Author: 12VoltNews

Sound Storm Laboratories DD988ACP Apple CarPlay Android Auto Multimedia Player Now Shipping

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OXNARD, CA (02.27.2020) – Sound Storm Laboratories is proud to announce its new DD988ACP Apple CarPlay Android Auto Multimedia Player is now shipping with an MSRP of $199.00.

“The DD988ACP comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a sharp, responsive 6.75-inch capacitive touchscreen,” explained Greg Orlando, SSL brand manager. “This MECH-LESS multimedia player lets drivers enjoy on-screen navigation, phone calls, messages, and a wide range of music and phone apps.”

As smartphones become an essential part of people’s day-to-day life, a great car stereo that can talk with your smartphone is extremely important to keep consumers connecting seamlessly. “The DD988ACP shows SSL’s commitment to leading the market with high demand products at an affordable price, featuring connectivity and driver safety,” added Orlando.” Our products go through a formal certification process and we are proud to launch full featured, budget-friendly quality choices for our consumers.”

The DD988ACP’s big 6.75-inch capacitive touchscreen monitor allows you to easily select CarPlay related icons as well as all other system settings and configurations. With Siri voice controls you can get directions, look for points of interest, check your messages and reply to them, play music and more. Hook your Smartphone or MP3 player up to the auxiliary input, tune into your favorite AM/FM radio station, or plug into the USB port for more music choices. You can charge USB devices with the USB port. Bluetooth technology lets you play and control music apps and make calls hands-free. Make changes to your music choices and settings with ease using the existing steering wheel controls or the touchscreen.

Features and specifications include:
• Apple CarPlay compatible with iOS apps
• Android Auto with Google Assistant
• Bluetooth: Make/receive calls, play and control music and apps such as Spotify/Pandora wirelessly
• Plays MP3/USB and Smartphones
• No CD/DVD Player
• Inputs: USB, Aux, Rear Camera, Steering Wheel Control, USB Charging
• Outputs: Front, Rear and Sub Pre-Amp
• Bass/Treble/Balance/Fader Controls and Preset Built-in EQ
• Switchable US & Europe Tuner Frequencies, Power: 80 Watts x 4
• Warranty: 1-year

Visit www.soundstormlab.com for more.

Avenue Sound and Kicker Marine Audio ‘Go Overboard’ at the Long Island Boat Show

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UNIONDALE, NY (02.26.2020) – As the boating season is fast approaching Avenue Sound, with Kicker Marine Audio, made waves at the 62nd Long Island Boat Show at the Nassau Coliseum February 21st – 23rd.

Kicker Eastern Regional Matt Matheson (L) and Avenue Sound’s Vik Moolchandani are pictured just after the booth setup was completed.

Vik Moolchandani, Avenue Sound’s Captain at the event stated “We had a super booth location that stretched 40 feet by 15 feet. We filled that space with 3 decked out vehicles, displays and literature. The Yamaha WaveRunner, Polaris SlingShot and KTM Motorcycle, all with Kicker gear, highlighted Avenue Sound’s versatility. These vehicles definitely showed attendees that Avenue Sound can do it all. Spectators commented that they really appreciated the installation design and quality of our work.”

This graphic was utilized on social media to promote Avenue Sound’s marine business and presence at the Long Island Boat Show.

The Avenue Sound booth was jam packed from one end to the other with products stacked for sale in spaces between the demos and displays.

Matt Gonzalez, Trent Partners area Kicker representative along with Kicker’s Eastern Regional Matt Matheson were on site throughout the event.

The ‘Crew’ gathered for a photo op (RtoL) Matt Matheson, Vik, Jai and Hiru Moolchandani, Matt Gonzalez, Fernando, Pavan and Billy Billy. Check out the great Avenue Sound signage hanging in the background.

Gonzalez, related to 12voltnews.com “The Long Island Boat Show created an excellent opportunity for our firm to work with both Kicker and Avenue Sound in order to create more brand awareness with the direct consumer. It was alarming to me at just many people in the general public had no idea that they can customize their boat or WaveRunner.”

