Industry

KICKER Promotes Install Veteran to Lead Special Projects Team

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STILLWATER, OK (03.26.2021) – KICKER announces the promotion of veteran technician Tim Smith to KICKER’s Installation and Special Projects Supervisor.  Smith takes over team management, effective immediately.  The announcement is a result of the resignation of long-time team manager Randy Botts who recently moved on to pursue other interests.

“Tim has devoted more than 20 years to KICKER,” said Kevin Campbell, Global Marketing Director. “Over that time, he has learned a great deal. He has evolved into a creative leader of that team. The sky’s the limit with the kind of builds you’ll see coming out of his installation bay.”

Tim Smith

A native of Kenai, Alaska, Smith has been fascinated by trucks and audio for much of his life, and has been actively working on audio systems for nearly 30 years.  Consumers can find Smith’s handiwork on many KICKER staple demo cars and award winners, including the 1950 Studebaker Champion and the 2011 Chevy Cruze.

“I want to continue the tradition of the supervisors before me of building reliable and impactful vehicles that people remember,” Smith said.  “I’m extremely excited to see what’s next for us in the coming years.”

KICKER’s Special Projects division is a dedicated team of in-house installers, creating custom audio systems for select KICKER partners and events across the country. The team also designs original product displays and distributes branded public-address systems to KICKER’s stable of marketing influencers, helping promote romote the brand. 

Visit kicker.com for more.

Wet Sounds Announces 2020 Sales Awards

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LAS VEGAS, NV (03.26.2021) – Wet Sounds has announced the recipients of their 2020 Independent Rep of the Year and 2020 Direct Rep of the Year awards.

Scott Baughman, Principal of Reliable Product Marketing (RPM), has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2020 Independent Rep of the Year. Baughman, who is based in Stockton, California, has shown true commitment to Wet Sounds that has resonated for over 10 years.

Scott Baughman

“Scott’s attention to detail, product knowledge, and leadership skills have proven to be valuable assets to Wet Sounds and his dealers,” stated Richard Prieto, Wet Sounds Regional Sales Manager.

Baughman persevered through a challenging year to truly excel, especially with the acquisition of the new dealers.

Mike Cullers has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2020 Direct Rep of the Year. Cullers joined Wet Sounds as a Territory Sales Manager in October 2019 and has made an immediate, lasting impact.

Mike Cullers

“Mike is a leader in sales, while focusing on building and nurturing dealer relationships,” commented Ray Woodall, Wet Sounds National Sales Manager..

Cullers has developed a reputation of quality service and technical knowledge regarding application and installation and he is continuing this momentum into 2021 and beyond.

Wet Sounds continues its strong sales growth into 2021 across the United States and multiple international territories.

“Wet Sounds remains focused and dedicated to deliver a clear, loud, and live audio experience for consumers who want the best solutions in the most demanding environments,” stated J.R. Stocks, Wet Sounds CEO. “The recent launch of our Venue Series to the outdoor home market confirms our mission to extend the Wet Sounds experience beyond the marine and powersports markets.”

Visit wetsounds.com for more.

Nakamichi Receives Seven Entries in Annual Car Audio Buyers Guide

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MIAMI, FL (03.25.2021) – The 11th Annual PASMAG Car Audio & Technology issue hit the streets earlier this month. The issue includes individual Buyers Guides for five car electronics categories.

In the coveted head unit category, models were featured from Alpine, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Nakamichi, Pioneer and Sony.

“We are very pleased to be included with such good company”, stated Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager, for Nakamichi. Continuing McNeal commented, “Since Nakamichi’s U.S. relaunch in 2019 the brand has been carefully building a network of traditional 12volt retailers and distributors. One of the cornerstones fueling the successful relaunch is the enforcement of the brand’s MAP program.”

PASMAG is the only major consumer magazine that is focused on both mobile electronics and performance products. The print edition is distributed throughout the USA and Canada and publication can be viewed digitally as well.

