Businesses Eager to Reconnect at SEMA Show

Posted on April 27, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged SEMA Show.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.28.2021) – Following Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s recent announcement to reopen the state at 100 percent capacity by June 1, SEMA Show exhibitors are demonstrating their commitment and excitement for the 2021 SEMA Show by securing booth space at the event taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The industry has spent the past year separated, and businesses are anxious and eager to reconnect in person,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We’re seeing more and more manufacturers sign up to exhibit at the SEMA Show every day, and we anticipate hundreds more will do so before the Priority Booth Space Draw begins in June.”

SEMA Show exhibitors are demonstrating their excitement for the 2021 SEMA Show by securing booth space at the event taking place November 2-5 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

More than 1,200 companies are already confirmed to exhibit at the event on November 2-5, at which time the SEMA Show will mark the first industry-wide in-person gathering in almost two years. While manufacturers are able to secure space up until the event in November, those who submit their space applications before May 7 will be included the Priority Booth Space Draw, a multi-week process when exhibitors select their space within the 3.2 million square foot Las Vegas Convention Center.

Utilizing the Las Vegas Convention Center’s newly constructed West Hall, the SEMA Show will include exhibits in all four halls, seminars in dozens of meeting rooms, networking events in nearby ballrooms and special displays and interactive attractions in the outdoor areas.

Having been separated for more than a year, manufacturers are making plans to impress the industry with enhanced booths and unique displays.

“We are hearing an overwhelming response from exhibitors,” said Gattuso. “They have nearly two years’ worth of innovation to share, and they will be showing it off at the SEMA Show. Based on what we are hearing, exhibitors are pulling out all the stops.”

Since 1967, manufacturers of automotive aftermarket parts have relied on the SEMA Show to debut their new products, showcase new trends and conduct business. Made up mostly of small- to mid-size manufacturers with a deep passion for turning everyday drivers into one-of-a-kind works of art, exhibitors take center stage as they unveil groundbreaking and ingenious products that enhance the performance, styling and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. This year more than any other year, designers and engineers are pushing the boundaries to advance the industry.

Manufacturers can apply for booth space at www.semashow.com, where applications for attendee registration will open in May.

Brandmotion Releases Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System

Posted on April 27, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Brandmotion.

SOUTHFIELD, MI (04.28.2021) – Brandmotion’s Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System is here to reset your driving experience by helping you see what you’ve never seen before. This versatile new safety and convenience aid replaces your current rearview mirror with a live streaming full HD video screen. It improves on your traditional mirror by providing a clear, crisp view of exactly what you need to see with no obstructions, in your cabin or with your trailer. It’s unbeatable view gives drivers peace of mind.

Get assistance when backing up trailers up to 65’ long. A single camera is installed on the end of the trailer, with a harness running the length to the trailer hitch, using quick disconnect weatherproof connectors that integrate into the body. This clean OEM look allows for the trailer to be easily detached. When fully installed the image from the rear camera cleanly displays on the newly installed edge-to-edge mirror in the cab with virtually no latency thanks to high quality cabling.

This Universal Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System is designed to be able to easily add a camera to any trailer up to 65′ long. This kit will come with a single camera, quick disconnect truck-to-trailer harness, a 10m truck harness, a 20m trailer harness, and a 9.66″ edge-to-edge display mirror as a complete rear vision solution.

This kit is designed to function in a wide variety of vehicles utilizing a D-Tab Wedge mount. Some vehicles may require an adaptor. Please verify product fits in desired location before final installation.
Please see the Rear Vision Application Guide for compatibility questions.

Visit brandmotion.com for more.

Design Engineering Introduces Mazda Miata Vibration Damping Kits

Posted on April 27, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

AVON LAKE, OH (04.28.2021) – Give your Mazda Miata the quiet interior of a large luxury sedan with new Vibration Damping Kits (# 50600) from Design Engineering, Inc.

Designed to fit 1990-2005 Mazda Miata NA & NB models, the kits reduce noise and vibrations coming from metal surfaces to help interiors stay cool and quiet, with improved acoustics as well.

“We are excited to introduce Vibration Damping Kits for Mazda Miata’s, featuring proven Boom Mat damping material,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “Adding Boom Mat to the metal floors, firewall, rear bulkhead and rear deck greatly reduce rattles, squeaks and vibrations.”

These custom pre-cut kits feature self-adhesive backing with a simple-to-peel release liner for a straightforward, no-mess, easy installation. The pieces are pliable and designed specifically to form to the Miata’s bends and curves, even in tight spaces.

