LAS VEGAS, NV (09.09.2021) – Kingpin University, Nevada-based product supplier and trainer of mobile electronics professionals, announced two in-person training sessions taking place September 20-22 and November 17-19. The two sessions will instruct students on box building and the fundamentals of car audio, respectively, and will be held at the company’s combo retail and training facility in Henderson.
Starting September 20, Box Building 101 promises to teach enclosure design in a way that maximizes sound and style. The curriculum will instruct attendees on calculating box size and selecting build characteristics to optimize performance of different subwoofers. It will also cover shaping, securing and covering the enclosure, and charging appropriately for the work.
On November 17-19, the focus expands to the complete system with Fundamentals of Car Audio. The session was developed to equip new installers with a strong base of hands-on knowledge, and to provide a refresher for experienced technicians. The curriculum covers oscilloscope and RTA (Real-Time Analyzer) use, gain setting, system design, noise control, electronics, basic sales and fabrication, and more.
Each training session includes a take-home fabrication materials kit, achievement plaque and class project. Tuition for each session is $899, or $849 each if both sessions are reserved in the same transaction.
The training sessions will be conducted in accordance with current locally mandated health and safety guidelines. Masks are required while indoors. Precautions include increased cleaning, improved interior circulation and hand sanitizing stations.
“We are maintaining our momentum and satisfying the ongoing desire for learning, stemming from our May in-person classes and our workshops at KnowledgeFest Orlando,” said Jason Kranitz, owner and lead instructor at Kingpin University. “We look forward to seeing students in person and providing an opportunity for networking as well as training.”
To sign up for courses or get more information in Kingpin University courses and products, visit kingpinuniversity.com.
STILLWATER, OK (09.08.2021) – KICKER has introduced Falcon Sales and Marketing as its new brand representative group in the U.S. Northwest. Falcon replaces longtime rep firm N&S Marketing, which had disbanded following the retirement of its principal.
“We always want somebody who is going to put KICKER first,” said Western Regional Sales Manager Tracy Focht. “They have the infrastructure we need and were ready to start working with us immediately. We are very excited to have (CEO) Dave (Gates) and his firm on board with KICKER.”
Falcon was chosen not only for its strong infrastructure, but for its founder David Gates. Gates has intimate knowledge of the brand, having been named a four-time KICKER Rep-of-the-Year during his tenure as a rep with N&S Marketing.
“KICKER’s kind of in my blood,” said Gates. “I always felt that KICKER was like family, so returning to a brand I truly love feels like a homecoming.”
The Washington-based firm has a dedicated warehouse with shipping, sales, fulfillment, and technical support.
Falcon will serve retailers across Oregon, Washington, Northern Idaho, and Alaska out of its 5,000 square-foot distribution center in Washougal, Wash.
OXNARD, CA (09.08.2021) – SSV Works has announced that its new Polaris RZR Pro XP4 6.5-inch rear door speaker pods (p/n RZ5-DR65) are now shipping and come available unloaded, or with either SSV Works premium marine speakers or Kicker KM marine speakers.
“Utilizing new and superior technologies, including 3D modeling, we have fully optimized the space around the pod, allowing the RZ5-DR65 pods to fit perfectly every time while matching the original factory color and texture,” explained Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “The UV stable and all-weather durable door pods make sure that you never have to worry about the environment you ride in, and being able to choose between our premium speakers or Kicker marine speakers ensures an incredible audio journey.”
The RZ5-DR65 maximizes sound quality, is weather-proof and resistant to extreme environmental conditions, and is designed for quick and seamless integration. It easily installs on the top half of the front doors using factory mounting locations…it even works with factory lower door inserts.
SSV Works’ 6.5-inch, 120-watt (60w RMS) 2-way coaxial premium marine speakers started the revolution and are now upgraded to marine-grade speakers for ultimate reliability and sound quality. They produce excellent volume and clarity making them the best bang for your buck.
Kicker’s 6.5-inch 195 watt (65w RMS) 2-way coaxial KM marine speakers produce spectacular highs and midrange sounds, providing full-range audio specifically for a marine environment.
LONDON, ENGLAND (09.08.2021) – Bowers & Wilkins, the British loudspeaker company famed for bringing its knowledge and experience of acoustic excellence to the automotive industry, has extended its successful partnership with BMW, with the launch of the iX, the new luxury electric SAV from BMW.
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System in the iX features the most advanced sound quality found in a car, with the aim of delivering an audio experience that feels as though you are there with the artist in the studio, a concept that Bowers & Wilkins refer to as ‘True Sound’. This can only be achieved through close collaboration between the engineering teams from both BMW and Bowers & Wilkins, and by using proven technologies from Bowers & Wilkins’ core range of passive loudspeakers.
The BMW iX is the first fully electric vehicle to feature Diamond Dome tweeters, as found in Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, the monitor loudspeaker of choice in Abbey Road Studios. The exceptionally accurate, low-distortion tweeters feature Nautilus swirls, spiralling channels behind the tweeter domes that dissipate reflected sound waves that emanate from the rear of the drive unit and limit distortion. In keeping with the minimalist interior of the BMW iX, the tweeters are covered with brushed stainless-steel covers with a laser-etched logo and a discreet lighting effect, and the door speakers are discretely hidden behind acoustically optimized fabric.
