AXDSPX-A2B2 | Installation Instructions
Learn how to install the 2018-Up* A2B Data Inter- face with Amplifier Bypass Harness & DSP
Visit axxessinterfaces.com for current application list. For Dash Disassembly Instructions, refer to metraonline.com. Enter the year, make, and model of the vehicle in the Vehicle Fit Guide for Radio Install kits.
App Downloads
Google Play Store
Apple App Store
→ Interface Features
◈ A2B data interface w/AXDSP-X (digital signal processor) built-in
◈ Includes an amplifier bypass harness
◈ Retains factory chimes including parking sensor chimes
◈ Retains SYNC voice prompts
◈ Chimes and voice prompts go through the aftermarket amplifier and/or cluster
◈ Selectable 31 Band graphic EQ or 5 Band Parametric EQ
◈ 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
◈ Clipping detection and limiting circuits
◈ 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
→ Interface Components
- AXDSPX-A2B2 interface
- AXDSPX-A2B2 harness
- Amplifier bypass harness
- Radio T-Harness
→ Required Tools & Accessories
- Crimping tool and connectors, OR
- Solder gun, solder, and heat shrink
- AXBK-1
- A2B-EXT
- Bass Knob
- Extension Cable
- Tape
- Wire cutter
- Zip-ties
Key Points about the AXDSP
- The factory amplifier will be completely removed from the vehicle. This interface cannot be used to add a subwoofer only. Aftermarket amplifiers will need to be added to power the vehicle's speakers.
- Installation of the AXDSPX will be done at the factory amplifiers location, refer to the wire chart for locations. The harnessing installed at the factory amplifier location includes the bypass harness.
- Two T-harnesses are included in the kit, one will be installed behind the factory radio to access factory speaker wires powered by the radio.
- The included bass knob will adjust the output levels of your subwoofer.
- To set your subwoofer channel
- Select the Outputs page within the app.
- Under the Location column select the channel connected to your sub amp.
- From the drop-down menu select Subwoofer.
- Don’t forget to Lock Down!
- Vehicle chimes output through the instrument cluster speaker. The chime levels are fixed.
- (Recommended) Utilize a relay if running multiple amplifiers.
- The AXDSP offers all the standard features typically found in an external DSP. All settings and adjustments can be made through the app.
- For more information on these additional features, please consult the instructions provided in the Setup Instructions tab, or visit Axxessinterfaces.com for a detailed explanation of each tab in the app.
Important T-Harness Information (Included)
Metra recommends the factory speaker wires when connecting to your aftermarket equipment; the factory amplifier powers specific speakers in vehicles that use A2B communications (B & O Badging). The remaining speakers are powered by the factory radio.
The speaker connectors at the radio could be one of two harnesses, both included with the interface and allowing quick access to the OE speaker. Additional speaker wires are needed from the radio chassis to the aftermarket amplifier location.
Wiring Example
Ford Expedition 2020-UP (12 Speaker) B & O System
Amplifier Location: Left Rear Quarter Panel
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door Tw | Speaker 2 | Gray | - |
Gray/Black | + | ||
Rear Left Door Tw | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door SP | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Inst Panel SP Center | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | - |
Orange/Red/Black | + | ||
Rear Right Door SP | Speaker 9 | Blue | - |
Blue/Black | + |
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door Tw | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Front Right Door Tw | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
D-Pillar Left SP | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
D-Pillar Right SP | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - |
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Connections
Factory Amplifier Location
- Locate the factory amp, unplug all connectors, then remove the amp.
- Install the AXDSPX-A2B2 harness and make all necessary connections, but leave the amp turn-on wire disconnected.
