POWER UP Sound with CRA GAINS from Crunch

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (05.15.26) – CRA amplifiers raise the standards for high-output audio gains, unlocking the full potential of your system. Whether you’re starting your first build or stepping up to serious sound, the CRA series delivers clean power, tight control, and the precision your music deserves. Deliver MORE to your power with CRA.

CRA amplifiers bring clean, efficient power to every installation —from 2-channel amp setups to monster monoblocks. Fully adjustable crossovers, MOSFET efficiency, and electronic equalizers help tune sound to deliver cleaner highs, richer mids, and BIGGER BASS.

To learn more, click here.

PowerBass Is On The Ground In The UK For A Week

ESSEX, UK (05.14.26) – Erik Harbour traveled to the UK on Sunday May 10th for a busy working with Safe and Sound Essex and to cap the week at the Isle of Wight Takeover 2026.

Safe and Sound Essex hosted a PowerBase dealer training event on Monday night at their location for dealers around the UK. It was a night of education and fun with Pizza, PowerBass and Pints…the 3 Ps.

Erik Harbour conducting a Monday night, Safe and Sound Essex PowerBass training.
The Safe and Sound rig was set up for demos.

At the event Safe and Sound Essex introduced Image Dynamics into the UK market as a new brand offering and everyone was very excited to get it going with both brands at their respective retail and installation locations.

“It’s always a treat to be in the UK. A big thanks to all for the support and hard work from Safe and Sound Essex and the Team. Carl Huntington at Nuts and Volts/PowerBassUK. We truly appreciate all of the dealers who made the drive out to be in attendance at the Safe and Sound Essex training. The training event was terrific as all attendees were so engaged” Harbour,
PowerBass VP, related.

An image from a previous Isle of Wight Takeover.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, there was more activity loading and on the road with sales staff in private meetings and then with Carl Huntington for more meetings.

Stay tuned fo more as the week caps at the Isle of Wight Takeover 2026.

KICKER Trains at Canadian “Summit”

STILLWATER, OK (05.14.26) – As part of the annual Andre’s Electronic Experts Training Summit, the KICKER® brand made an appearance in the way of training for dozens of pro retailers and installers gathered in Kelowna, British Columbia April 26-28.

Brand manager Mike Danbrook of KICKER distributor GEMSEN (Concord, Ontario) and GEMSEN B.C. representative Ty Mauger welcomed KICKER sales manager Aziz Masri and Tech Force training manager Aaron Malin to the event for a day of KICKER product education and questions.

Andre’s Electronics is made up of nearly 30 stores in Canada and holds the Training Summit each year for store personnel.  The three-day Summit includes dinners, awards and several vendor training courses.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Modus to Exhibit at 2026 – Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo (PNWCEE)

Brand to Showcase New Premium Mobile and Marine Audio Lines; PREACT™ Training Scheduled

Oxnard, Calif., May 16, 2026 — Modus is proud to announce it will exhibit at the 2026 Pacific NW Mobile Electronics Expo (PNWCEE), held May 18–20 in Seattle at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Seattle Airport–Southcenter.

“As our new product lines roll out nationwide, PNWCEE gives us a high-impact way to connect with Pacific Northwest partners and put Modus innovation in their hands,” said Matthew Delgado, Director of Sales at DSP Solutions.

PNWCEE has established itself as a cornerstone event for the Pacific Northwest mobile electronics community, bringing together retailers, manufacturers, and dealers for new product showcases, hands-on demonstrations, and in-person training. With strong regional demand across both 12-volt and marine, the show offers an ideal environment for industry professionals to see what’s next and build relationships that drive the season ahead.

Jason Digos will conduct the MODUS Car Audio training session featuring PREACT Current Averaging Technology in meeting area Summit 2.

Modus Training Session (PNWCEE)

Modus will also host a training session designed for installers and sales professionals, featuring PREACT™ Current Averaging Technology: a patented approach to managing amplifier current for improved power efficiency, consistency, and real-world performance. The class will explain how PREACT adapts to varying vehicle electrical conditions, maintains stable output under load, and differs from traditional amplifier designs. Attendees will also explore real-world EV applications through a discussion of Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla Model X system examples, highlighting how PREACT enables high-performance audio in platforms with limited or sensitive electrical systems.

Training details:

Topic: MODUS Car Audio featuring PREACT™ Current Averaging Technology

Trainer: Jason Digos

When: May 19, 2026 | 5:05 PM – 6:00 PM

For more information about Modus products and partnership opportunities, request more information on the web at www.modusglobal.com .

