Floating Display Design
Touchscreen & Remote Control
CarPlay, Android Auto & Mirroring
Built-in Bluetooth
HD Radi0 + SiriusXM Ready
USB & HDMI Integration
Audio & DSP Section
AV/Camera/OEM Connectivity

Floating Display Design

Two-Piece Configuration The Kenwood Reference DMX1038S digital multimedia receiver features a two-piece floating display configuration with an external 10.1" capacitive touchscreen monitor and a separate single-DIN (2") source unit. Separating the large touchscreen monitor from the chassis allows the DMX1038S to be installed in a standard single-DIN (2") dash opening. The single-DIN (2") source unit mounts in the dash and the 10.1" touchscreen monitor attaches to the front of the source unit using the included hardware and integrated connector (dash kit, wiring harness, interface module, adapters are required and sold separately).

Floating Touchscreen Monitor: Depending on your vehicle's factory radio location and the location of other factory equipment, you may need to adjust the mounting position of the touchscreen monitor in order to prevent impairment of vehicle driving operations. The floating touchscreen monitor offers depth, height, center, and tilt adjustments to ensure the best fit and usability in your vehicle's dash. The touchscreen monitor measures 10.3125" (w) x 7.125" (h) x 3.125" (d) - including integrated connector and mounting bracket.

• Depth Adjustment: The depth adjustment lets you move the floating monitor forward or backward 0.8125", allowing more or less space between the monitor and your vehicle's dash kit and dash for a better fit.
• Height Adjustment: The floating monitor can be adjusted up or down 1.5625" to prevent interference with climate controls, vents, and other factory equipment on your vehicle's dash for better fit and operation.
• Center Adjustment: You are able to center or off-center the touchscreen monitor by 1.1875" to better suit your vehicle's installation.
• Tilt Adjustment: You can adjust the angle of floating monitor for better usability and visibility. In addition to its vertical 90 degree angle (default), the monitor can be tilted -10 degrees backward or +45 degrees forward.

Single-DIN Source Unit: The included source unit fits in a standard 2" Single-DIN opening (applicable kit, harness, etc. will be required and sold separately for your vehicle). Once the source unit is mounted in the dash, the 10.1" touchscreen monitor attaches and connects to the front of the source unit using the included hardware and integrated proprietary connectors. The source unit can also be hidden away and mounted horizontally or vertically.  If the cable connecting the touchscreen display and source unit is not long enough, you can solve the problem by connecting this proprietary extension cable (sold separately). All of the Kenwood DMX1038S's inputs and outputs are found on the rear-panel of the source unit.

• Chassis: with connector cables
  • Width: 7.025"
  • Height: 1.975"
  • Depth: 5.845"
• Nose: with connector cables
  • Width: 6.685"
  • Height: 1.825"
  • Depth: 0.875"

Touchscreen & Remote Control

10.1" Touchscreen Monitor: The Kenwood DMX1038S features an all-new electrostatic capacitive touch panel and high-definition LCD panel with high luminance white LED backlighting that delivers vivid color, high-contrast, and crisp detail, as well as highly responsive touch operation. This 10.1" widescreen (16:9) electrostatic capacitive touchscreen LCD panel has a high resolution of 1280 (H) x 720 (V) x RGB with 2,764,800 total pixels, a 170° high viewing angle, 600cd/m high brightness, and 900:1 high contrast ratio. The 10.1" touchscreen monitor provides room for more information that is large and easy to see with just a glance.

• Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA): Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA) is added between the touch screen and the LCD to eliminate the air layer and suppress light reflection and glare; this design enhances the contrast and brightness and maintains the visibility of the display in various environments
• Azimuthal Anchoring Switch (AAS): The AAS (Azimuthal Anchoring Switch) display technology of the LCD panel assures you a wider viewing angle of 170° for both horizontal and vertical directions. Together with the protective film which minimizes reflection and glare from sunlight, you can enjoy clear images even from the passenger or back seats.
• Capacitive Touchscreen Controls: The capacitive touchscreen is highly responsive. Touchscreen operations include tap, touch & hold, flick left or right, and swipe up or down - very similar to your smartphone or tablet device.

Display Features: The Kenwood Reference DMX1038S offers several unique display features, settings, enhancements, and adjustments.

