AudioControl, the Experts in Designing Leading Audio Solutions, Enters the Subwoofer and Speaker Categories

CLEARWATER, FL (05.09.23) – AudioControl, the award-winning company with a 45+ year history of designing and building superb audio equipment from scratch, today announced it has officially entered the subwoofer and speaker categories. This allows car and music enthusiasts alike to overhaul their vehicles with a complete upgraded audio system.

AudioControl will now feature a full line of analog and digital signal processors for OEM and aftermarket audio systems with the newest additions; two lines of subwoofers and a line of speakers of various sizes.

Space Series, Big Bass in a Small Space

AudioControl’s Space series of subwoofers are built with a structurally rigid low-profile basket, providing the ultimate solution for deep, rich bass in a sleek, and slim design. Its fiber matrix injection molded polypropylene cone ensures durability for even the most rugged environments. They include a heavy-duty voice coil with thermal efficient cooling design to prevent overheating even when the music gets hot. The Space series provides the complete solution with removable metal subwoofer grille for protecting the precious sound cargo. Available in 10” and 12” sizes.

Spike Series, Bring Your Music to Life in Style 

Beautifully crafted to provide clear, precise bass for an immersive listening experience. These subwoofers feature a heavy-duty rigid basket for reduced resonance and distortion to ensure the cleanest possible bass output. An internally designed radial cooled motor enhances the life of the speaker, and high-excursion, double-stitched surround combined with a fiber matrix, mica coated paper cone produces ultra-low frequency output. A dual dust cap system for enclosure compression control, provides stability for better sound. Each Spike subwoofer comes with a protective grille to keep it safe from damage, so you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Available in 8”, 10”, and 12” sizes.

Pacific Northwest Speaker Series, Unleash a New Auditory Adventure

The Pacific Northwest is a music and tech nirvana. A region known for cool sound and earth-shattering innovation. That’s why it’s no surprise PNW is home to AudioControl, and the name of our new speaker line. The PNW line features an edge-enhanced steel frame for ultimate structural strength and a linear double-roll surround for precise cone movement ensuring the purest sound.

“This launch is the result of extensive technical research, precise design, and pure enthusiast development,” said Herb Brown, President of North America, AAMP Global (parent company of AudioControl). “The speakers and woofers capture what we feel AudioControl customers have grown to expect from this industry-leading brand. Our design team of audio specialists and developers labored over every small detail, down to the nomenclature which is a direct tie to its Seattle heritage.”

The new line of speakers and subwoofers can be seen and heard at the upcoming KnowledgeFest in Orlando, on Friday 19 – 21, May, booth #611. There will be 5 different training sessions where dealers can learn more about the capabilities of these new lines. Additionally, the products will be debuted on the Five Star Car Stereo Live Show on Monday 8 May at 6:30pm ET on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, watch the launch video here or visit audiocontrol.com/spike-and-space. Contact your local AudioControl rep to place an order today!

See the 12voltSTP Tool at Work Across the US

SHREVEPORT, LA (05.08.23) – In today’s world, and the 12volt world, it’s hard to find positive news. The 12volt News, and the 12volt Central Studios staffs, work to deliver positive industry news each business day. Creating the 12voltSTP Tool was another example of making it easy for industry members to deliver their company’s brand and activities to members of the 12volt industry.

The 2023 Rock The House 7-City Tour packed the house in Detroit at the first stop on May 4th.
Michael Foundation stopped the Throttle Monkey rig in Colorado for fuel and snacks during the 1750 mile trip to SoCal for a motorcycle audio competition.

The images below are examples of the 12volt STP Tool at work in just the last 5 days. There will be much more to come as coverage of the events will be expanded.

The 12volt STP Tool makes it easier than ever for industry members and companies to showcase positive activities and products. Snap..Txt..Presto.. your company’s positive news and activities could be in the news. 318-465-0844 is the number. With the advent of social media, Facebook and Instagram platforms became key vehicles to deliver information and news. The fact remains people still need, and look forward to, receiving positive news. That is also true for the business realm that includes the 12volt Industry.

Jeremy Foss connected dealers on their Jensen Journey on Sunday at the SSR Dealer Show in Dallas.