Continuing, Gonzalez stated “Many of the conversations we had in the booth also led into upgrading attendees audio and lighting on their personal vehicles besides their watercraft. It is imperative for the health of our industry that more retailers and manufacturers alike take part in these types of shows. Our futures depend on bringing in new business.”

Concluding, Moolchandani offered “The Long Island Boat Show was a great event. We received a lot of great exposure and saw a bunch of our customers there too. It was great to be in front of so many of them and consumers when they’re thinking about the upcoming boating and out-of-doors season.”

The Yamaha WaveRunner was loaded with Kicker Marine gear and the Kicker Marine Audio display was set for demos.

Kicker, long known for mobile audio, is highlighting the company’s strength in marine audio in 2020. Kicker Marine Audio recently had a major presence at the huge Miami International Boat Show. The ‘Go Overboard’ Theme is being utilized at events and retailer store level to bring attention to Kicker Marine Audio’s focus on the marine marketplace.

Visit avenuesound.com and kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

KnowledgeFest Long Beach Established as Premiere West Coast Event for the Mobile Electronics Industry

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NORTH ANDOVER, MA (02.26.2020) – The Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) has announced KnowledgeFest, in its third year at the Long Beach Convention Center, marked another success for education and training. Attendance was more than 1,500 industry professionals, including over 1,000 retailers and distributors. This year the event provided over 30 hours of educational workshops, including three additional sessions in Spanish. Also new for this year were three educational sessions focused on Fleet Safety technologies led by published author and business management expert Tomas Keenan. Key exhibiting companies provided education about new products and services with a record-setting 70 hours of manufacturer training.

“The decision was made three years ago to bring premium industry education to the west coast with the first KnowledgeFest in Long Beach,” said Chris Cook, MEA president. “Through the consistent effort of local reps, manufacturers and retailers who have attended our other Knowledgefest events, we have been able to educate local retailers on the benefits of our curriculum, training and networking. The collective hard work has paid off, and exhibitor space selection for the 2021 event finished with over 90% of the available exhibit space chosen. This includes several new exhibitors.”

Coming up next month, March 27-29, KnowledgeFest sets its sights on Indianapolis in a Friday-through-Sunday event at the Indiana Convention Center. KnowledgeFest 2020 will then continue with a new event in Orlando Florida May 15-17 and then concludes the 2020 season with its Dallas event: August 12-14 at the Dallas Convention Center.

“The Indianapolis show and education conference continues to be one of our fastest-growing events,” added Cook. “Attendee pre-registration is up 50 percent to date over the previous year. Our 2020 show floor is nearly sold out. We’re looking forward to a great show in Indy, and an exciting first foray into the southeast with the new Orlando show.”

Upcoming KnowledgeFest Dates:
• Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, March 27-29, 2020
• NEW for 2020! Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, May 15-17, 2020
• Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Texas, August 14-16, 2020
• Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California, February 12-14, 2021

Visit knowledgefest.org for more.

SCOSCHE AND ProClip USA to Offer Direct Fit Magnetic and Wireless Charging Phone Mounts

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OXNARD, CA (02.26.2020) – SCOSCHE is proud to collaborate with ProClip USA to deliver vehicle-specific, high-quality magnetic and wireless charging smartphone mounting options.

Scosche’s multi-award winning MagicMount magnetic mounting solutions provide a high quality solution to quickly, conveniently and securely hold devices for safer driving. Through this collaboration Scosche will initially offer three mounting head options that can be paired with the direct fit ProClip vehicle mounts, for a wide selection of vehicles. These three options are: the MagicMount Charge, the MagicMount Pro XL Surface, and the universal grip Qi-certified wireless fast charging mount.

ProClip (USA) vehicle mounts are custom fit to the exact make, model and year of a vehicle. Their vehicle specific mounts easily snap into the seams of a vehicle’s dashboard and grip the dash panels, providing a solid and secure fit. They’re easy to install and don’t require any drilling or professional installation. Once installed they provide a sturdy mounting platform for a device holder.

