Automotive Entertainment OC Hands-On Build & Testing Program

Posted on April 29, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

HUNTINGTON BEACH CA (04.29.26) This is a highly immersive fabrication environment where attendees will actively participate in building and testing multiple enclosure designs throughout the course.

Participants will:

Design and model multiple subwoofer enclosure configurations
Build and assemble multiple working enclosures
Test and evaluate output performance and efficiency across different designs
Compare acoustic response characteristics in real-time using measurement tools

In previous training sessions, over 25 different enclosure designs were built and tested, providing participants with direct exposure to how design variables affect output, response, and efficiency.

Group discussions get all engaged.

Performance validation is conducted using Term-PRO measurement systems, allowing attendees to analyze real output data and refine design decisions based on measurable results.

Industry Collaboration & Equipment Access

This training is co-sponsored by DB Drive, Trulli Audio, and Exile Audio, whose contributions in providing amplifiers, drivers, and system components help support a fully hands-on, production-level training environment.

A wooden speaker box with four circular openings is being held in the trunk of a car. — ***Testing for the exact fit is very important.***

Attendees will work directly with supplied equipment throughout the course, gaining real-world experience tuning and evaluating systems under load.

As part of the testing program, participants will also evaluate the performance of the new Trulli Audio TD-19 19-inch subwoofer platform, installed and tested in multiple enclosure configurations under controlled conditions.

Training Environment

This is a high-intensity fabrication and design workshop, not a lecture-based course.

Attendees should expect:

Active CNC machining and woodworking
Full enclosure assembly and fabrication work
Continuous measurement and testing cycles
Collaborative design iteration sessions

Work clothing is strongly recommended, as the environment is production-focused and involves extensive hands-on fabrication.

A young person standing beside a display of wooden speaker boxes in various sizes and shapes, with a large circular speaker prominently featured. — ***During the HB sessions, many different enclosures are put together.***

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will have practical experience in:

Designing high-efficiency subwoofer enclosures from scratch
Controlling airflow, port tuning, and acoustic response
Translating CAD designs into CNC-ready production files
Building and testing multiple enclosure systems
Interpreting real performance data to refine design decisions
Improving consistency and repeatability in fabrication workflows

A partially assembled wooden structure with multiple circular cutouts and compartments, designed for storage or display. — ***Complicated Extreme enclosures are also projects on the HB hands-on training schedule.***

Event Details & Registration

The training will take place at Automotive Entertainment OC’s Huntington Beach facility from May 1–3, 2026.

Due to the hands-on nature of the program, seating is strictly limited to ensure direct instructor access and workshop efficiency.

Registration is now open.

For more information or to reserve a seat: 📞 714-848-8489 📧 customerservice@ae-hb.com

BOSS Elite Names Carolyn Jackman Senior Brand Manager

Posted on April 29, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

OXNARD, CA (04.29.26) – BOSS Audio Systems is proud to announce it has named Carolyn Jackman Senior Brand Manager for its BOSS Elite and associated lines, effective immediately.

“Over the past few years, BOSS Elite has continually rolled out new top tier products across our speaker, amplifier, and source unit lines, gaining additional traction and a dedicated following across the country,” explained Co-CEO Navid Farhand. “As such, we need to have a team in place that is dedicated to ensuring that our products and messaging meet these ever advancing goals. We are proud to bring Carolyn on board as her successful and diverse marketing track record speaks for itself in the consumer electronics market.”

Woman with long dark hair, wearing a pink shirt and multiple strands of pearl necklaces, smiling against a plain white background. — **Carolyn Jackman, Senior Brand Manager**

Jackman is a seasoned marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience, most notably as a marketing leader with Samsung Electronics of America. Known for her results-driven approach, she blends strategic insight with meticulous execution to design and deliver high-impact marketing initiatives across a multitude of channels.

“BOSS Elite truly listens to our dealers and reps, and as a result we have unveiled and rolled out our new and refreshed product lineup that bring together sophisticated features with real-world performance,” said Jackman. “This initiative has been incredibly well received by our retail partners and customers alike. I am excited to build upon this success and continue to bring the Elite brand to an even broader customer base in both the short and long term.”

For more information about B.I.G. or to become a dealer, please visit sales.bossinternationalgroup.com.