For more information visit PASMAG.com or NakamichiCarAudio.com

Nakamichi received 7 entries in the PASMAG 2021 Car Audio & Technology Buyers Guide

  • NA3605-Double DIN CarPlay Receiver
  • NQ721BE-DIN Digital Media Receiver
  • NQ911B-DIN DVD Receiver
  • N60t-Audiophile Six Channel Tube Amplifier
  • NGXA120.4-Four Channel A/B Amplifier
  • NDS6120-Digital Signal Processor
  • NS6Q3-Audiophile Component System

On Newsstands Now

Saddle Tramp Ships New RGB LED Lighting Kit for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

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HOLLY HILL, FL (03.25.2021) – Saddle Tramp by Metra Electronics is now shipping a new plug-n-play RGB lighting kit designed for 1996-up* Harley-Davidson Touring models. The BC-RGB-K1 is a 12-piece kit that can be controlled via the Metra RGB smart device app for 16 million different color options, preset lighting transitions and flash patterns, the ability to flash the lights to music, and more.

Saddle Tramp’s new kit is pre-wired with trigger controls so installers can customize it to light up with the brake and turn signals, providing extra visibility for riders. The easy-to-install kit includes 12 pre-wired LED strips for the headlight trim, front fender, crash bar, gas tank, back engine, saddlebags, and Tour Pak. Metra has engineered the BC-RGB-K1 with water-tight connectors and OE plugs for a fast installation that will withstand the elements of the open road.

A video explaining this product that was first introduced at SEMA360 is also available below:

The 5050 RGB lighting strips have 3M adhesive backing with prep materials included. Metra Electronics provides a 1-year warranty on the LED strips and RGB controller. A video outlining the product features and installation tips is available from the Metra YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/VtmBrj0-feE. A 6-piece version of this lighting kit, the BC-RGB-K2, will be available soon from Saddle Tramp.


Product Specifications

  • Designed for 1996-up* Harley-Davidson Touring models with Tour Pak
  • 12-piece kit is completely plug-n-play with OE style connections
  • Water-tight connectors to withstand the elements
  • 5050 RGB LED strips with black base and 3M adhesive backing
  • RGB controller included
  • Lights controlled via the Metra RGB smart device app for 16 million different color options, preset lighting transitions and flash patterns, the ability to flash the lights to music, and more
  • Ability to turn lights on/off with an optional hard-wired switch, even when the ignition is off
  • Pre-wired trigger controls for brake and turn signal activation to add extra visibility for riders
  • Pre-wired LED strips for headlight trim, front fender, crash bar, gas tank, back engine, saddlebags, and Tour Pak
  • 1-year warranty on LED strips and RGB controller
  • Installation level: Easy
  • Kit Includes:
    • 12 RGB LED strips with adhesive backing
    • RGB controller
    • Plug-n-play rear lighting T-harnesses
    • 1996-2013 Harley-Davidson 8-pin OE plug
    • 2010-2013 Harley-Davidson 6-pin OE plug
    • 2014-up* Harley-Davidson 6-pin OE plug
    • Independent on/off switch that can turn lights on with the ignition off
    • Alcohol prep pads, adhesive promoter, and zip ties

Visit MetraOnline.com for more.

Design Engineering Announces New Universal Upholstery Material

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AVON LAKE, OH (03.24.2021) – DEI’s Universal Upholstery Material (# 50028) is constructed from black, perforated vinyl and laminated on an open-cell, 1/8″ foam backing. Extremely lightweight and flexible for easy installation, the material can be used to reduce heat and noise while providing an attractive finished appearance, making it an ideal solution for any custom interior project.

“This Universal Upholstery Material is perfect for headliners, door panels or package trays,” says Mike Buca of DEI. “DEI’s Universal Upholstery Material has your whole interior covered.”

The Universal Upholstery Material features a high-quality, leather-look pattern texture, a sound-insulating foam backing and an attractive black finish. It comes in a versatile 54″ x 79″ sheet size that reduces the number of seams on larger projects. DEI’s Hi Temp Spray Adhesive (# 010490 or # 10490) is recommended for installation of DEI’s Universal Upholstery Material.

For more information about the new Universal Upholstery Material and DEI’s complete line of performance heat and sound control products, visit www.DesignEngineering.com.

