CHICAGO, IL (09.15.2021) – Catalyst AV member, Mid-State Distributing, the preeminent 12-Volt distributor in the midwest, is moving their Broadview, Chicago location to 2741 S. 21st Ave, Broadview, Chicago, literally around the corner from the old location, but that is where the similarity ends.
Jeff Hedden, President, Mid-State Distributing, commented, “We are moving to a 21,000 facility. That means that products from Sony, JVC, Kicker, JBL, Infinity, Memphis, Kicker and more will have nearly triple the square footage of our last building! Beyond a fully renovated showroom, the increased stock space will allow us to help buffer some of the current supply chain struggles by keeping additional inventory so dealers can get what they need, when they need it. No matter if it’s shipped, picked up or delivered to their business or jobsite.”
Helge Fischer, Catalyst AV Executive Director, commented, “This is typical of our Catalyst AV members, to be constantly improving their businesses to help make their dealers lives easier.”
Mid-State Distributing serves ND, SD, MN, MO, IA, NE, KS, WI, IL. With multiple stocking warehouse locations to support their dealers: Des Moines, IA (headquarters); Fargo, ND; Omaha, NE; and Menomonee Falls, WI.
The new facility will be fully operational on Friday 17th, at 2741 S. 21st Ave, Broadview, Chicago, IL 60155.
Paul DiComo, longtime Polk Audio and Definitive Technology sales and marketing manager, lost his battle with cancer and died peacefully with his wife Susan Putnam by his side on Friday, September 10, 2021.
Paul was born on January 24, 1951, to Charles and Lillian DiComo in Newark, New Jersey. After college at Rutgers, Newark, he moved to Boston, cutting his audio and sales chops first at Waltham Camera and Stereo, then at Tweeter Etc, managing both the Chestnut Hill and Harvard Square locations.
In 1981, Paul joined the fledgling electronics group NAD as National Sales Manager. Two years later, he accepted the role of National Sales Manager at Polk, and in 1995 used his writing and industry relations skills as Marketing and Public Relations Manager. In both of these roles Paul was an important figure in the growth of Polk Audio from a small regional company to one of the largest of its type in the global market. Paul was recruited to Definitive Technology in 2007 as Senior Vice President of Marketing and New Product Development, a role he held until late 2013.
From January 2014 on, Paul, with partner Al Ballard, founded CE-Marketing Pros, LLC., a marketing agency helping established and start-up Consumer Electronics brands build market share and consumer awareness.
Paul was well known throughout the consumer electronics industry for his keen intellect, his passion for his work, but most of all for his larger-than-life personality and love of life. His laughter was infectious and his outgoing personality made him a natural fit for his many roles in the industry. As he travelled the US and the world, Paul gained the respect of many, and would freely share his love and passion for music and fine audio products.
He is survived by his beloved wife and life partner, Susan Putnam, and their sons Michael and Gregory as well as two grandchildren.
A memorial in Paul’s honor will be held at the Candle Light funeral home in Catonsville, Maryland on Saturday, September 25th.
(In lieu of flowers, contributions to MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) would be appreciated. https://www.themmrf.org)
STILLWATER, OK (09.15.2021) – Citing reasons that relate to the current pandemic, KICKER is announcing its choice to cancel plans to exhibit live at November’s annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
KICKER had planned a booth showcasing product, demo vehicles and celebrity appearances for attendees prior to this week’s decision. The mobile-audio company has also decided to suspend all corporate travel and events through December.
“Management continues to make the health and well-being of our employees and customers the top priority,” said Kevin Campbell, Director of Global Marketing. “This is a tough decision, but one we feel must be made.”
Before this decision, KICKER Corporate had plans to attend the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, Calif., and MERA KnowledgeFest in Dallas, along with the SEMA Show. In August, KICKER had canceled its appearance at Dallas KnowledgeFest, just prior to the event itself postponing until December.
No further details are available at present time. If more information should become available, KICKER will provide it as warranted.
OXNARD, CA (09.14.2021) – SSV Works has announced it is featuring a number of its new market leading audio solutions during the 2021 Sand Sports Super Show, held in Costa Mesa, Calif. Sept. 17-19 at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, booth 708-OS.
“As the industry and world get back to business, we could not be more excited to exhibit at the 2021 Sand Sports Super Show,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “We will be featuring our top rides with our latest product installs. We can’t wait to get in front of the thousands of off-road enthusiasts the Sand Sports Super Show once again and blow them away with the best audio in the market.”