In total, there are two Diamond Dome tweeters, three Aluminium Dome tweeters and five Aramid Fibre midrange speakers mounted as high as possible within the light, spacious cabin. A further eight speakers are integrated into the front and rear headrests, which can be individually adjusted to create a truly personalised audio experience for each passenger. For the first time, four bass speakers are joined by 4D Shakers that are strategically positioned within the interior to produce a rich bass experience even at low volumes.
Passengers can engage with the sound system through four different sound modes, according to preference.
The result is sound that’s superbly detailed and free from coloration, seamlessly integrated within the car design.
LEHIGHTON, PA(09.07.2021) – 1sixty8 media Inc. today launched its Budget Website Solution to complement its existing Value Websites. As the premier provider of digital marketing and business services to the mobile enhancement industry, 1sixty8 media is responsible for creating and managing websites that provide a high ROI for its clients.
“Until now, our website solutions were beyond the reach of some retailers,” said Mitch Schaffer, president of 1sixty8 media. “With the introduction of our Budget Websites, we now offer a solution with little or no upfront cost.” He added that all of 1sixty8 media’s solutions require a monthly investment that starts out at as little as $99/month. Each retailer gets a fully managed, turnkey solution that includes free, vendor-sponsored content.
“We recognize that some retailers have significant budget restraints but they know they still need a website,” Schaffer said. “Now there’s a high-quality solution that any retailer can afford.” The Budget Website is a turnkey solution that gives a retailer an attractive website, built on a solid foundation and proofread by professionals. Schaffer continued, “All too often, we see websites that are poorly coded, load slowly and are full of spelling and grammatical errors. We employ real developers and proofreaders to ensure a professional and predictable outcome.”
As with all of 1sixty8 media’s website solutions, the Budget Website is secure, mobile friendly and hosted on lightning-fast dedicated servers. Every website that 1sixty8 media hosts is monitored daily for security issues and backed up daily in both the cloud and at the server level. All underlying software is updated a minimum of three times a week. If a website were to go down, a member of the 1sixty8 media team would be notified instantly and get the site back online quickly.
“The best part about our new Budget Website is that it is scalable,” Schaffer said. “It is built on the exact same platform as our custom developed websites. This flexibility means that a retailer can start out with a Budget Website and over time, we can evolve it into a much more sophisticated solution that will further increase traffic flow to their store.”
Retailers can learn more about 1sixty8 media’s website and marketing solutions for professional mobile enhancement retailers by visiting www.1sixty8.com. They can also contact Mitch Schaffer directly at 570-656-6900 or mitch@1sixty8.com.
SPRINGFIELD, IL (09.07.2021) – The American Flat Track 2021 Series continued at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL on September 4th and 5th. As a Sponsor KICKER had a major presence on the midway. Unfortunately Friday’s scheduled events were completely rained out. Saturday was a great day for racers on the track with a shortened session Monday morning.
Racers on the track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield IL.
KICKER had a prominent booth on the busy Midway.
KICKER’s Jeremy Wynn, Events and Promotions Manager, rolled in on Friday and set up at the event with Maddog_Media’s Lorin Morrell’s rig. “With KICKER’s sponsorship we had a super booth spot on the midway, On Saturday morning we set up the tent with products on the table and the KICKER RZR by the booth. Then, when the heavy rain came midmorning everything went back in the trailer and we buttoned up for the day,” Wynn related.
Sunday dawned with clear sky and once again the team set up the booth. On the tabes KICKER audio, marine, bike, powersports and Lifestyle products were positioned for members of the crowd to check out. The KICKER Polaris XRV was Livin’ Loud by the tent.
All KICKER product categories were displayed under the tent on the Midway.
Sunny sky brought a good crowd to the grandstand.
“Our booth got very busy on the midway the minute the grounds opened on Sunday morning. The first race series started a little after 2 o’clock so we talked to a ton of people in 3 or 4 hours. So many said they had a pair of Kicker 12’s in the trunk. Many in the crowd were bikers. Seeing the other KICKER product categories raised interest. Also, a number of people mentioned they knew about the Bullfrog in the Lifestyle line,” Wynn added.
As soon as the racers hit the track grandstand filled. On the track racers top 100 MPH as they hit the straightaway and then slide through the corners. After the first series of races the track crew spent time prepping the track for the next series. During that time members of the crowd returned to the midway and spent more time in the KICKER booth and grabbing snacks. The last race series started at 6PM and finished before dark as this track has no track lighting. After fans departed the KICKER booth was put back in the trailer.
This Labor Day image spotlights the Arch in St Louis as the KICKER team traveled from Illinois to Oklahoma.
Monday, Labor Day, dawned with a sunny sky also. The KICKER booth was once again set for the limited race schedule which drew a light Labor Day crowd through the midway. Before noon the trailer was packed and it was time for Wynn and Morrell to head back to Stillwater, OK. From there, Morrell headed to his Maddog_Media office in Phoenix.