BB Distribution Earned PowerBass Outstanding Sales Achievement Award

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ONTARIO, CA (03.23.2021) – PowerBass presented BB Distribution with an Outside Sales Achievement Award, for reaching outstanding goals for 2020.

Pictured (L to R) Geoff Theoret, Alvin Dixon, Justin Bond, Dave Berry and Jaren Hjelmeland. Dixon and Berry are the owners of the company.

“We are excited to see how much growth is going on in Canada with our partner BB Distribution, otherwise known as PowerBass Canada. We look forward to a strong 2021 and thank everyone for their support of PowerBass in Canada. Working with the BB Staff is great as the guys get audio and enjoy selling it and talking about it with all of their customers. They put the customer first and go over and above to satisfy their needs on the retail floor. This has enabled BB to grow the brand by leaps and bounds!” Erik Harbour, PowerBass VP of Product Development & Global Marketing stated.

BB Distribution participated in the CMA Industry Week, a virtual platform that showcased the PowerBass brand to dealers across Canada.

BB Distribution has locations in Edmonton Alberta and Oak Valley Ontario.

Visit bbdistribution.ca and powerbassusa.com for more.

Accele Electronics “Makes It Loud & Clear”

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (03.23.2021) –  Accele Electronics has the perfect solution for those noisy vehicle environments where clear communication is critical to job performance and safe operation. The CSA30 is a compact Communications Speaker with a built-in amplifier rated at 30 Watts enabling loud and clear radio communication even under the most challenging conditions. Volume can be easily adjusted with a large gain control conveniently located on top of the speaker.

The amplified speaker’s frequency response is optimized for voice to ensure clear audio when used with Ham Radios, CB Radios, Two Way Radios, Scanners, Navigation Systems etc. The CSA30’s 3.5 mm plug makes it a good solution for Smartphones, Tablets and even Laptops when used in noisy vehicles. Law Enforcement, Construction Vehicles and Ambulances are all potential customers for the CSA30.

The CSA30 includes a 2 foot long power cable and a 2 foot long 3.5 mm mono plug for an easy secure connection. This compact speaker has a swivel bracket for mounting flexibility and is housed in rugged ABS plastic.

“Loud & Clear” is no longer just an expression, it’s a reality.

The CSA30 is available now, MSRP is $59.95, Please contact your Accele Sales Representative. Visit www.accele.com for more.

BOSS Audio Systems Introduces New 10” Amplified Under-Seat Subwoofer Enclosure to Elite Lineup

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OXNARD, CA (03.22.2021) – BOSS Audio Systems, a leader and innovator in 12 Volt aftermarket audio and video products, is proud to announce the launch of a new 10” Amplified Under-Seat Subwoofer Enclosure, SLIM10.

The SLIM10 delivers incredible bass output in a slim form factor that fits in the smallest locations. Coming in at under 4” tall and 14” long, this under-seat amplified enclosure allows users to add bass to almost any vehicle. Featuring high- and low-level inputs and a remote bass knob, the SLIM10 makes installation a breeze.

“This new addition to the MAP protected BOSS Elite line delivers the bass performance and space-saving design to fit a ton of bass into a tiny space,” said Jason Hannon, National Sales Manager. “Great sound, great looks, and a great price, the SLIM10 has everything BOSS Elite is known for.”

Additional features and specifications of the SLIM10 include:

Variable Low Pass Filter (50-150Hz)
Variable Bass Boost 0 to +12dB
Butyl Rubber Surround
Aluminum Cone
Subwoofer Remote Control
PWM MOSFET Power Supply
High- & Low-Level RCA Inputs & Speaker Level Inputs
Thermal, Short, & Overload Protection Circuits
Phase Control
Input Sensitivity Selector: 0.2V-6V, Phase Shift Selector Switch: 0 or 180°
13.58”Lx10.43”Wx3.15”H
LED Power Status Indicator

Visit www.bossaudio.com for more.