• Split-Screen: The DMX1038S offers split-screen, so you can view and operate both Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and a connected source at the same time from the same touchscreen monitor.
• Widget Screens: The unit's home screen is composed of a Driving Widget as well as a Source Control Widget overlaid on the background. You can move the Driving Widget from side to side or enlarge the Source Control Widget to optimize the screen for your intuitive operation. The Driving Widget allows selection of a clock, compass, or equalizer setting, etc., while the background allows selection of album art, audio visualizer, or photo.
• Custom Home Screen & Shortcuts: You can customize the head unit's Home Screen by rearranging the icons and moving the icons of the twelve sources you use most to the first page of the Home Screen. Four programmable shortcut source keys offer a quick jump to your favorite sources from almost any screen.
• Background Color & Wallpapers: You can choose between nine preset background colors - Blue, Purple, Sky Blue, Yellow, Green, Amber, Red, Pink, White. You can also choose to link the displays color with the unit's front-panel variable color illumination that you set. In addition, there are seven preset background images (wallpapers) or you can download your own still image using the Kenwood Portal App (for Apple iOS and Android OS) and use it as your wallpaper background.

Front-Panel Controls w/ Variable Color Illumination: In addition to the touchscreen controls, the unit includes frequently used buttons and a 3-way rotary control knob along the bottom edge of the screen. You can adjust the head unit's button illumination, as well as display background color from the following preset colors - Blue, Purple, Sky Blue, Yellow, Green, Amber, Red, Pink, White or Scan (Scans through all preset colors). You can also select a custom "User" color that is adjusted between Red, Green, and Blue (values range: 0-31).

Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim the head unit's display & front-panel illumination automatically when your vehicle's light switch is turned On, if you have the unit's orange/white "Illumination" wire connected to your vehicle's headlamp circuit. You can also choose to dim the display manually.

Remote Control: The Kenwood DMX1038S offers compatibility with factory steering wheel controls (adapter sold separately) and is compatible with Kenwood's IR wireless remote control (sold separately) for added convenience. Kenwood also offers a remote application which allows you to control the receiver from your smartphone device, and another application that allows you transfer photos from your compatible smartphone device the Kenwood receiver.

• Steering Wheel Controls: The head unit features a factory steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately).
• Optional IR Remote: The optional Kenwood KCA-RCDV340.IR wireless remote control (sold separately - not available at Crutchfield) is designed to operate this Kenwood receiver. The wireless remote controller operates off of two supplied "AAA" batteries. The remote operates off of IR transmission so the KNA-RCDV331 must be pointed at the front-panel of the Kenwood head unit within direct line of sight.
• Remote S App: The Kenwood Remote S (for Apple iOS 9.0+ and Android OS 5.0+) is an application that will connect and control the in-dash receiver from your compatible Apple or Android device via Bluetooth, like a wireless remote control. You can select source input, as well as command basic playback controls such as Play/Pause or Previous/Next Track from the touchscreen of your compatible smartphone. This application can also display the receiver's source and song/artist information on the screen of your compatible Apple iOS or Android device.
• Kenwood Portal App: The Kenwood Portal App (for Apple iOS 12.4+ and Android OS 6.0+) lets you transfer photos from your compatible smartphone device to the Kenwood receiver via Bluetooth or USB. You'll also be able to create a slideshow and a customized wallpaper for the receiver.

CarPlay, Android Auto, & Mirroring

Built-In WiFi: The Kenwood DMX1038S receiver's built-in Dual-Band (2.4/5GHz) WiFi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) is utilized for Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Wireless, and Wireless Mirroring via Miracast for select Android devices. The built-in WiFi is not designed to be used with WiFi hotspots.

• GPS Antenna: The included GPS antenna must also be installed for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay navigation maps. The GPS antenna comes with a self-stick pad which mounts it on top of your dash inside the vehicle.
• Cellular & Data Plan Requirements: Access to CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirroring apps will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone or Android smartphone to connect to the Internet. Your compatible Apple or Android device will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, LTE (4G), or WiFi.

Android Auto (Wired or Wireless): The Kenwood DMX1038S supports the Android Auto app for select Android smartphones using a wired or wireless connection. A Google or Samsung smartphone with Android OS 10.0+ or any smartphone with Android OS 11.0+ and 5GHz WiFi can utilize Android Auto Wireless with the Kenwood receiver using the latest version of the Android Auto app, plus a WiFi and Bluetooth connection (both wireless connections must be made; a wired USB connection must be made initially between the Android phone and the Kenwood receiver to setup Wireless Android Auto). Android smartphones running Oreo 8.0 or newer can also be connected to the Kenwood receiver's rear-panel USB port using the included USB extension cable and USB cable that came with your smartphone, plus be paired via Bluetooth. Android Auto extends the Android platform into your car in a way that's purpose-built for driving and automatically brings you useful information and organizes it into a simple on-screen interface that is simple to use in the vehicle. It's designed to minimize distraction so you can stay focused on the road ahead. Features of Android Auto include -