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

Q-SERIES AMPLIFIERS SET THE BAR.

Posted on April 29, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

Push power to the limit. Feel the details through Q performance.

(4-29-26) The ALL-NEW Q-Series amplifier lineup is engineered for enthusiasts and installers who expect more from their audio system. Designed as the flagship amplifier line, Q-Series delivers the perfect balance of high-efficiency power, advanced signal processing, and precision tuning capability. PUSH YOUR AUDIO with Q-POWER.

Close-up view of a QA1-900.6DSP 900 watt 6-channel digital signal processor amplifier with illuminated circuitry.

The QA1-900.6D Q‑Series 900-watt 6‑channel DSP amplifier is a powerful multi-channel amplifier built to run an entire system with integrated DSP control. With six channels of clean output and advanced digital tuning capability, get ready to maximize overall sound quality and system performance.

The built-in DSP equalizer allows for precise tuning with both Parametric and Graphic EQ options. The Parametric mode offers fully variable frequency customization.

A black MB Quart audio controller featuring a digital display with a blue numeric readout, a knob for adjustment, and several control buttons.

Image showing the back panel of an audio equipment with multiple input and output ports.

Close-up view of a QA1-1500.1D 1500 watt class-D mono-block amplifier with illuminated circuitry and components.

For dedicated low-frequency authority, the QA1-1500.1D Q‑Series 1500-watt monoblock amplifier delivers massive power for subwoofer systems that demand serious output.

Designed for total efficiency and stability, this monoblock amplifier provides undistorted, clean power needed to drive high-performance subwoofers while maintaining a tight, controlled bass response.

A close-up of a compact, black audio control unit with a prominent knob on top.

Close-up view of electronic components illuminated with red lighting, featuring cylindrical batteries and a round metallic object.

Serious power deserves more control. Feel your audio like never before, innovated through Q performance with the Q Series.
Cleaner sound. Stronger bass. Total system control.

SOUNDCRAFTERS AT JEEP BEACH 2026

Posted on April 28, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

Daytona Beach Florida (04.28.26) – Two beautiful spring days set the stage last week at Jeep Beach, with a light rain holding off until after the event concluded. Soundcrafters, Daytona Beach’s Car Audio Powerhouse returned to Jeep Beach with a markedly different approach this year.

Soundcrafters principal, Paul Papadeas, explained: “Our first Jeep Beach event was seven years ago. We moved our entire shop to the event, showcasing multiple brands in Jeeps on display, while selling, then installing, in the NASCAR Garages. This year was different; we focused exclusively on Rockford Fosgate Jeep systems.”

In prior years, presenting multiple brands required extensive consultation and system design. This year, the focus shifted to Rockford Fosgate’s Stage 3 and Stage 5 systems, engineered and pre-tuned specifically for Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. With systems already acoustically optimized using integrated DSP, the traditional design phase was virtually eliminated.

A lineup of modified trucks and SUVs displayed under branded tents at an outdoor event, with clear blue skies and asphalt ground. — ***The Soundcrafters set up was designed to focus on Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 and Stage 5 systems for Jeeps.***

By simplifying the process and offering a single, purpose-built solution, customers made faster decisions, and overall ticket values increased. As Papadeas noted, “When customers get bogged down in design choices, it can slow decision-making. This streamlined approach made everything more efficient.”

A group of six men posing together at a trade show, standing in front of large cardboard boxes labeled with automotive branding. — The crew on site featured Gregg, Bill and Bjorn members of Team Progressive/Rockford Fosgate
on the left with Jake, Anthony and Torrey from SOUNDCRAFTERS on the right.

Sales efforts were supported by two Rockford Fosgate representatives and one regional manager. Three demo Jeeps showcased both Stage 3 and Stage 5 systems for attendees to hear.

For more information on Stage 3 and Stage 5 Jeep systems, visit RockfordFosgate.com. To learn more about the event, visit JeepBeach.com. To connect with nearly five decades of car audio expertise, visit Soundcraftersdb.com or call 386-761-8800.

KICKER Named as Official Technical Partner for 2026 RallyX Season

Posted on April 28, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

STILLWATER, USA (4-28-26)– RallyX officials are pleased to welcome KICKER as an official Technical Partner of the series, producing the EV Powertrain Sound System for the First Corner FC1 that competes in RallyX Americas’ Hypercar class. As part of the agreement, KICKER will provide RallyX with systems and technical support required to produce the cutting-edge sound for the Hypercar division, bringing heart-pounding sound to the fans completing a thrilling race experience.