Metra Electronics Shipping New Dash Kit with Built-in OLED Screen for 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX

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HOLLY HILL, FL (03.22.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new dash kit with integrated electronics and a built-in OLED screen designed for 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models. The new 107-GM5B dash kit is designed for most shallow mount aftermarket radios and Pioneer’s DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX modular receivers. (See radio manufacturer for the most current models).

The 3-inch by 1-inch OLED screen is a first for Metra Electronics, which has previously used built-in color LCD touchscreens in the TurboTouch dash kit series. The OLED screen allows for a clear display of the vehicle’s climate control functions and customization menu settings, which would normally be lost after replacing the radio. The high-contrast OLED screen is located below the aftermarket radio, replacing the factory analog clock, volume, and tuning knobs from the original dashboard.

The factory buttons and controls below that are retained and fit into Metra’s center dash panel. An Axxess steering wheel control interface and harness are included with the kit to retain the use of the factory audio controls on the steering wheel. Additionally, there are several audio control buttons on the center control panel, (seek up and down, band, menu, and back), that can also be retained and used to control the aftermarket radio using Metra’s 107-GM5B. An antenna adapter is also included with this kit to provide a convenient, all-in-one solution for radio replacement and integration.

A video showcasing installation tips and how the OLED screen works can be seen on Metra’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/XiDg-5pmBFE and instructions are available at MetraOnline.com.


107-GM5B Product Specifications

  • Fits 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX
  • Designed for most shallow mount aftermarket radios and Pioneer’s DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX modular receivers*.
  • Retains factory control panel and display of climate functions and vehicle customization menus on the 107-GM5B OLED screen
  • Retains factory steering wheel controls with an included interface
  • Retains center control panel audio control buttons for seek up and down, band and menu
  • Harness is included
  • Antenna adapter is included
  • Proudly made in the USA
  • Constructed with the highest quality ABS plastic using injection molding technology to ensure a superior design and fit

PowerBass XL-50 Series V2 Soundbars Are Ready to Rock

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ONTARIO, CA (03.19.2020) – PowerBass USA is excited to finally unveil its newest and most anticipated product of 2021 with the new XL-50 SERIES V2 Soundbars. The Evolution Of Award Winning Soundbar Technology Is Here!

Slated to hit retail sales floors on Monday March, 22nd 2021 the newest offering in the PowerBass Sounbar line up the XL-650 will be available globally. Powerbass will be launching this new product alongside an Instagram Exclusive Early Access Sale to consumers allowing followers of @powerbassusa the first shot to secure their XL-650 directly within the Instagram platform.

The XL and XL-50 Series Soundbars were developed for the growing power sports market including UTV and Marine applications where electronics must withstand harsh environments and are perfect for the off-road world. From UTV’s to Jeeps, sand rails, dune buggies, boats, and Rv’s the XL Series Soundbar is a great way to enjoy your favorite music when you are on the trails bashing in the mud or sand, through the creeks and across the lake or even down the road letting the wind blow in your hair!
The XL Series Soundbar circuit board has been conformal coated with a layer of transparent material that protects the parts against moisture, dust, and temperature extremes.

PowerBass XL-50 Series V2 Soundbars will be available in in three different models starting March 22nd with the XL-650 6 speaker 250W system and followed by the XL-850 8 speaker 300W system and XL-1250 12 speaker 500W system which will have on sale dates listed in the very near future.

The NEW XL-50 Series V2 soundbars are the evolution of soundbar technology with advancements made in power and performance delivering the fullest sound possible in a self-contained system for use in the hard off-road environment. Feel the bass as all new XL-50 Series Soundbars are equipped with 4″ marine grade poly cone subwoofers the only of its kind! Connecting additional equipment is simple with our newly redesigned full range 3V max RCA Aux Output, you can now send signal directly to additional amplifiers to run subwoofers and pod speakers to give you even more sound when out on the trails.

Installation is quick and easy, connecting 3 wires, Power and Ground and a switched 12V input allowing your soundbar to be turned on and off by ignition or a rocker switch and the XL Series Soundbar comes equipped with built in Bluetooth as well as a RCA Aux input for incorporating it into your existing source unit or easily linking multiple soundbars together.

For more information visit www.powerbassusa.com or head over to your local authorized PowerBass Retailer.