Four Connect Audio products displayed during the training session.
ELON, NC (08.20.26) – HKI has scheduled a number of DSP and Sales trainings in August. The first one took place Tuesday evening August 18th. Nick Wingate made the engaging presentation. Tommy Spears HKI National Sales Manager and Boomer Robinson-Ambassador Marketing were in the house connecting with attendees. The event took place at the Tactical Laser Tag & Virtual Reality Arcade. The unique facility was a perfect set up for the training.
The event kicked off at 4 o’clock with a meet and greet with fun activities. The Sales and DSP training with 21 in attendance ran from 5 till 8 PM with delicious catered barbecue and banana pudding from Smithfields.
Nick Wingate up front conducting the DSP Training.
Dino Williams, with Dino’s Audio Video-Greensboro NC, related to the 12volt Central Studios, “Nick‘s presentation was terrific. Our store staff of 4 was in attendance and all really got a lot out of the presentation. If this training was DSP101 we can’t wait to get to the DSP102 training” Dino related.
“Our dealers have requested these in-person trainings. They asked and we are delivering. The training sessions are also an opportunity for us at HKI to get a sense of what’s happening at the retail level which is very important. It’s a real win/win” Spears related.
Robinson, the HKI representative in the territory, orchestrated the event. “A dealer came from 5 hours away, one from 4 hours away and a couple from 3 hours away. We were very pleased with how everyone in the audience was engaged and look forward to setting the dates for additional HKI DSP and Sales trainings in the near future” Boomer relayed.
TORRANCE, CA (08.20.26) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics, maker of 360° dash cameras, digital mirror systems, blind spot detection and ADAS technology for the 12Volt aftermarket, is launching its Dealer Portal this August. The new online system gives Installers and MESA buying group members their orders, and a direct view into what they’re paying before they check out, 24 hours a day.
The portal replaces a process that, like most of the industry, runs on phone calls, email chains and price sheets that may or may not be out-of-date the moment they were sent. Now, every account is assigned a tier level: and orders processed automatically based on their tier. No spreadsheets to cross-reference.
The system also solves a problem most dealer portals ignore: what happens when a customer qualifies for more than one discount at once. Rydeen’s portal runs on a single rule – best offer wins.
Buyers also get a live notice in their cart showing how close they are to the next pricing threshold — so a dealer deciding between a 24-unit order and a 30-unit order can see, in real time, what crossing that line does to their total. Access to the portal requires approval. New accounts must apply and be verified before they can place an order.
“We are pleased to bring a 24/7 ordering platform to our customers offering ease and convenience,” said Phil Maeda, President and CEO of Rydeen Mobile.
“Our customers succeed when they have faster, more direct ways to work with us,” said Rex Berfield, National Sales Manager at Rydeen Mobile. “This portal is about giving them another option that fits how they actually do business.”
The Dealer Portal goes live on August 19th, 2026, at rydeenbiz.com. Installers and MESA members can easily apply for an account, subject to approval, at rydeenbiz.com.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.20.26) – Built for those who demand more from any note, ALL-NEW Q-Series amplifiers redefine premium performance. Engineered through powerful, high-efficiency output, integrated DSP technology, and precision tuning controls, Q-Series gives you the freedom to create an audio system that sounds exactly the way you want it to.
Power your entire system with the QA1-900.6D Q-Series 900-watt 6-channel DSP amplifier. Made for audiophiles and professional installers alike, this amplifier combines high-efficiency power with integrated DSP tuning, giving you complete control over every channel. Fine-tune your system for exceptional clarity, balanced output, and uncompromising performance from front to back.
Or bring the bass to life with the QA1-1500.1D Q-Series 1500-watt monoblock amplifier that delivers. Built to drive demanding subwoofer systems with clean, relentless power, it provides the low-frequency impact, precision, and authority needed to complete a truly high-performance Music. Defined. audio experience.
STURGIS, SD (08.19.26) – The KICKER Team rolled out of Stillwater OK on Monday August 3rd with the XRV, a large trailer being towed for the 850 mile trip to Sturgis SD for the Sturgis Rally 2026. Following a very successful Sturgis Rally 2026 the team rolled back into KICKER HQ on Sunday, August 16th.
KICKER returned this year on a much larger scale and was set up on the iconic Samson‘s Corner at a main entrance to the Sturgis Rally area. To maximize time spent in Sturgis the 6 member TRIIX Customs Team was on site during the event helping with sales and doing on-site installations.
The KCKER booth just after setup on opening day.