The 12volt Marketing Ball Is In Play Across The 12volt Industry

SHREVEPORT, LA (05.13.26) – The 12volt Central Studios offers multiple ways for 12volt industry members to connect across the 12volt community and with consumers while delivering fresh industry news. The 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball is the latest way. The 12voltSTP Tool, Custom QR Codes and 12volt Central Studios offer easy to use opportunities to connect with industry members and consumers. A SMARTPHONE and a snap of an image and a few words is all it takes….318 469 2526 IS THE NUMBER!

This week the PNWCEE 2026 in Seattle and the SSR Distributors Show in Dallas are on the immediate horizon. Several
exhibitors have sent images, along with show information, for 12volt Marketing Ball posts to drive visibility and awareness
for the events. Examples are shown below.

An industry member can hold a product in their office, snap an image, and we can put them in their custom studio. That can get their 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play. The same works for sending images from Seattle and Dallas. Those images can also be posted in the future to extend the ROI from the events.

In-person trade shows, consumer and distributor shows are terrific venues to connect and show new products in one-on-one settings. Tradeshow and distributor show attendance over the last years has diminished. The 12volt Central Studios can put a company in their own custom studio utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool and deliver their message to the 12volt industry with the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball. Industry members must realize successful marketing is a 24/7 journey.

In today’s AI driven digital and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrade awareness and business for brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mid-range and highs on a smartphone or laptop. The in-store experience is more important than ever!

A 12volt industry member can be at a show trade show, consumer show or a rep on the road calling calling on dealers. With the 12voltSTP Tool all it takes is for that industry member to snap and txt and Image, with a few words, to 318-469-2526 and we can put the 12volt Central Studios Marketing Ball in play showcasing your company’s activities.

For more see 12voltnews.com

SEMA Strengthens Off-Road Integration, Announces Exclusive 2026 Show Discounts for ORBA Gold and Platinum Members

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.13.26) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is announcing a new initiative to further integrate its off-road advocacy efforts by extending SEMA-level exhibitor discounts to the top-tier members of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA). The 2026 SEMA Show takes place Nov. 3-6 in Las Vegas.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of SEMA, ORBA serves as the Association’s primary arm for off-road land use and advocacy. To better serve the unified interests of both organizations, companies holding Gold or Platinum ORBA memberships will now be eligible to exhibit at the 2026 SEMA Show at the same discounted rate offered to SEMA members.

“By aligning the benefits of ORBA and SEMA, we are creating a more seamless experience for the businesses that drive the off-road industry forward,” said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. “ORBA is a vital part of the SEMA family, and it is only natural that their most invested members receive the same premier access and value at our flagship event as SEMA members do.”

A Unified Marketplace for Truck, SUV, and Off-Road

The 2026 SEMA Show provides an unparalleled platform for exhibitors across the Truck, SUV, Off-Road, and Powersports segments to drive product discovery and establish direct connections with global buyers, vendors, and next-level decision-makers. This year’s floorplan is intentionally designed to help exhibitors capitalize on the latest trends driving the aftermarket while reflecting modern consumer habits through:

  • Strategic Segment Proximity: To reflect real-world buying and recreation habits, the Truck, SUV, and Off-Road section will be situated in immediate proximity to the newly expanded Powersports / SxS / Lifestyle area in West Hall. This alignment allows for a more holistic experience, mirroring how consumers blend automotive performance with off-road and powersports utility.
  • Comprehensive Sourcing Solutions: This integrated layout enables easier sourcing of full-scale solutions, ranging from the latest vehicles and high-performance parts to the trailers and accessories that complete the outdoor adventure ecosystem.
  • Next-Level Connectivity: Exhibitors will have dedicated opportunities to engage directly with key decision-makers and vendors, ensuring their innovations are seen by the professionals who shape the future of the outdoor and off-road aftermarket.

The Non-Profit Advocacy Difference

Unlike for-profit trade shows, SEMA is a non-profit association that reinvests its proceeds back into the industry to protect the “right to modify” and defend the future of motorized recreation. This funding supports critical legal and political battles that ensure dealers and manufacturers have a viable marketplace for years to come.

“The 2026 SEMA Show is a massive opportunity for the off-road and powersports communities to converge in the best way possible,” said ORBA Interim Executive Director Sean Holman. “With ORBA Gold and Platinum members now receiving the SEMA member exhibitor rate, we expect our most robust off-road and powersports showcase to date, offering unparalleled ROI for exhibitors.”