• Google Assistant: The Kenwood receiver enhances your Android Auto experience even more by incorporating Google Assistant using the head unit's external microphone and your car speakers for voice command and text-to-speech, which makes using Android Auto and all of its integrated applications fast, easy, and safe. You will need to press the "mic" button or say "OK Google" to activate the Google Assistant. Use the Google Assistant to make a call, send a message, reply to a message, get driving directions, listen to music, or even control select Google Assistant smarthome enabled devices.
• Google & Waze Maps: Use Google Maps to get where you're going with on-screen maps, voice-guided navigation, live traffic information, lane guidance, and more. Select your destination by using the head unit's touchscreen or just say where you want to go through the unit's external mic and Google Speech Technology. You can even listen to music from your Android Auto device or other connected source device while using Google Maps. If you prefer, you can switch over to a simpler version of the community-based Waze navigation app.
• Phone & SMS: With Android Auto you get access to your contacts and messages through the Kenwood receiver while keeping your eyes on the road. Use the unit's external mic and Google Speech Technology to make a phone call, or have your text-messages read aloud to you while you concentrate on the road ahead; you can even reply to texts via voice command.
• Music: Access your Android smartphone's music library through the Kenwood receiver via YouTube Music. You'll be able to browse music like you do on your smartphone with song/artist information display and album art. Use the receiver's touchscreen to select songs or just say what song you want to listen to through the head unit's external mic and Google Speech Technology. You also get access to online music and radio stations from Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Slacker Radio, Tune-In, and more; as well as news, sports and talk radio apps. Music apps include song and station browsing, plus song/artist information and album art or station logo. Click here for a list of all compatible app for Android Auto.

Wireless Apple CarPlay (Wired or Wireless): Apple CarPlay is a smarter, safer in-vehicle interface to operate your iPhone 6S and up (iOS 9.0+), and is specially designed for driving scenarios. Your iPhone can be connected to the Kenwood DMX1038S wirelessly or via USB. A wireless connection to your compatible iPhone 6S and up (iOS 9.0+) can be made using the Kenwood receiver's built-in WiFi (5GHz) and Bluetooth (2.4GHz) - requires both wireless connections. Or, you can choose to connect your compatible iPhone 5 and up (iOS 7.1+) to the Kenwood receiver via USB. Your iPhone will need to be connected to the Kenwood receiver's rear-panel USB port. You can control CarPlay from the Kenwood receiver's touchscreen controls or use Siri to control to control CarPlay with just your voice. You'll be able to use CarPlay to get directions, make phone calls, listen to voice mails, send/receive text messages, select music, and even control Apple HomeKit compatible devices in a way that keeps you focused on the road ahead.

• Navigation Maps: The power and simplicity of Apple Maps comes to your dashboard; complete with turn-by-turn direction, traffic conditions, and estimated travel time. You can enter a new destination or choose a favorite or recent destination using the head unit's touchscreen or by simply asking Siri. CarPlay can also predict where you most likely want to go using addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars. If you have iOS 12.0 or newer on your iPhone with the latest version of Google Maps or Waze, you can choose to navigate via the Google Maps or Waze application instead of Apple Maps. Google Maps and Waze do not support Siri voice control, but will have their own proprietary voice control function which has to be accessed through a touchscreen icon on the receiver.
• Phone & Messages: You'll be able to make calls, return missed calls, and listen to voicemails through the Kenwood receiver. Siri can also help you do all these things. In addition, Siri can send, read, and reply to your text messages for you; so you never have to look at your iPhone while driving.
• Music Library: Access your favorite artists, songs, playlists from Apple Music on your iPhone using the Kenwood receiver's touchscreen. Or, just tell Siri what you'd like to listen to. The head unit's touchscreen will display song/artist information, as well as album art in the background.
• Apps: CarPlay also supports additional audio apps that you've downloaded to your iPhone for enjoying music, radio, sports, news, podcasts, & audiobooks (subscriptions and fees may apply). Control these apps from the head unit's touchscreen just like you would from your iPhone. Current supported apps include:
  • Music & Radio: Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, TuneIn Radio, Slacker Radio, & more.
  • News, Sports & Podcasts: Stitcher, MLB.com At Bat, NBA, CBS Radio News, NPR One, OverCast, & more.
  • Audio Books: Audiobooks.com & Audible
• Apple HomeKit Compatible: CarPlay now supports control of Apple HomeKit enabled devices (sold separately) through Siri. Using CarPlay in your vehicle, you can ask Siri to close or open your garage door, turn on or off home lighting, increase or decrease the temperature of your thermostat, as well as control select functions of other Apple HomeKit enabled devices and appliances. Click here for a list of compatible Apple HomeKit products.

