Brandmotion Releases Transparent Trailer Rear Vision System

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Remembering Jill McMillan, Co-Founder of In Phase Marketing

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.

Jill McMillan

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

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.

Pricing for the EVO PS Amplifiers are as follows, 800.1 EVO PS $499.99, 800.4 EVO PS $599.99, 1200.4 EVO PS $849.99 and 2000.4 EVO PS $1199.99.

The EVO PS Amplifiers are In Stock and Starting to Ship.

Visit soundigitalusa.com for more.

Iconic SEMA Celebration Set for Las Vegas in July

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.23.2021) – SEMA leadership, volunteers, and industry icons will gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala on Friday, July 30.

The SEMA Installation & Gala is a long-established tradition where individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry are recognized and celebrated. Since 1976, the SEMA Gala has served as a formal gathering where new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees are introduced, incoming Board of Directors are sworn in, and outgoing Board of Directors are honored.

Individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the industry will be recognized and celebrated on July 30 during the SEMA Installation & Gala. The annual event will be held in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

This year’s event will take place for the first time in Las Vegas, Nevada. Specifically, the event will be held in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the same facility where thousands of industry professionals will gather for the 2021 SEMA Show in November.

“SEMA has a deep history and connection with the city of Las Vegas,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We could not be more excited about celebrating the industry in Las Vegas, and christening the West Hall with such a noteworthy event.”

The SEMA Installation & Gala will be one of the first events held in the West Hall since construction of the 1.4 million-square-foot facility was completed in January. The event, which is expected to include about 400 individuals, will also mark SEMA’s first mass gathering to take place in more than a year.

“I look forward to the SEMA Gala each year – even more so this year than any other year since it will be a reunion for our industry’s friends and family,” said Kersting. “The SEMA Installation Gala is important to the association, the members, and the industry, and it’s about much more than just introducing new Hall of Fame members or recognizing our Board of Directors. The event is about community, family and celebration, with people who share a common passion and love for the industry.”

Tickets to the 2021 SEMA Installation & Gala are available to all SEMA members and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-sema-installation-and-gala-tickets-92403153319.

Details about the honorees (new Hall of Fame members and incoming Board of Directors) will be announced in May.

SoundSkins Introduces 4 Piece Speaker Kit

CERRITOS, CA (04.23.2021) – The SoundSkins 4 Piece Speaker Kit is is the best sound dampening material for your car audio system, designed to enhance your car stereo system and reduce road noise all in one material.

Comprised of 4 10″x12″ sheets of our premiere sound deadening product, SoundSkins Pro, this kit will help to decrease road noise and improve the performance of your car audio system by sealing your speakers to your doors and preventing lost sound, directing sound back into your cabin.

Click here to visit the product page.

This item is out for pre-order NOW and begins shipping June 1, 2021.

Visit soundskinsglobal.com for more.

SEMA and Major OHV Groups File Lawsuit to Protect Off-Roading at Oceano Dunes

DIAMOND BAR, CA (04.22.2021) – The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and other organizations representing the off-highway vehicle (OHV) industry and enthusiast community are seeking to overturn a March 18, 2021, decision by the California Coastal Commission to terminate OHV access at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). SEMA joined with Ecologic Partners, Inc., comprised of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), American Sand Association (ASA), and American Motorcyclist Association District 37 (AMA District 37), in filing a lawsuit in California State Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County.

Since 1974, Oceano Dunes SVRA has been a state-designated OHV park managed and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (“State Parks”). The SVRA comprises 3,500 acres of which less than 1,350 acres of dunes and 3.5 miles of beach provides open riding access for OHVs. In March, the Commission voted to eliminate OHV access within three years.

The lawsuit states that the Commission does not have substantive evidence to support the closure and has failed to conduct an environmental impact review required under the California Environmental Quality Act or consider alternatives.

“The Commission’s decision was unjustified since State Parks has undertaken a three-year public process to develop a long-range management plan,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “It renders meaningless the State Parks’ ongoing effort to adopt a plan consistent with the Coastal Act that will include OHV access to this unique resource.”

“It is important that government agencies follow their own rules,” said Fred Wiley, ORBA president and CEO. “The Commission is acting in a unilateral fashion that exceeds its own authority under the California Coastal Act. It is imperative that the courts step in to protect OHV access.”

