Industry

Vision Zero Automotive Network Welcomes Custom Sounds & Tint

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SOUTHFIELD, MI (05.04.2020) – The Vision Zero Automotive Network announced that Austin, TX based Custom Sounds & Tint has pledged its support for the network’s mission to help eliminate traffic-related fatalities by the year 2036. As part of its partnership, Custom Sounds & Tint will add its 20 retail store locations to the growing list currently populating the recently launched dealer locator. The retail partnership, and Preferred Plus Retailer status, represent a significant step in helping consumers find high-quality mobile electronics retailers that specialize in the latest available vehicle safety technology for the aftermarket.

The Vision Zero Automotive Network launched its new website at visionzero.us in April 2019 with a focus on educating visitors, introducing aftermarket safety technologies, and enlisting safety product manufacturers and suppliers to participate. The new Preferred Retailer locator lets visitors search for qualified retail centers by distance from their location as well as proximity to an entered address. Visitors can further refine the list based on six categories and more than 30 product types and services offered.

“Custom Sounds & Tint has always been committed to creating better and safer driving experiences for our customers,” said Mike Cofield, CEO of Custom Sounds & Tint. “Our employees train to understand and embrace the latest aftermarket products so they can confidently educate customers on the best options for their vehicle. It is an honor to be considered a “Preferred Plus Retailer” by the Vision Zero Automotive Network and look forward to doing our part to make vehicles safer and the overall driving experience better.” 

The Vision Zero Automotive Network has also finalized its qualifications for others to join and have their retail location listed as a Preferred Retailer or a Preferred Plus Retailer. To be listed, retailers must meet specific criteria to become part of the network. Retailers that feel they meet the requirements can fill out the Store Submission Form.

“We want to thank Custom Sounds & Tint for joining us in this important cause,” said Bernie Sapienza, executive director of the Vision Zero Automotive Network. “Our objective is to educate consumers on the severity of traffic-related accidents and fatalities and then show how we can eliminate them through technology that is readily available for the vehicles they already own. Custom Sounds & Tint has been a highly respected aftermarket 12V retailer for more than 30 years, and we’re thrilled that they are supporting our mission.”

For more information on the Vision Zero Automotive network, contact Bernie Sapienza, executive director, at bsapienza@visionzero.us, or visit customsounds.com for more.

Cadence Partners with Car Audio Influencer – Mike Angels

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INDUSTRY, CA (05.04.2020) – Cadence is passionate about partnering with influencers in the Car Audio industry to provide car audio aficionados with authentic information and content about Cadence products. Recently, the company partnered with Life In Speed – Mike Angels and sent Mike an XM64ViL Speaker.

The Cadence engineering team took their 40-year heritage of building loudspeakers and combined it with our dealer’s needs. They are proud to introduce something different; products that are intelligently designed to meet and exceed real market needs.

XM64ViL:
● Size: 6.5 in.
● RMS/Peak Power: 75/150 Watts
● Frequency Response: 150Hz-8.5KHz
● SPL@ 1w/1m: 100dB
● System Impedance: 4 ohm
● Mounting Depth: 2.2 inches
● Voice Coil: 1.5 inch
● Magnet: 20 oz
● LED: Yes

For more info, call 626-465-3383 or visit the new and improved CadenceSound.com

The AudioControl Weekly Webinar Focused on Using the DM-RTA

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SEATTLE, WA (05.01.2020) – The 7th AudioControl Weekly Web Training Episode was live from the Company’s HQ at 11AM Pacific Time on Thursday, April 30th.

Matt Palumbo shows a basic checklist during the presentation from AudioControl’s HQ.

Matt Palumbo and Chris Bennett presented an engaging hour long session focused on ‘How and Why’ to test using the DM-RTA with the aid of a checklist for efficient integration. Palumbo and Bennett work well together during the presentations. The importance of following a checklist was illustrated by several less than efficient installation examples and pitfalls. The importance of an efficient shop cart housing the DM-RTA, monitor and associated items was discussed.

Following the session Palumbo related to 12volt News “Week 7 of our Weekly Web Training series, Live from AC HQ went great. We had an awesome attendance on both ZOOM and FaceBook Live. We had a lot of international attendees this week too. Both Chris and I always love to hear how valuable these trainings are from participants during and after the sessions.”

Matt Palumbo making a point with the DM-RTA in the studio during the webinar session.