The busy KICKER booth soon after the opening on Day 1.
TRIIX Custom team members busy with installs.
Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, was on site and provided great input with activities from the rally for the 12volt Central Studios. Morrell related “The energy from the biker crowd, reported to be nearly 500,000, was terrific. Every day there was a strong attendance in the KICKER booth with people checking out the demos and also spending time with demos inside of the KICKER XRV. KICKER was also the sponsor of two American Flat Track racing events located at the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. All are looking forward to The Sturgis Rally 2027.”
This is a small portion of the live display inside the KICKER XRV.
The KICKER booth setup for the Saturday American Flat Track event.
The KICKER American Flat Track Super TT set to go at the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies.
The TRIIX Customs Team travelled 555 miles from Grand Forks ND to work with KICKER. Owner Chris St. Aubin related “We had never attended Sturgis as a shop installing in the past. KICKER was doing demos all week in the XRV BoomRoom. We even had a few of Sturgis’s finest Police take part in the fun we had in that room. We’ve done a couple handfuls of the new KICKER Harley Kits and they work amazing and are priced perfectly and perform up to KICKER’s reputation. We were very busy doing installs every day.”
The TRIIX Customs Team stopped for a group image before heading back to Grand Forks when the Sturgis Rally wrapped.
TRIIX Custom team members on site included Phil Hanson, Troy Conner, Marcus McCoy, Payton Rhoads, JT “Miles” Pfaff and Chris St. Aubin.
Concluding “We are excited for next year’s event and working with KICKER at future Rallies, including Sturgis and several others” St. Aubin stated.
The Sturgis Rally 2026 was a very successful event focused on the biker community that will drive biker business across the 12volt industry.
LINCOLN CITY, OR (08.19.26) – The Pacific Northwest’s biggest car audio weekend is almost here. The 2026 Surf City Soundoff takes place this Saturday and Sunday, August 22–23, at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, bringing competitors, car audio enthusiasts and spectators together for two days of competition, demonstrations, entertainment and community fundraising.
The Surf City Soundoff has become a marquee event on the competitive car audio calendar, and this year’s event will feature an IASCA 3X World Record Event, with competitors battling in Sound Quality, SPL and Nite Glow, along with a dB DRA 3X competition.
Competitors from throughout the United States and Canada are expected to make the trip to the Oregon coast, bringing everything from meticulously tuned Sound Quality vehicles to extreme SPL builds capable of producing extraordinary levels of sound pressure. For spectators, the event provides a rare opportunity to see these vehicles up close, talk with their builders and experience the systems in action.
“Surf City Soundoff is one of those events where you really get to see what makes car audio so special,” said Travis Chin, President of IASCA Worldwide. “You have competitors pushing the limits of technology and performance, but you also have people who simply love their cars, their music and the hobby. Bringing all of that together on the Oregon coast makes for an incredible weekend.”
More Than Just a Competition
While competition is at the heart of the Surf City Soundoff, the weekend offers considerably more for spectators. Demonstration vehicles, vendor displays, product showcases, raffles and other activities will give visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the latest in mobile audio and see some of the Northwest’s most impressive builds.
The event also continues its strong connection to the Lincoln County community through its support of Angels Anonymous. Proceeds from registrations, sponsorships, raffles and donations will benefit the organization and its efforts to assist local individuals and families. The 2025 Surf City Soundoff raised more than $20,000 for Angels Anonymous.
Spectator admission to the Surf City Soundoff is free, making it an opportunity for longtime car audio fans as well as people who have never experienced competitive mobile audio to come out and see what the hobby is all about.
Surf City Classics Adds Even More to the Weekend
The Surf City Soundoff will be joined Saturday by Surf City Classics, a major automotive show at Chinook Winds Casino Resort featuring classic cars, American muscle, rat rods, trucks, 4x4s, motorcycles and other unique vehicles.
Surf City Classics will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, with vehicle judging scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. and awards at 4 p.m. The car show adds another dimension to the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to experience both traditional automotive craftsmanship and the cutting-edge technology found in today’s competitive car audio vehicles.
With the two events taking place together, Lincoln City will become a gathering place for automotive enthusiasts throughout the weekend—from classic-car collectors and muscle-car fans to serious car audio competitors and spectators.
The Surf City Soundoff is hosted in partnership with IASCA Worldwide and Chinook Winds Casino Resort.
LOS ANGELES, CA (08.19.26) – Diamond Audio has announced the launch of its all-new NEO Series DSP Amplifiers — a four-model lineup of multi-channel and monoblock Class D amplifiers engineered for riders and drivers who demand studio-quality precision without sacrificing space, weatherproofing, or ease of use.