“KICKER is thrilled to be part of the inaugural RallyX Americas season delivering the EV Powertrain Sound System,” said Jimmo Ozment, Director of Product Strategy for KICKER. “Developing the sound of the FC1 has been an exciting experience, and one that allows us to take our decades of expertise in acoustic design and apply it in a whole new way to the sound of the vehicles themselves. We’re looking forward to showing rallycross fans how powerful the Hypercar class can sound at this year’s events!”

“KICKER has been a fantastic partner in all aspects of the development for the FC1, and we’re excited to officially welcome them as a Technical Partner of RallyX 2026,” said RallyX founder Andreas Eriksson. “Drivers and fans alike have made clear that sound is a crucial part of rallycross, and KICKER has done their part to ensure that we don’t sacrifice that in our Hypercar class. With their support, the EV Powertrain Sound System will take our cars and events to the next level of excitement.”

The KICKER brand has regularly been seen on FC1s fielded in competition by Olsbergs MSE, including in RallyX Americas’ inaugural demonstration race at Crandon International Raceway last summer with Kevin Eriksson behind the wheel. The EV Powertrain Sound System delivers upwards of 120 decibels of custom-designed sound from the FC1, giving fans the visceral sensory experience they crave from top-level rallycross competition.

A yellow rally car jumps off a ramp with mountains in the background, showcasing extreme motorsport action.

The inaugural RallyX Americas season begins on June 20-21 at Crandon International Raceway in Wisconsin, followed by stops at Eldora Speedway in Ohio on June 27-28 and Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières in Quebec on August 22-23. Additional exhibition events will be held at Crandon on Labor Day weekend, and the inaugural RallyX Global Final will take place at Portugal’s Montalegre Circuit on October 24-25.

For more information on RallyX Americas, visit www.rallyxamericas.com or email info@rallyxamericas.com .

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.®, are available for the mobile- and home-audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for boat and automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com.

2026 dBDRA Finals Schedule Announcement

Posted on April 28, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

AUSTIN, TX (4-28-26) The dB Drag Racing Association (dBDRA) has officially released the schedule and qualification requirements for the 2026 Finals. The upcoming season finale events will feature locations in both Europe and North America, providing a premier place for elite competitors to showcase their builds.

NORTH AMERICAN FINALS

Dates: October 3–4, 2026
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN

In a continued collaborative effort to support the car audio community, dBDRA, IASCA, and ISPLL will host their 2026 Finals concurrently at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This partnership brings three premier sanctioning bodies together under one roof, providing a unified venue for the top SPL competitors.

By co-locating these season finales, the organizations offer a centralized destination that highlights the full spectrum of the sport—from music-focused builds to extreme, custom high-SPL vehicles. This co-location streamlines logistics for competitors participating in multiple organizations and creates a high-impact environment for industry sponsors and fans. The expansive space at the Fairgrounds ensures a professional atmosphere, giving competitors the ultimate environment to hit the lanes and put their builds to the test.

Satellite Locations: A satellite venue is planned for Alberta, Canada. The dBDRA will assess the need for additional venues based on participation levels.
Sponsorships: Companies interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities may contact: marketing@termpro.com or call 512-377-1055.

EURO FINALS

Dates: September 19–20, 2026
Location: Montichiari, Italy

The dB Drag Racing Euro Finals will be held in conjunction with the Festival dei Motori at the Centro Fiera del Garda. This venue offers an exceptional environment for competitors, sponsors, and enthusiasts to gather for the final European event of the season.

Sponsorship/Booths: Companies interested in securing a booth or exploring sponsorship opportunities may contact the event coordinators directly:

Maxx Grassi: maxx@b2audio.it
Yiannis Lekkas: prez@dbdragracing.gr
Bine Zupan: bine.zupan@gmail.com

FINALS QUALIFICATIONS

To earn a spot in the lanes at either of the 2026 Finals, competitors must meet the following criteria:

POINTS: 50 points are required for each specific format in which a competitor intends to compete.
MEMBERSHIP: Competitors must hold a valid 2026 dB Drag Racing membership.
DB DRAG RACING FORMAT: A certified score (2X or 3X) is required in the specific vehicle being used for the Finals.
ADDITIONAL FORMATS: For Top Dog, Bass Race, Freestyle, and Psychlone, competitors must compete in at least one Multi-Point Event during the 2026 season.
EXTREME DIVISION: The 50-point requirement is waived for Extreme classes; however, the vehicle must have a certified score (2X or 3X) on record for the season.

