SAWYER, MI (03.24.26) – The Mobile Electronics Competition Association (MECA) recently concluded a high-impact judge training session in Sawyer MI reinforcing its commitment to technical precision and industry-wide collaboration.

Commitment to Consistency
A group of nine dedicated participants attended the session, including new recruits entering the judging ranks and veteran officials completing their biennial updates. The primary objective of the training was to ensure consistent judging standards across the organization, a vital component in maintaining MECA’s reputation for fair and accurate competitive evaluation.

Industry Support & Team Building
In a show of industry solidarity, Brett Barnes of Prodigy Audio was in attendance to support the MECA team. Barnes’ participation focused on team building and leadership, bridging the gap between manufacturer expertise and competitive officiating. His involvement underscores the importance of a unified industry front in elevating the car audio experience for competitors and fans alike.

The “MECA Family” Atmosphere
Highlighting the community-driven spirit of the organization, the training was hosted by Bud and Shannon Ballinger. To promote a collaborative and relaxed environment, the Ballingers hosted the event in a local Airbnb rather than a traditional classroom. This unique setting was chosen to foster the “MECA family” atmosphere, encouraging mentorship and a shared passion for mobile electronics.

Consistency is the heartbeat of what we do,” said a MECA representative. “By bringing our judges together with industry leaders like Brett Barnes in a setting that feels like home, we ensure they are not just learning the rules, but also the culture of integrity and family that MECA stands for.”

For more information on upcoming events or to learn how to get involved, visit www.mecacaraudio.com

DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.24.26) – The SEMA Show has officially issued the “First Call” for automotive aftermarket manufacturers aiming to secure their footprint at the 2026 SEMA Show, taking place Nov. 3-6, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nev. Companies looking to take advantage of Priority Space Selection should submit their exhibitor applications by the March 27, 2026, deadline.

The SEMA Show remains the premier global event for automotive aftermarket, and the Priority Space Selection process is the best way for exhibitors to influence their specific location on the floor plan. With more than 153,000 attendees, 2,600 media and content creators, and 70,000 buyers and decision-makers expected to attend in 2026, the demand for high-visibility real estate is expected to be at an all-time high.

“The SEMA Show floor is more than just an exhibit space; it’s a strategic asset for brands,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA Vice president of Events. “Submitting by the March 27 deadline ensures that our partners have the best opportunity to position themselves in front of the global buyers and media that define this industry.”

Why the March 27 Deadline Matters:

• Priority Ranking: Applications received by this date are assigned a selection time based on seniority points.
• Strategic Positioning: Early applicants get first pick of hall placement, corner spots, and high-traffic corridors.
• Integrated Marketing: Early registrants gain immediate access to SEMA’s promotional tools and pre-Show media opportunities.

Following the March 27 priority deadline, the space selection process will begin. While the SEMA Show will continue to accept applications after this date, those submitted by the deadline are guaranteed a position in the initial selection queue to secure their preferred location on the 2026 Show floor.

Prospective exhibitors can submit their applications at www.semashow.com/exhibitor.

MESA, AZ (03.23.26) –The MasterTech Expo 2026 once again proved why it is the premier hands-on event for aftermarket fabrication, installation professionals, and shop owners. With more than 40 educational sessions, high-energy live competitions, and attendees representing 15 countries across six continents, this year’s event, held March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., set a new benchmark for innovation, craftsmanship, and community.

“From intensive training workshops to nonstop networking and live demos, the 2026 expo brought together the industry’s top fabricators, technicians, and manufacturers for a weekend focused on advancing skill sets and pushing creative boundaries,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder of MasterTech Expo and CEO, founder, and president of Mobile Solutions. “This year’s revamped Build-Off format and elevated competition structure drove massive engagement both on the show floor and across social media. The combination of real-time fabrication, expert-level execution, and audience interaction created a dynamic environment unlike anything else in the industry.”

Standout Competitions Take Center Stage

Two major competitions captured the attention of attendees and dominated social media conversations throughout the weekend.

The MasterTech Build-Off headline event featured a high-stakes live fabrication battle sponsored by Rockford Fosgate. Two teams of three competed over sever total hours (3.5 hours per day) to design and build a fully finished subwoofer enclosure, complete with trim panels, lighting, and fine installation details.

Massive HD screens broadcast every cut, adjustment, and design decision, creating an immersive, high-adrenaline experience for spectators. Hats off to both the Red and Silver teams—true brotherhood was formed. With an incredibly close margin in voting, the Silver Team took home the top honor.

