Metra Intros Full New LOC Lineup

Metra’s Axxess brand announced a broad line of new line output converters (LOCs) that includes car-specific T-harnesses and active noise canceling (ANC) bypass harnesses.

The line also consists of high-voltage active LOCs, an active LOC with a bass enhancement processor, active LOCs with bass restoration, and load resistors.

Metra’s Proscenium line of LOCs that launched this spring will be aimed at consumers, while the new Axxess line is aimed at dealers and distributors, said the company.

The Axxess LOCs will be on view at the SEMA Show October 31 to November 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

High-Voltage Active Line Output Converters (LOCs)

These new LOCs have universal applications and enable installers to add aftermarket amplifiers to OEM source units. The LOCs have high input power capabilities, a load selector, a clip indicator, enhanced output controls, and noise isolation countermeasures. Axxess will also offer an add-on AX-RM1, that plugs into their Pro Series and LD Series LOCs for an additional subwoofer level adjustment via an external bass knob.

Vehicle-Specific ANC Bypass Harnesses

Axxess will introduce new active noise canceling bypass harnesses designed for smooth speaker and subwoofer upgrades for various vehicles with ANC audio systems. These new harnesses maintain proper communication between audio equipment and the ANC system, giving listeners control over their music without distortion, interference, or conflict between devices. They prevent the built-in microphones within ANC systems from creating compatibility issues by mistaking aftermarket speakers and subwoofer vibrations for interference. Axxess’s ANC bypass harnesses also prevent audio system upgrades from affecting a vehicle’s sensitive electronics and causing system errors.

6-Channel Premium Active Summing LOC

The AX-LOC6.6-PRO is a 6-channel Active Summing LOC from the Axxess Pro Series that provides seamless integration by summing OEM audio signals, delivering a full-range output.  A compact remote control is included with a knob for adjusting the primary volume of each of the six channels, and a second knob for controlling the bass level of channels five and six.

Active LOC with Bass Enhancement Processor

The active LOC with a bass enhancement processor scans incoming audio signals from the radio to replace low-frequency information that is lost in compressed music, such as missing bass. It then increases bass response accordingly with a built-in line driver. Adaptive activation modes let users choose between a traditional 12-volt remote trigger, DC offset, or audio sense activation.

The LOC has a programmable subsonic harmonizer that filters out subsonic noise and it provides 10-volt output voltage.  There’s a remote to adjust bass and volume.  Users can tailor their audio using built-in load resistor settings, to match the OE equipment.

Active LOCs with Bass Restoration:

Axxess’s AX-BXLOC2 and AX-BXLOC2-PRO are compact 2-channel LOCs with active input circuitry, allowing them to accept speaker-level signals of up to 400 watts per channel from factory-installed source units or amplifiers. They convert them to  pre-amp signals that can then be directed to aftermarket amplifiers. The AX-BXLOC2 prevents factory audio systems from regulating lower frequencies and reducing the output of bass frequencies as the volume increases. A Bass-X restoration circuit lets users hear music as it was recorded while maintaining the use of factory volume and steering wheel controls. The AX-BXLOC2-PRO adds a ground isolation switch, multiple turn-on modes, and built-in load resistors for use with factory radios or amplifiers that mute the audio signal when factory speakers are disconnected.

Vehicle-Specific Active LOC T-Harnesses

Axxess will display new active LOC T-harnesses to simplify adding a subwoofer or full audio system in a range of vehicles. The harnesses work with Axxess active LOCs and are compatible with most sound processors, LOCs, and amplifiers with high-level inputs.

The T-harnesses  provide signal connections for an audio system, including constant 12-volt (10-amp fuse), ground, and remote turn-on leads, and they simplify the connection process for devices like active signal processors.

The T-harnesses use mating 8-pin plugs that stay connected when installers add a subwoofer amplifier, so the factory speakers continue to receive power from the radio. On the radio side of the T-harness, there is a prewired speaker-level output audio signal for a dedicated subwoofer amplifier or powered subwoofer, for use with different types of aftermarket system setups.

To power an aftermarket system, the wiring can be adjusted by the 8-pin connectors and harnesses for the integration of a 4-channel amplifier. The Axxess T-harnesses include the materials needed for routing the outputs of an aftermarket amplifier back through the factory wiring to reach the speakers.

Load Resistors

Load resistors solve common problems for installers adding aftermarket equipment.  For example, factory audio systems in modern vehicles are designed to mute the radio and/or amplifier output if a speaker fails or gets disconnected. Axxess load resistors prevent this so that installers can add aftermarket equipment. The load resistors use specific values to allow for the best possible audio signal and safely stabilize the output of a factory audio system. The AX-LR product line is available in 20-ohm, 39-ohm, or 60-ohm options to fit a variety of vehicles, such as select late-model Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Fiat models.