Look for Morrell at an upcoming event in Sacramento. Look for Wynn to pilot the KICKER XRV to the Sand Sport Super Show in Costa Mesa, CA.
TORONTO, CANADA (09.07.2021) – CanadianMobileAudio.com is excited to announce the CMA Fall Workshops official schedule beginning Monday, September 13th to Sunday, September 19th. The online broadcast will feature 7 Days of Virtual Hands-On Training Sessions in a daily themed format. Each day will target specialty retailers, sales professionals and installation technicians to keep them on the cutting edge.
The Fall Workshops will be anchored by a CMA LIVE Industry Roundtable every evening, featuring 30 different retailers from across the country. Industry professionals such as installers, technicians and sales managers will be sharing their knowledge and experiences within the mobile electronics community.
“Fall Workshops represents an extension of the CMA Live, CMA Connected and the CMA Industry Week programming that we have developed since our inception. Our platform has allowed industry partners an avenue to stay connected with their dealers,” said CMA President, Frank Spezzano.
For the latest information and most updated schedule for CMA Fall Workshops visit:
SHREVEPORT LA (09.04.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Anthony’s Car Stereo won the 12volt News $100. Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, September 3rd.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Eight months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 143rd time on Friday morning September 3rd. The Wheel landed on the 12volt News space. The Anthony’s Car Stereo slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out by phone and talked with Mike Kardous, store owner, at the store in the North Highlands CA. He was very happy to hear that a 12volt News $100. check prize would be heading his way. Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.
Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA and The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 10th.
OCEAN CITY, MD (09.03.2021) – KICKER was the title sponsor of OC Jeep Week 2021 that ran August 26th thru 29th at the Ocean City Convention Center. The KICKER XRV, with Boom Room and showroom, plus KICKER tents for the AudioWorks of Delaware crew to do Jeep installations, contributed to KICKER’s strong presence at the event.
Jeremy Wynn is all smiles with his Birthday present from Opus Marketing at OC JEEP Week.
An added touch was the extra special Birthday present Opus Marketing presented to KICKER’s Jeremy Wynn. How about a customized C3 RC Cooler with decked out matching trailer.
“When I saw the decked out RC rig I thought, WOW, how cool is that. When I learned it was a birthday present from Jamie and the Opus crew I was speechless,” Wynn, KICKER Events and Promotions Manager, who pilots the KICKER XRV, related. Adding “Maybe it’s the MRV for MIni RV!”
This tricked scooter was another Opus Marketing tool that created excitement at OC JEEP Week.
“We wanted to do something special for Jeremy who works so hard with us at events. The idea came up for a remote controlled cooler. Then we thought it needed some sound so we added the trailer. We purchased the C3 Cooler with trailer and took it and some KICKER products to Audio Unlimited in Elkton MD. Jeff Ewing has done other unique projects for us and knew he was create something very special…which he definitely did,” Jamie White stated. The KICKER great included KEYLOC Smart, amps and speakers. A lithium battery too.
People waited to experience the Boom Room and check out the product showroom in the KICKER XRV.
Ewing offered, “We didn’t have a lot of room in the C3 trailer but we figured out a way to make it all happen and applied KICKER graphics. No doubt this is one of the coolest projects we have done and it was great to learn everyone liked the finish product.”
“The KICKER setup at OC Jeep Week was like a 3 ring Circus. The XRV was Livin’Loud, lots of action as the AudioWorks crew was selling and installing for Jeepers plus Jermey’s KICKER RC cooler out on the grounds,” White relayed.
The KICKER team on site included Matt Matheson-Eastern Regional, Ken Bundy-Product Specialist, Jeremy Wynn and Josh Alexander who co-piloted the XRV. The AudioWorks team included Darren Tomas-Owner, Kyle Kessler, Tim Foltz and Peter Herr. The Opus Marketing team included Jamie White, Chuck Ottati, Bruno Berg and Todd Ess.
CAMARILLO, CA (09.03.2021) – The new E-Series Amplifiers represent D’Amore Engineering’s high value mobile amplifier line. This new series is powerful enough to drive the most demanding speakers with great sound at an amazing price.
Tony D’Amore pictured in the company’s Camarillo CA showroom showing the consumer friendly and informative E 750.1 packaging.
“E series means efficient switching amplifier designs in a compact footprint. By using Texas Instruments controllers, along with high quality output filters capacitors and EMI protection at every connector-in or out-we’ve set a new standard for clean Class D. We call this system CLEAN D” Tony D’Amore related.
The E 350.2 is the entry level amplifier at $199. MSRP.
This system protects the sensitive electronics and electrical systems of newer vehicles from the gremlins associated with dirty Class D designs. It works so well the company guarantees no check engine light or other electrical anomalies will be caused by installing this product. The CLEAN D system also eliminates erratic clipping characteristics from which so many other Class D designs suffer from in use.
D’Amore with the E 750.1 that shows the family look of all the mobile amplifiers.
The E-Series is very compact in size at only 5.3 inches wide and 1.9 inches high with varying lengths. There are 6 models in the line currently, ranging from 350 Watts to 1500 Watts, and starting at $199 MSRP.
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