Special recognition goes to Dalton Trainer, Austin Moore, and Chris Britton—all under 32, representing the next generation of elite fabricators making a serious impact on the industry.

Over two days, eight competitors for the Clean Wire Challenge were tasked with building a fully customized amp rack in just 3.5 hours, using materials and equipment supplied onsite by leading manufacturers, including Stinger and SoundsGoodStereo.com. The completed builds were displayed for attendee voting, showcasing precision wiring, creative layouts, and execution at the highest level.

2026 Winner: Pablo Cruz

Industry Awards Recognize Excellence

The expo celebrated outstanding achievements across the industry:
• Clean Wire Tech: Isai Hernandez
• Fabricator of the Year: Dave Koz, Titan Motoring (Nashville, Tenn.)

• Recognized for advanced, high-end builds and integration of 3D modeling techniques.
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Andy Wehmeyer, President of AudioFrog
• Honored for decades of influence, including 17 years at Harman and leadership as one of the industry’s foremost DSP experts.
  • Best Sounding Vehicle 2026: Orca Design & Manufacturing, built by Sage Weir (Sounds Good Stereo, Mt. Juliet, Tenn.)
• Honorable Mention — third-time award recipient
  • Best Training Experience: MSC
  • Best Booth Experience: MSC

Global Reach and Industry Impact

MasterTech Expo 2026 welcomed distributors and dealers from around the world, including: United States · Canada · Mexico · Puerto Rico · Peru · Germany · Italy · United Kingdom · South Africa · Taiwan · The Philippines · Malaysia · Singapore · Australia · New Zealand

This international presence continues to reinforce the expo’s role as a global hubfor knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration.

A New Standard for Live Experience

The Clean Wire Challenge further highlighted the importance of precision and craftsmanship, delivering continuous inspiration for technicians at every level.

Looking Ahead

With record energy, growing international attendance, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, MasterTech Expo continues to raise the bar for what an industry event can deliver.

For more information, please visit www.mobilesolutions-usa.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA (03.23.26) – Massive Audio is spotlighting the H82XX, an 8-inch Hippo Series subwoofer built for enthusiasts who want serious output, durability, and musical control in a compact format.

Key Performance Highlights

• 8″ subwoofer rated at 1400 watts RMS / 2800 watts peak.
• 2.5″ dual 2-ohm voice coil for flexible wiring and strong thermal handling.
• 170oz dual-stacked strontium motor with vented back plate and basket for heat dissipation.
• Cast aluminum basket, heavy-duty triple tinsel leads, and direct input wire connection.
• Kevlar-reinforced cone, fiberglass woven dust cap, foam surround, and 15mm X-max for controlled excursion.
• 90.1 dB sensitivity with sealed and ported enclosure guidance available in the user guide.

“The H82XX was built for listeners who want serious low-end response from a compact woofer without giving up musical accuracy or daily reliability.” – John Velez

Built for Real-World Installs
The H82XX brings the Massive Audio Hippo Series approach to an 8-inch format that works well where space matters. Its motor strength, cone rigidity, and cooling design help deliver clean, authoritative bass for custom builds, daily drivers, and output-focused systems alike.

Dealer and Product Information
For product details, enclosure guidance, and dealer inquiries, visit Massive Audio or contact your Massive Audio sales representative John Velez. H82XX is part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to high-performance audio solutions built for enthusiasts and professionals.

Visit www.massiveaudio.com for more.

Aaron and Jacob –STILLWATER, OK (03.20.26) – KICKER strengthened its commitment to technical education by visiting Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, Missouri, on February 19. KICKER Training representatives Aaron Malin and Jacob Luckey conducted an interactive session with automotive students as part of the SkillsUSA national workforce program.

This was the second time KICKER has partnered with instructor Joe Flynn’s class in the last three years. The session included an overview of KICKER, fundamentals of car-audio systems, listening demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Students assisted in setting up the KICKER’s SkillsUSA amplifier and subwoofer training rigs. Several pairs of KICKER earbuds were awarded as prizes to participating students.

“We enjoy working with the students at the technical schools,” Malin said.  “Many don’t know that car audio can be a very exciting and lucrative career. Everyone loves music!”

Flynn, the automotive mentor at Franklin Technology Center, noted, “Our students had a great opportunity to learn from Aaron and Jacob, who taught them the science behind mobile electronics and the proper way to wire and set up an audio system for the best performance.”

KICKER’s outreach highlights the company’s dedication to inspiring the next generation of mobile-audio enthusiasts and professionals. Through such initiatives, KICKER aims to showcase the rewarding opportunities in the car-audio industry and support hands-on learning in automotive technology programs.

