STILLWATER, OK (09.15.2021) – Citing reasons that relate to the current pandemic, KICKER is announcing its choice to cancel plans to exhibit live at November’s annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
KICKER had planned a booth showcasing product, demo vehicles and celebrity appearances for attendees prior to this week’s decision. The mobile-audio company has also decided to suspend all corporate travel and events through December.
“Management continues to make the health and well-being of our employees and customers the top priority,” said Kevin Campbell, Director of Global Marketing. “This is a tough decision, but one we feel must be made.”
Before this decision, KICKER Corporate had plans to attend the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, Calif., and MERA KnowledgeFest in Dallas, along with the SEMA Show. In August, KICKER had canceled its appearance at Dallas KnowledgeFest, just prior to the event itself postponing until December.
No further details are available at present time. If more information should become available, KICKER will provide it as warranted.
CLEARWATER, FL (09.14.2021) – PAC has launched a full series of high-voltage line output converters under the brand name LOCPRO AVANCED, enabling installers to add aftermarket amplifiers to OEM head units, which is particularly important in today’s market. The line showcases PAC’s legacy of advanced technology, by featuring incredible input power capabilities, enhanced output controls and noise isolation countermeasures.
The line includes a 1-series (LPA-1.2 and LPA-1.4) which handles up to 20V input and a 2-series (LPA-2.2 and LPA-2.4) and E-series (LPA-E.4) that handle up to 40V.
The benefits of LOCPRO ADVANCED’s line output converters include:
On-board load resistors selection
High input power
Auto turn-on with wide range DC offset
Durable housing
Single stereo gain control
Up to 9.5V of output voltage
Turn-on mode (remote and DC)
Selectable ground isolation
Additional features for the 2-series:
40V input power
Low pass filter
Bass boost
Removable quick connectors with screw type terminal
Optional Remote level controller (LPA-REM)
Additional features for the E-series:
Aluminum housing to increase thermal dissipation efficiency
2 or 4 Input channel selection
Retains fader 4-ch in/out
Selectable turn on mode
Includes the remote level controller (LPA-REM)
For more information contact your local PAC sales representative or visit www.pac-integrate.com. If you are interested in becoming an authorized PAC dealer, contact the Global Headquarters, AAMP Global.
HOLLY HILL, FL (09.14.2021) – Metra Marine by Metra Electronics is launching new amplifier wiring kits, individual accent lights, and accent lighting kits for boats at the 2021 International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). Drawing on Metra’s expertise in high-performance automotive audio and lighting accessories, the Metra Marine line delivers four new amplifier wiring kits, six new accent lights, and two new accent lighting kits designed for the demands of boating.
Metra Marine’s new amplifier wiring kits feature fully tinned oxygen-free wire in a BC5W2 marine compliant jacket. Benefits to using tinned copper wire versus bare copper wire are that it won’t corrode, oxidize and turn green, and it’s easy to solder. Metra uses 100% virgin oxygen-free copper, which ensures that the tin doesn’t flake off from the copper, commonly seen when using recycled copper. While it is also common to tin just the tips of the wire for cost savings, this practice does not actually provide any benefits. Metra’s amp kits use fully tinned copper wire from top to bottom to ensure a reliable connection that can withstand a harsh marine environment and salty air. The ignition-protected circuit breaker is IP67 rated with stainless steel connection points for corrosion resistance. Included in the kits are: ● A four or eight gauge tinned oxygen-free copper siamese red power and yellow ground wire (10 or 20 feet) ● 18-gauge tinned oxygen-free copper blue remote turn-on wire (18 feet) ● Connectors, ring terminals, and wire ties ● Ignition protected circuit breaker (50-amp or 100-amp)
The amplifier kits will be available soon and come in two different gauge and length options as follows: ML-AK8-10: 8 AWG Amp Kit (10 feet) ML-AK8-20: 8 AWG Amp Kit (20 feet) ML-AK4-10: 4 AWG Amp Kit (10 feet) ML-AK4-20: 4 AWG Amp Kit (20 feet)
For boat lighting, Metra Marine’s new accent lights are designed to illuminate the livewell, deck, storage section, and other areas of a boat. The IP67 rated lights have durable weather-resistant enclosures to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion. The low current draw of the LEDs reduces strain on the battery and the kits feature corrosion-resistant tinned wires and include installation hardware. Two new kits include six mini stainless steel cover accent lights and three larger utility lights with high-impact plastic in blue or white LED colors. The lights are also available individually in blue or white LEDs, with either a chrome plastic bezel enclosure, clear plastic bezel enclosure, or stainless steel bezel enclosure.
All of the Metra Marine accent lights are in stock now: ML-ALCK9-W: White LED Accent Lighting Kit (9 Lights) ML-ALCK9-B: Blue LED Accent Lighting Kit (9 Lights) ML-AL2SS-W: White 2-LED Accent Light – Stainless Steel Bezel ML-AL2SS-B: Blue 2-LED Accent Light – Stainless Steel Bezel ML-AL2CL-W: White 2-LED Accent Light – Clear Plastic Bezel ML-AL2CL-B: Blue 2-LED Accent Light – Clear Plastic Bezel ML-AL4CL-W: White 4-LED Accent Light – Chrome Plastic Bezel ML-AL4CL-B: Blue 4-LED Accent Light – Chrome Plastic Bezel
Metra will be at booth #3-1918 at IBEX, a trade-only show for the marine industry, held September 28-30 at the Tampa Convention Center. Additional marine products from their line can be seen at MetraMarine.com.
