KICKER Adds All-Star Training to Orlando KnowledgeFest

STILLWATER, OK (06.09.22) – KICKER is excited to join MEA KnowledgeFest at the Orange County (Fla.) Convention Center June 10-12, featuring video sensations Dean and Fernando of 5-Star Car Stereo accompanying the KICKER Tech Force in a pair of trainings for all showgoers.

The trainings led by KICKER’s special guests will provide information on KICKER’s exclusive KEY integration technology. Hosted in Convention Center room W202-C, KICKER’s first class begins Saturday at 4:15 p.m. in English language, and then Sunday at 10:45 a.m. in Spanish. Several prizes will be awarded during each training, including a KICKER loaded subwoofer enclosure. KICKER’s general booth will be located near the center of the venue, booth no. 1015.

“With over 25 years of serving the mobile-electronics industry, KnowledgeFest is established as the most respected educational event of our time,” stated MEA chairman Tony Frangiosa.  “MEA and the mobile-electronics industry are set to succeed well into the future as retailers coast-to-coast take advantage of this valuable experience.”

KICKER’s full line of mobile-audio gear will be on display in its booth, including products for marine, motorcycle, and overall powersports. Also in the booth will be KICKER’s Fiat 500 Sport, equipped with award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers with the press of a button in a matter of seconds.

KnowledgeFest attendees can register for KICKER trainings here: http://kfest.me/manufacturer-training.html#MT24.

Kawasaki Unveils New 2023 Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition Fueled with HiFonics Audio

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.09.22) – The ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition demands even more out of unlimited adventure with an integrated Hifonics audio solution that brings out LOUD levels of listening, playback, and durability.

Continuing its strong partnership with Kawasaki, Hifonics is proud to fuel audio adrenaline that traverses across unlimited terrains wherever adventure may call. This Kawasaki vehicle package creates incredible volume in undistorted playback that puts every rider of this 4-seat vehicle in the center of their own concert. Get ready to feel every beat and detail in rich clarity while taking on any conditions!

On the ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition and continued partnership with Kawasaki, Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Maxxsonics, said, “This continued partnership with Kawasaki and their vehicle lineup has placed Hifonics as one of the premier audio solutions in the industry. To be a part of Kawasaki’s high-end model, the 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition is a true sentiment and value to the entire product development team and company. I know for a fact that those who demand more power, more detail, and more immersion are going to be blown away by this complete Hifonics audio package.”

ABOUT THE 2023 KAWASAKI TERYX4 S SPECIAL EDITION WITH HIFONICS AUDIO

The 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition comes loaded with a complete Hifonics audio system that is designed specifically for four seats, so every passenger is placed in the center of their own sound stage. The audio starts with a GMR-LEDK, an AM/FM/USB Bluetooth® multi-media controller for Off-road and Marine offering simple control and easy navigation for selecting that perfect on-the-go thrill ride of a song, or that perfect genre of audio that fits the adventure.

There are four speakers included that create crystal clarity, incredible detail, and superb sound while resisting against any elements from the weather or harsh conditions that the journey may bring. 12dB Butterworth internal crossover offers a smooth transition from high to lower frequencies, while a high-temperature composite enclosure secures the speakers to the machine and aids in assuring deeper bass.

A 12-inch integrated subwoofer adds a flare of immersion with deeper bass, reaching lower booms in every note and song as a Hifonics 600-watt Powersports amplifier brings out clean audio and solidifies a complete Hifonics audio package.

On the development of this Hifonics audio package featured in the 2023 Kawasaki Teryx4 S Special Edition, Mark Lieber, Project and Quality Manager at Maxxsonics, said, “The most high-end Kawasaki vehicle demands an audio system that comes complete with defining POWER FROM THE GODS sound. From the speakers to the 12-inch subwoofer, to the 600-watt amplifier, this complete audio package will make it feel like you’re bringing the concert with you around every turn while chasing down adventure. I am thrilled to continue to be a part of the Kawasaki and Hifonics continued partnership.”

Available only through Kawasaki dealers – feel untamed adventure and become immersed with POWER FROM THE GODS audio in every song with the ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition. Bring undistorted levels of higher quality playback and superior listening into every journey with Kawasaki fueled with Hifonics.

Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, said, “Hifonics continues to be a beacon for Off-road adventure with Kawasaki. I am extremely proud of the Hifonics team in creating this complete audio package that defines POWER FROM THE GODS in every form.”

Click to see the complete vehicle and audio system details available.

Alpine to Unveil the High-Resolution Alpine Status System at the 2022 KnowledgeFest in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL (06.09.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the upcoming Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest hosted in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in booth #401 from Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 where they will unveil the highly-anticipated Alpine Status system.

Trickledown Technology – Using the same engineering and design concepts drawn from the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status, Alpine Status is a High-Resolution system that achieves 192kHz/24Bit playback for studio-level recording at a more accessible price point.

To demonstrate the live-like performance of Alpine Status, Alpine’s Toyota Tundra will be featured in the booth with the new Alpine Status Head Unit, DSP Amplifier, 3-Way Speaker System, and 2-Way Speaker System. The vehicle will also feature the new Alpine Halo11, an 11-inch Floating Touchscreen Display with high-resolution audio and display with wireless Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto™.Guided demos will be available for all booth visitors.

More information about Alpine Status will be revealed during the show. Alpine Status will be available at U.S. Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores in fall 2022.

Also featured in the booth will be Alpine’s Tesla Model S with the complete AlpineF#1Status system so visitors can experience the first premium car audio system that can achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system.

Alpine will have select products on display from the 2022 product line, including the new Alpine Halo Dash Solutions and Accessories, Preloaded Alpine Halo R-Series Truck Subwoofer Enclosures, and Preloaded S-Series and R-Series Shallow Subwoofer Enclosures. Alpine will also have a display dedicated to showcasing the Alpine Status components.

Alpine will host 3 training sessions during KnowledgeFest that will focus on the 2022 Product Line:

Friday, June 10 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. in W202
Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training

Saturday, June 11 from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in W202
Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training

Sunday, June 12 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in W202
Alpine 2022 Head Unit Breakout Session

All KnowledgeFest attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit www.knowledgefest.org and use the “Education Workshops & Vendor Training” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.

Visit kicker.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

KICKER Returns to Slamology as Co-Sponsor for 2022

STILLWATER, OK (06.08.22) – As a longtime supporter of the event, KICKER returns to Slamology at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway – one of the largest car-audio and car-centric events in the country. Those attending can experience KICKER’s 80-foot XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) located on the south side of the venue in Audio Vendor Row, waiting for their shot at a “full-tilt demo session” inside the XRV Boom Room.

Slamology occurs June 11-12, and KICKER has supported the show since its inception nineteen years ago. Founder Donnie Babb bills the event as family-friendly, yet edgy.

“We wanted a way to connect with our readers at Gauge Magazine and have a weekend-long party,” Babb explained. “That brought in droves of people and made the show one of the largest car, truck and car-audio events in the world.”

In addition to Slamology’s well-earned reputation as a first-class car show, it is also known to be the premiere car-audio event on the planet. USACi, MECA, IASCA and Bass Wars will all conduct independent multi-point, car-audio competitions, featuring hundreds of the world’s best Sound-Quality and SPL competitors vying for championship points, trophies and prizes.

Slamology anticipates in excess of 2,000 show cars over the two-day event, with nearly 20,000 spectators expected to attend. The show also features live bands on stage, along with a tattoo competition, auto-limbo, a hydraulic contest, big rig show, bikini contest and more.

Visit kicker.com and slamology.com for.

AAMP Global Expands Its In-Field Support Team (Team Phantom)

CLAERWATER, FL (06.08.22) – AAMP Global has announced the addition of two car audio veterans to their Team Phantom group. AAMP launched its Phantom program in 2016 to enhance the level of retailer support in the field.

Aaron Davis started in the industry working as an installer with a local high-end stereo shop. During his 5 years there, he was able to solidify his foundation and understanding of car audio and worked his way up to lead technician. This role afforded Aaron his now strong technical background and working knowledge of the ever-changing, multifaceted aspects of car audio. With experience and understanding, Aaron was able to transition to a different role within the industry as a sales representative with Paragon. There he represented brands like AudioControl, Arc Audio, and ORCA Designs to name a few. Aaron’s previous experience with sound quality competitions aided in his ability to train and assist dealers to elevate the car audio experience for his customers. This is where Aaron’s passion for car audio really shined, as he quickly became the “go to guy” for DSP and OEM integration. Aaron has a true passion for the 12-volt industry and enjoys sharing his knowledge to educate and bring awareness to new and more efficient ways of car audio installations and techniques. Aaron is excited for the future of car audio and all the new and exciting things that are yet to come. Aaron will cover the southern California area under his new Phantom role at AAMP. 