Visit kicker.com for more.

MIAMI, FL (03.19.26) – Orion Car Audio is turning up the pressure on the 12V industry with the launch of five new high-output bass processors: XTR-BP25, XTR-BP20, HCCA-BP35, HCCA-BP30, and CBP10 — built to deliver maximum output, cleaner signal, and real-world results that sell on the spot.

Designed for today’s performance-driven market, every unit in the lineup features 10V pre-amp output, pushing a stronger, cleaner signal to amplifiers — translating into harder-hitting bass, tighter response, and noticeably louder systems with minimal noise.

This isn’t just an upgrade — it’s an instant, demo-ready difference your customers will hear immediately.

BUILT ACROSS THREE DOMINANT SERIES: XTR • HCCA • COBALT

XTR-BP25 — BASS RESTORATION THAT SELLS ITSELF

Engineered to recover low frequencies lost in compressed audio, making it a must-have add-on for streaming-based systems. Perfect for fast upgrades and easy attachment sales.

XTR-BP20 — TOTAL CONTROL, ANY BUILD

From tight punch to deep low-end, this processor gives installers complete tuning flexibility across any setup — making it a go-to solution for custom systems.

HCCA-BP35 — PURE SIGNAL POWER

Built on Orion’s legendary HCCA platform, delivering high-output signal strength for serious builds and high-performance customers who demand more.

HCCA-BP30 — PERFORMANCE YOU CAN SEE

Combines aggressive 10V output with a real-time voltage display, adding both function and visual impact — a premium upsell driver.

CBP10 — COMPACT, PROFIT-DRIVEN PERFORMANCE A high-value digital bass processor designed for entry-to-mid-level systems, delivering immediate improvement in output and clarity. Small footprint. Big sales potential.

WHY THIS LINE MOVES PRODUCT FAST

• 10V pre-amp output = instant system upgrade your customers can hear
• Built for streaming-era audio (bass restoration is no longer optional)
• Covers multiple price points — from entry to high-performance
• Perfect add-on to head units, amps, and subwoofer packages
• Fast, easy upsell that increases ticket size on every install
• Backed by Orion’s proven brand power

This lineup isn’t just about performance — it’s built to help dealers close faster, sell bigger systems, and maximize every install.

Now available for distribution. Dealer inquiries: family@orioncaraudio.com

STILLWATER, OK (03.19.26) – KICKER’s new KMFC65 and KMFC8 coaxial tower systems crank out serious mid-bases and high frequency volume, cutting through wind and waves! These flat mount marine speakers deliver loud, high fidelity sound was strong bass that keeps the party going strong on the water.

The new models come with stylish grills featuring 7-color LED lighting and are available in black or white to match the boats color perfectly. Built tough with UV treated polypropylene woofers and Santoprene surrounds the tower speakers mount easily to flat surfaces with hidden wiring for a clean professional look.

KICKER is Livin’Loud on the waves.

For more see kicker.com.

CAMARILLO, CA (03.17.26) – SSV Works announced the launch of its new Plug-&-Play Rear-Seat 10″ Subwoofer Add-On Kit engineered specifically for the 2026 Polaris RZR Pro R factory audio system.

For 2026, Polaris introduced an 8-channel, 1500-watt factory amplifier and pre-ran a rear subwoofer output harness to the rear seat area. SSV Works designed this kit to take advantage of that factory layout, creating a true add-on solution that drops under the rear driver-side seat and plugs directly into the factory rear subwoofer output, with no wire routing, no dash teardown, and no fabrication. The result is a fast, clean upgrade for Pro R owners who want more bass from their factory system without committing to a full aftermarket audio build.

“Not everyone wants to go all-in on a complete aftermarket kit, but a lot of riders still want the low-end the factory system is missing,” said Kelson, Marketing Director of SSV Works. “This add-on is the smart middle ground. You keep the factory audio system, and you get a noticeable bass upgrade in about 20 minutes.”

Designed for real off-road use, the rear-seat enclosure delivers deep, hard-hitting bass while staying tucked away and protected. Because the Pro R already has the rear sub output in place, installation stays simple and cost-effective, making it an ideal next-step upgrade for factory-audio Pro R owners.

“This is the kind of upgrade dealers love because it sells itself,” added Kelson. “If you have Pro R Ultimate’s sitting on the showroom floor, this is a perfect solution to install ahead of time. Customers hear it once and it helps close the deal.”

