Author: 12VoltNews

SiriusXM Announces Coverage for 2025 NFL Draft

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NEW YORK, NY (04.24.25) – SiriusXM announced its coverage plans for the 2025 NFL Draft and will give listeners across North America access to the live announcements of every pick from every round as NFL teams select their next generation of stars, April 24-26, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Live coverage will air on SiriusXM NFL Radio (channel 88) Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, starting at 7 pm ET and Saturday, April 26, starting at noon ET. SiriusXM will cover all 32 teams’ selections through all seven rounds, and SiriusXM hosts will conduct interviews with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, draftees, general managers and coaches.

SiriusXM NFL Radio’s NFL Draft broadcast team will be anchored by Jason Horowitz. SiriusXM’s expert analysts will be former NFL scout, coach and front-office executive Pat Kirwan, former NFL quarterback Jim Miller, former coach Rick Neuheisel, and former NFL running back Jacob Hester.

Immediately following the conclusion of SiriusXM NFL Radio’s Draft broadcast each day, the channel will have live call-in shows where fans can share their reactions and discuss their favorite team’s picks. Bill Lekas, Kirk Morrison, Fozzy Whitaker, Zig Fracassi and Leger Douzable will host these post-Draft shows.

Throughout the week, SiriusXM will cover the NFL Draft across multiple channels with varying perspectives, including SiriusXM NFL Radio, SiriusXM College Sports Radio, SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, Mad Dog Sports Radio, and the SportsGrid and VSiN channels.

Live programming on these channels each day gives listeners access to the latest news, analysis from pro personnel experts on team needs and players that could improve rosters, and interviews with prospects, NFL executives and coaches.

In addition to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s live Draft broadcasts, SiriusXM will have other live programming originating from Green Bay this week.

On Wednesday, April 23, Jacob Hester and E.J. Manuel will host a special SiriusXM NFL Radio show live from the NFL Play Football Draft Prospect Clinic and Community Event in Green Bay from 11 am – 1 pm ET. The show will feature one-on-one interviews with several of the NFL Draft prospects in attendance.

Hester, Manuel and Kris Budden will host SiriusXM College Sports Radio shows live from the Stadium View Sports Bar in Green Bay on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 starting at 7 pm ET and airing through the final selection both of those days.

Visit www.siriusxm.com for more.

Wayne Harris Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at MasterTech Expo

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MESA, AZ (04.23.25) – We are thrilled to announce that Wayne Harris, a true pioneer and visionary in the 12-volt industry, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s MasterTech Expo!

With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Wayne Harris has left an indelible mark on the aftermarket auto sound world. As an entrepreneur, engineer, programmer, educator, and tech innovator, Wayne’s contributions have shaped the industry and inspired professionals worldwide.

Wayne’s journey began in college, where his passion for car audio was ignited while competing in Rolling Thunder stereo contests. In 1984, he won the first national car stereo competition at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, with his show car, “Eruption.” The following year, Wayne introduced the “Terminator,” an iconic car stereo competition vehicle that influenced many in the early days of auto sound. His groundbreaking innovations, including “stiffening capacitors,” bus bars, and the “hair trick,” are still celebrated today.

The car stereo competition days launched Wayne’s professional career in 1985 at Orion Industries and later at Rockford Fosgate, where he served as Director of Research and Development. He played a pivotal role in developing exemplary products like Symmetry, EPX, and EPX2, earning multiple patents, CES Design and Innovation awards, and global acclaim. Wayne also created revolutionary software tools such as Term-PRO, Term-CAD, and TERM-PAK, empowering installers and engineers to design superior sound systems long before construction.

In 2000, Wayne shifted his focus to his own ventures—dB Drag Racing, Term-PRO, and Term-LAB, a sound measurement system that quickly became the industry benchmark for high SPL accuracy. Recognized with a CES Design and Innovation Award, Term-LAB revolutionized competitive sound measurement and continues to lead the way in audio technology innovation today.

Wayne’s influence has been spotlighted in countless publications, including Car Stereo Review and The Wall Street Journal, which dubbed him the “Bill Gates of Car Stereo.” The Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to Wayne Harris’s incredible contributions and tireless pursuit of innovation. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career and continued influence.

Congratulations, Wayne, on this well-deserved recognition!