Kits include four 6″x6″ and four 12″x12″ sheets of black Boom Mat damping material, a 2” wide by 20 foot roll of black Boom Mat Vibration Damping & Sealing Tape and an application roller. Couple DEI’s Vibration Damping Kit with DEI’s Mazda Miata Pre-Cut Interior Insulation Kit (# 50295) for winning ultra-level comfort combination.

For more information about Mazda Miata Vibration Damping Kits, Mazda Miata Pre-Cut Interior Insulation Kits and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

Rhodes Off-Road Has Huge Success with Grand Opening

Posted on April 26, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

All was set for the Grand Opening with the crew. Jeff Budin ROCK-n-REV Sales, Steve Robinson, Ron Rhodes-Owner and Anthony Keller are pictured outside the front entrance of the new store.

Farmington, MO (04.27.2021) – Despite Gloomy Weather and a National Pandemic, RHODES OFF-ROAD in Farmington, MO was able to produce a very successful GRAND OPENING sale from its new building on Saturday.

With the help of Jeff (Boody) Budin at ROCK-N-REV Sales, store owner Ron Rhodes tells 12-Volt News that sales were strong and the vendor support was amazing.

The showroom was packed with PowerSports products…and important customers.

The MTX tent, and UTV’s out front, attracted attention to the Grand Opening.

MTX is a major line at Rhodes Off-Road and Jeff Budin, the Rep for the MINK States arranged for lots of SWAG for the Grand Opening.

Extra loud portables. That category is growing and Jeff Budin (L) is shown with a happy BUMPBOXX customer.

“I’d like to thank Boody for his help with the show. Jeff took a lot of the pressure off me by helping with the over-flow of customers,” stated Rhodes “Really impressed with how much MTX AUDIO shelled out for our show. We got a ton of POP Material and free swag that Jeff gave out for contest and prize drawing winners. We about sold out of MTX audio kits and sound bars”

Rhodes Off-Road was also able to secure a live radio spot with the area’s top country station Froggy 96 FM who promoted the BumpBoxx ghetto blasters Rhodes had on sale.

Rhodes continued, “That really helped. Jeff was able to jump on the radio with the DJ and excited customers to come down. We ended up having a real strong day despite the rain and covid.”

For more information on MTX Audio and BumpBoxx, contact ROCK-N-REV Sales at rocknrevsales@gmail.com. Rock-N-Rev Sales services the MINKS states in the Midwest.

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the New PXE-0850X Digital Sound Processor

Posted on April 26, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Alpine.

AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.27.2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the PXE-0850X 12-Channel Advanced Wireless Digital Sound Processor (DSP). This solution replaces the PXE-0850S with the next generation of upgraded technology that allows integration into factory systems.

OEM Integration

The PXE-0850X has 6 low and/or high-level inputs that can be mixed to create a full range signal that sends up to 12 independent channels for versatility in OEM and aftermarket system building. Eight of the 12 channels can utilize 25W of powered output to allow even more flexibility. New and improved software matches the user interface (UI) of the PXE-X09 (introduced in 2020) and provides a cleaner layout that simplifies the mixer and tuning flow.

Tuning Tools

The processor can be tuned with the 31 Band Parametric or Graphic EQ for precise adjustments. Detailed high/low crossovers and expansive time correction can be made to each of the 12 channels. This allows the tuner to overcome acoustical abnormalities in the vehicle and set a proper sound stage for premium sound performance. Tuning can be done wirelessly via Bluetooth from a smartphone or through a wired USB connection with a PC. By downloading the free PXE-0850X DSP app (available on the App Store or Google Play), customers can get real-time tuning results and compare them with the “Before” and “After” effects. Tuning files can be saved directly to a smartphone, hard drive, or thumb drive for storage and shared via text message or email.

Music on Command

Access to some of the DSP’s features is presented in the improved LCD controller, which can be flush-mounted on the dash for easy access. The rotary knob can quickly adjust volume, preset storage and recall, subwoofer level, and source selection with results displayed on the LED screen.

The PXE-0850X can also be used as a head unit or music source in older vehicles. The PXE-0850X can receive music sent directly from a smartphone with Bluetooth wireless streaming, so customers can listen to their playlists without replacing the factory head unit or adding an aftermarket head unit.

The PXE-0850X is now shipping at a MAP of $699.95 and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.

