Black - Chassis Ground
Input 5 - Subwoofer Left Input Pink - CAN-HI
Purple RCA Jack - Rear Right Input * Blue/Pink - CAN-LO
Green RCA Jack - Rear Left Input * Brown - Future Use
Gray RCA Jack - Front Right Input * Orange - Control Wire for Bass Knob
White RCA Jack - Front Left Input * Red - Accessory Power
Black/Yellow - Future Use Yellow - Battery Power
SUB
CH6 CH7 CH8 CH9 CH10
INPUT 6
INPUT 5
Output ConnectorInput Connector
SUB
CH6 CH7 CH8 CH9 CH10
INPUT 6
INPUT 5
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Purple RCA Jack - User Assignable Output
Red/White - Future Use Green RCA Jack - User Assignable Output
Channel 6-10 - User Assignable Outputs Gray RCA Jack - User Assignable Output
Sub RCA Jacks - Use Assignable Outputs White RCA Jack - User Assignable Output
* Cut off RCA jack for speaker level input

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SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications
Input Impedance 1M Ohm
Input Channels 6 High/Low level Selectable
Input Options High Level or Low Level
Input Type Differential-Balanced
Input Voltage
High Level Range 0 - 28v Peak to Peak
Input Voltage
Low Level Range 0 - 4.9v Peak to Peak
Ouput Channels 10
Output Voltage Up to 5v RMS
Output Impedance 50 Ohms
Equalizer Type 31 Band Graphic EQ, +/- 10dB
THD <0.03%
Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz
Crossover 3-Way LPF, BPF, HPF THP per channel
Crossover Type Linkwitz-Riley 24DB Slope, Fixed
Sampling 48kHz
S/N Ratio 105dB @ 5V RMS
General
Operating Voltage 10 - 16VDC
Standby Current Draw ~7mA
Operation Current Draw ~150mA
Adjustments/Controls Application via Bluetooth
Remote Output 12VDC, Signal Sense
or with lgnition

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AxxessInterfaces.com © COPYRIGHT 2019 METRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION REV. 9/19/19 INSTAX-DSP-X
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AX-DSP-X
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