DD Audio Proudly Releases The PLE-112.1, A 400w, 12” Powered Loaded Enclosure

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (04.23.25) – DD AUDIO is proud to introduce the PLE-112.1, a loaded enclosure featuring a 100 Series, 12 inch subwoofer powered by an integrated 400 watt monoblock. The PLE-112.1 was designed for performance with an emphasis on ease-of-use.

The precision tuned enclosure is made from 18mm MDF, incorporates a flared port, and is finished in black carpet with DDA embroidery. The 100 Series, 12 inch subwoofer features a high strength, high excursion motor with a rigid, non-pressed pulp cone for tight controlled bass response. The amplifier is a compact 400 watt RMS integrated monoblock using discrete outputs on a traditional DD style heat sink to ensure long-term cool runnings. It also comes with a remote control, allowing the user to adjust the balance of their sound palette on the fly.

Check out the PLE-112.1 and the entire line of sub enclosures, available to buy online or locally at an Authorized DD AUDIO Dealer.

Meyer Distributing Announces 2024 Vendor of the Year Award Winners

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JASPER, IN (04.23.25) – Meyer Distributing is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of its top manufacturing partners with the announcement of the 2024 Vendor of the Year Award winners. These annual honors celebrate excellence in product innovation, supply chain performance, and strategic collaboration across a wide array of categories within the Meyer portfolio.

“We’re excited to announce our 2024 Vendor of the Year award winners,” said Cody Ziegler, VP of Sales for Meyer. “Each year presents new challenges and opportunities. How we proactively capitalize on these opportunities relies heavily on a solid relationship, dedicated people, effective communication, and well-thought-out marketing programs. Brand integrity, enforcement of pricing policies, profitability, availability, marketing participation, and data quality are additional factors taken into consideration. As a family-owned-and-operated business, we realize how meaningful it is to recognize standout partners. Congrats to all the winning manufacturers!”

Bruce Terwiske, VP of Purchasing for Meyer, echoed the excitement, adding, “We are excited to congratulate this year’s Category Vendors of the Year for going the extra mile to be innovative with programs designed to ensure their lines are positioned for success within the Meyer Distributing portfolio of products. Meyer Distributing and its entire staff is appreciative of all vendor partners and the long-standing relationships we have built. We understand the importance of our vendor partners as being integral and the cornerstone of our overall success.”

2024 Meyer Distributing Vendor of the Year Award Winners:

  • Truck Accessory Brand of the Year: Westin Automotive
  • Performance Brand of the Year: Powerstop Brakes
  • Tire & Wheel Brand of the Year: Method
  • RV & Towing Brand of the Year: Dometic
  • 4×4 & Off-Road Brand of the Year: Bilstein
  • Commercial & Fleet Brand of the Year: Weather Guard
  • Outdoor & Recreation Brand of the Year: GCI
  • Industrial Supply Brand of the Year: Performance Tools
  • Vehicle Detail & Protection Brand of the Year: Covercraft
  • 12V & Audio Brand of the Year: Metra Electronics
  • Marine Brand of the Year: Bob’s Machine
  • Powersport Brand of the Year: Odyssey

Meyer Distributing extends its sincere appreciation to all vendor partners for their continued support and commitment. Together, we look forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater success in the years ahead.

Visit www.meyerdistributing.com for more.

The 2025 D-Source Dealer Open House Connected With Dealers

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BLOOMINGTON, MN (04.22.25) – The D-Source Distributing Dealer Open House Tuesday, April 15th and Wednesday April 16th, connected with dealers at the company’s HQ. Nearly 2 dozen of the industry’s top brands were in the house to showcase their latest products and connect with dealers from across the territory. Hourly Door Buster Sales, Training sessions both days plus show specials added to the benefits for 12volt retailers that attended the 2025 D-Source Dealer Open House.

“The buzz across the territory leading up to the open house was super. Over 50 dealers attended with many are bringing Team members. We set the show a little different this year so all dealers had to follow the route to see all companies exhibiting. We planned on making this show an order writing show and that was the case. We hired several people for the day to pick orders for dealers to take with them from the show. I was very happy to be on my computer entering orders. Dealer attendance was up this year and we appreciate seeing all at our Open House ” Josh Burris, DNR Sales, related.