Miracast for Android (Wireless Mirroring): Wi-Fi Certified Miracast lets you wirelessly send the display of your compatible Android OS 4.2-up device that also supports Miracast to the receiver's touchscreen monitor. Smartphone manufacturers will refer to the Miracast Wireless Mirroring function differently and use terms such as Wireless Display, Screen Mirroring, AllShare Cast, etc. Miracast Wireless Mirroring allows you to view practically any content that is playing on your compatible Android device on the receiver's touchscreen (vehicle's parking brake must be engaged). You'll also be able to use the receiver's touchscreen to control your compatible Android smartphone (some Miracast compatible phones may not support this feature).

• Not all Android OS 4.2-up devices will support Miracast. Future Android OS updates may cause the Miracast feature to not function properly. Click here to check for Miracast compatible Android smartphones and tablets.
• Miracast (wireless mirroring) will require that the vehicle's parking brake be engaged to mirror your smartphone or view any content from your smartphone on the receiver's touchscreen monitor. Only audio content will be heard without the vehicle's parking brake engaged.
• If your Android smartphone is locked, wireless mirroring may not function properly.
• The Apple iPhone does not support Miracast or wireless mirroring.

Smartphone Charging: The Kenwood DMX1038S will also charge your Android smartphone or Apple iPod/iPhone device while connected via USB with the vehicle's ignition switch set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position. The powerful USB provides max 3A of charge for iPhone and Android devices.

Built-in Bluetooth

Bluetooth 5.2: The Kenwood DMX1038S is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.2 allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit. In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:

• Hands-Free Communication: HFP 1.7 (Hands Free Profile), PBAB 1.0 (Phone Book Access Profile)
• Audio Streaming: A2DP 1.3 (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP 1.6 (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).

SSP & Auto Pairing: With Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), you can easily pair a Bluetooth enabled phone to the Kenwood DMX1038S without having to enter pin codes or go through complicated settings. You can even pair your Apple iPhone (iOS 5+) or by simply connecting it to the Kenwood head unit via USB and following a single prompt on the head unit's display. You can pair up to ten Bluetooth-enabled devices to the Kenwood head unit. When an already paired Bluetooth device is in close proximity to the receiver, the auto connection function automatically pairs the two units.

• Dual Phone Connection: Thanks to the Dual Phone Connection feature, two Bluetooth-enabled phones can remain connected to the Kenwood receiver. This means you can an answer an incoming call from either phone from the head unit. Also, both of your phone's contact lists are downloaded to the receiver. To make a call from one of the phones using the Kenwood receiver, you simply have to select Phone 1 or Phone 2 on the head unit's touchscreen.
• Music Mix: The new Music Mix feature allows five Bluetooth audio source devices to be connected to the Kenwood receiver at one time, so you can switch between Bluetooth playback sources a lot easier and quicker. While "BT Audio" source is selected on the head unit, you can simply press the music playback button on your connected Bluetooth source devices to switch between devices and begin music playback. However, you cannot stream audio from two different Bluetooth audio source devices at the same time or combine music libraries or playlists from two different connected devices.

Hands-Free Communication: The head unit supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled smartphone. Thanks to the latest Hands-Free Profile (HFP 1.7) with wideband speech capability, the Kenwood DMX1038S provides more natural sound quality and details during wireless calls. The touchscreen controls of the DMX1038S can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also includes an external microphone (featuring adjustable gain), so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers (All or Front only). During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your phone) and the Hands Free Mode.

• Answering a Call: When a call comes in, a ring-tone will be heard through your vehicle's speaker and the caller's name or phone number will be displayed. You can answer the call from the head unit's touchscreen, or setup the head unit to automatically answer the incoming call immediately (1-30 seconds).
• Dialing a Number: Using the DMX1038S, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:
  • Entering a Phone Number: Allows you to directly dial a phone number from the head unit's touchscreen keypad.
  • Preset Dialing: Allows you to register up to 5 phone numbers for quick dialing. The preset numbers can be accessed from the head unit's touchscreen.
  • Phonebook: You can download phonebook data (up to 1000 entries) from your phone to the DMX1038S. You can then dial by using the downloaded phone book and search it alphabetically.
  • Call History: The Call History is a list of calls that have originated from and were received by this unit that you can dial. You can select Outgoing, Incoming, or Missed calls (up to 50 entries total).
  • Voice Dialing: If your smartphone supports voice recognition (including Siri and Google Voice), then you can dial out by voice command. Simply speak into the included microphone.