Promotional graphic for the 2026 dB Drag Racing Extreme SPL Finals, featuring a modified car with large speakers and event details including the dates for the Euro Finals and North American Finals.

KICKER Went Way Overboard At Desert Storm 2026

Posted on April 27, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

LAKE HAVASU AZ (04.27.26) KICKER and the team were onsite with the KICKER XRV, RZR and so much more as a presenting sponsor of the 2026 event. This was the 10th year with KICKER participating in Desert Storm. KICKER first started at Desert Storm with a 10×20 booth with River Dave and Wired 4 Sound. The last 7 years KICKER has been onsite as the Top Sponsor with a much, much larger presence at the downtown Street Festival and on the lake boat parades through the days and dockside evenings Friday and Saturday.

Jeremy Wynn related “The Desert Storm Party got off to a great start on a beautiful Thursday. All setup was done on Wednesday and the KICKER booth and area was packed with people until Saturday’s closing bell. The KICKER XRV is a magnet at events and the BoomRoom was full for demos non-stop. The evening street parades with amazing boats and dockside events lasted into the night.” Jeremy is Promotions and Event Manager.

A bright red boat displayed in front of a KICKER performance audio booth with promotional signage, surrounded by vehicles and under a clear blue sky. — ***Early morning setup began.***

Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media, is on site at many KICKER consumer events…including Desert Storm. Morrell related “The attendance at this year’s Desert Storm definitely showed an increase from last year. This year the KICKER XRV was on a prime spot up people were talking about it across the huge venue. With the street parades and action on the water KICKER was definitely ‘Livin’Loud’!

Outdoor event with a red boat and a black truck, featuring Kicker branding. People are interacting near the display, with banners in the background. — ***When the event opened on Thursday morning soon, people were checking out the KICKER setup***

“Massive is the only word for Desert Storm 2026” Morrell stated.

A busy river scene with multiple boats and people enjoying a sunny day. Palm trees line the shore, and several tents can be seen on the banks. — ***This is just a small portion of the thousands of boat enthusiasts having fun.***

Aerial view of a crowded street filled with people walking, surrounded by vendor tents and parked vehicles. — ***Streets in Havasu were blocked off for thousands of people to check out the boats.***

Tracy Focht, Western Regional was on site with Bobby Flores from Murfco and they spent time across KICKER activities plus connecting with area retailers who attended Desert Storm 2026.

A group of men on a stylish black boat with red LED lights, set against a dusk background. One man is holding a phone while another stands beside him. — ***At dusk Lorin Morrell was filming the parade in the Elite Audio pontoon boat. The boat was playing the national anthem and people paused for blocks in honor.***

The Anderson Powersports Desert Storm 4-Day event schedule featured the Krusin’ 4A Kause & Kick Off Party, IHRA Street Party, Go Lake Havasu Parade Of Power Anderson Powersports Desert Storm Poker Run and Shugrue’s Shootout.

A large crowd of people walking along a street during the night, with palm trees and colorful lights in the background. — ***The street parades lasted into the night.***

From the first night kick-off vendor party, to the hustle of the street party and the family atmosphere throughout the event Desert Storm 2026 at Lake Havasu City was amazing. Lasting friendships were created with extended families at Desert Storm. At Desert Storm 2026 KICKER went overboard and was definitely Livin’Loud. The KICKER branding was very impressive for all at the event. All are looking forward to Desert Storm 2027.

Aerial view of a vibrant blue lake filled with numerous boats and recreational watercraft, surrounded by sandy beaches and palm trees. — ***This image from above shows the scope of the Desert Storm action that will return in 2027.***

Visit kicker.com for more.

IASCA Announces 2026 SPL World Finals in Indianapolis, West Coast Satellite Event, and Sound Quality World Finals at AXPONA

Posted on April 27, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry News.