During the 2021 Sand Sports Super Show, SSV Works will be featuring:
RZ5-DR65 – Polaris RZR Pro XP4 6.5-inch Rear-Door Speaker-Pods
“2021 has seen SSV Works announce a number of new, market leading audio systems for today’s leading side-by-sides,” Kaplan continued. “We recently announced the launch of our new Polaris RZR Pro XP4 6.5-inch rear door speaker pods, as well as the launch of the industry first 6.5-inch Kick Panel Speaker Pods for the 2020+ Kawasaki Teryx KRX1000, and the JVC MR1 Media Receiver Plug-&-Play Kit for 2020+ Kawasaki Teryx KRX. The 2021 Sand Sports Super Show is an ideal occasion to showcase our new and exciting audio kits to thousands of side-by-side enthusiasts who are hungry to get back on the trails.”
CLEARWATER, FL (09.14.2021) – PAC has launched a full series of high-voltage line output converters under the brand name LOCPRO AVANCED, enabling installers to add aftermarket amplifiers to OEM head units, which is particularly important in today’s market. The line showcases PAC’s legacy of advanced technology, by featuring incredible input power capabilities, enhanced output controls and noise isolation countermeasures.
The line includes a 1-series (LPA-1.2 and LPA-1.4) which handles up to 20V input and a 2-series (LPA-2.2 and LPA-2.4) and E-series (LPA-E.4) that handle up to 40V.
The benefits of LOCPRO ADVANCED’s line output converters include:
On-board load resistors selection
High input power
Auto turn-on with wide range DC offset
Durable housing
Single stereo gain control
Up to 9.5V of output voltage
Turn-on mode (remote and DC)
Selectable ground isolation
Additional features for the 2-series:
40V input power
Low pass filter
Bass boost
Removable quick connectors with screw type terminal
Optional Remote level controller (LPA-REM)
Additional features for the E-series:
Aluminum housing to increase thermal dissipation efficiency
2 or 4 Input channel selection
Retains fader 4-ch in/out
Selectable turn on mode
Includes the remote level controller (LPA-REM)
For more information contact your local PAC sales representative or visit www.pac-integrate.com. If you are interested in becoming an authorized PAC dealer, contact the Global Headquarters, AAMP Global.
HOLLY HILL, FL (09.14.2021) – Metra Marine by Metra Electronics is launching new amplifier wiring kits, individual accent lights, and accent lighting kits for boats at the 2021 International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). Drawing on Metra’s expertise in high-performance automotive audio and lighting accessories, the Metra Marine line delivers four new amplifier wiring kits, six new accent lights, and two new accent lighting kits designed for the demands of boating.
Metra Marine’s new amplifier wiring kits feature fully tinned oxygen-free wire in a BC5W2 marine compliant jacket. Benefits to using tinned copper wire versus bare copper wire are that it won’t corrode, oxidize and turn green, and it’s easy to solder. Metra uses 100% virgin oxygen-free copper, which ensures that the tin doesn’t flake off from the copper, commonly seen when using recycled copper. While it is also common to tin just the tips of the wire for cost savings, this practice does not actually provide any benefits. Metra’s amp kits use fully tinned copper wire from top to bottom to ensure a reliable connection that can withstand a harsh marine environment and salty air. The ignition-protected circuit breaker is IP67 rated with stainless steel connection points for corrosion resistance. Included in the kits are: ● A four or eight gauge tinned oxygen-free copper siamese red power and yellow ground wire (10 or 20 feet) ● 18-gauge tinned oxygen-free copper blue remote turn-on wire (18 feet) ● Connectors, ring terminals, and wire ties ● Ignition protected circuit breaker (50-amp or 100-amp)
The amplifier kits will be available soon and come in two different gauge and length options as follows: ML-AK8-10: 8 AWG Amp Kit (10 feet) ML-AK8-20: 8 AWG Amp Kit (20 feet) ML-AK4-10: 4 AWG Amp Kit (10 feet) ML-AK4-20: 4 AWG Amp Kit (20 feet)
For boat lighting, Metra Marine’s new accent lights are designed to illuminate the livewell, deck, storage section, and other areas of a boat. The IP67 rated lights have durable weather-resistant enclosures to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion. The low current draw of the LEDs reduces strain on the battery and the kits feature corrosion-resistant tinned wires and include installation hardware. Two new kits include six mini stainless steel cover accent lights and three larger utility lights with high-impact plastic in blue or white LED colors. The lights are also available individually in blue or white LEDs, with either a chrome plastic bezel enclosure, clear plastic bezel enclosure, or stainless steel bezel enclosure.