“We’re excited about our collaboration with ProClip and the direct fit mount line. We are no strangers to vehicle specific mounting applications for stereo kits. So having a vehicle specific phone mount line that is built with proper fit, finish, and function is vital. With ProClip and Scosche we offer the best of both solutions,” stated Kas Alves, Co-President, Scosche Industries.

“We’re thrilled to partner up with the team at Scosche to offer a high-quality wireless charging phone mounting solution. Their dedication and innovation for in-vehicle electronics continues to push the industry forward. Pairing their technology in wireless charging with the quality of ProClips custom vehicle mounts is a natural fit,” commented Don Rankin, COO and CMO,ProClip USA, Inc.

Visit www.scosche.com for more.

The MECA SQL Judges Training Covered 3 Days

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NASHVILLE, TN (02.25.2020) – MECA Commissioner Steve Stern organized and hosted the annual SQL Judges Training session in Nashville on February 21st – 23th. Fourteen serious Sound Quality League judge trainees participated in listening sessions throughout the weekend. MECA trains judges on an on-going basis, always on the lookout for the most talented listeners and scorers for Sound Quality contests.

MECA Commish Steve Stern with the new 2020 SQL Rulebook.

Bringing their ears to the mix: Nick Adams-CA, Chad Bleeke-IN, Dean Elzey-TX, Mike Flanagan-MS, Eric Halfacre-TN, Thomas Hendrix-SC, Klifton and Ethan Keplinger-IN, Jeremy Price and Andrea Paulson-TX, Sean Scott-PA, Mike “Conehead” Shubert-TN, Tim Smith TN and John Yi-CA.

Jeremy Price (L) and Thomas Hendrix enjoy dinner Friday night at the Caney Fork Grill while listening to the Mel-tones playing live at the table.

Friday night featured dinner and live unamplified bluegrass music at Caney Fork Grill. The Mel-tones are a must-hear for judges, and all were treated to 5 songs played live right at the table.

Saturday included listening sessions leading up to the Beethoven’s Birthday Bash concert at the Nashville Symphony Hall that night. Most of the focus during the day Saturday was on the technical side of training and geared toward scoring the official test tracks approved by MECA SQL. Four vehicles were on site for judges to score. Plus, everyone was getting dialed into the 2020 SQL Rule Book overview and fine points.

Vinny Taylor conducting a Saturday session at the Holiday Inn Express meeting room. Taylor is MECA’s longtime SQL Coordinator.

On Sunday Audio Specialists in Clarksville, TN hosted the annual Freezefest SQL event at their new store location which provided a great venue for 19 vehicles involved in the 3X points contest. XS Power was on-board for awards as Tennessee Title Sponsor for 2020. The day’s activity was integrated into a SQOLOGY event with Klifton Keplinger directing the show. MECA’s longtime SQL Coordinator, Vinny Taylor, conducted the judge listening sessions during the show. Results are listed with the event at www.mecacaraudio.com. During the day Sunday there was an SPL event at the Tennessee Speed and Sport location in Nashville.

A group of the MECA Judges entering the Nashville Symphony Hall for the Beethoven’s Birthday Bash performance Saturday night.

Excitement at the events was evident with new competitors and new vehicles plus the batch of new engaged Judges for the club members to work with at the contests.

MECA judges seated in the Nashville Symphonic Hall for the Beethoven’s Birthday Bash performance.

“The weekend was a great team effort which benefits the mobile electronics industry plus all professionals and enthusiasts who love cars and trucks, the gear, and Music” Stern stated.

Contact the Commissioner at mecacaraudio@comcast.net or call 615-851-7428 to get information, and to join the club and benefit from the program.