Wireless Audio Streaming: The Kenwood DMX1038S supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or audio player, plus song/artist information display. You are able to stream your stored music library on your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, as well as music apps downloaded on your smartphone to the Kenwood DMX1038S for playback.

• SBC + AAC Codecs: In addition to support for the standard SBC Bluetooth audio codec, the DMX1038S offers support of AAC. By supporting AAC, the DMX1307S offers better audio performance of the music streamed from your Apple iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
• Advanced Music Browsing: In addition to basic playback functions (Play/Pause, FF/RW, Skip, Random/Repeat), the DMX1038S lets you browse your stored music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, etc. (AVRCP 1.4-up phones only; which includes Android 4.0+ and iPhone 5.0+).
• Song/Artist Information: The head unit will also display your stored music and music app's song information; such as Artist name and Song/Album title (not compatible with all apps).

External Microphone: The Kenwood DMX1038S includes an external microphone to carry on your side of your phone conversation and voice command dialing. The external wired microphone offers improved audio quality versus an integrated microphone, so you can be heard easier over noisy traffic and road noise. You can adjust the volume level, echo cancellation, and noise reduction of the microphone without affecting the other sources. The external microphone features an attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector which plugs into the mic input on the rear-panel of the head unit. The microphone offers an integrated mounting bracket which can be clipped to your vehicle's sun-visor or taped to your dash.

HD Radio + SiriusXM-Ready

HD Radio: With its built-in HD Radio tuner, you can receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local stations where available. HD Radio significantly improves AM/FM audio quality and reception, as well as includes information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display. HD Radio Technology will deliver high-quality digital sound. AM digital will have FM-like quality in stereo (80dB SNR @ 40-15kHz), while FM digital will have CD-like quality (80 dB SNR @ 20-20kHz) with static free and clear reception. The unit's built-in HD Radio tuner allows analog AM/FM tuning as well.

• Seek Modes + Direct Access Tuning: You can choose one of three seek modes: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual. You can also setup the DMX1038S to search only HD Radio stations. In addition, you can directly access an AM/FM station by entering in the frequency number using the unit's LCD touchscreen.
• Tuner Presets: You can store 15 FM presets and 5 AM presets (total of 20). Not only does the digital multimedia receiver's tuner allow you manually enter your desired presets you can choose to have the unit automatically put stations with good reception in the memory banks automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling.
• Station Info/Album Art AM/FM digital stations can offer text and data such as artist names and song titles; as well as Album Art.
• Multicasting & Emergency Alerts: In addition to conventional broadcasts, with HD Radio broadcasting it is possible to choose from up to 8 multicast programs (HD1 to HD8). HD Radio also delivers critical and life-saving messages to the public during emergency situations.

SiriusXM Ready: The Kenwood DMX1038S is SiriusXM-Ready and compatible with the SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner (220SXV300, sold separately). The DMX1038S and SXV300 vehicle tuner combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience thanks to new "360L" technology, providing more choice and a more customizable listening experience. You are able to access more SiriusXM channels, SiriusXM's Pandora Stations, "For You" recommendations, recorded on demand content and podcasts, plus more. You also have individual SiriusXM listener profiles to allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own SiriusXM favorites and personalized recommendations. For SiriusXM subscription packages, click here.

• Advanced Tuning: Up to 20 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets can be saved. Up to 5 of your SiriusXM presets on the current band are recognized as Smart Favorites for advanced features such as TuneStart. TuneStart allows you to choose whether to start a song from the beginning or from its live point when tuning to a Smart Favorite channel. You can pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of current channel. You'll also be able to rewind and replay the last 30 minutes of content from your six Smart Favorite channels.
• Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora: Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora will play songs by the selected artist, as well as similar songs by other artists. Like Pandora, you can fine tune your station by selecting likes or dislikes (thumbs up/thumbs down) of the songs as they are played. Once you have created a station, you can save it to your favorites and tune it whenever you want. Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora requires an Internet connection, and are only available with an All Access package.
• For You Recommendations: The unit can make personalized recommendations based on your listening history. When connected to the Internet, the recommendations get "smarter" the longer you listen. You'll get a list of up to 8 recommended SiriusXM Satellite Radio stations based on your listening history. You can also quickly discover other channels that are related to the channel you are currently listening to.
• Alerts & Notifications: Receive alerts of your favorite song or artist, and favorite sports teams. When a broadcast program related to the your favorite artist or song starts, a message appears to allow you to switch to that station. You can register up to 50 of your favorite artists, songs, or teams.