Today, a vast percentage of people spend hours and hours on their mobile devices each day. Reports are the average person spends 7 hours a day on their smartphone.

To deliver fresh industry news to members of the mobile electronics industry the 12volt Central Studios makes multiple posts on Instagram and Facebook each business day. The 12volt STP Tool was created in 2020 for members of the 12volt industry to send their news to the 12volt Central Studios. Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your positive news could be delivered to members of the 12volt industry.

Jeff Falk, PowerBass National Sales Manager, showed off the PS200 motorcycle handlebar speakers at the SSR Show in Dallas May 7th.
Snap. Text. Presto!

Look forward to seeing your company’s brand and activities with a 12voltSTP Tool in the 12volt News.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

The 2023 Rock The House 7-City Tour Kicked Off In Detroit On Thursday, May 4th

DETROIT, MI (05.05.23) – The Progressive Group powers the annual Rock The House Tour and the 2023 Tour got off to a fast start at the company’s Detroit facility. A very large tent provided ample space for a meeting area, area for tables for the Go Blue BBQ lunch plus a spot for “DJ Marlow The Entertainer” to entertain attendees with live performances…..protection too from the unpredictable Detroit weather.

As soon as the doors opened dealers were in the aisles checking out booths from nearly 3 dozen brands.
Dealers enjoy a delicious plate lunch from the Go Blue BBQ smoker in the background.
Smoked brisket is prepared for plate lunches by the Go Blue BBQ chef.
“DJ Marlow The Entertainment” set up his system under the tent and perform live for attendees.
 Check out this great custom Go Blue BBQ Smoker
The broad ATG (Audio To Go) product lineup it’s showcased on warehouse shelving.
Kenwood products ready for all to check out.

Jason Dubie, Director of Business-Midwest, related “Dealers started to arrive early and the action was still going strong late in the afternoon. Throughout the day dealers moved around the event enjoying drinks, picking up gift bags, keeping an ear out for raffles and taking advantage of specials. Connecting with our vendor staffs, fellow dealers and our team happened all day. When they smelled the Go Blue BBQ it was certainly time for a fresh, delicious BBQ plate lunch off the Go Blue BBQ smoker just outside the tent.”

In addition special companies AAMP, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate, VOXX and Wet Sounds were in the house throughout the event.

The next date on the 2023 Rock the House Tour will be May 11th with separate events in Salt Lake City and Denver.

Visit teamprogressive.com for more.

A+ Farm Supply Won The Big Money Show Grand Prize

ARLINGTON, TX (05.04.23) – The Tri-State Enterprise 2023 Big Money Show packed the company’s 490,000 Arlington facility on Saturday, April 15th. Over 120 vendors showcased their latest automotive aftermarket and 12volt products. Throughout the day attendees were waiting to see who would win the Big Money Grand Prize Cam-Am presented by Covercraft.

The expansive Big Money Show floor in the Tri-State Arlington TX HQ. The Covercraft Can-Am C3 is in the foreground.

Richard Albus, A+ Farm Supply in Munday TX, was one of the 3 tickets drawn for a chance to win the Can-Am Grand Prize. “All day I had a feeling we could win the Cam Am. As the time to select the winner I told friends I had a feeling. Each of the 3 people’s ticket drawn prize got a key to the Can-Am ignition. At that point we had a 1 in 3 chance to win. When the first two keys didn’t start the Can-Am I was totally shocked. I looked at my son Alan and family members in shock and then members of the crowd stated coming over to offer there congratulations. I certainly had never won anything like the Can-Am.

Richard Albus (C) with the key is flanked by his son Alan (R) and Tri-State Sales Representative James Broadway at the A+ store in Munday TX.

A+ Farm Supply, located 190 miles from Arlington in a rural community that serves the farming marketplace with a variety of supplies, tools, hardware and auto parts. A+ Farm Supply is celebrating over 13 years in business. “This was our first Tri-State show and we certainly saw a number of new items that our customers could certainly use. With timely shipping from Tri-State we generally receive orders the next day. We can add to our inventory selection without a big investment” Albus added.