Mobile Solutions Offers Two New Training Classes in March

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TEMPE, AZ (02.25.2020) – Mobile Solutions announces two new training classes launching at their Tempe, AZ training facility in March 2020. The 201-level “boot camps” are shorter 2-day courses heavily focused on audio and, separately on practical and time-saving fabrication techniques. The boot camps are intended to provide an experienced and targeted audience with the need-to-know information in a specific discipline so that technicians can be even more productive in their day-to-day installation efforts. The Mobile Solutions training facility recently underwent a significant redesign in late 2019 to better accommodate training groups and exciting new topics.

MasterTech Car Audio Boot Camp 201

This 2-day course is focused on acoustics, vehicle electrical theory, OEM audio system integration and tuning an audio system using DSP. Guest presenters Ken Ward of Educar Labs and Todd Ramsey of Ramsey Consulting Group provide attendees with important, highly relevant information covering electrical and acoustic installation challenges in modern vehicles. Learn enhanced fundamentals of sound and in-depth AC/DC electricity. Learn detailed electrical measurement techniques. Learn how to identify OEM audio signals in complex vehicles and determine an integration approach. Learn quick and effective audio system tuning techniques. Learn how to avoid and effectively troubleshoot many common issues encountered in car audio system design and installation. This is a great class for those technicians who focus more on remote starters over the winter months, technicians who primarily do fleet-type installations or those who primarily only fabricate. This is also a great class for technicians and sales professionals with good audio system installation fundamentals looking to achieve the next level in the world of DSP-based integration and audio system tuning. The course runs March 5-6, 2020 and costs $799.98.

MasterTech Fabrication Boot Camp 201

This 2-day course is perfect for those who which to learn and grow their palate of advanced fabrication techniques. Instructor Bryan Schmitt, president of Mobile Solutions, demonstrates time-saving smart fabrication techniques and industry secrets that will enhance the way technicians integrate mobile electronics with vehicle panels and structural components. Some of the training fabrication highlights include using the Mobile Solutions Animal and SFS tools to safely and efficiently create unique 3D panels, speaker mounts and interior trim accents. Additionally, router table & table saw tricks for custom subwoofer enclosures, plastics fabrication, urethane foam implementation and upholstery techniques are all part of the cohesive design and fabrication mindset presented throughout the training. This course helps guide attendees on how to charge for their custom fabrication work so they maximize their profitability and make efficient use of time. A student-built take home project reinforces the learning concepts and serves as an additional visual tool to communicate fabrication capabilities to clients. The course runs March 7-8, 2020 and costs $799.98.

These training camps are presented back-to-back so attendees can easily travel to one or both. Register for the training sessions now at mobilesolutions-usa.com/audio-camp-fab-camp as spots are limited. For more information or questions, email info@mobilesolutions-usa.com.

JL Audio Unveils WakeSub Rider-Focused Subwoofer Technology

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MIAMI, FL (02.25.2020) – JL Audio has announced the launch of WakeSub, a new hidden subwoofer technology designed to complement the powerful JL Audio tower speaker systems on boats. Emitting low -frequency audio at the boat’s wake zone, WakeSub transforms the music listening experience for those being towed or surfing behind the boat.

The WakeSub system consists of two JL Audio enclosed bandpass subwoofer systems t hat are integrated deep into the aft portion of the boat’s hull, completely hidden out of sight and not intrudingon passenger space. Low frequency sound waves are generated through tuned ports, from the hidden enclosures to apertures located at each end of the boat’s transom. The result is a complete engulfment in powerful, deep bass as you ride or surf behind the boat.

“We pride ourselves on working closely with boat builders to engineer audio systems that deliver extreme performance and durability. With WakeSub, we’re extending that legendary JL Audio sound from the boat’s passenger area to the wakes and waves behind it,” said Ora Freeman, Director of OEM Sales, North America at JL Audio.

“While tower speakers do a great job at projecting a broad spectrum of sound behind the boat, they physically can’t produce the same high -impact, low frequency response that a dedicated subwoofer can. WakeSub was engineered to do exactly that, w ithout having to hang any bulky subwoofers off the tower.”