Tech specs:

New and improved user interface (UI)
Bluetooth audio streaming with included external module
Wireless sound tuning via smartphone. PC tuning also available
Improved Dash-mounted remote controller included
6 Low and/or High-level inputs
12 RCA outputs
Matrix Mixing
25W RMS x 8 (4Ω, <1% THD+N, 14.4V) (mirrors the first 8 RCA outputs)
Frequency range: 20Hz ~ 20KHz, 1Hz steps
Q: 0.404 ~ 28.85, 0.01 steps
Gain: -12.0dB ~ +12.0 dB, 0.1 dB steps
Filter crossover points: 20Hz – 20KHz. 1Hz steps
Slopes: 12dB, 18dB, 24dB, 30dB, 36dB, 42dB, 48dB
31 Band Parametric or Graphic Output EQ
High pass, low pass, and bandpass, independent filters per channel
Time correction: Up to 20ms delay per channel
Delay units: 0.000 to 20 milliseconds, 0.00 to 692 centimeters, 0.00 to 273 inches
0 deg. or 180 deg. phase adjustment per channel
Specialized type filtering: Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley, Bessel
TI 32-bit DSP with 300MHz floating point processing
TI 24-bit premium audio ADC/DAC

Visit www.alpine-usa.com for more.

Race Sport Lighting Launches “CORE” Product Lineup with DAS Companies Inc.

Posted on April 26, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged DAS, Race Sport Lighting.

RINGWOOD, IL (04.27.2021) – Race Sport Lighting is excited to partner with DAS Companies Inc. in the Mid-Atlantic territory with new 2021 lighting technologies. It was necessary to expand distribution to get dealers the lighting products they need fulfilled same or next day for the job.

DAS dealer accounts can begin ordering their favorite Race Sport Lighting products immediately to ship in April. The product mix in-house at DAS will be focused on “CORE” lighting top sellers like:

· GEN6® Plug-n-Play Canbus Kits

· Terminator™ LED Kits

· NEW Drive Series V2 All—in-One Kits

· ColorADAPT® interior, exterior and underbody kits

· ColorSMART® Bluetooth App controlled products

· Eco-Series light bars and auxiliary spots

· LED Logo Rocker Switches

· And more…

Steve Jergensen, Race Sport Lighting President commented, “DAS has been a great distributing partner for several years, and I am excited to revamp the mix at DAS to focus on our nationwide best sellers. Having the latest technologies available same or next day is important for our dealers. This stocking mix in their warehouse will be a huge home run for their dealer base.”

Rex Berfield, DAS National Sales Manager commented, “We continue to work toward meeting and exceeding the expectations of our dealer base with opportunities and solutions. We have added another great dealer solution. Race Sport, known in our industry as a company synonymous with innovation and multi-application lighting solutions, is now available to our dealer-partners. We are incredibly pleased to partner with the Race Sport’s team and look forward to the new opportunities this partnership will present our dealers.”

Visit racesportinc.com and dasinc.com for more.

Rudy’s Autosound Seeks 12 Volt Installer – Kalispell, MT

Posted on April 26, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Classifieds.

Located in beautiful Kalispell, Montana (Flathead County) for over 35 years, Rudy’s Autosound is seeking an experienced 12 volt installation technician to join their team. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 1 year of professional installation experience (3+ years preferred), be detail oriented and possess a strong work ethic.

Rudy’s Autosound values individuals who contribute to the ongoing company philosophy of serving their clientele with the highest possible level of quality and convenience. The shop actively seeks team members who are committed to deliver professional results. If this sounds like you, please consider applying.

About the 12 Volt Installer position

Must be a dependable, team player with an excellent attention to details
Must be able to manage time and uphold high installation quality standards
Minimum 1 year professional installation experience (3+ years preferred)
Annual compensation of $40,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience
High school diploma or GED equivalent
MECP certification a plus (although not required)
Valid driver’s license required
5 day work week (Tuesday-Saturday), 9am-6pm work hours
One hour lunch break
Employer-paid healthcare
Simple IRA retirement plan
Annual paid vacation
Relocation expense assistance available for the right candidate

How to Apply

Rudy’s Autosound retained Ramsey Consulting Group, Inc. to oversee the applications and initial phone interview process.

Please email your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info@ramseyconsultinggroup.com. Put “Rudy’s Autosound 12 Volt Installation Technician” in the subject line, please. Consider your email message a cover letter and please include notable installation specialties, technical skills, certifications/credentials, salary history and complete contact information.

No phone calls, emails or social media DMs directly to Rudy’s Autosound, please. All submissions will be kept confidential.

