Axxess AXDSP-L User manual

AXDSP-L
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AxxessInterfaces.com © COPYRIGHT 2020 METRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION REV. 3/2/20 INSTAXDSP-L
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
AXDSPL-BT Installation ..........................................8
AXDSPL-SP Installation ..........................................9
Mobile App ...................................................... 10-19
Pinout ...................................................................20
Specifications ........................................................21
Axxess 6-Channel Digital Signal Processor
• 15 Band graphic EQ
• 4 inputs and 6 outputs, including front, rear, and subwoofer
• Independent equalization for front, rear, and sub
• Independent crossover for front, rear, and sub
• Selectable slope (12, 24, 36, or 48db per octave)
• Front and rear channels 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
• Internal header port for adding interface modules
• 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
• AXDSP-L interface
• AXDSP-L harness (16-pin & 20-pin)

2
PREFACE
The AXDSP-L can be used with an aftermarket system or OEM system. The AXDSP-L 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 AXDSP-L to the new system. All 6 channels of the AXDSP-L can be assigned however needed for the
installation at hand. If 6 channels of a subwoofer signal is needed, the AXDSP-L 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 AXDSP-L 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 AXDSP-L 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 AXDSP-L behind the radio to install a sub amp, the OEM amp can be retained for mids/highs. If installing the AXDSP-L 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 AXDSP-L to communicate with the vehicle to turn on and provide an amp turn-on output.
Inside the interface is a 16-pin header port for adding optional modules (sold separately). Page 8 and Page 9 will show the installation and use of these modules.
• AXDSPL-BT - Bluetooth streaming interface
• AXDSPL-SP - Toslink digital output

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Aftermarket radio system:
The AXDSP-L 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 AXDSP-L to the outputs from
the aftermarket radio; Front, Rear. When using an aftermarket radio with the AXDSP-L, 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. If the
vehicle is equipped with noise canceling microphoness, they must be disabled for this type of system.
(refer to page 5)
Adding a full-range amplifier and subwoofer* to an OEM system:
Similar to adding a subwoofer as mentioned prior, except for one extra step required to configure
the harness for a full-range setup. Also note, if only adding the AXDSP-L to just the front or rear
channels is desired, this can be accomplished by just using the necessary front or rear speaker wires
and leaving the other speaker wires still connected.
(refer to page 6)
* Subwoofer is optional
Stand-alone Bluetooth system:
The AXDSP-L and AXDSP-BT can be used together as a stand-alone system and used in just about
any 12V DC application. Perfect applications would be classic car installations where the dashboard
cannot be altered, or in UTV vehicles. This can even be used inside a home with a 12v DC power
supply. The options are endless and only limited by ones creativity.
(refer to page 7)
Aftermarket Radio Systems
1. Complete all necessary connections to the radio and vehicle, but leave the amp
turn-on wire disconnected.
Continue to All Systems
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.
* Refer to Metra online for dash disassembly. If Metra makes a dash kit for the
vehicle, disassembly will be within the instruction booklet.
Continue to All Systems
All Systems
1. Plug the 20-pin AXDSP-L harness into the AXDSP-L.
2. Plug the 16-pin AXDSP-L harness into the AXDSP-L.
3. Download and install the AX-DSP-X app from the Google Play Store or Apple App
Store .
4. Open the app then select Bluetooth Connection tab. Follow the instructions to pair
the mobile device to the AXDSP-L.
5. Scroll to the Configuration tab then select the vehicle type. Press the Lock Down
button to save the configuration.
6. Connect the amp turn-on wire.
7. Adjust the settings in the app as desired. Press the Lock Down button to save any
new configurations.
INSTALLATION OPTIONS I N S TAL L ATI O N

4
FrontRear
Sub
BASSKNOB (included)
Aftermarket Radio
AXDSP-L (included)
Do not use amp turn-on
from aftermarket radio!
Any remaining wires
tape off and disregard
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
INPUT 5
INPUT 6
Do Not Use
Black - Chassis Ground
Yellow - Battery Power
Red - Accessory Power
An SPDT relay, Metra part number
E-123, must be used if more than
one amplifier will be installed
5
5
4
3
2
1
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
Black - Chassis Ground
Orange - Control Wire
AFTERMARKET RADIO SYSTEM

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ADDING A SUB TO AN OEM SYSTEM
Factory Radio
Factory Radio Harness
Refer to pre-wired harness
for wire connections
AX-DSP-LITE pre-wired
harness (sold separately)
These outputs can be used for
additional sub amps, or for adding
onto the system at a later date
5
5
4
3
2
1
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
BASSKNOB (included)
AXDSP-L (included)
Keep Connected
Any remaining wires
tape off and disregard
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire

6
ADDING A FULL-RANGE AMP & SUB TO AN OEM SYSTEM
Factory Radio
Refer to pre-wired harness
for wire connections
AXDSP-L pre-wired
harness (sold separately)
5
5
4
3
2
1
BASSKNOB (included)
AXDSP-L (included)
Unplug Connecter
Factory Radio Harness
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
An SPDT relay, Metra part number
E-123, must be used if more than
one amplifier will be installed
Cut the male
connector off and
connect speaker wires
to amp
White / Front Left +
White/Black / Front Left -
Gray / Front Right +
Gray/Black Front Right -
Green / Rear Left +
Green/Black / Rear Left -
Purple / Rear Right +
Purple/Black / Rear Right -
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
Any remaining wires
tape off and disregard