Key Features

• Built specifically for the 2026 Polaris RZR Pro R factory audio system

• Plug-&-Play connection to the factory rear subwoofer output harness

• Drops into the cavity under the rear driver-side rear seat

• No wire run, no cutting, no fabrication, and no dash access required

• 20-minute install for a fast, high-impact upgrade

• Limited Lifetime Warranty

• A cost-effective way to add more bass while keeping the factory amplifier and system intact

For more information, please visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com.

MESA AZ (03.16.26) – Team Harman had a strong presence at the MasterTech Expo in Mesa AZ March 12th-15th. Harman was on site with a large trailer along with JBL equipped Polaris Ranger and Polaris Expedition on display for demos along with many new product introductions.

The Harman Team on site included Shawn Spedding-Director/Aftermarket Audio, Lee Powell-ESM, Fred Isensee-WSM along with Nate Kubicz-Global Marketing Specialist.

Harman was set up in a large space in the outside exhibit area with the trailer and the large awning out front. Attendees spent time experiencing demos and speaking with the team members about new products and ideas to drive business in the brick and mortar marketplace.

During time in the outside booth, Taylor Thomson was presented the 2025 Best in Class Excellence and Performance Award by Shawn Spedding with Fred Isensee WRM along side. Taylor Marketing is a very successful rep firm in California and Fred works closely with Taylor as Western Regional.

On Saturday evening, the Team hosted an educational event in Palo Verde Room 3 to highlight H/K Car Audio and Mastering The Art Of Beautiful Sound. The training session showcased the new Harman Kardon FIT Series and Brand introduction for 12volt specialist only.

“The MasterTech Expo was a terrific venue for our Team to show and demo new products in the new product lineup” Shawn Spedding stated.

For more see jbl.com and harman.com

NEW YORK, NY (03.16.26) – SiriusXM is set to deliver extensive, coast-to-coast coverage of NCAA® March Madness®, offering college basketball fans the most thrilling month of the season. Listeners will have access to every game of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. Coverage for the 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will include every game starting with the Sweet 16, running through the championship game, plus several early round matchups.

All of the Men’s NCAA Tournament game broadcasts, and the Women’s NCAA Tournament game broadcasts from the Sweet 16 through the National Championship, are provided to SiriusXM by Westwood One, the official network audio partner of the NCAA. SiriusXM will also air team broadcasts for select first and second round Women’s NCAA Tournament games.

The men’s tournament begins with the First Four® on March 17-18 and continues through the Men’s Final Four® semifinal and National Championship game on April 4 and 6 in Indianapolis, IN. The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship runs from the First Four matchups on March 18-19 through the Women’s Final Four semifinal and National Championship game, to be played April 3 and 5 in Phoenix, AZ.

All game broadcasts will be available to SiriusXM listeners in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. Channel assignments will be posted at www.siriusxm.com/sports starting this Monday, March 16.

In addition to game coverage, SiriusXM’s multiple sports talk channels will provide the most in-depth expert analysis both before and during the tournament. These channels feature daily expert insights from former players, coaches, and college sports insiders. They will serve as a platform for fans to call in and discuss their favorite teams’ matchups and performances, and will include special dedicated programming for Selection Sunday and Final Four weekend.

Selection Sunday®

On Selection Sunday®, March 15, SiriusXM listeners will get up-to-the-moment coverage as tournament teams and first round matchups are revealed:

• On Mad Dog Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 82), Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and Steve Torre will host special Selection Sunday coverage live from 5 – 9 pm ET.
• SiriusXM College Sports Radio (SiriusXM channel 84) will air Selection Sunday specials from 5 – 11 pm ET. At 5 pm ET, Kris Budden and Matt McCall will host coverage of the men’s bracket reveal, then Chris Plank and Nicole Auerbach will take over as the women’s bracket is announced at 8 pm ET.
• Westwood One’s NCAA Tournament Selection Show, hosted by Jason Horowitz, PJ Carlesimo and Debbie Antonelli, will air on SiriusXM channels 106 and 201 and on the SiriusXM app from 6 – 9 pm ET.

Final Four® Programming

SiriusXM will offer live on-site programming from both the Men’s and Women’s Final Four locations. This coverage will include pregame shows originating from Indianapolis and Phoenix, as well as live coverage of the Naismith Awards Brunch, where the recipients of the Women’s and Men’s Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year awards will be announced. Nicole Auerbach will host SiriusXM’s Women’s Final Four coverage in Phoenix from April 3-5, while Matt McCall and Dalen Cuff will host the Men’s Final Four coverage in Indianapolis from April 4-6.

NCAA, March Madness, First Four, Final Four and Selection Sunday are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.