Factory Radio Location
Speaker Wiring Charts
Ford Bronco 2021-UP B & O System
Amplifier Location: Left Rear, Behind Quarter Panel
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Kick Panel | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Kick Panel | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Top Left Dash | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Top Right Dash | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | |
Dark Blue/Pink | |||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
32 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH3 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity | Polarity |
Rear Left POD | White | + | + |
White/Black | - | - | |
Center Channel | Gray | + | + |
Gray/Black | - | - | |
Not Used | Green | + | |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right POD | Purple | + | + |
Purple/Black | - | - |
Ford Bronco Sport 2021-UP B & O System
Amplifier Location: Left Rear, Behind Quarter Panel
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | |
Dark Blue/Pink | |||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
32 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH3 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Center Channel | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Dash Left | Gray | - |
Gray/Black | + | |
Dash Right | Green | - |
Green/Black | + | |
Not Used | Purple | |
Purple/Black |
Ford F-150 2018-2020 (8 Speaker) B & O System
Amplifier Location: Driver Side, Behind Rear Seat
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Speaker 1 | White | + | |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Center Channel | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Tweeter Left Front | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Tweeter Right Front | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Not Used | Green | |
Green/Black | ||
Not Used | Purple | |
Purple/Black |
Ford F-150 2021-2022 (8 Speaker) B&O System
Amplifier Location: Driver Side, Behind Rear Seat
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Center Channel | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | |
Dark Blue/Pink | |||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
32 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH3 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Not Used | White | |
White/Black | ||
Tweeter Left Front | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Tweeter Right Front | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
Not Used | Purple | |
Purple/Black |
Ford F-150 2021-2022 (18 Speaker) B & O System
Amplifier Location: Driver Side, Behind Rear Seat
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Inst Panel SP Left | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Overhead SP FL | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Headrest SP Left | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Overhead SP FR | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Inst Panel SP Center | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | + |
Orange/Red/Black | - | ||
Inst Panel SP Right | Speaker 9 | Blue | + |
Blue/Black | - |
32 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH3 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Rear Left Door | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Tweeter Left Front | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Tweeter Right Front | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
Rear Right Door | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - |
Ford Super Duty 2020-Up B & O System
Amplifier Location: Driver Side, Behind Rear Seat
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door Crew/Super Cab ONLY | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door Crew/Super Cab ONLY | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Center Channel | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | - |
Dark Blue/Pink | + | ||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
32 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH3 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Not Used | White | |
White/Black | ||
Tweeter Left Front | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Tweeter Right Front | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
Not Used | Purple | |
Purple/Black |
Ford Edge 2019-Up (12 Speaker) B & O System
Amplifier Location: Left Rear, Behind Quarter Panel
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Quarter Panel SP | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Quarter Panel SP | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Rear Center Sp 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Rear Center Sp 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Inst Panel FR SP | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Tweeter | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Front Right Tweeter | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Rear Left Door SP | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
Rear Right Door SP | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - |
Ford Escape 2020-Up W/Sync
Amplifier Location: Above Right Rear Wheel-well
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door SP | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door SP | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Rear Center Sp 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | |
Dark Blue/Pink | |||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Not Used | White | |
White/Black | ||
Center Channel FR | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Left Inst Panel SP | Green | - |
Green/Black | + | |
Right Inst Panel SP | Purple | - |
Purple/Black | + |
Ford Expedition 2020-UP (12 Speaker) B & O System
Amplifier Location: Left Rear Quarter Panel
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Rear Right Door Tw | Speaker 2 | Gray | - |
Gray/Black | + | ||
Rear Left Door Tw | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door SP | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Inst Panel SP Center | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | - |
Orange/Red/Black | + | ||
Rear Right Door SP | Speaker 9 | Blue | - |
Blue/Black | + |
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door Tw | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Front Right Door Tw | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
D-Pillar Left SP | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
D-Pillar Right SP | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - |
Ford Explorer 2020-UP (12 & 14 Speaker) B & O System W/O Emergency Call
Amplifier Location: Left Side of Cargo Area*
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door SP | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Front Right Door Mid 14 Sp system | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Front Left Door Mid 14 Sp system | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Inst Panel SP Center | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | - |
Orange/Red/Black | + | ||
Rear Right Door SP | Speaker 9 | Blue | - |
Blue/Black | + |
32 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH3 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
D-Pillar Right SP | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
D-Pillar Left SP | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Front Left Door Tw | Green | - |
Green/Black | + | |
Front Right Door Tw | Purple | - |
Purple/Black | + |
Ford Ranger 2019-2022 (8 Speaker) B & O System
Amplifier Location: Driver Side, Behind Rear Seat
20 Pin Amplifier Bypass Harness (Factory Amp Location)
Speaker Location | Label Name | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Rear Right Door SP | Speaker 1 | White | + |
White/Black | - | ||
Front Left Door SP | Speaker 2 | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | ||
Rear Left Door SP | Speaker 3 | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | ||
Subwoofer 2 | Speaker 4 | Purple | + |
Purple/Black | - | ||
Center Channel | Speaker 5 | Brown/Yellow | + |
Brown/Blue | - | ||
Front Right Door SP | Speaker 6 | Green/White | + |
White/Red | - | ||
Subwoofer 1 | Speaker 7 | Brown/White | + |
Dark Blue/Pink | - | ||
Not Used | Speaker 8 | Orange/Red | |
Orange/Red/Black | |||
Not Used | Speaker 9 | Blue | |
Blue/Black |
24 Pin Radio T-Harness LOC-FDH2 (Radio Chassis)
Speaker Location | Axxess Color | Polarity |
Front Left Door Tw | White | + |
White/Black | - | |
Front Right Door Tw | Gray | + |
Gray/Black | - | |
Center Channel SP | Green | + |
Green/Black | - | |
Not Used | Purple | |
Purple/Black |
Quick Setup Via AXDSP-XL App
- Download and install the AXDSP-X app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Turn Vehicle Ignition on.