USB & HDMI Integration

USB MSC Playback: The DMX1038S's rear-panel USB-C port, supplied 40" USB extension cable, and included USB-C to USB-A adapter allows you to connect a USB Mass Storage Class (MSC) device - such as a USB thumbdrive. The USB-C port enables playback of a variety of audio (including Hi-Res FLAC/WAV), video, and photo files stored on a compatible USB memory device. USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the digital multimedia receiver's USB ports (5V/3A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

• High Resolution Audio Playback: The Kenwood digital multimedia receiver supports playback of high-resolution FLAC & WAV music files (up to 24-bit/192kHz) via USB. High-Resolution Audio is high-quality sound that exceeds CD standard. High-resolution audio captures and beautifully expresses all the details of your favorite music.
• Search Functions: The Folder/Track List allows you to search folders and audio/video/picture files stored on a USB device. Category Search lets you navigate music stored on your USB memory device by Artist, Song, Album, or Genre. Link Search allows you to play songs related to the currently playing song. The head unit can create an album list of the currently playing artist, a song list of the currently playing album, a artist list of the currently playing genre, or a album list of currently playing composer.
• Song/Artist Info with Album Art: The Kenwood DMX1038S will display song/artist information (as well as album art) for MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC music tracks.

File Compatibility: The Kenwood DMX1038S supports the following types of audio (including Hi-Res), video, and photo files loaded onto a USB mass storage class device.

USB Direct for iPhone: If you don't desire Apple CarPlay, you can also connect the Apple iPhone (6S and newer) to the DMX1038S via USB for music playback & control only. Simply plug your compatible Apple device into the Kenwood receiver's rear-panel USB-C port with the included USB-C extension cable and supplied USB-C to USB-A adapter. The Kenwood receiver supports playback of stored music and music apps, along music browsing and playback control, plus song/artist information and album art.

• Category Search: You can navigate music stored on your compatible iPhone or USB memory device by Artist, Song, Album, or Genre. Once a category is selected, you can search the contents alphabetically.
• Link Search: Link Search allows you to play songs related to the currently playing song. The head unit can create an album list of the currently playing artist, a song list of the currently playing album, an artist list of the currently playing genre, or an album list of currently playing composer.
• Song/Artist Info with Album Art: The Kenwood DMX1038S will display song/artist information, as well as album art for your music files on your connected Apple iPhone.

microHDMI Input: The DMX1038S's microHDMI input allows you to display your Apple iPhone or Android smartphone's screen on the receiver's 8" monitor. You'll need a compatible Apple or Android HDMI adapter cable (sold separately). You can also connect a DVD player, Blu-ray player or TV tuner with an automotive-grade HDMI cable (sold separately). The HDMI input supports VGA (640x480p @ 60Hz), 480p (720x480p @ 60Hz) , and 720p (1280x480p @ 60Hz) )video; as well as 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.2, and 192 kHz; 16/20/24-bit Linear 2ch PCM audio.

• This is a microHDMI input and not a standard full-size HDMI input.
• The HDMI input does not support 1080p or 4K video.
• The HDMI input does not support Dolby Digital, DTS, and other multichannel surround formats.
• The HDMI input does not offer playback control.

Firmware Updates (via USB): The unit's operating system is updateable via free downloadable software from Kenwood's support site. Firmware downloads assist in maintaining system performance when using external devices and emerging technologies. Firmware/software updates can be downloaded onto a USB thumbdrive from your computer and then inserted into the head unit's USB port and uploaded. Go to Kenwood's Support Site for the latest firmware/software updates.

Audio & DSP Section

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The Kenwood DMX1038S utilizes a 24-bit/192kHz digital to analog converter (DAC) for superior sound quality with a signal to noise ratio up to 98.5dB and support for Hi-Res music files such as FLAC and WAV (up to 24-bit/192kHz).

MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood DMX1038S is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the DMX1038S are as follows:

• Full Bandwidth Power: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
• Maximum Output Power: 50 watts x 4 channels

6ch/4V Pre-Outs + Sub Control: The DMX1038S features front, rear and subwoofer 4.0-volt pre-outs. The front and rear speaker pre-outs are balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading and offers independent level control (-50 to +10 dB).