The AudioControl production facility is now back to full capacity with staff members following social distancing and other mandated safety procedures.

It was noted that the Weekly Web Training Series has surpassed 22K views. Previous sessions may be viewed on Facebook. Prior sessions may be available via ZOOM by request.

Plans for featuring guests during future presentations was also discussed.

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

dB Drag Racing’s Wayne Harris Discusses 2020 Season

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AUSTIN, TX (05.02.2020) – Check out this video message and transcript Wayne Harris and the team at dB Drag Racing:

Hello Competitors! And thanks for tuning in.
I hope everyone is doing well.

Today, I am going to give you a brief update on the status of the 2020 dB Drag Racing competition season.

As you know, public gatherings have been prohibited because of the Coronavirus pandemic. These restrictions, while necessary, have essentially shut down the car stereo competition scene.

The good news is that we are starting to see the potential for the easing of these restrictions in certain geographic areas. Soon, it may be possible to re-launch dBDRA events in these areas provided adequate precautions are taken.

Beginning today, the dBDRA will allow our representatives to start scheduling shows again on a voluntary basis, provided these events meet the following criteria…

  • First and foremost, the safety of our competitors, judges, spectators, and the community at large are of paramount importance.
  • All events must adhere to local, state, and federal requirements for public gatherings.
  • All attendees, including competitors, spectators, and judges are required to wear a mask throughout the event. This is true even if governmental requirements do not mandate the use of a mask.
  • All contestants must provide their own hearing protection and competition CD.
  • Finally, all attendees must maintain social distancing throughout the event.

Remember this, the virus threat is still lurking out there. We need to do our part to stop this virus from spreading further.

Now, I want to briefly discuss the dBDRA Finals…

We continue to receive a lot of calls and messages related to the Finals this year. Everyone wants to know when and where these events will take place.

Unfortunately, I cannot give you a definitive answer at this time because our ability to conduct a Finals event is dependent on safety, ethics, governmental restrictions, economics, and facility availability.
In fact, we are in a situation similar to that of professional and college sports.

At this time, no one really knows what is going to happen. There is a possibility that we may be able to host Finals events as we always have. But, there is also a slight possibility that events such as these will not be permitted or even possible. For now, we are hoping for the best and so should you.

So, what does this mean for the Points Requirements for Finals?

Obviously, changes will be necessary. This is one of the reasons the points requirements have not been posted on the website yet. As restrictions are lifted and events start taking place again, we will have a better idea as to how these changes need to happen.

That’s all I have for now.

Thanks again for tuning in.
Until next time…
Keep it Loud!
Make me Proud!

-Wayne Harris

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

MECA Is Moving Forward

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NASHVILLE, TN (04.30.2020) – MECA is moving forward and featuring a Manufacturer Member every weekday at facebook.com/steve.stern07.

“Keeping our members and fans engaged, plus highlighting our sponsors’ brands, keeps all fresh in enthusiast’s minds. Even with the suspension of events, participants are working on the vehicles and installs. They are also preparing for reinstatement of the Event Schedule at mecaevents.com, so they can earn their credentials as State and World Champs for the 2020 season” MECA Commish Steve Stern related.

MECA plans to move forward with events as soon as government entities allow gatherings of automotive show events. There will be CDC protocols to follow, including masks for all, and gloves for the judges who will consent to work the show. Competitors will be asked to sanitize their vehicles as much as possible, especially for SQL judges who must sit in each vehicle to listen to music and judge it. Vehicles and people must maintain 6′ social distance at all times, except for testing, which will be done as quickly as possible. Local sponsors, hosts, judges, and Event Directors will all be involved in setting up shows properly for the safety of all present. A state, city, local or county government agency may approve of events, but all involved will have to be totally comfortable with judging and administering the event.

Steve Stern

“We will be vigilant in our pursuit of safe events and protocols may change in response to any number of variables” Stern added.

Continuing, Stern offered “MECA will be announcing the Car Audio Championship – United Finals – dates and location soon. There have been issues around setting this Finals event, but the car audio sports organizations – dB Drag Racing, IASCA, EMMA, and MECA – want to present this event, in mid-October, if possible. More to come on the 2020 Car Audio Championship.The Event Schedule will become very active once we get back to show business, so please watch as we remove shows that we can’t do, and add shows that we can do.”

Visit mecaevents.com for more.