Eligibility and Registration

The discount applies immediately to space applications for the 2026 SEMA Show. Companies currently holding Gold or Platinum ORBA status should contact their SEMA account representative or email sales@sema.org to ensure their member discount is applied during the booth selection process.

Register to Attend

For more information on the 2026 SEMA Show or to register, visit www.semashow.com.

LEVEL UP Your Compact Space with DS2 BASS from MB Quart

Raise the bar with Discus DS2 shallow subwoofers that bring complete unparalleled clarity in bass delivery while maintaining a compact and shallow subwoofer profile design. The entire line of MB Quart Discus DS2 subwoofers includes 12-inch (DS2-304), 10-inch (DS2-254), and 8-inch (DS2-204) 4-Ohm DVC shallow subwoofer sizes.

Discus DS2 shallow subwoofers are crafted with innovative precision, featuring a unique cone design and high-excursion capabilities that ensure accurate sound reproduction. The result? A subwoofer that not only delivers powerful bass — but also maintains clarity and fidelity across the entire audio spectrum in your MB Quart car audio setup. Upgrade your space with compact bass!

To learn more, click here.

Falcón Sales Set For PNWCEE 2026

WASHOUGAL, WA (05.12.26) – Falcón Sales is excited to be exhibiting at the PNWCEE Expo in Seattle May 18 through the 20th.

“Our dealers are excited about attending the event and Falcón Sales and AM Merchandising are going to go big at the event. As we will head out on the 170 mile trip from Washougal to Seattle Dave Gates will be towing three demo bikes for PowerBass, Wet Sounds and Diamond Audio. I will be driving the DD Audio truck pulling the Memphis Hummer demo. Scott and George will be driving the Alpine Tesla to the event” Kam Frisbee relayed.

Falcon Sales will have a strong presence on the show floor and supporting their brands Alpine, King Boxes, Diamond Audio, Memphis Audio, Vault Power and Sony. In the booth area bikes will be showcased with vehicles spotlighted outside.

“Join us Monday evening for Night Jams as the PNWCEE 2026 kicks off” Frisbee concluded.

For more see falconsales.net.

JENSEN Launches Apex Power Series: High-Performance Sound and Advanced Materials for Every Driver

HEATHROW, FL (05.12.26) – Jensen, the brand that invented the first loudspeaker in 1915, is bringing NASA-grade materials to the mid-tier car audio market. Today, Jensen announces the Apex Power Series™, a perfectly matched system of high-efficiency digital amplifiers and Aramid Fiber speakers designed for those who want a massive sound upgrade without the high price tag.

The Apex Power Series offers a logical “step-up” in quality for drivers who have outgrown their factory sound. By pairing professional-grade materials with Jensen’s 100-year heritage of reliability, this series delivers a top-tier experience that remains accessible to everyone.

The Apex Power Series™ Ecosystem

The Apex series is engineered as a total solution for listeners who have outgrown their basic factory speakers but want a reliable, professional-grade system.

  • Apex Power Series Amplifiers (Available Now): Utilizing high-efficiency digital circuitry, these units (JAONE, JATWO, JAFOUR, JAFIVE) provide “More Power, More Performance” and serve as the foundation for the Apex ecosystem. These amps are designed to stay cool at top output, even in tight spaces, delivering maximum volume and clarity through premium circuitry.
  • Apex Power Series Speakers (Arriving May 2026): This line features Aramid Fiber—the same high-strength material used by NASA. These cones are built to stay rigid even when the volume is cranked up, ensuring your music stays crisp, clear, and distortion-free.
  • A Century of Authority: Every product in the series carries the Jensen 100+ Years Heritage Badge, backed by a century of reliability and audio excellence.

Strategic Market Positioning

“The Apex Power Series is our answer to a crowded market,” said Kevin Kastner, Sr. Director of Marketing and Product. “We recognized that listeners wanted a ‘step-up’ option that felt premium but stayed within a realistic budget. By pairing our powerful amplifiers with these new Aramid Fiber speakers, we’ve created a high-value system that delivers a concert-like experience for the everyday driver”.

Availability

The Apex Power Series Amplifiers are available immediately, with the Apex Power Series Aramid Fiber Speakers arriving May 2026. Customers can find the full series at authorized Jensen specialists and retailers.

For more information on the Apex Power Series and the “Connected Journey,” visit https://jensenmobile.com/apex-series/