The newest Jensen radios were spotlighted with Patrick Virock in the booth.
A variety of beverages was ready for all as they were on the Show floor.

Jeff Causton, D Source Principal, stated “Support from our vendor partners was terrific. We we were set to have a solid selection of products on display with factory staffs onsite, trainings, networking and dinner Tuesday evening. Dealers from across the territory were in the house and all worked out very well.”

A wide selection of JVC products was set up for dealers to check out.
Zac Young, Warehouse Manager pulls one of the SSV Works products out of the warehouse for a dealer to pick up.

Continuing Burris stated “The hourly door busters booth days got attention with the Metra T-Spec amp kit being the hottest. Blake Rice traveled from SSV Works in Utah to spotlight their side-by-side products. He recently joined SSV and is a real enthusiast for outdoors on the trails. He opened the eyes to that category for quite a few of our dealers. Introducing the Rockford Fosgate line for us as a distributor worked out very well. Jensen’s new radios with Patrick Virock in the booth and Jaysam Odeh showing new KING boxes turned out were well. Also Matt Schaub showed so many Metra accessories. Erik Harbour had booth table set with the wide ranges of products including direct fit OEM speakers, mini amps plus Bluetooth portables. The Italian dinner Tuesday night was a super networking setting.”

Jaysam Odeh had the KING Boxes booth set up and Doug Hanson (R) was on site from Echo Sales to help work with dealers.
Armando Parra had the Magnadyne products set up to show dealers.

“It was great seeing Jeff and Josh plus working with their team to showcase our latest products to dealers across the area. During the training I spotlighted features, advantages and the benefits for dealers to let their customers know about our new PBM Mini Series Digital Amplifiers and our hot new PBX PRO6CD compression coaxials and more” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP, related. Harbour traveled from the company’s HQ in Ontario CA to attend the event.

The newest PowerBass products, including the PBM mini series digital amplifiers and hot new PBX PRO6CD compression coaxials were on display
At the end of the day dealers relaxed with a catered Italian dinner and refreshments. Industry members networking was also on the menu.

“We look forward to the 2026 D-Source Dealer Open House” Burris concluded.

Visit dsourcedistributing.com for more.

M.E.S.A. Introduces Newly Appointed Board of Directors and Executive Team Transition

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ARVADA, CO (04.22.25) – Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (M.E.S.A.) is proud to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, member success, and long-term strategic growth.

Appointed to the M.E.S.A. Board of Directors are James Alexander (New Hampshire), Kevin Cornutt (Oregon), Nathan Dunn (Tennessee), Vikas Moolchandani (New York), and Nick Paulson (North Dakota).

These industry leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, fresh perspective, and a shared passion for advancing the 12-volt industry. With a focus on innovation, adaptability, and future growth, this Board is well-positioned to help guide M.E.S.A. and its members through the evolving landscape of the industry.

The new Board will lead key initiatives including vendor promotions, national marketing campaigns, M.E.S.A. Summit planning, and exploration of emerging product categories. In addition, they will play an active role in guiding M.E.S.A.’s marketing direction and broader evolution—helping shape the future of its programs, initiatives, and impact within the 12-volt industry.

As part of this transition, M.E.S.A.’s former Board of Directors will now serve as the newly established Executive Team, which will focus on vendor program development, financial planning, membership growth, and long-term organizational direction.

“Our new leadership structure gives us the best of both worlds—fresh energy and ideas from our incoming Board, combined with deep-rooted experience and strategic oversight from our Executive Team,” said Ryan Gunter, Executive Director at M.E.S.A. “Together, this unified leadership approach positions us to boost our programs, strengthen our partnerships, and better serve our members as we shape the future of the 12-volt industry.”

As M.E.S.A. continues to grow, this dynamic leadership model ensures the organization remains agile, innovative, and aligned with the needs of its members.

Visit mesadealer.com for more.