- Ensure the Remote Turn on lead is disconnected.
- Open the app: Select Bluetooth Connections page.
- Select Scan, all available AXDSP devices within range will be displayed.
- Select your AXDSP and hit connect. (Figure A)
- Select the Configuration page.
- Select Vehicle Type Icon
- Select the Vehicle Make: Ford
- Select the Vehicle’s model: (example: Bronco)
- Select With OE Amp
- Click Apply (Figure B)
- Ensure the radio volume completely off (0).
- Connect the amp turn-on wire from the AXDSPX-A2B2 harness to the aftermarket amplifiers.
- From the Configuration page click the Identify button to confirm that the AXDSPX-A2B2 is connected properly. If so, a chime will be heard from the front left speaker.
- Press the Lock Down button to save the configuration.
- Select the Bluetooth Configurations page and disconnect the DSPX.
- Turn the ignition off, close all doors, then lock the vehicle using the key fob. The vehicle will need to sit uninterrupted for ten minutes while the vehicle goes to sleep. (Make sure the key fob is fifteen feet away from the vehicle)
- Unlock Vehicle, turn ignition on and test radio’s functions.
- Adjust the DSP settings in the app as desired. Refer to the instructions under the Setup Instructions tab or online at Axxessinterfaces.com for an explanation of each tab in the app.
A2B LED Feedback
LED on Board | State | Meaning |
Blinking | Vehicle’s BUS is awake | |
Off | Vehicle is asleep |
Technical Support
Our dedicated team is here to provide you with expert assistance and guidance. Whether you're troubleshooting an installation, seeking product information, or looking for technical advice, we're committed to ensuring your experience with Metra Electronics products is seamless and satisfying.
Contact
Hours (EST)
On this page
- AXDSPX-A2B2 | Installation Instructions
- App Downloads
- → Interface Features
- → Interface Components
- → Required Tools & Accessories
- Key Points about the AXDSP
- Important T-Harness Information (Included)
- Wiring Example
- Ford Expedition 2020-UP (12 Speaker) B & O System
- Connections
- Factory Amplifier Location
- Factory Radio Location
- Speaker Wiring Charts
- Ford Bronco 2021-UP B & O System
- Ford Bronco Sport 2021-UP B & O System
- Ford F-150 2018-2020 (8 Speaker) B & O System
- Ford F-150 2021-2022 (8 Speaker) B&O System
- Ford F-150 2021-2022 (18 Speaker) B & O System
- Ford Super Duty 2020-Up B & O System
- Ford Edge 2019-Up (12 Speaker) B & O System
- Ford Escape 2020-Up W/Sync
- Ford Expedition 2020-UP (12 Speaker) B & O System
- Ford Explorer 2020-UP (12 & 14 Speaker) B & O System W/O Emergency Call
- Ford Ranger 2019-2022 (8 Speaker) B & O System
- Quick Setup Via AXDSP-XL App
- A2B LED Feedback
- Technical Support
- Contact
- Hours (EST)