Several features of WakeSub are designed to protect the system from the elements, such as a self-draining design should any water enter the apertures for the ports. JL Audio has been issued U.S. Patent #10,362,389 for the WakeSub technology.

Intended to be integrated into boats early in the design process, JL Audio’s WakeSub technology is available to boat manufacturers today, along with the company’s robust line of feature-rich source units, powerful amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers and enclosed tower speakers that have been rigorously engineered for marine applications. Nautique Boats is the first boat manufacturer to integrate this technology, as an option for the Studio Elite sound package offered on all -new Super Air Nautique G23 and G25 Paragon boats.

Visit www.jlaudio.com for more.

Kicker Returned to Lone Star Throwdown with The XRV and Award-Winning Rides

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CONROE, TX (02.24.2020) – KICKER had an exciting booth at the Lone Star Throwdown (LST) for the fifth straight year. The show, billed by organizers as the “World’s Best Truck Show,” took place Feb. 21st-23rd at the Lone Star Expo Center in Conroe, Texas. KICKER was also a host sponsor of the event, which showcased 2,000 custom vehicles from around the country. KICKER arrived in the XRV (Xtreme Recreation Vehicle) big rig. The XRV is the brand’s rolling showroom, complete with a full line of KICKER audio gear as a hands-on display that consumers checked out up close.

The XRV was at the center of Kicker’s presence at the Lone Star Throwdown. The BoomRoom inside, and award winning rides around the XRV, let all know Kicker was ‘Livin’Loud’ on the event grounds in Conroe TX.

In the pit area, under the XRV’s awning, KICKER had several show cars for people to see and hear. With more than 5,000 watts of bass and a half-dozen KICKER L7S square subwoofers, the KICKER Silverado was powered up and Livin’Loud for the weekend. The Silverado is a daily-driven show truck that tours the nation, thrilling bassheads and the “car-audio curious” across the country.

The BoomRoom inside the KICKER XRV featured 24,000 watts of ‘Livin’Loud’ power.

The HE Forged ’57 Chevy Sedan Delivery was in the booth, equipped with KICKER’s elite Q-Class line of product. Additionally, SEMA vehicle designer, Andrew Lowe brought the “Battlecat” – a tricked out Dodge Challenger featuring KICKER KX-Series Amplifiers and a CompRT shallow-mount subwoofer. John Jackson of NotStock Photography showcased his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the booth. Affectionately dubbed “HomeWrecker,” the Sprinter is equipped with KICKER all-weather loaded cans mounted on the roof. KICKER installer Tim Smith showed his custom ’94 Chevy C1500 loaded with an entire KICKER system.

Mike Barcia, DOW Electronics, was headed home to Florida with the Best of Show trophy for his amazing ‘No Compromize’ 1996 Chevrolet C3500 Dually.

Visit lonestarthrowdown.com and kicker.com for more.

SEMA Welcomes Jeff Dahlin as Sales Director

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (02.24.2020) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association has hired Jeff Dahlin as an industry sales director to help oversee a portfolio of client accounts and create partnerships for the SEMA Show, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, and their accompanying monthly publications and media channels. Staff member Brendan Gillespie was promoted to industry sales manager and Reham Gharib to the newly created position of sales operations project manager.

“The sales team is focused on helping SEMA and PRI increase engagement with the industry,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring in an experienced industry veteran such as Jeff Dahlin to join our team, and to be able to shift our existing staff into roles that will enable us to continue to service the industry.”

Jeff Dahlin as Sales Director

Dahlin brings with him 20 years of automotive sales, marketing, and executive-level publishing experience, including 16 years at Source Interlink and the MotorTrend Group, where he rose through the ranks at several publications as a director, group publisher, and eventually general manager of the Hot Rod Network.