Chris Brinkley is a Texas native who currently lives in the San Antonio area. Chris began his career in 2001 as a retail salesperson with a national electronics chain. In 2007, he transitioned to a sales support role for a manufacturer representative firm where he worked his way up to regional sales manager. Chris is known among his retail and distribution customers for providing world-class customer service, all while providing technological knowledge that is invaluable to his customer base. Chris is fluent in DSP tuning, installation diagnostics, and has a proven ability to quickly address and resolve other product challenges. Chris is bilingual and his primary goal is to support his clients and give them effective solutions for challenges that arise, all while providing profitable options that help grow their business. Chris is looking forward to supporting the Southern Texas and Louisiana markets in his new Phantom role. 

“Chris and Aaron’s individual strengths will bring new perspective to the team, as their past efforts and abilities fall in line perfectly with the current Team Phantom program. I am looking forward to their growth and contributions here at AAMP Global,” said Director of Team Phantom, Mike Eckley.

Visit aampglobal.com for more.

AudioControl Demo Vehicle, Products, and Seminars at KnowledgeFest in Orlando

SEATTLE, WA (06.08.22) – AudioControl will be unveiling new products and hosting training seminars for attendees at the 2022 KnowledgeFest in Orlando, FL. June 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center, Booth 1006.

Many New Products in Booth 1006
AudioControl will be showing the recently expanded all-weather ACX line of amplifiers, perfect for automotive as well as a vast array of non-traditional installations that represent new opportunities for dealers. Imagine offering high-performance, invisible audio systems to classic car owners, or exceptionally durable solutions for recreational marine applications and UTVs—a potentially significant market segment for Florida dealers. Attendees will see new, more powerful, compact ACX amplifiers, signal processors and an all-new multi-zone Bluetooth source unit/controller along with the new Epicenter Micro and multi-function ACR-U controller. Learn how these products are ideally suited to both existing and completely new clientele.

“We are excited to bring these new products and training sessions along with an amazing Jeep demo vehicle to Knowledgefest Orlando,” said Matthew Palumbo, Mobile Audio Sales Manager at AudioControl. “Our expanded ACX amplifier lineup and other new products have been engineered to solve challenges of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Our aim is to provide dealers with best solutions that deliver exhilarating performance regardless of the vehicle or existing OEM system, resulting in new opportunities for growth.”

KNOWLEDGEFEST INDY TRAINING SCHEDULE (see full event schedule HERE)

Friday, June 10th – 1:45-2:45pm Meeting Room: W202-AB
New Products & New Opportunities: How to broaden your customer base and maximize system performance with AudioControl’s newest solutions

Saturday, June 11th – 5:30-6:30pm Meeting Room: W202-AB
LOCs, LGDs, & DSPs Oh My! Take an in-depth look at the LOC, LGD, and Epicenter product lines from AudioControl. Not sure when to use an Epicenter in an OEM integration installation? Do you know the difference between The Epicenter and AccuBass? What is the difference between the LC1i, LC2i, and LC2i Pro? Are you an expert at setting up The Epicenter? What about dialing in an LC2i Pro? Do you know what the different colors/models of LGDs mean and when to use each? Join us for a fun session where you will learn all of this and more.

Sunday, June 12th – 10:45-11:45am Meeting Room: W202-AB
Achieve Predictable Results using AudioControl! Testing audio system performance is important in every vehicle receiving an audio upgrade. This course offers a comprehensive guide to utilizing a simple DM-RTA checklist along with documenting results. Learn to better offer the most appropriate equipment for each vehicle and to best accommodate each listener’s expectations, along with best practices for using the powerful DM-RTA to test, troubleshoot and validate performance—these are the keys to making every vehicle sound great!