Metra Begins Shipping All-In-One Vehicle-Specific Audio Kits

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HOLLY HILL, FL (04.22.25) –  Metra Electronics has begun shipping the state-of-the-art all-in-one audio systems that were unveiled at SEMA. Created in collaboration with VIBE Audio, these comprehensive audio kits include everything needed to install a premium aftermarket audio system in one convenient package. They are engineered for seamless integration and exceptional sound performance, with every component working harmoniously to deliver unparalleled sound quality and ease of installation. Vehicle applications available now include:

  • Non-amplified 2024-up* Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-1)
  • Amplified 2024-up* Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-2)
  • Non-Amplified 2018.5-2023 Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-3)
  • Amplified 2018.5-2023 Jeep JL (JP-PPKT-4)

In addition, a system designed to fit the BOSE amplified 2019-2025 GMC Sierra or Chevrolet Silverado (GM-PPKT-1) will be shipping soon. More applications will be released in the future.

These kits combine VIBE’s premium amplifiers, a set of hand-picked VIBE speakers that complement the acoustics of each specific vehicle, VIBE subwoofers and enclosures, and Metra products that make installation easy, including vehicle-specific plug-n-play amplifier interfaces, pre-tuned to provide best-in-class audio performance. All necessary power and vehicle-specific mounting accessories are included for straightforward installation. The GM-PPKT-1, JP-PPKT-2, and JP-PPKT-4 are designed for amplified vehicles and include amplifier installation harnesses that bypass the factory amplifier and utilize OE speaker wires to minimize wiring.

*Visit the Vehicle Fit Guide at MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific information.

The Super Cat West Fest Was Livin’Loud

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LAKE HAVASU, AZ (04.21.25) – The Super Cat West Fest 2025, with sponsor KICKER, returned to the Havasu Riviera Marina April 10th thru April 13th. The KICKER XRV was on the ground showcasing KICKER Livin’Loud Audio, Powersports and numerous ski and pontoon boats were on the water in the marina and dockside.

The KICKER RZR was just the beginning of KICKER’s presence at the event.
The Kawasaki Ridge and jet ski, both  decked with KICKER, gave enthusiast ideas.

Lorin Morrell, MaddDog Media, orchestrates many KICKER consumer events was one site and stated “The first 2 years were great and this year was even better…way better. The KICKER space was moved up front and traffic was tremendous.. The XRV is an 85’ rolling showroom that was on site, with the amazing 40,000 watt BoomRoom, was definitely Livin’Loud. No doubt the XRV always draws a crowd.”

Powersports vehicles were loaded with KICKER across the venue.
As the sun began to set the area around Lake Havasu began to light up.

Continuing “ KICKER’s Western Regional Tracy Focht was on site. Focht worked with area rep Steve Parsley with Murphco, area dealers and members of the crowd. Products and a decked ski rig were under the XRV awning and had eyeballs all day. The Kawasaki Ridge and Jet Ski gave enthusiasts ideas. Three helicopters were flying overhead to highlight the action through the days.”

A ski rig was spotlighted next to the KICKER XRV.
LED lighting on boats dockside lit up the night.

Tracy Focht offered “The event was in its 3rd year, and all we can say from the Kicker staff, it was by far the best! It has grown leaps and bounds year over year. River Dave Johnson sure knows how to put on an event. And with over $350K raised for local kids charities it brought out the hearts of all of the boating community. The camaraderie among these Super Cat participants is moving! We really enjoyed the event, staff and people! Also we appreciate our loyal dealer Elite Audio in Havasu for their support, as well as Rod and the Gatorwraps crew. We handed out probably 2000 Kicker lanyards plus many glow key chains. See ya next year.”

Fireworks and rockets lit up the sky over Lake Havasu in the evenings.
The KICKER XRV rolled out of the Stillwater OK HQ for the 1100 mile trip west to Lake Havasu and the Super Cat West Fest with Steven and Jeremy aboard.

“Local retailer Elite Audio spotlighted their KICKER equipped Tri-Toon with SOLO X subs along with their deck boat. The two were connected soundwise so Jeff, Shawn and Christine were definitely Livin’Loud in the marina. The lighting on many of the boats in the marina and harbor was out of this world at night time. The fireworks over Lake Havasu during the dock party really lit up the sky” Morrell concluded.

During the auction over $350,000 was raised for local charities.

KICKER will remain in the area for the Desert Storm running April 23-26.

Visit kicker.com for more.