DS18 Unveils Newest TWEETER in Its Inventory – The TWN2

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL (04.30.2020) – DS18’s new PRO-TWN2 has all the looks of a driver but has been compactly sized to fit into super tweeter dimensions. This new super tweeter’s 1-inch voice coil can handle 100 watts RMS and 200 watts peak and comes with a neodymium magnet which increases the tweeters efficiency and lowers the weight dramatically.

Each tweeter comes with a bass blocker that is included for extra protection against frequencies that would otherwise damage the tweeter. Listeners can feel safe their equipment can play loud and long. These tweeters have a very high sensitivity of 107DB, so they do not require full power to get extremely loud. This opens all up to multiple amp choices for the TWN2 tweeters and provides the versatility listeners look for in powering and using these new tweeters.

The TWN2 has a MSRP – $67.95 each. The specs on the new TWN2 Super Bullet Tweeter are Voice Coil – 1 inch, power handling, RMS watts – 100, Max watts – 200, Sensitivity – 107db, Diaphragm – Composite, Polyimide, Resistance – 4 ohms and Magnet – Neodymium.

Visit ds18.com for more.

KICKER Now Shipping Auto-Tuning KEY Smart Amplifiers to Dealers

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STILLWATER, OK (04.29.2020) – One year ago KICKER engineers set the audio world on alert with its first auto-tuning, smart amp that literally repairs inferior factory or aftermarket audio.  This year KICKER introduced compact KEY amplifiers that improve both full-range and bass sound.  The KEY200.4 Smart 4-Channel Amp/Processor and the KEY500.1 Smart Mono Amp/Bass Revealer use AI-driven DSP (digital signal processing) to dramatically improve audio, and they are now shipping to Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide, available for purchase online and in-store.

Built to improve the performance of door speakers and tweeters, the start/stop-compatible KEY200.4 four-channel amplifier comes with a microphone and integrated push-button remote. The remote is designed to start the automatic tuning and calibration process once amplifier installation is complete.

A simple press of the selector (attached to the microphone) sets the KEY’s test tones and proprietary algorithms in motion. The system detects each speakers’ size, applies a 24dB crossover and 40 channels of equalization, applies time alignment, and customizes the gain levels of each channel independently. The true potential of the vehicle’s full-range system is revealed in a matter of seconds, delivering dramatic improvements in realism and soundstage without the need for expensive external processors or professional tuning.

The KEY500.1 is a 500-watt subwoofer amplifier, built in the same compact footprint as its four-channel cousin but focusing on a single bass channel. Using KICKER’s supplied test tones downloadable from the company website, the KEY sub amp automatically analyzes the audio being fed directly into the amplifier. Once analyzed, the KEY500.1 automatically repairs peaks in that signal while revealing the low bass that is typically missing in mediocre systems. In a matter of moments, it reveals a clean, even bass response at all volume levels. The KEY500.1 comes with 24dB sub-sonic and low-pass crossovers, bass boost and gain controls, and matches perfectly with any KICKER subwoofer or loaded sub enclosure that’s 12 inches or smaller.

Both the KEY200.4 and KEY500.1 represent a completely revolutionary approach to achieving greatly improved sound quality in an affordable package that installs nearly anywhere, and works with even the most modern factory or aftermarket audio systems.  KICKER’s exclusive FIT2 (Fail-safe Integration Technology) allows KEY amps to work with nearly any radio.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Accent Mobile Highlights Specialty Vehicles

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (04.29.2020) – Accent Mobile, a division of Accele Electronics focused on solutions for Expeditors, Upfitters and Fleet Managers is pleased to introduce their latest products for Van Converters, Coach Builders, Upfitters and Fleet Managers. The lineup includes LED and Incandescent lighting solutions, HVAC system Air Vents and Control Panels to add functionality and complement the interiors of their customers vehicles and projects.

“Upfitters, Expeditors and Restylers now have a stylish option to add efficacy and supplemental functionality to their project vehicles including Limousines, Commercial Vans and RV’s”, stated Bob Goodman, Director of Channel Sales. Accent Mobile. Accent Mobile has solutions for any project requiring additional lighting, HVAC, or Control Panel implementation. LED, Incandescent lighting is available as single or dual Map Lights in various shapes and finishes and provides complete design flexibility.