Oceano Dunes SVRA provides the only opportunity for motorized recreation at a state park along California’s Pacific coast. OHV recreation is an important contributor to the local economy. While bringing pleasure to thousands of enthusiasts, the monies spent at area stores, motels, restaurants, and gas stations support jobs and generate tax revenues.

For decades, SEMA has supported reasonable land-use policies that include motorized recreation. SEMA remains committed to this mission on behalf of the off-road industry and the enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor recreation. This includes protecting Oceano Dunes SVRA.

The lawsuit asks the court to issue an injunction and vacate the Commission’s March 18 decision to eliminate OHV access to Oceano Dunes.

Visit sema.org for more.

Bowers and Wilkins Has Unveiled Two New State-of-the-Art True Wireless Headphones

WORTHING, ENGLAND (04.22.2021) – British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled two new state- of-the-art True Wireless headphones – PI7 and PI5 – that bring the brand’s acclaimed ‘True Sound’ promise and acoustic excellence to the True Wireless category.

Both PI7 and PI5 models deliver the unrivalled high-resolution sound quality that audiophiles and music lovers have come to expect from Bowers & Wilkins. Now, that same signature sound quality is offered for the first time in True Wireless form, incorporating innovative and intuitive smart features designed to fit seamlessly into an on-the-go lifestyle.

Drawing on over fifty years of industry-leading audio excellence and innovation, Bowers & Wilkins reveals another best-in-class portfolio of products that deliver your favorite music the way it is meant to be heard – as the artist intended it.

PI7 – The new industry-defining True Wireless headphones from Bowers & Wilkins.
Every element of the flagship PI7 model has been crafted to deliver the very highest level of audio performance, redefining expectation in True Wireless. PI7 features unrivalled sound quality, driven by
high-resolution 24-bit audio processing in each earbud and Dual Hybrid Drive units that work just like high- performance speakers to create a rich and immersive listening experience.

In addition, PI7 features Adaptive Noise Cancellation that automatically adapts in real-time to its surroundings to produce the best possible listening experience – so you can block out the world and focus on the music you love. It’s driven by six microphones – three in each earbud – for crystal-clear sound quality with every call, all activated though an intuitive, one-touch user interface.

Even the Smartcase is designed for an intuitive and seamless user experience. As you would expect, it can conveniently charge your device wirelessly while you are on-the-go. But, and in an industry first, PI7 raises the bar by offering a unique wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase. That means you can continue to use your PI7s even when on a plane: just connect your case directly to an audio source – such as an in-flight entertainment system – and it will retransmit sound directly to your earbuds.

PI5 – The class-leading, Bowers & Wilkins True Wireless sound that’s with you all day.
PI5 is the class-leading True Wireless headphone with all of the high quality, audio-enhancing features expected from a Bowers & Wilkins product – the perfect accompaniment to an on-the-go lifestyle.

Alongside the exceptional audio performance and call quality, the PI5 offers over 24 hours of battery life, ensuring you stay connected throughout the day. This is accompanied by advanced Active Noise Cancellation, allowing you to easily adapt to your listening environment, whether you’re working from home or on a busy street, and a fast-charging case that provides a boost of up to two hours of battery life from just a 15-minute charge.

Bold design and Smart technology.
Both models embody the Bowers & Wilkins bold design to stand out from the crowd, with accents of color to highlight the beautifully precise detailing.

Smart technology makes living with PI7 and PI5 more convenient. Both models can be configured via the Bowers & Wilkins companion App and feature a simple one-button user interface, coupled with voice assistant support via either Siri or Google Assistant. Multiple source devices can be wirelessly paired to either model allowing the user to easily and conveniently reconnect to each source as and when needed.

Developed by the same team behind the Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers found in Abbey Road Studios, PI7 and PI5 both embody the same industry-leading engineering and design philosophy that has led to the creation of some of the world’s finest audio products.

Geoff Edwards, Brand President, Bowers & Wilkins, said: “We are excited to be venturing into the True Wireless category with our new headphones. It’s long been our philosophy, established by our founder John Bowers, that we would only enter a new category if we believed that we could set a new standard for audio performance in that space. With PI7 and PI5, we truly believe we have achieved that.”

The PI7 True Wireless and PI5 True Wireless headphones are available now from www.bowerswilkins.com for $399 and $249 respectively.