All of the Metra Marine accent lights are in stock now: ML-ALCK9-W: White LED Accent Lighting Kit (9 Lights) ML-ALCK9-B: Blue LED Accent Lighting Kit (9 Lights) ML-AL2SS-W: White 2-LED Accent Light – Stainless Steel Bezel ML-AL2SS-B: Blue 2-LED Accent Light – Stainless Steel Bezel ML-AL2CL-W: White 2-LED Accent Light – Clear Plastic Bezel ML-AL2CL-B: Blue 2-LED Accent Light – Clear Plastic Bezel ML-AL4CL-W: White 4-LED Accent Light – Chrome Plastic Bezel ML-AL4CL-B: Blue 4-LED Accent Light – Chrome Plastic Bezel
Metra will be at booth #3-1918 at IBEX, a trade-only show for the marine industry, held September 28-30 at the Tampa Convention Center. Additional marine products from their line can be seen at MetraMarine.com.
The entire schedule for the upcoming Fall Workshops virtual training event is now complete. The schedule includes 7 days of hands-on training sessions from 46 different leading brands all anchored by daily Industry Roundtables featuring 30 different retailers from across the country.
All sessions throughout each day can be viewed on the website shown above.
Connect with industry experts during each LIVE broadcast with our community CHAT feature. Presenters, trainers and distributors will be present to answer all your questions and provide insight to the training session.
AUSTIN, TX (09.13.2021) – The car audio organizations of dB Drag Racing Association (dBDRA), Mobile Electronics Competition Association (MECA), International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) and EMMA US are all partners in producing the Car Audio Championship. Competitors will accrue points throughout the season to gain an invitation to the championship events. Competitors will have options of places to compete, and still be part of one large event.
The main location for SPL portion of the event will take place October 8-9, 2021 at the North Alabama State Fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals, AL. The event will utilize the entire fairgrounds to provide the space needed for all competitors to compete in one location. IASCA and dB Drag Racing will also have West Coast locations to allow for more competitors to be involved. The Sound Quality Finals will take place at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville, AR on October 23-24, 2021. Bentonville was chosen as it is centrally located for the majority of MECA, IASCA and EMMA SQ competitors.
SPL Finals October 8-9, 2021 – Muscle Shoals, AL SQ Finals October 23-24 – Bentonville, AR
This is a great event for all things aftermarket audio and audio accessories! Competitors and spectators will have the opportunity to check out the cars on display and local audio enthusiasts have several opportunities to enter the competition as well. Competition formats are available for SPL, SQ, Motorcycle Audio, Kids Power Wheels, Show N Shine and Ride the Lite at Night! These entries are open entry and are separate from the invitational portion of the championship event!
DES MOINES, IA (09.13.2021) – “I am pleased to announce we have hired a new Territory Manager for the Mountain States area. Craig comes to us from the Omaha area with extensive retail background in 12-Volt. He has owned his own business, managed retail locations and installation bays for several reputable 12-Volt stores. I look forward to personally introducing him in the territory in the very near future!” – Tom Kolar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing – 12-Volt Division.
Craig McGinnis
Craig has been in the 12-Volt industry for over 22 years; he’s worked in the bay and has been managing shops for 9 years. He’s done everything from SPL cars to full-blown SEMA and CES builds. For the past 5 years, Craig has shifted his focus to integration aspect of the business including building some amazing sound quality vehicles using advanced tuning utilizing DSP processing. He is looking forward to getting out of the bay and helping others with his many years of experience.
When Craig isn’t working on remote starts and building cars, he’s binge-watching shows with his fiancé and dogs. They enjoy going to the Caribbean and sipping on fine tequilas and good Caribbean rum.
“I’m looking forward to checking out all your stores and meeting with all of you.” – Craig McGinnis – Territory Sales Manager – Omaha, Nebraska.
For inquiries regarding Mid-State Distributing-12-Volt Division, please contact Tom Kolar at t.kolar@m-state.com or 800-798-5965 x 661 at the Omaha Branch.
SHREVEPORT LA (09.011.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Audio Innovations won the PowerBass Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, September 10th.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 144th time on Friday morning September 10th. The Wheel landed on the PowerBass space. The Audio Innovations Conway slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out by phone and talked with Jason Grubbs at the store in Conway AR.. He was very happy to hear a prize would be heading his way. While speaking with Jason he mentioned he and car club members went to south Louisiana to help people who were impacted by Hurricane recently. Great to see people like Jason and his friends helping others.
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO and Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 17th.
12VoltNews.com 