DES MOINES, IA (09.13.2021) – “I am pleased to announce we have hired a new Territory Manager for the Mountain States area. Craig comes to us from the Omaha area with extensive retail background in 12-Volt. He has owned his own business, managed retail locations and installation bays for several reputable 12-Volt stores. I look forward to personally introducing him in the territory in the very near future!” – Tom Kolar, Vice President of Sales and Marketing – 12-Volt Division.
Craig McGinnis
Craig has been in the 12-Volt industry for over 22 years; he’s worked in the bay and has been managing shops for 9 years. He’s done everything from SPL cars to full-blown SEMA and CES builds. For the past 5 years, Craig has shifted his focus to integration aspect of the business including building some amazing sound quality vehicles using advanced tuning utilizing DSP processing. He is looking forward to getting out of the bay and helping others with his many years of experience.
When Craig isn’t working on remote starts and building cars, he’s binge-watching shows with his fiancé and dogs. They enjoy going to the Caribbean and sipping on fine tequilas and good Caribbean rum.
“I’m looking forward to checking out all your stores and meeting with all of you.” – Craig McGinnis – Territory Sales Manager – Omaha, Nebraska.
For inquiries regarding Mid-State Distributing-12-Volt Division, please contact Tom Kolar at t.kolar@m-state.com or 800-798-5965 x 661 at the Omaha Branch.
DANIA BEACH, FL (09.10.2021) – HKI USA INC the exclusive U.S. distributor of Ground Zero, SounDigital and Four Connect audio products is proud to add another industry veteran to its growing team.
Marty Deane will be leading a new technology division of HKI USA.
“Deane brings over 30 years of mobile electronics experience to our company. His retail and installation knowledge will be a huge advantage as we grow into our second phase of our US operations.” said Diogo Ianaconi, CEO of HKI USA.
This addition will provide HKI USA a path into new exciting markets.
SHREVEPORT, LA (09.10.2021) – The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Nine months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel. Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
This JBL MT6HLB Tower X Marine System, with a $799. MSRP, is a big Prize on the wheel for a lucky retailer.
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.
Joey Knapp, Pinnacle Autosound, with his JBL Smartphone remote control.
It’s great to see the faces of winners with their prize. Joey Knapp, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City, FL is pictured with the JBL Smartphone remote he won on the Spin-To-Win Wheel 140 on August 23rd.
Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands, CA was the 12volt News Prize winner on Friday, September 3rd and the check to store owner Mike Kardous is in the mail.
Let’s add your store to the growing list of winners. Remember to #12voltspin when making your company’s posts to Instagram to make sure your store has a slip in the jar.
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, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO and Anthony’s Car Stereo in North Highlands CA. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, September 10th.
NEW YORK, NY (09.09.2021) – Throughout the 2021 NFL season, kicking off this week, SiriusXM will deliver comprehensive coverage for fans across the country, with live broadcasts of every game on SiriusXM radios and on the SXM App, as well as new exclusive shows and in-depth 24/7 news and talk on the SiriusXM NFL Radio channel.
The 102nd NFL season begins tomorrow, September 9 (8:20 pm ET) when Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl LV Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott. Subscribers nationwide can listen to this game – and every game thereafter through Super Bowl LVI – in their car and on their phone and connected devices at home with the SXM App.
The SXM App offers play-by-play channels dedicated to the official radio broadcasts of every NFL team, which gives fans access to both the home and visiting team broadcasts for every game. All 32 NFL team play-by-play channels are also available in vehicles equipped with next generation SiriusXM with 360L radios.
On SiriusXM’s 24/7 SiriusXM NFL Radio channel, fans get exceptional insight into the league and all its teams through daily shows hosted by a deep roster of NFL experts, interviews with players, coaches and executives, and special programming not found anywhere else.
This season, SiriusXM NFL Radio features a new weekly show dedicated to the Los Angeles Rams, hosted by former Rams All-Pro receiver Torry Holt and former NFL linebacker Kirk Morrison. The show will debut today, September 8, and air every Wednesday (7:00-8:00 pm ET). Holt and Morrison will focus on a 2021 Rams team coming off its fourth consecutive winning season and third playoff appearance under coach Sean McVay, and they will also look back at the history of the franchise and interview Rams legends from seasons past.
Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre will return to host The SiriusXM Blitz with Brett Favre and Bruce Murray every Tuesday (11:00 am – noon ET).
2002 NFL MVP quarterback Rich Gannon is returning to SiriusXM NFL Radio’s roster of hosts and will be reuniting with his former partner, Bruce Murray, on The SiriusXM Blitz. Gannon previously hosted on SiriusXM NFL Radio from 2009 to 2016.
SiriusXM NFL Radio listeners will also hear a weekly replay of Let’s Go! – the exclusive show with five-time NFL Super Bowl MVP champion quarterback Tom Brady, All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Hall of Fame Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Jim Gray – every Monday night at 6:30 pm ET.
SiriusXM NFL Radio’s team of analysts also includes Hall of Famers Gil Brandt, Derrick Brooks, Tim Brown, James Lofton and Bill Polian, former NFL executives Mark Dominik and Pat Kirwan, and former players and coaches including Alex Boone, Erik Coleman, Charles Davis, David Diehl, Bruce Gradkowski, Todd Haley, Brad Hopkins, Ryan Leaf, Ed McCaffrey, Jim Miller, Torrey Smith, Max Starks, Charlie Weis and Solomon Wilcots.
SiriusXM NFL Radio voices also include a number of NFL insiders and radio veterans including Howard Balzer, Vic Carucci, Adam Caplan, John Clayton, Brian Custer, Zig Fracassi, Mike Keith, Aditi Kinkhabwala, Dan Leberfeld, Bill Lekas, Alex Marvez, Lance Medow, Bob Papa, Tom Pelissero, Shae Peppler, Amber Theoharis, Steve Torre and Evan Washburn.
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.
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.
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