Vehicle Setup: Indicate your vehicle type, speaker sizes installed in your vehicle, your rear speaker location, plus your main listening position and the distance of each speaker to your main listening position to optimize the sound inside your vehicle.

• Vehicle Type: You can select your vehicle type to automatically set the delay time of each speaker for timing adjustment of sound output of each channel to have the highest surround effect. Choose from Compact, Full Size Car, Wagon, Mini Van, SUV, or Off.
• Speaker Size: Select which size speakers are in your vehicle - Tweeter (Small, Medium, Large, None); Front & Rear (3.5", 4", 4.75", 5", 6.5", 6.75", 7", 4x6", 5x7", 6x8", 6x9", 7x10", None); Subwoofer: 6.5", 8", 10", 12", 15"+, None).
• Speaker Locations: You can indicate the location of your front and rear speakers - Front (Upper Door, Lower Door, On Dash, Under Dash) and Rear (Upper Door, Lower Door, Parcel Shelf/Rear Deck, Upper Cargo Area, Lower Cargo Area.
• Listening Position: You can choose from All, Front Left, Front Right or Front. You can even use the Front Focus feature to focus the sound image on the front of the selected seat.
• Digital Time Alignment: You can select to manually fine tune your vehicle's sound stage, using Digital Time Alignment (DTA) by selecting the distance (0-20') for each individual speaker in the vehicle compared to your listening position. In addition, you're able to adjust the output level (-8 to 0dB) of each speaker.

Crossover Network: The Kenwood DMX1038S lets you choose between a 2-way or 3-way crossover network for your car audio application.

• 2-Way Crossover: Allows you to set high-pass and low-pass crossovers for a standard Tweeter, Front, Rear, and Subwoofer speaker setup.
  • Tweeter: high pass filter (HPF)
    • Frequency: 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
    • Gain: -8 to 0 dB
  • Front & Rear: high pass filter (HPF)
    • Frequency: 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz, Through (Full-Range)
    • Slope: -6dB, -12dB, -18dB, -24dB
    • Gain: -8 to 0 dB
  • Sub: low pass filter (LPF)
    • Frequency: 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz, Through (Full-Range)
    • Slope: -6dB, -12dB, -18dB, -24dB
    • Phase: Reverse (180°), Normal (0°)
    • Gain: -8 to 0 dB
• 3-Way Crossover: Allows you to set high-pass and low-pass crossovers for a complex 3-way speaker system with Highs, Mids, and Sub.
  • Tweeter: high pass filter (HPF)
    • HPF Frequency: 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
    • Slope: -6dB, -12dB
    • Phase: Reverse (180°), Normal (0°)
    • Gain: -8 to 0 dB
  • Midrange: high pass filter (HPF) & low pass filter (LPF)
    • HPF Frequency: 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz, Through (Full-Range)
    • LPF Frequency: 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 6.3kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 12.5kHz
    • Slope: -6dB, -12dB
    • Phase: Reverse (180°), Normal (0°)
    • Gain: -8 to 0 dB
  • Woofer: low pass filter (LPF)
    • LPF Frequency: 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz, 70Hz, 80Hz, 90Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz, 250Hz, Through (Full-Range)
    • Slope: -6dB, -12dB
    • Phase: Reverse (180°), Normal (0°)
    • Gain: -8 to 0 dB

Equalizer: The Kenwood DMX1038S offers EQ Presets for easy adjustment, a Graphic EQ for manual tuning, and a Parametric EQ for fine-tune adjustment. Separate EQ settings and EQ presets can be stored for each source or you can apply one EQ preset or curve to all sources.

• Preset EQ: The integrated equalizer offers 8 preset sound modes (Flat, Pops, Easy, Top40, Jazz, Powerful, Rock, or User 1-4) suitable for the music genre of your choice.
• Graphic EQ: The User modes (1-4) allows you to manually adjust the head unit's 13-band EQ (62.5Hz, 100Hz, 160Hz, 250Hz, 400Hz, 630Hz, 1kHz, 1.6kHz, 2.5kHz, 4kHz, 6.3kHz, 10kHz, & 16kHz). Each frequency's gain level can be adjusted from -9dB to +9 dB.
• Parametric EQ: The unit's Parametric EQ allows for more precise adjustment and fine-tuning. You can freely control the filter, frequency, Q factor (acuteness), and slope gain at 14 points consisting of 9 points common for front/rear/sub, 2 points for front only, 2 points for rear only, and 1 point for subwoofer only. You can store 3 Parametric EQ customized presets.