AudioControl & Stinger Brands Make a Big Splash with GEMSEN at CMA Expo Toronto

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TORONTO, ONTARIO (04.21.25) – The Stinger family of brands made a commanding impression at this year’s CMA Expo in Toronto, with an impressive presence that showcased innovation, performance, and dealer support. Front and center at the booth was Matthew Palumbo from Stinger, who engaged with Canadian retailers and guided them through an elaborate display packed with the company’s top-selling gear and exciting new additions.

Stinger’s Matt Palumbo was front and center in the booth making product presentations.

The New AudioControl Altitude Series amplifiers drew plenty of attention for their clean design, smart engineering, and impressive sound quality—features that have made them a hit with dealers and installers alike. Joining them this year is the all-new Epic Series, a cost-effective lineup of compact amplifiers designed specifically to help retailers compete with aggressive direct-to-consumer brands. Despite their small footprint, these amps deliver serious performance and value, giving 12-volt pros a powerful new tool in their arsenal.

The Stinger Family of brands made a commanding impression at this year‘s CMA Expo.
New AudioControl subs were also spotlighted in the booth.

But it wasn’t just about amplifiers. Canadian distributor GEMSEN expanded its offering of Stinger family brands, now including RaceSport Lighting. The lineup of products, including the impressive new ColorTrail series, offers an eye-catching solution that brings dynamic RGB lighting to any ride and can even be directly controlled from any Stinger HORIZON series head unit. Also added were several new PAC integration modules and harnesses, giving installers even more flexibility when tackling complex vehicle platforms.

Stingers vehicle specific subwoofer enclosures featuring AudioControl subs also grab detention.

One of the standout moments of the Expo was the GEMSEN-sponsored AudioControl/PAC training, which drew a crowd of over 100 attendees, filling the room to standing room only. The session covered integration solutions, new products, and sales strategies, with feedback from dealers overwhelmingly positive. Stinger’s Director of Training, Matthew Palumbo said, “CMA Expo 2025 was a resounding success for Stinger. Foot traffic in the booth was steady and the training sessions were packed beyond capacity. This truly continues to be one of my favorite shows to exhibit and train at, because the attendees are respectful, punctual, engaged, and interested in what we’re training on. The attendees aren’t just coming to the show to get free t-shirts and swag, they’re genuinely there to learn and it absolutely shows.”

The Stinger family of brands now includes Race Sport Righting and the impressive new Colortrail Series which offers an eye catching solution that brings dynamic RGB lighting to life.
The GEMSEN-sponsored AudioControl/PAC training, which drew a crowd of over 100, filled the room to standing room only.

Another hot topic at the show was Stinger’s vehicle-specific subwoofer enclosures featuring AudioControl subs. Retailers were especially excited about how these solutions blend OEM fitment with aftermarket sound quality—helping close sales with a cost-effective solution that offers incredible performance. 

With its growing lineup, new competitive price points, and unwavering support for the 12-volt community, AudioControl and the broader Stinger family made one thing clear at CMA Expo 2025: they’re not just keeping up—they’re leading the charge.

Visit stingersolutions.com for more.

DD Audio Proudly Releases VO-M400 Cast Frame Pro Audio 2” VCD Mids

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (04.21.25) – DD AUDIO is proud to introduce the 6 inch VO-M406-C and 8 inch VO-408-C, Voice Optimized midrange speakers with cast frames and 2 inch voice coils.

The Voice Optimized M400s build on the same high end, high definition, high output features and design of the M200 and MN300 midrange drivers, but feature a cast frame and larger voice 2” coils engineered to manage the sustained power of upper echelon systems for loud and clear pro audio sound.
products from DD AUDIO.

The DD design standards you expect from the VO Series are all represented in the VO-M400 midrange drivers, such as long fiber cones with synthetic resins in curvilinear profiles, frequency transparent dust caps, and precision machined motor assemblies. Matching the exceptional performance features in the 400s are the style enhancing textured cast frames with laser bared edging and DDA embossed rubber magnet boots.

The standout feature of the VO-M400 is the 2” voice coil. Immersed in a tight, precision machined magnet gap, this copper clad aluminum wire, vented Kapton former voice coil is made for exceptional power handling. The combination of this low moving mass and high motor strength renders crystal clear reproduction at ridiculous volume levels.

Check out the VO-M406-C and VO-M408-C and the entire line of Voice Optimized speakers, available to buy online or locally at an Authorized DD AUDIO Dealer.