A+ Farm Supply news in the Knox County newspaper. James Broadway (L) Tri-State with the A+ Farm Supply family Alan, Richard, Sondra, Cathy along with grand children Aria and Evie in the foreground.

Barry Beller, who works on the 12volt side at Tri-State related “Richard and Alan were so excited. Tri-State provided products that were add to the Can-Am including Hertz, Heise LED lighting from Metra and AudioFormz.”

The Can-Am Grand Prize was picked up by Richard Albus. Alan Albus has enjoyed driving the Cam-Am around Munday and spotlighting the prize at the A+ store.

The article in the local newspaper penned by Sondra Albus.

There was also an article published in the local newspaper ‘The Knox County News-Courier. Sondra Albus, who certainly had first hand knowledge, wrote the news paper article.

“A huge thank you from A+ Farm Supply to Tri-State for presenting the Big Money Show and to Covercraft for providing the Can-Am Grand Prize. The Tri-State Big Money Show was terrific and we look forward to the 2024 event” Richard Albus concluded.

Visit etristate.com for more.

Boating Industry Selects KICKER Marine Audio for “2023 Top Products Award”

STILLWATER, OK (05.02.23) – KICKER Marine Audio’s KMXL Horn Loaded Coaxial Speakers have been selected by the editors of Boating Industry Magazine as one of its “2023 Top Products Awards.” The annual awards, for 10 years, have selected 50 Top Products that represent “the marine industry’s newest and most innovative products and services to recently  hit the market.” All the winners are featured in the May issue of Boating Industry, a respected information source for marine industry decision makers. The magazine cites that the “…list of products differentiated themselves from the group for their impact on the industry, innovations and how they advance the product category…”

“This award from a key industry trade publication is especially important to us as it follows KICKER Marine Audio’s KMXL speakers also being chosen by Bonnier publications this year as one of its “Best Elex” winners,” said Jeremy Bale, Brand Manager. “We are so happy that the marine industry and consumers are seeing the quality of KICKER products through the eyes of respected experts,” he added.

The KMXL Coaxial Speakers expand on the technology previously introduced in KICKER Marine Audio’s KMFC and KMTC HLCD Horn Loaded Tower Systems. KICKER’s horn-loaded technology provides the most sonically accurate reproduction of sound, due to the geometry of the horn. A constantly changing cross-section from the horn’s driver to its flare eliminates problematic standing waves and resonances; this occurs in other horn-loaded speakers that have “straight section with flare” horn designs.

KICKER Marine Audio actually compressed  this technological design for the coaxial speaker market so that all boats and boaters, not just those with tower systems and cone enclosures can enjoy the same clear, crisp and bass-laden sound that KICKER is known for delivering. The KMXL speakers come in 3 sizes:  KMXL65 (6.5”) KMXL8 (8”) and the KMXL69 (6×9”). Each has been tested to run all day at Recommended Amplifier Power (RMS) from 15-250 watts, so play it loud and proud with KICKER Marine Audio!

As with all KICKER Marine Audio coaxial speakers, the KMXL speaker grills are notched for moisture draining, are salt fog and UV tested and certified to withstand the harsh marine environment and come in both charcoal and white to match the boat interior. Speaker hardware is rustproof 316L stainless steel for years of durability and neodymium magnet in the motor assembly are lightweight, yet powerful.

KICKER Marine Audio’s design ethic, “Real Marine” aims to raise the standard of all marine audio as the company’s goal is to provide dependability, durability and the best customer service in the industry.

See more: KMXL horn-loaded coaxial loudspeakers. UMAP:  $649.99-$869.99  

Hello May… From the 12Volt Central Studios

SHEVEPORT, LA (05.01.23) – Hello May… Goodbye Hospital Rehab!

On Monday Morning, April 3rd, we were excited to get the week and April started in the 12volt Central Studios. At 10:30 plans changed quickly after a fall, ambulance ride and hip surgery at 4 that afternoon. Was released from hospital rehab on Thursday April 27th. Seemed like forever.

During that timeframe posts continued to be made each day as we delivered fresh industry news from Room 109 in between PT sessions.

Now we are excited to start another new month but we still working remotely with in-home rehab.