About Rudy’s Autosound

MESA Retailer
35 years in business
Main business is car audio, marine and powersports audio
Other categories are security/remote start, radar/laser systems and ADAS products
3500 square foot installation bay
2000 square food sales floor
Team-oriented work environment

About Kalispell, Montana and Flathead County

Population is about 107,000 in all of Flathead County where Kalispell located
Flathead County encompasses many small towns in a 5-20 minute drive to Rudy’s Autosound
Montana is home to Glacier National Park
Excellent work-life balance
Extensive outdoor activities (mountains, lakes, rivers, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, fishing etc.)
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) served by Delta, United, Allegiant and Alaska Airlines
Amtrak train station in Whitefish
Fantastic downtown area for shopping, restaurants, craft breweries, etc.
Excellent schools
Low to moderate cost of living
Low unemployment and vibrant local economy
Median age of Flathead County residents is 42
Median household income of Flathead County is $56,182

Again, to apply please email your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format to info@ramseyconsultinggroup.com. Put “Rudy’s Autosound 12 Volt Installation Technician” in the subject line. No phone calls, emails or social media DMs directly to Rudy’s Autosound, please.

All submissions will be kept confidential.

Jeep Beach, Desert Storm, and Spring Break Jam

Posted on April 25, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT, LA (04.26.2021) – The weekend of April 23rd thru 25th brought plenty of action to the 12volt industry across the U.S. Jeep Beach in Daytona, Desert Storm in Lake Havasu AZ and Spring Break Jam is South Padre TX were all very exciting, well attended events.

Jeep Beach 2021 was heaven for Jeepers. From the sands of Daytona Beach to the Daytona International Motor Speedway, and surrounding areas, Jeepers ruled.

There were literally thousands of Jeeps on the infield of the Daytona International Motor Speedway. Hundreds of vendor booths, many with Jeep demos and showing Jeep specific products, grabbed the attention of the massive crowd of Jeepers. Also on the infield was an obstacle course track designed for Jeepers to show their skills behind the wheel of their Jeep. Hundreds of truckloads of dirt, plus other discarded concrete obstacles, formed mounds that Jeepers navigated to earn their Jeep Beach ‘Certification’.

12volt brands DS18, MB Quart, Alpine and Metra showed Jeep specific offerings. Daytona retailer SoundCrafters, with Paul Papadeas and crew, had a large booth and was very busy throughout the event. Alpine, with retailer Roco 4×4 and Rep Firm Dynamic Sales, showcased a wide variety of Jeep specific products the company offers.

Rob Ferro, Mr DS18, showing Jeepers the new DS18 Exotica.

DS18 had a very large booth with a number of Jeep demos in the booth including the new Exotica Jeep JT demo. The Exotic features an amazing DS18 wrap and screams “We Like It Loud”.

MB Quart chose Jeep Beach to unveil the company’s new Purposely Engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kits. Brian Sherman’s new Jeep Gladiator JT rocked with a new MB Quart Audio Kit. Other models were displayed in new mobile displays that arrived in the MB Quart rig and 34’ trailer piloted by Chad Marra from Arizona.

MB Quart unveiled the new Purposely Engineered Jeep Tuned Audio Kits.

Jack Panzarella (L) pictured with Paul Papadeas in front of Paul’s SoundCrafters tent.

Jack Panzarella, well known across the 12volt industry as the Founder of StreetGlow was on site with new offerings plus working to highlight AeroLidz. Lightbars are a very popular add-on for many Jeepers and the AeroLidz product fits over a lightbar cutting out the whistling of wind noise on the highway.

OEM Audio Plus is a new company on the 12volt scene. Industry veteran Rick Ross, the Eastern Regional, was on site and showed Jeep specific offerings to members of the crowd.

KICKER was Livin’Loud at Desert Storm with the XRV and much more.

The attendance at Desert Storm stretched through the streets of Lake Havasu, AZ.

Desert Storm took place 2300 miles to the west of Daytona in Lake Havasu AZ with KICKER as the Title Sponsor of the 24th Annual event. KICKER was Livin’Loud as the XRV rolled from HQ in Stillwater for the 1100 mile trip west. KICKER Marine Audio ‘Goes Overboard’ at events like Desert Storm.

The KICKER branded Boom Toon rig on the water was a highlight during the Poker Run and regatta boat parades on the lake. Murfco, KICKER’s longtime area Rep Firm, was onsite with a crew that showcased the KICKER brand to a huge turnout. The XRV crew included Tracy Focht-Western Regional, David Glasgow and Jeremy Wynn.

The KICKER Boom Toon went ‘Overboard‘ with sound on the Poker Run and boat parades on the lake.

Focht related “This was a great event for KICKER. There was an amazing turnout and the Boom Toon was definitely Livin’Loud. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was not possible to have the Boom Room in the XRV available for members of the crowd. But the classic cars and loaded UTV got plenty of action around the XRV.