Built from the ground up for the modern audiophile and motorcycle enthusiast, the NEO-DSP Series packs a full 31-band parametric EQ, onboard crossovers, time delay, and channel linking into a compact, Marine Ready, water-resistant chassis — solving the two biggest headaches in custom audio builds: limited real estate and unforgiving conditions.
Power Density, Engineered for the Open Road
Diamond Audio went back to the drawing board to design an amplifier platform that doesn’t flinch when exposed to the elements or squeezed into the tight confines of a saddlebag or console. The result is a masterclass in power density — full studio-grade DSP tuning wrapped in a housing tough enough for the open road, and smart enough to handle the electrical demands of a modern EV or a factory head unit alike.
The NEO Series DSP Amplifier Lineup
NEO12004DSP – 4-Channel Class D DSP Amplifier (1200 Watts) 300W x4 @ 2 Ohm / 150W x4 @ 4 Ohm, bridged 2 x 600W @ 4 Ohm
NEO10001DSP – Monoblock Class D DSP Amplifier (1000 Watts) 800W x1 @ 2 Ohm / 600W x1 @ 4 Ohm
NEO15006DSP – 6-Channel Class D DSP Amplifier (1500 Watts) 250W x6 @ 2 Ohm / 150W x6 @ 4 Ohm, bridged 3 x 500W @ 4 Ohm
NEO20001DSP – Monoblock Class D DSP Amplifier (2000 Watts) 1600W x1 @ 2 Ohm / 1200W x1 @ 4 Ohm
All four models share a common design DNA: ultra-low distortion (≤ 0.05% THD), staggered RCA connections for cleaner installs, over molded speaker connectors that can’t pull out, a high-current quick-connect removable power block, and 2 RCA DSP-controlled preamp outputs for easy system expansion.
Total Wireless Control — Right From Your Phone
Perhaps the biggest leap forward for the NEO-DSP Series is how riders and drivers interact with it. Every amplifier in the lineup is fully programmable wirelessly through a free companion app for both Android and Apple iOS devices, putting the entire DSP suite — EQ, crossovers, time delay, channel linking, and system configuration — in the palm of your hand, with no laptop or toolbox required.
Talking points for the wireless experience include:
App-based tuning from any Android or Apple device — adjust the full 31-band parametric EQ, high-pass/low-pass crossovers, slopes, and channel gains right from a phone, trackside or curbside.
Direct music streaming to the amplifier — the same wireless connection that powers tuning also lets riders stream music straight from their Android or Apple device to the amp, turning a phone into a true all-in-one source and command center.
Walk-up convenience — no dash-mounted controller required for basic adjustments; riders can fine-tune their system from a phone before a ride or on the fly.
NEODRC1 Diamond Remote Commander compatible (sold separately) for riders who want dedicated hardware control in addition to the app.
PC software support is also included for installers and enthusiasts who want deep, desktop-level tuning control during setup.
This combination of pro-level tuning and phone-first convenience is designed to make the NEO-DSP Series as easy to live with day-to-day as it is powerful on paper.
Built for Real-World Installs
Easy OEM integration was a top priority throughout development. The NEO-DSP Series accepts signal inputs up to 20V (high/low level: 20V–0.4V), includes selectable onboard load resistors (10Ω, 20Ω, 60Ω, 20kΩ), and is EV friendly with voltage compatibility from 8–17V. VOX or DC offset auto turn-on rounds out a feature set built to drop into virtually any factory or aftermarket system without complicated workarounds.
“With the NEO-DSP Series, we set out to build the amplifier platform our dealers and customers have been asking for — full studio-grade DSP, real weatherproofing, and total wireless control, all in a footprint that finally respects how little room riders actually have to work with,” said John Catalano, Director of Product Development at Diamond Audio. “Being able to tune your system — or just stream a playlist — straight from your phone is the kind of no-compromise convenience that defines this series.”
Availability
The Diamond Audio NEO Series DSP Amplifiers (NEO12004DSP, NEO10001DSP, NEO15006DSP, and NEO20001DSP) are available now through authorized Diamond Audio dealers. For complete technical specifications or to find a dealer, visit diamondaudio.com or email info@diamondaudio.com.
WINCHESTER BAY, OR (08.18.26) – The Stereo King Team rolled into Winchester Bay OR for another very successful UTV takeover event. There were five team members aboard that handled sales and many installations that took place during the event August 12th-15th. Bethany and Kevin Cornutt, along with Anthony handled the sales while Corey and Brad completed over 30 installations.