East Wenatchee, WA (April 27, 2026)— The International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) is proud to announce the 2026 IASCA SPL World Finals, taking place October 3–4 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Indianapolis. This premier event will bring together the world’s top competitors in sound pressure level (SPL) competition for an action-packed weekend of record-breaking performances and elite-level car audio competition.

Front view of Exposition Hall, a brick building with large glass doors and a green roof, set against a partly cloudy sky.

The 2026 World Finals will feature IASCA SPL competition alongside dB Drag Racing Association (dBDRA) and ISPLL (International Sound Pressure League), creating one of the most comprehensive and competitive SPL events in the world. Competitors and fans alike can expect an electrifying atmosphere, cutting-edge builds, and some of the loudest vehicles ever assembled.

In addition to the main event, IASCA will host a West Coast Satellite Event on September 27, 2026, at the Oregon State Fairgrounds Expo Pavilion in Salem, Oregon. This satellite competition offers West Coast competitors an opportunity to qualify, compete, and showcase their systems ahead of the World Finals, while expanding access to IASCA’s global competition platform.

Front view of a modern building with a large arched entrance, flanked by two colorful flags and surrounded by greenery on a sunny day.

Looking ahead, IASCA has also confirmed that the 2026 IASCA Sound Quality (SQ) World Finals will take place during AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), April 9–11, 2027, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois. This collaboration continues IASCA’s successful integration of in-car sound quality competition within one of North America’s premier high-end audio events.

A lineup of various cars displayed at an indoor event, featuring vehicles in different colors and styles, along with a promotional banner.

“These events represent the pinnacle of car audio competition,” said IASCA leadership. “By partnering with dB Drag Racing, ISPLL, and AXPONA, we’re creating unmatched experiences for competitors and fans while continuing to grow the global car audio community.”

IASCA SPL World Finals West Coast Satellite Event
September 27, 2026
Oregon State Fairgrounds –Pavilion
Salem, Oregon

IASCA SPL World Finals
October 3–4, 2026
Indiana State Fairgrounds – Expo Hall
Indianapolis, Indiana

IASCA Sound Quality World Finals (at AXPONA)
April 9–11, 2027
Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center
Schaumburg, Illinois

IASCA: www.iasca.com

dBDRA: www.termpro.com

ISPLL: www.ispll.com

NEW ZWAGZ Flash Safety Lighting for Ford Has Arrived

Posted on April 27, 2026 by slaytonja in Industry.

Palm Beach FL (4-27-2026) The ZW-FMV is a BCM-connected, plug-and-play module that allows installers to activate multiple flash patterns through the vehicle’s OEM lighting system, delivering a clean, factory-integrated solution without complex wiring.

Advertisement for the all-new ZW-FMV featuring a Ford Bronco with a play button overlay, set against a bright yellow background.

Announcement of the ZW-FMV lighting product release for select Ford vehicles by Z22.

Installed directly at the Body Control Module (BCM) with a simple power and ground connection, the ZW-FMV enables fast, efficient installs while maintaining OEM integrity. Flash patterns are easily controlled using the high-beam lever, with additional activation options including a push button or upfitter wire trigger for fleet and commercial applications.

Key features of a lighting system including multiple flash patterns, plug and play installation, push button and upfitter wire activation, easy control with OEM high-beam lever, outputs mimic flash patterns for external lighting, and a one-year warranty.

Image displaying Ford compatibility with various models: Escape (2020-2025), Bronco Sport (2021-2025), Maverick (2022-2025), Mach-E (2021-2025), and Transit Connect (2019-2025) on a yellow background.

The ZW-FMV is available now through ZZ2 and authorized dealers.

For ordering, dealer inquiries, or support, contact your ZZ2 sales representative or visit:

Enhance the driving experience by adding convenience and safety features that your customers will love.

Wishing Mike Beyersdoerfer Many Happy Years On The Retirement Road

Posted on April 26, 2026 by slaytonja in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (04.26.26) As many people know Mike Beyersdoerfer retired on March 31, 2026 capping a 56 year career that included time spent in four industries… Consumer Electronics, Motorcycle, Automotive Aftermarket and RV. Mike’s very successful 56 year career was built on connecting with members all across those industries.

Below are a number of images with Mike and friends in retailer’s stores… And all with a smile.