Looking forward the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 222 is scheduled to roll on Friday, May 14th.

We thank all for their kind words, understanding and look forward to putting the 12volt Central Studios into overdrive…Starting today, Monday May 1st.

Always more at 12voltnews.com.

Tint World Opens in Buda, Celebrates More Than 20 Texas Franchises

AUSTIN, TX (04.28.23) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced the opening of its new location in Buda, Texas.

Tint World Buda, owned by military veteran Jason Gerstenhaber, introduces drivers throughout the South Austin-San Marcos metropolitan area to premium automotive aftermarket performance and style accessories and services, including the industry’s most reliable window-tinting solutions.

“Buda is one of the Austin-area’s fastest growing suburbs, and as more families and individuals move in, the demand for automotive solutions will only increase,” Gerstenhaber said. “Tint World Buda is a trustworthy, locally owned business that our growing number of neighbors can rely on for everything from ultra-premium window tint, paint protection film, and Nano Ceramic Coatings to audio and video, performance upgrades, and even safety and security technology. We’re proud to have a team of highly trained professional technicians and installers to take care of our customers, and we look forward to serving drivers throughout the South Austin region.”

Tint World Buda, located at 118 Trademark St #502, Buda, Texas 78610, serves South Austin, Kyle, Wimberly, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Lockhart, Mountain City, Reedville, Maxwell and Uhland. To book an appointment, request a quote, or find out more about the store and its products and services, call (512) 201-4016 or visit https://www.tintworld.com/locations/tx/buda-096/.

“Jason brings tremendous vision and experience to our growing network of Tint World stores across Texas, and he’s a valuable addition to the Tint World family as a whole,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We’re proud to have him and other veteran franchisees as part of our franchise system. Through his service, Jason has demonstrated that he has exceptional dedication and discipline, and we’re confident he’ll lean on our world-class franchisee support to deliver the best customer service and automotive solutions to his market.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

The Differences Between the SEMA Show and SEMA Fest

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.27.23) – At last year’s Industry Awards Banquet, SEMA introduced SEMA Fest, an enthusiast-focused experience that connects automotive enthusiasts with the aftermarket industry for a celebration of car culture and automotive lifestyle. Combined with the SEMA Show and officially called SEMA Week, the goal of the expansion is to create the most exciting automotive event in the world.

During the planned five-year rollout period and beyond, SEMA will remain dedicated to producing the annual SEMA Show–the premier automotive trade show that puts the latest products from top companies in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers representing every segment of the specialty-equipment industry. Companies that would like to exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show provides exhibitors with the aftermarket’s most valuable venue for creating more business, expanding brand awareness, introducing new products and engaging with automotive professionals.

Open to the automotive trade, the 2023 SEMA Show will take place Tuesday-Friday, October 31-November 3. For more information on the 2023 SEMA Show or to exhibit, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA Fest is an enthusiast-focused event that is open to everyone, including automotive enthusiasts and professionals. The two-day celebration will be held at a separate venue–the Las Vegas Festival Grounds–Friday and Saturday, November 3-4.

The festival will feature music and entertainment, craft food, automotive celebrities, drifting competitions, freestyle motocross and the world’s most innovative and advanced custom vehicles.

To register for SEMA Fest or for more information, visit SEMAFest.com.

Alpine to Attend the Annual Jeep Beach Vendor Show

AUBURN HILLS, MI (04.26.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the 2023 Jeep Beach Vendor Show at the Daytona International Speedway in booth 402 from Friday, April 28 to Saturday, April 29 where they will have vehicle-specific products designed uniquely for the Jeep® driver.

Two Alpine 2018 Jeep® Wrangler demo vehicles will be on-site, featuring the i509-WRA-JL, a 9-inch Weather-Resistant Digital Media Receiver with Hi-Res Audio Playback. The unit was intentionally designed with the Jeep® driver in mind to visually emulate the design identity of the Jeep®interior and retain the features Jeep® drivers use the most. Other features, like wireless and wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Hi-Resolution Playback (96kHz/ 24Bit), and one of the industry-first SiriusXM-Ready® head units enhanced with 360L and Hi-Res music streaming with TIDAL, make this the ultimate upgrade for the Jeep® driver.