Jeff Oliver, Team Progressive, was in the house supporting Rockford Fosgate sales plus preparing breakfast and lunch as the Master Chef. All stayed in a rental home by a near by lake.
The Hot Wheels was a New Addition this year.
Stereo King was set to drive Rockford Fosgate sales and installations.
The Stereo King showroom spotlighted hot products.
Another installation in progress!
Kevin Cornutt, behind the wheel for the event, related. “Our team is a very well oiled machine and we have those team members at each event. Once the sales team members write the ticket the installation team members work together to get the jobs done. Attendance was definitely up this year and was reported to approach 5,000.”
Continuing “Stereo King and Rockford Fosgate work together to drive sales at the UTV Takeover events. A large amount of inventory, along with tents for the area and supplies packed the trailer, to make the 200 mile trip from our Portland location. Stereo King began exhibiting at the UTV Takeovers with a 10’ x 20’ booth, which has growing into a 20’ x 60‘ booth with separate tents for showroom area along with installation bays. At the Winchester Bay event we also showcased MB Quart and UTV Stereo products. Aggressor Air Horns also drove sales. Handing out Stereo King event cards helps us track store traffic from UTV Takeover events.”
When Bethany cranked up the Hot Wheels it drew a crowd to the parking lot.
This post tells the Stereo King story!
Jeff Oliver shows one of this delicious lunches.
This year Stereo King also drive the Jeep Gladiator Hot Wheels to the event. The Hot Wheels is decked out with audio and sets on 42” wheels. The Hot Wheels was setup in a close by parking lot and when Bethany cranked up the volume it drew a crowd.
“We have been doing the UTV Takeover events for over 10 years. Once the word gets out in the area about an upcoming event we start getting jobs in our stores for enthusiast who want to have a new system on their UTV at the event. During the event we make several complete installations each day. While at the event enthusiasts also make appointments to bring their ride to the store for an upgrade because they don’t want to give up their ride for a day during the event. Winchester Bay and Coos Bay UTV Takeovers were very successful this year and we look forward to UTV Takeover events in 2027 and beyond” Cornutt concluded.
LONG BEACH, CA (08.18.26) – Aligned Sales & Marketing Group (ASM) is pleased to share a positive update regarding its Founder and Principal, Hazim Jainoor, following a serious medical emergency earlier this summer.
On June 3, 2026, while on a family fishing trip, Jainoor suffered an aortic dissection followed by a stroke and cardiac arrest. After an extraordinary medical journey, he has made significant progress and continues to recover.
While there are still a few hills to climb before reaching a full recovery, his progress has been encouraging, and he remains focused on his health, family, and returning to full strength.
Hazim and his family extend their sincere appreciation to the medical professionals, family members, friends, colleagues, customers, and industry partners who have offered their support, prayers, and encouragement throughout his recovery.
Additional updates regarding Hazim’s return to normal business activities will be shared as appropriate.
ASM looks forward to Hazim’s continued recovery and his return to the business and industry he has dedicated much of his career to.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.18.26) – The strength and momentum of the global automotive aftermarket are on full display in the 2026 SEMA Show floorplan, now live on the SEMA Show website (www.semashow.com/floorplan). Spanning the full spectrum of specialty equipment, from performance and racing to trucks, SUVs and off-road, powersports, accessories, tools and equipment, and emerging technology, the layout reflects an industry continuing to innovate, investing with confidence, and preparing to exhibit at this year’s Show.
Exhibitor commitments have already surpassed 1 million net square feet of exhibit space and include more than 2,000 brands ready to welcome a global audience to Las Vegas and the newly renovated convention center Nov. 3-6. Through the support and growth of the aftermarket, the SEMA Show consistently ranks as one of the largest and best attended trade shows in the country.
The floorplan reflects broad-based participation across segments and makes a clear statement about the specialty-equipment marketplace: companies are innovating, launching, and scaling. As the industry continues to evolve, the 2026 SEMA Show is designed to connect buyers with the brands, products, and people driving the aftermarket forward.
“The 2026 SEMA Show floorplan reflects a resilient, growing global aftermarket, one that continues to invest in innovation, product development, and new customer connections,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “What you see on the floorplan is a powerful statement about the industry. Brands are showing up with purpose, and buyers are coming because this is where business gets done and trends take shape.”