Music Enhancements: You can restore the sound lost due to audio compression, as well as enhance the sound by virtually manipulating the audio.

• Sound Restoration: When MP3, WMA, or AAC files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Realizer feature boosts low frequencies which can be lost during compression. Set to Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Off. When MP3, WMA, or AAC files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Supreme Setting function restores their high frequencies so the sound quality is closer to files encoded at a high bit rate. The processing is optimized for the compression format and the bit rate used. When the Supreme Setting is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.
• Sound Effects: You can set the Space Enhancer to Small, Large, or Off. Each setting value indicates the soundscape level. You can also virtually raise the sound position heard from your speakers; the Stage EQ can be set to High, Middle, Low, or Off. The Drive EQ mode helps you hear your music over road noise. It boosts certain frequency ranges that become hard to hear due to road noise.

Volume Level & Bass Management: The digital multimedia receiver offers several volume level adjustments to tailor the audio output of your sources. The DMX1038S also provides bass management to get the most impact out of your system.

• Volume Offset: The level of each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range from -8 to +6.
• Dynamic Range: The dynamic range can be adjusted by selecting either Normal, Wide or Dialog. Dialog makes the total sound volume become larger as compared with Wide and Normal, allowing you to listen to the movie's dialogue more clearly. This is effective only on Dolby Digital software.
• Bass Boost & DC Extension: The DMX1038S features a four-step Bass Boost (Off/1/2/3) to enhance your music's lower frequencies. When "Bass DC Extension is turned on, frequencies lower than 62.5 Hz are set the same gain level as the unit's 13-Band EQ 62.5 Hz gain setting.
• Loudness: This function enhances low and high frequencies to make the sound clearer at lower volumes.

Source Beep: The in-dash receiver provides an audible beep to confirm source selection. This function can be turned On or Off.

AV/Camera/OEM Connectivity

AV Input: The Kenwood DMX1038S digital multimedia receiver is outfitted with a rear-panel AV input that consists of a composite video jack and left & right stereo RCA jacks to connect an external AV source; such as a game system, Blu-ray player, or TV tuner. The composite video jack of the AV input can be can be configured to act as a fourth camera input for adding a side-view camera.

Video Output: A single RCA composite video-output jack allows you to an add external monitor such as rear headrest monitor (sold separately). The video output can display the AV-input or USB video signal when its selected as the receiver's source, regardless if the vehicle's parking brake is engaged or not. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Miracast, and microHDMI are not supported by the receiver's video output.

4 Camera Inputs: To enable a smarter driving experience, the Kenwood receiver features 4 camera inputs that allow for the utmost in convenience, flexibility, and safety. With 4 camera inputs, you can connect a backup camera (including an HD backup camera), a front camera (including Kenwood's DRV-N520 Dash-Cam), and side (blind spot) cameras. Alternatively, the 4 camera inputs can support several other configurations. Camera switching is available using the receiver' touchscreen controls, or automatically for side cameras when an optional iDatalink Maestro is connected (supported vehicles only).

• HD Rear Camera Input with Guidelines: The receiver is equipped with a HD rear camera input that consists of a composite video jack and reverse trigger wire. The HD rear camera input supports up to a 720p image when used with an HD compatible camera (sold separately). The video from the rear camera input can be set to display automatically when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse gear (the purple/white wire of the wiring harness must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching). Automatic video switching takes approximately 0.8 seconds. While in reverse, parking guidelines will also appear on-screen making backing up and parking safer and easier.
• Front Camera or Dash-Cam Input: There is also a composite video input for connecting a front camera or dash-cam (sold separately), so you can display what's ahead of you on the head unit's touchscreen LCD monitor.
• Additional Camera Inputs: In addition, there is a third composite video camera input for adding a side camera or trailer-towing camera (sold separately). You can also configure the unit's composite video AV input to act as a camera input for a side camera (sold separately) or other camera application.

iDatalink Maestro Compatible: When an Automotive Data Solutions iDatalink Maestro (sold separately) is connected to the Kenwood receiver, it provides a seamless interface with factory infotainment features such as Satellite Radio, USB Media Player, Bluetooth hands-free and music streaming. Factory driver assistance systems and cameras are also retained and work as they did originally. Parking sensor display and dynamic parking guide lines are also added in supported vehicles on the rear camera screen. Vehicle information such as HVAC, performance information, and TPMS can also be displayed. Radar detector information can also be displayed on the screen when used with a compatible K40 or ESCORT radar detector system (sold separately). Retained factory functions and add-on features will vary by vehicle.