Click here to reserve your seat

Visit audiocontrol.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AT THE 2022 KNOWLEDGEFEST ORLANDO, JUNE 10-12, BOOTH 1006

Amplified Designs Joined DS18 at Jeepin’ The Coast

LONG BEACH, MS (06.07.22) – During the Jeepin’ The Coast run from June 1st through the 5th DS18 definitely showed all “We Like It Loud”. Amplified Designs was on site and added their newly wrapped 40’ trailer to the DS18 layout. With the DS18 40’ double stack trailer as a showroom plus multiple tents and Jeep demos Mr DS18 Rob and Yery “Cookie” were busy throughout virtually every minute of the event. A large 18’x18’ 2-sided graphic could be seen across the entire event venue to draw Jeepers to see the latest from DS18. The Amplified Designs team of 3 and trailer was right along side.

The Amplified Designs trailer with the DS18 trailer at setup.

Kyle Wardell stated, “Our company is just down the road in Slidell LA. At our store we spotlight the Jeep customers and DS18 is our go to brand. Sales at the Jeepin’ The Coast event were strong and Jeepers really lied our new T’s and cps.. Just didn’t have enough JT Soundbars to meet the demand. At our store we may do 10 to 12 Jeep systems each week.”

Mr DS18 Rob Ferro related, “This was one amazing event. We saw so many new faces and fantastic Jeep builds featuring DS18 gear. There were definitely over 3000 Jeeps with even more Jeepers in and around Long Beach for the event. Amplified Designs, our dealer in close by Slidell LA, was on site. Kyle Wardwell and his crew sold a ton of DS18 amps, subs, speakers and tower speakers.”

Stock in the Amplified Designs booth ready for Jeepin’ the Coast to open.
Jeepers fill the venue throughout the event.

For the Jeepin’ the Coast event Amplified Designs rushed a complete graphic wrap on their 40’ trailer. Wardell relayed, “Austin Douroux absolutely did a killer job on the trailer wrap. He completed the wrap in just 21 hours and the trailer was a standout at the event right next to the DS18 40’ double stack trailer and showroom.”

Long Beach is a town of less than 20,000 along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During the event the town was packed with Jeepers having a great time and Jeeps packed the streets and main drag in downtown. Vendor Village was located adjacent to downtown and very close to the beach.

New Amplified Designs caps ready for Jeepers.
No doubt this 2-sided 18’x18’ graphic let all know DS18 and Amplified Designs said “We Like It Loud” to Jeepers at Jeepin’ the Coast.

“The Vendor Village wrapped Saturday afternoon and all got prepared for the parade downtown. That parade was like Mardi Gras but for Jeepers and Jeeps. As an event sponsor DS18 lit up the ‘Shake the Street’ Parade. Again showing all at DS18 ‘We Like It Loud,’” Ferro stated.

During the ‘Shake the Street’ Parade DS18 sponsored 4 events. There were 30 Jeeps in the contest with winners receiving prizes for Best Sound, Best Install, Best Self-Made and Best Overall.

“The Jeepin’ The Coast was definitely a terrific event and we feel DS18 owns in market in Mississippi. Amplified Designs is adding to that every day,” Ferro offered.

Concluding Wardell related, “Our Amplified Designs location is just 44 miles down the road from Long Beach. At the Jeepin’ the Coast event we scheduled some jobs and anticipate more business from partnering with DS18 at the event.”

Visit DS18.com and jeepinthecoast.com for more.

Custom Audio Is on the Road Around Erie, PA

ERIE, PA (06.07.22) – Custom Audio is on the road around Erie in a new van with striking custom graphics. Since 1983 the company has offered HomeAV and car audio products with a full show room for demonstrations and custom installation.

Owner Sondralee Orgenia related, “Putting the new van project in place was a lot of work and a lot of vinyl, but boy it mades a beautiful statement for our business. The van was hard to find and we purchased a 2019 Chevy Express. It came with a stock camera system and we added a remote starter system with Drone so we could track the van on jobs. We also added a little lighting inside and Stinger X sound dampening to quiet the ride.”

Custom Audio does a lot of large custom jobs for businesses including restaurants and meeting facilities in addition to home AV installations. The van is utilized to transport equipment for the installations and tools to complete the job. The Custom Audio van is also a billboard outside those businesses and in residential neighborhoods. Back at the store the van grabs attention parked in front of the store on the high traffic street.