Major OEM Participation Adds Momentum to 2026 The 2026 SEMA Show will feature strong participation from major automakers and performance organizations, reinforcing the event’s role as the global meeting place where OEM and aftermarket innovation intersect. Participating OEMs for 2026 include Ford Motor Company, Honda Racing Corp. (Honda/Acura), Mitsubishi, Nissan, Stellantis, (with representation from Dodge, Jeep, and Mopar), and Toyota North America.
“The enthusiast community is central to Ford Motor Company; we are a passion brand in every segment that we participate in. And the way we win with our audience is to meet them where they are, and they’re at SEMA,” said Ford Customization Executive Director Matt Simpson. “We are thrilled this year to increase our investment and presence at SEMA to show off what we’re working on, from our latest Ford Custom Garage offerings, to our growing Ford Racing Parts business, to our heritage crate engines.”
“This year, Ford will engage SEMA enthusiasts on a new level, offering consumers unprecedented opportunities to compete and customize directly with Ford,” said Simpson. “We invite you to visit our booth to connect with our team and partners, and to see firsthand how we are bringing vehicle customization to the masses at an impressive scale.”
Signature Experiences Return – Built for Discovery, Competition, and What’s Next A strong floorplan is only part of the story. The 2026 SEMA Show will bring back key experiences that drive product discovery, spotlight craftsmanship, and explore emerging trends shaping the industry. The New Products Showcase will highlight the latest launches and solutions across categories. Battle of the Builders will return to celebrate elite vehicle builds and the creativity that defines the aftermarket. The FutureTech Studiowill offer a forward-looking window into advanced vehicle technologies and the ideas influencing what comes next for the aftermarket.
“Attendees are going to feel the momentum the moment they hit the halls: more product discovery, more hands-on experiences, and a layout that makes it easy to navigate and find the solutions they came for,” said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. “Whether you’re here to source new products, meet with suppliers, or see the industry’s best builds and latest tech, 2026 is set up to deliver a week that’s productive, energizing, and inspiring.”
“SEMA Week” Experience: Business First, Public Friday, and SEMA Fest Friday Night The 2026 SEMA Show will anchor a broader “SEMA Week” experience, beginning with the business-focused trade show early in the week, transitioning to public access on Friday, Nov. 6, and concluding Friday night with SEMA Fest, a signature celebration of automotive culture and music that extends the energy of the show beyond the exhibit halls.
Qualified attendees can secure a SEMA Show badge for $50 through June 26. Attendees are also encouraged to make hotel reservations at the guaranteed lowest available rates through SEMA’s official hotel provider.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (08.17.26) – The dB Drag Racing Association is excited to welcome KICKER as a Premier Sponsor of the 29th Annual dB Drag Racing Finals, taking place October 3–4, 2026.
As we continue announcing the incredible companies supporting this year’s Finals, we’re excited to welcome another iconic brand with a long history in car audio and a reputation for LIVIN’ LOUD.
The 2026 Finals will bring together competitors from across North America as they compete for Championship Trophies, Championship Rings, Points Championships, and ultimate bragging rights. Competition will feature several formats, including dB Drag Racing, Bass Race, Top Dog, Freestyle, and Psychlone.
KICKER’s support will be felt throughout championship weekend, sponsoring several key parts of the competitor experience, including:
Swag Bags
Competitor Plaques
Points Champion Awards
Official Event Shirt
Deathmatch Award
These are the awards, recognition, and Finals experiences that represent an entire season of hard work in the lanes. KICKER’s Premier Sponsorship helps support those moments and the competitors who have worked all season to earn their place at the Finals.
“Finals weekend is where an entire season of hard work comes together, and KICKER is proud to support the competitors who have earned their place to be there. We’re excited to be part of the 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals and another unforgettable weekend of LIVIN’ LOUD.” said Ron Burnett, Director of Marketing Communications at KICKER.
Known worldwide for high-performance audio, KICKER has built a reputation around powerful sound, innovation, and a commitment to the car audio community. Their continued support of dB Drag Racing reinforces their connection to the competitors who continue to push the limits in the lanes.
There’s even more happening in Indianapolis.
The 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals will be co-located with IASCA and ISPLL, bringing multiple areas of the car audio competition world together under one roof for an exciting championship weekend.
We appreciate KICKER’s partnership and commitment to our competitors and the sport.
Stay tuned as we continue unveiling the outstanding sponsors helping make the 2026 dB Drag Racing Finals the loudest weekend of the year!
October 3–4, 2026 Indianapolis, Indiana & Spruce Grove, Alberta