A premium Dash Camera DVR-C320R with built-in drive assist and impact recording will also be installed to showcase the head unit pairing capabilities of the i509-WRA-JL. An Alpine PSS-24WRA sound system, with front 6.5” component speakers, 6.5” rear custom soundbar replacement speakers, 8” compact powered subwoofer, and 4-channel amplifier will be featured for in-vehicle sound upgrade demonstrations as well as an Alpine Weather-Resistant PSS-SX01 Sound System mounted to the roll bars to demonstrate exterior sound upgrade opportunities.

Alpine’s 2015 Jeep® Wrangler will also be on-site with similar Jeep® specific solutions designed for older Jeep® Wranglers, including the i509-WRA-JK, DVR-C320R, PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System, PSS-SX01, and HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Rear-View Camera and Light System.

Two Alpine-customized Jeeps will also be onsite to demonstrate the music-loving active weekender lifestyle of the Jeep® driver. “Hellbender,” Alpine’s 2017 Jeep® Wrangler, features a tee shirt cannon and custom-built motorized sled that pulls out from the rear of the vehicle to reveal two custom black Alpine I.C.E. Coolers.

An airconditioned Alpine Event Trailer will be parked on-site at the booth for visitors who want to chat with Alpine event staff and experience the latest vehicle-specific technology.

All Alpine products are available for purchase during the event with special, event-only pricing and free giveaways. Alpine staff and Alpine Authorized Retailer Soudwaves will be on-site to give vehicle demonstrations, answer product questions, and offer on-site installation so customers can drive home with their Alpine purchase installed in their Jeep®

Visit alpine-usa.com and jeepbeach.com for more.

Oracle Lighting’s New Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco Now Shipping

METAIRIE, LA (04.25.23) – Oracle Lighting is proud to announce its new patented Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco (p/n 5886-001/005/0023) is now shipping with an MSRP of $789.95.

“Our new Oculus™ Bi-LED Projector Headlights features a unique modular design, easy plug-and-play installation, and advanced LED projection with 5,200 Lumens of high-quality illumination for enhanced driver visibility in all weather conditions,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “The Oculus headlight is compatible with both the standard and signature Bronco lighting models.”

These headlights include precision LED lighting projector for optimum light distribution and beam angle and installs using original mounting hardware and headlight wiring without requiring additional relays or harnesses. Halo is available in White or Amber LED and features more than 200 bright LEDs for a vivid lighting impact.

“These all-new headlamps provide enhanced driver visibility with increased and focused LED light output,” Hartenstein continued. “It features a high-precision sharp cut-off line which reduces glare and prevents blinding oncoming traffic even when installed on lifted Broncos. The package also includes a tool for easy beam angle adjustability.”

The new modular design allows separate components (turn signal, marker lights, and mounting tabs) to be installed independently and provides a smaller packaging size for lower shipping costs for the end user and prevents possible shipping damage. The modular design also allows for these individual components to be replaced or upgraded down the road when future options are available.

“It is undeniably important to implement proper thermal management tools for high-performance LEDs to operate with reliability in various environments,” Hartenstein explained. “Oculus utilizes both active and passive cooling methods to sustain low LED temperatures. Remote mounted heat sinks and an internal cooling fan work in conjunction to insure proper temperature control and longevity of the LEDs.”

Light focus is very important for not only driver safety but others on the road that can potentially have their vision obstructed by glare. This is especially significant on lifted vehicles where the light source is raised and, in a position, to interfere with the field of vision of other drivers. These new Oculus headlights feature a very sharp cut-off line and focus light with precision specifically to avoid such issues.

Additional product specifications include:
• Headlight Wattage: 36W each
• Total Lumens: 5200LM
• Headlight Color Temp: 5500K (Pure White)
• Halo Color: Optional White or Amber LED or Amber/White Switchback
• Certification: DOT SAE 5839-504 HL VOR 19
• Patented Design: USPTO Patent D 877,404
• Designed and developed in the USA
• Warranty: 2 years

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive aftermarket since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com.