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STAND-ALONE BLUETOOTH SYSTEM
Do Not Connect
AXDSP-L (included)
Any remaining wires
tape off and disregard
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On Wire
INPUT 5
INPUT 6
Black - Chassis Ground
Yellow - Battery Power
Red - Accessory Power
An SPDT relay, Metra part number
E-123, must be used if more than
one amplifier will be installed
5
5
4
3
2
1
RCA Jacks
(sold separately)
Black - Chassis Ground
Orange - Control Wire
Black - Chassis Ground
Brown - Control Wire
BASSKNOB (included)BASSKNOB (sold separately)
Sub Control
Volume Control

8
BLUETOOTH INTERFACE
16-pin Header
16-pin Header
AX-DSPL-BT
AX-DSPL-SP
AX-DSPL-BT
AX-DSPL-SP
• The AXDSPL-BT will be used for adding a Bluetooth interface to the AXDSP-L for
playing music files directly to the interface.
• While playing music the volume on the phone will be used. As an option, the
AXBK-1 (sold separately) can be used to control the volume.
Note: The AXBK-1 included with the AXDSP-L can also be used if it will not be used to
control a subwoofer.
1. Important! Unplug the AXDSP-L from the vehicle.
2. Remove (4) Phillips screws securing the AXDSP-L interface, then remove the top cover,
exposing the circuit board within.
3. Locate the 16-pin header on the circuit board.
4. Important! Referencing how the Bluetooth interface is laid out in the picture, carefully
line up the header pins to the AX-DSPL-BT Bluetooth interface. Gently press down to
secure.
Note: Both interfaces may be damaged if installed wrong.
5. Reinstall the top cover to complete the installation.
AXBK-1 installation:
6. Connect the Brown wire from the AXDSP-L to the Orange wire from the
AXBK-1. Ground the Black wire from the AXBK-1.
Continued on the next page

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DIGITAL OUT INTERFACE
16-pin Header
16-pin Header
AX-DSPL-BT
AX-DSPL-SP
AX-DSPL-BT
AX-DSPL-SP
• The AXDSPL-BT will be used for adding a Toslink digital output to the AXDSP-L.
1. Important! Unplug the AXDSP-L from the vehicle.
2. Remove (4) Phillips screws securing the AXDSP-L interface, then remove the top cover,
exposing the circuit board within.
3. Locate the 16-pin header on the circuit board.
4. Important! Carefully line up the header pins to the Toslink interface, with the Toslink
port facing outward. Gently press down to secure.
Note: Both interfaces may be damaged if installed wrong.
5. Reinstall the top cover provided with the AX-DSPL-BT to complete the installation.
Continued on the next page

10
MOBILE APP
Setup Instructions
The AXDSP-L uses the same app as the AXDSP-X. Only items pertaining
to the AXDSP-L will be shown.
• General information tab for installing the AXDSP-L.
Continued on the next page

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MOBILE APP (CONT.)
Bluetooth Connection
• Scan - Press this button to start the Bluetooth pairing process, then
select AXDSP-L from the mobile device. Confirmation that you are
connected will show in the top left corner of the app.
• Disconnect - Disconnects the AXDSP-L from the app.
Continued on the next page

12
Continued on the next page
MOBILE APP (CONT.)
Configuration
• Identify - Click this button to confirm that the AXDSP-L is connected
properly. If so, a chime will be heard from the front left speaker*.
* Only installations where the AXDSP-L is connected to a front left speaker.
• Reset to Defaults - Resets the AXDSP-L 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
MOBILE APP (CONT.)
Configuration (Cont.)
• About - Displays information about the app, vehicle, AXDSP-L,
and mobile device.
• Set Password - Assign a 4-digit password to lock the AXDSP-L. If no
password is desired, use “0000”. This will clear out any currently set
password. It is not necessary to lock down the AXDSP-L when setting a
password.
Note: A 4-digit only password must be chosen otherwise the AXDSP-L
will show “password not valid for this device”.
• Clear Phones - Clears phones paired from memory

14
MOBILE APP (CONT.)
Continued on the next page
Outputs
Output Channels
• Location - Location of speaker.
• Group - Used to join channels together for simple equalization.
Example, left front woofer/midrange and left front tweeter will
be considered simply left front. 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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15
MOBILE 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. 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 down to.
• Selecting High Pass and Low Pass will provide one crossover frequency
adjustment. Band Pass should only be chosen if installing just front
speakers, with one dedicated amp for the woofers/mids, a second
dedicated amp for the tweeters, along with a subwoofer.
• Select the desired crossover slope, 24db, 36db, or 48 db. Higher is steeper.
Continued on the next page

16
MOBILE APP (CONT.)
Equalizer Adjust
• The front, rear, and sub channels can be adjusted independently
within this tab with 15 bands of equalization available. 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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MOBILE 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

18
MOBILE APP (CONT.)
Inputs/Levels
• 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!!!
MOBILE APP (CONT.)

20
PINOUT
Input 6 - N/A Black - Chassis Ground
Input 5 - N/A Pink - CAN-HI
Purple RCA Jack - Rear Right Input * Blue/Pink - CAN-LO
Green RCA Jack - Rear Left Input * Brown - Control Wire for BT Volume Knob
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
5
4
3
2
1
TBA
INPUT 6
INPUT 5
Blue/White - Amp Turn-On RCA Jack 1 - User Assignable Output
Red/White - Future Use RCA Jack 2 - User Assignable Output
White/Red - Future Use RCA Jack 3 - User Assignable Output
White/Green - Future Use RCA Jack 4 - User Assignable Output
RCA Jack 5 - User Assignable Output
* Cut off RCA jack for speaker level input