The Spring Break Jam took place in South Padre Island TX on April 24th and 25th. A USACI 4X Point Regional event, Burn-Outs, Bikini Contest, Tattoo Expo and Hydraulic contests kept all in the crowd excited. The show floor of the convention center was filled with cool show cars.

Texas opened and the Spring Break Jam welcomed enthusiasts to South Padre Island.

There will be more coming on these events individually in coming days… stay tuned.

A big thanks to Jack Panzarella plus Morgan Burton and April Duren from Metra for supplying very cool images for this article.

Remembering Jill McMillan, Co-Founder of In Phase Marketing

Posted on April 25, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

WOODINVILLE, WA (04.26.2021) – All, it is with great sadness that I share the passing of Jill McMillan on April 8th, 2021.

Jill is survived by her husband, Dan, and their two children, Daniel and Catherine. I would be remiss if I left out Cash, the dog who has first-person status. Jill and I were married back in 1989 (I’m a great salesman), and we were together for 35 years.

Jill had many accomplishments throughout the years, her most prized being our kids. She had a passion for live music, an adoration for photography, was an avid reader, and it goes without saying, she loved chocolate.

We started our rep firm, In Phase Marketing, in the fall of 97’, and things immediately took off. From the get-go, Jill was the catalyst and glue that kept things together. She had a knack for making things look so easy and under control.

“Maria and I received the news of Jill’s passing with great shock and sadness. She was a dear friend and a valued colleague to all of us at JL Audio, and her warmth and sincerity always showed. We are all richer for having known Jill as a person and fortunate for having the opportunity to work with her all these years. We offer our deepest condolences to Dan, Daniel and Cat, as well as to Jill’s extended family.”

-Lucio and Maria Proni

I watched Jill grow up as we all did in the mobile audio revolution of the 90’s. She always carried herself with class. Never being the one that went over the rep line. She was always passionate about her causes. She was another principal in a rep firm, not merely someone’s wife. I most remember her from our exclusive days at Eclipse as she helped make that wave. This shocked all of her many dealer, rep and manufacturer friends within our mobile audio community. I know Dan is crushed. They were so passionate together. This is a great loss of one of the true pioneers of the glory days of car audio!

-Ed Dalesandro, End Result

Through highs and lows, you could count on Jill to bring you a hearty dose of perspective and levity to whatever experience you were living through. She valued and cherished learning about your family, your stories, and growing with you throughout the years.

Jill was many things to many people, including a confidant, a giver, and a friend. She always put others first and danced through life with poise, wisdom, and a wicked sense of humor.

We will be holding a celebration of life for Jill in Woodinville, WA, on June 12th, 2021.

Please email celebratingjillmcmillan@gmail.com if you would like more details or have any photographs you would like to share. If possible, please include all photos as attachments.

SounDigital EVO PS Amplifier for Power Sports, Marine & Motorcycles

Posted on April 25, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SounDigital.

DANIA BEACH, FL (04.26.2021) – SounDigital USA Introduced the new Power Sports / Marine Line of Amplifiers in April of 2021 to their arsenal. Bringing a much needed solution to market by having an Amplifier with a small footprint, great power and now in a IP64 Marine Grade Platform. The New Models, 800.1 EVO PS, 800.4 EVO PS, 1200.4 EVO PS and 2000.4 EVO PS, are geared to be the solution for retailers that do Power Sports, Motorcycles, Offroad and Marine Applications. This new EVO PS lineup joins the already popular EVO X family of mono and multichannel amplifiers.

EVO PS benefits from some upgrades not found in the EVO X Lineup of Amplifiers, such as Conformal Coating, Upgraded electronical components internally, Gold Tracing on Circuit Boards and Tiffany Style RCA Connectors. These Amplifiers are Marine Grade, IP 64 Rated, Vibration and Corrosion Protection. Tommy Spears – National Sales/Marketing Director – SounDigital USA says “I am excited to be able to offer solutions for Powersports, Marine and the Jeep Market. Coming from a retail side, having great power and IP64 Rating that the EVO PS Offers, It’s exciting to be able to offer this solution to these markets for our retailers”

EVO PS was developed and designed with the wants and needs of our Retailers, catering to the specific solutions of all our customers in our Industry. Elias Ventura – Territory Manager for SounDigital USA says “We now have Amplifiers geared for Power Sports, Motorcycles, UTV’s, ATV’s and Boats. We got you covered, great sound, small size and big power”

SounDigital which manufactures and builds their amplifiers in Brazil acted on this. Diogo Iannaccone – CEO of SounDigital stated “You asked for this solution, we listened” after having had many requests from many Retailers in the US to bring back the old marine line.