Accent Mobile’s Custom Universal Air Vents are available in black or chrome and meet industry standard 2” or 2.5” configurations.

Finally, a stylish solution for controlling various functions in Limos, RV’s, Buses and Custom Vans. Our DLS6K is a 6 Button Relay Control Panel with OEM fit & finish. Each Button is backlit with indication of off and on by backlight color. Each Momentary touch button can easily be custom labeled with 20 provided square stickers. Installation is simplified with 3M adhesive and just a 2” hole necessary for passing the control cable.

As with all Accent Mobile products, these interior solutions are backed with a 3 year warranty. They are available for immediate shipment.

Visit accentmobile.net for more.

KICKER Marine Audio Adds ABYC- and USCG-Compliant Marine Power and Signal Accessories

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STILLWATER, OK (04.28.2020) – KICKER Marine Audio delivers a higher standard to its Marine Power and Signal Accessories, engineered by boat owners, for boat owners. A complete wiring solution, a new family of interconnects, power wire, fusing, power distribution and amplifier kits are all built to the highest standards in the marine industry, meeting or exceeding U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) testing standards. They will be available at Authorized KICKER Marine Dealers in-store and online. Complete marine power kits retail from $129.95 to $199.95.

MARINE WIRE (retail range $99.95 [20 ft. 8 AWG] to $549.95 [50 ft. 1/0 AWG])

To ensure maximum power transfer and reliability, KICKER takes pure, full-spec OFC (oxygen-free copper) and tins it to prevent corrosion. Compliant with USCG and ABYC standards, the power cable features soft, flexible jacketing that makes installation easy, even when running cable around corners. The power and ground wire are offered in eight, four and 1/0 AWG. The speaker wire is 16 AWG.  A spool with 150 feet of combo speaker/RGB wire is also available.

MARINE INTERCONNECTS (retail range $19.95 to $49.95)

KICKER Marine interconnects feature split-pin connections and OFC wire for superior bass response and signal clarity. Specific to the marine line, the PVC jacketing is extended to completely cover the ground ring, providing a superior seal between the elements and your amplifier. All marine RCA cables feature an ultra-slim union for snag-free cable routing in tight places. It is offered in one, three, seven and 10-meter lengths, and a male-to-dual-female Y adapter is also available.

MARINE POWER DISTRIBUTION (retail range $19.95 to $79.95)

KICKER is the only 12-volt aftermarket brand to offer a power-distribution system that meets USCG and ABYC standards, therefore safe enough to be used in new boat construction. 

KICKER’s MRBF fuses also meet SAE-J1171 standards for ignition protection and are IP66 rated. Sizes ranging from 40 to 300 amps are available.

The RT series of easy-crimp ring terminals (available in eight, four and 1/0 AWG), KMFMF Master Fuse Holder, KMFDB3 Fused Distribution Block and KMDB3 Ground Distribution Block are all nickel-coated to prevent corrosion, and all meet the same stringent standards of the rest of the new marine accessory line.

The KMFMF is engineered to fit directly on a marine battery, while the power distribution block is designed to conveniently fit an MRBF fuse on each of the three threaded posts, with an RT ring terminal securely fastened to each.

Visit kicker.com/marine-audio for more.

Omega R&D Announces “Power-Training” Webinar Series

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DOUGLASVILLE, GA (04.28.2020) – Omega Research & Development Technologies, Inc. is excited to announce a new live webinar training series on how to leverage Omega’s product line and take advantage today’s safety conscious culture shift. Dealer sales & installation staff will be taught the latest tips & innovations to leave no stone unturned. It’s time to maximize customer experience while maximizing dollars- per-car with high value add-ons and system performance techniques.

The training series will be offered in 30 minute bite-size segments at multiple times during the week to optimize our dealer’s valuable time and learning experience. Our training schedule is convenient for east and west coast dealers. Trainings will cover everything from how to use the latest remote start firmware features to selecting a product line philosophy that’s best for your shop culture and customer base. We’ll also be offering future trainings on telematics, maximizing online branding, vehicle integration, our full line of t-harness solutions, and much more over the coming months.

This is your chance to evolve and utilize culture shift to your advantage and leave your competition in the past. Each training will also have various giveaways for attending dealers! Home Depot/Lowes Digital Gift Cards, Free product, Omega swag, and more.

Check the schedule at www.OmegaRules.com/training to see upcoming topics, giveaways, and register!