In addition to an impressive track record that includes being named one of SEMA’s Top 35 Under 35 in 2007, Dahlin is a passionate automotive enthusiast who spends time working on classic and muscle car projects while getting in as much off-roading as possible. He received his B.S. in Communication and Media Studies from Northern Arizona University and an M.A. in Communication and Media Studies from California State University, Long Beach.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association has hired Jeff Dahlin as an industry sales director. His hiring accompanies a promotion for Brendan Gillespie (L) to industry sales manager and Reham Gharib (R) to sales operations project manager.

“I jumped at the opportunity to work for PRI and SEMA, as I’ve worked with so many of the employees in the past and have always respected the passion and assistance provided to our automotive industry,” said Dahlin, who will be based out of PRI’s Aliso Viejo, Calif., office. “To be able to contribute to an organization that does so much great work is an honor for me, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to do so.”

In addition to the hiring of Dahlin, Industry Sales Manager Brendan Gillespie, who previously served in a sales/operations hybrid role, will now focus strictly on sales opportunities—specifically exhibit space and sponsorship sales for both the SEMA and PRI Shows, as well as advertising sales for both SEMA News and PRI Magazine. Gillespie, a six-year veteran of the company, will concentrate on the racing and performance market.

Also, Reham Gharib will take on the new position of sales operations project manager. In this role, she will manage the records of all SEMA and PRI sponsorship contracts, help ensure deliverables are accounted for, and communicate with all appropriate stakeholders. She also will be the key stakeholder and project manager for the SEMA Show’s New Products Showcase and PRI Show’s Featured Product Showcase. Gharib has been with the company since 2014.

Visit sema.org for more.

JL Audio Introduces MVi Marine Amplifiers with Integrated DSP

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MIAMI, FL (02.24.2020) JL Audio has unveiled the new “MVi” line of networkable DSP amplifiers for the marine market. With unrivaled, built-in tuning power, reference-grade audio performance and outstanding installation flexibility, eight models were announced to suit boat builders’ and boat owners’ needs. Instead of using traditional control knobs and switches, VXi amplifiers are easily configured from the captain’s seat of a boat using JL Audio’s TüN software on a compatible computer, tablet or smartphone.

“Boats present interesting challenges to achieving optimal sound quality from an audio system,” said Dr. Stephen Leigh, Vice President Electronic Engineering at JL Audio. “ The new MVi marine amplifiers with integrated DSPs make it quick and painless to precisely tune an audio system to an extremely high standard. It only takes a few minutes to set up with our free TüN software, and once completed, the resulting audio is more dynamic, more accurate and much more fun to listen to than a conventional marine audio system.”

Every MVi amplifier features an integrated, high-performance triple-core AKM DSP that allows for intelligent optimization of each audio channel’s timing, frequency response, and output level. The benefits of the DSP within each MVi amplifier extend beyond the internal amplifier channels, thanks to analog pre-amp outputs with independent DSP processing. MVi amplifiers can store up to six sound presets, allowing boaters to switch sound profiles at the push a button. This allows for a system to be tuned for different operating conditions, such as “docked,” “running,” “sandbar,” etc.

In addition to the complete lineup of DSP-enabled marine amplifiers, JL Audio has also introduced several marine-grade peripheral pieces to simplify the installation process, including:

•a Bluetooth communicator ( VXi-BTC ) to enable wireless communication between the MVi amplifier or network and compatible mobile devices;

•a w eather-tight network hub (MVi-HUB ) to network up to six MVi amplifiers (one master and five slaves) for full-system DRC control and preset selection

•a push button control with RGB indicator (M-DRC-50) to allow preset selection from the helm

Further boosting the world-class audio performance of MVi amplifiers is the integration of JL Audio’s next -generation NexD amplifier technology. The NexD2 design employs new directFET MOSFET technology, a completely revised layout scheme and direct DSP control of multiple amplifier channels designed to enhance fidelity, reduce noise and deliver outstanding power efficiency.

To further boost the wow-factor of these amplifiers, JL Audio was able to pack all of the aforementioned technology into a compact and stylish alloy chassis with weather-tight power, audio input, speaker and JLid network connections.

Visit www.jlaudio.com for more.