Concluding, Orengia offered, “Business has been strong across the board at Custom Audio. We have an amazing team and the new van is an investment into the future.”

Visit customaudioshop.net for more.

SEMA Returns to Its Roots to Honor Industry Legends

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.07.22) – Tickets to the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala, a prestigious celebration where industry leaders and SEMA Hall of Fame members are recognized, are now available at www.sema.org/gala.

Formerly known as the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala, the annual SEMA Awards Gala is open to the industry and will take place July 29, 2022, at the brand-new Westin Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, Calif., in what will be a sort of homecoming for the industry. Following the inaugural SEMA Show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1967, the trade show was held at the Anaheim Convention Center from 1968 to 1976 before moving to Las Vegas the next year.

“The SEMA Awards Gala is a great opportunity for the industry to come together at mid-year to connect in person and have meaningful conversations in an intimate setting,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “Our roots extend to the city of Anaheim, so it will be exciting to return with friends and colleagues to honor industry leaders.”

Among those honored at this year’s Gala are incoming and outgoing board members and 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Walker Evans, Jack Roush, and “Gene” Winfield.

The SEMA Cares Pinewood Drags, a cherished Gala tradition, will also return to offer industry participants the chance to sponsor a child-built pinewood racecar or challenge industry colleagues in head-to-head competition. The races, which are run throughout the Friday reception and into the evening, support SEMA Cares, a group that unites the automotive aftermarket’s fundraising efforts to raise money for various charities.

To secure one of the limited number of available seats and tables available for the 2022 SEMA Awards Gala, visit www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races or to sponsor a car, visit www.sema.org/pinewood.

DS18 Was Jeepin’ The Coast in Long Beach, MS

LONG BEACH, MS (06.06.22) – During the Jeepin’ The Coast run from June 1st through the 5th DS18 definitely showed all “We Like It Loud”. With the 40’ double stack trailer as a showroom plus multiple tents and Jeep demos Mr DS18 Rob and Yery “Cookie” were busy throughout virtually every minute of the event. A large 18’x18’ 2-sided graphic could be seen across the entire event venue to draw Jeepers to see the latest from DS18.

Mr DS18 Rob Ferro related “This was one amazing event. We saw so many new faces and fantastic Jeep builds featuring DS18 gear. There were definitely over 3000 Jeeps with even more Jeepers in and around Long Beach for the event. Amplified Sounds, our dealer in close by Slidell LA was on site. Kyle Wardwell and his crew sold a ton of DS18 amps, subs, speakers and tower speakers.”

The huge 18’x18’ 2-sided graphic grabbed attention from across the event venue.
Attendees check out one of the multiple DS18 Jeep demos.

Long Beach is a own of less than 20,000 along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During the event the town was packed with Jeepers having a great time and Jeeps packed the streets and main drag in downtown. Vendor Village was located adjacent to downtown and very close to the beach.

“The Vendor Village wrapped Saturday afternoon and all got prepared for the parade downtown. That parade was like Mardi Gras but for Jeepers and Jeeps. As an event sponsor DS18 lit up the ‘Shake the Street’ Parade. Again showing all at DS18 “We Like It Loud” Ferro stated.

Each day of the event attendance was strong.
Jeepers and their rides packed the Long Beach, MS area.

During the ‘Shake the Street’ Parade DS18 sponsored 4 events. There were 30 Jeeps in the contest with winners receiving prizes for Best Sound, Best Install, Best Self-Made and Best Overall.

“The Jeepin’ The Coast was definitely a terrific event and we feel DS18 owns in market in Mississippi” Ferro concluded.

Jeeps filled the streets in downtown, too.
Mr DS18 Rob Ferro pictured at the Florida Welcome Center in Pensacola during the Sunday journey back to DS18 HQ in Miami. Yery “Cookie” behind the camera. Their DS18 rigs with trailers in the background.

Rob Ferro and Yery Sanz rolled from DS18 HQ in Miami early in the week for the 800+ miles to Long Beach MS. Ferro pulled a trailer with multiple Jeep demo vehicles on board. Sanz pulled the 40’ double stack showroom trailer. The duo headed back to Miami Sunday morning. No doubt the reward points for the fuel was substantial for the round trip to the Jeepin’ The Coast event in Long Beach, MS.

Visit DS18.com for more.