REDLANDS, CA (01.18.22) – The 2022 MECA California Season, with a 2X Double Point Event, took place on Saturday January 15th at the York Street Tune Time Stereo location. MECA SPL and MECA SQ formats took place in the lanes. US Acoustics was the MECA Title Sponsor.
LEFT: Richard Papasin (L) presented Tune Time’s Mike Stoeckmann with a long overdue award from March 2020, which was the last MECA event right before COVID shuttered the whole world. RIGHT: Papasin (R) presented Jesse Navarro (and his son Adrian Navarro) as two of the new MECA CA SPL judges of the past 2021 season. Adrian was not present at the event.
Tune Time Stereo’s Mike Stoeckmann related, “It felt really good to get the season kicked off with the MECA event. Unfortunately, we had some people and teams that could not attend. ‘Fluvid’ is still going around in this area. Competitors were happy to be here and competing. Business at our store remains strong and we are booked with larger job through February.”
Tune Time Stereo is housed in an industrial building and attendee vehicles spread around the building.
Richard Papasin, MECA California… who headed up the event, offered, “The show was a success with good camaraderie between both the SQL and SPL competitors. With some still rebuilding for the new season, it was a good turnout nonetheless for an early season event with 49 total entries with competitors traveling from as far north as San Jose and Fresno down to Redlands and some from as far south as San Diego and from neighboring states such as Nevada as well.”
Paragon Sales and Marketing was on site with Wayne Smedile and Mike Rios. Two of the company’s world-class ORCA demo cars showcased the best in SQ featuring Mosconi, Focal and Gladen Audio components. Near by an AudioControl tent covered products plus Water, T’s and lanyard Swag.
Papasin continued, “Last but not least, congratulations goes out to “Psychedelic” Scott Butler of Team San Diego Bassheads who made the trek up to Redlands and won both Park and Pound Best of Show (highest Park and Pound score) and SPL Best of Show (highest combined Sound Pressure and Park and Pound score). In MECA CA we have a tradition of awarding a mug for this honor and this is Scott’s first mug.”
LEFT: “Psychedelic” Scott Butler (R) of Team San Diego Bassheads accepts the Team’s awards. RIGHT: Jesse Navarro points to his new MECA Judges shirt and thinks “So awesome to be a judge… and not be judged. We had a super day with a large group of great folks at the MECA 2X SPL Show.”
MUSCLE SHOALS, AL (10.13.2021) – The 2021 dBDRA North American Eastern Conference Finals took place October 8-9, 2021 in Muscle Shoals Alabama. This event was presented by Deaf Bonce Car Audio and included the Sound Off Organizations of dBDRA, MECA and IASCA. The 2-day event was jam packed with non-stop competition taking over the North Alabama State Fairgrounds.
Competitors and trophy winners, along with judges, gathered for a group shot at the conclusion of the event with Wayne Harris kneeling in center foreground.
Members of the crowd gathered for the Death Match.
Die Hard dB Drag competitors traveled from all over North America to compete over the weekend. Rookie competitor Moses Martinez traveled from California and Team Mini and Team FX Jimbo drove down from Alberta Canada. Other competitors traveled from as far north as Minnesota and multiple states in between. The Texas competitors also had a good showing at this year’s event as well.
The Extreme competition also drew a big crowd to see big numbers in the lanes.
Feature after a full day in the lanes competitors enjoyed a great BBQ buffet provided by KICKER.
dBDRA Competitors gave it their ALL during the weekend. The loudest score of the event was from Team Soundcheck with a 184.5 dB. In Super Street 3-4, dB Rev Jay did an amazing 172.7, but was unable to back up the world record due to a shattered windshield that occurred earlier in the day. Bass Race rookie, and 17 year old competitor, Team SPS Gracie, gave the veterans a run for their money with numerous ties including a dual random number round, ultimately finishing 2nd place in her class. The event concluded with a 4-way, 5 minute, Demo Style Deathmatch sponsored by Limitless Lithium. All 4 vehicles played full tilt for 5 minutes, and it was incredible to watch! Colby Comer took home the $500 prize.
Chris Gregory, Stephen Takacs, Genevie Choy, David Mackay and Gracie Mullins (LtoR) are all smiles in Muscle Shoals.
Dan Homer-Team Directronics will be looking for a new windshield when he gets home.
Five World Records were established including: Team Soundcheck – Extreme NL – 183.4 dB Team Soundcheck Kyle – Super Street 3-4 – 172.3 dB Team Directronix Dan – Super Street NW – 173.1 dB Team Directronix Steve – Pro Stock Wall 5K – 160.9 dB Team Mini – Psychlone No Wall – 403.9 points
dB Drag Racing Eastern Finals Champions Street Stock 500 – Voo Doo Customs Fred Street Stock 1K – Mel Valadez Pro Stock 2K – Team Soundcheck Ballingers Pro Stock 5K – Team Nemesis Walt Pro Stock Trunk 5K – Team Directronix Matt Pro Stock Wall 5K – Team Directronix Steve Pro Stock NL – Team Soundcheck Mike Super Street 1-2 – Robert Kollar Super Street 3-4 – Team Soundcheck Kyle Super Street 5+ – dB Rev Jay Super Street NW – Team Directronix Dan Super Street X – Donteay Jones Extreme NL – Team Soundcheck
Bass Race Eastern Finals Champions Bass Race 129.9 dB – Jeremy Scoggin Bass Race 139.9 dB – Team DIrectronix David Bass Race 149.9 dB – Wallstreet Chris Bass Race 159.9 dB – Team FX Jimbo
Psychlone Eastern Finals Champions Psychlone No Wall – Team Mini Psychlone Wall – Darrell Cawley Psychlone Demo No Wall – Team Directronix David Psychlone Demo Wall – Justin Dohrmann
Top Dog Eastern Final Champion Team FX Jimbo
Bagger Beatz Eastern Final Champion Bike 9+ – Big Boi Quad NL – Jeff Smith Power Wheels – Miss Nessa
Eastern Points Champions Darrell Cawley Miss Nessa
The dB Drag Racing Western Finals will take place October 16-17 at the Sacramento Raceway. Several of the Eastern Finals participants are making the trip to the Western Finals in hopes of taking home the title of North American Champion in their respective classes. Good luck to everyone!
dBDRA Eastern Finals Officiating Team: Jereme Creamer, Malissa Creamer, Andy Teuscher, Jeffrey Fernandez, Ray Choy, Wyatte Meier, Doug Stockton.
Miss Nessa, with her Toy Car, entered the competition scene at an early age.
Veteran competitor and champion RP Patel, Team SoundCheck, posted the loudest score at the event.
Thanks to the sponsors that made this event possible: Car Audio Championship Presenting Sponsor: Deaf Bonce dB Drag Championship Ring Sponsor: Incriminator Audio dB Drag Trophy Sponsor: Sundown Audio Competitor BBQ Sponsor: Kicker Car Audio Competitor Badge Sponsor: Incriminator Audio dB Drag Points Championship Sponsors: B2 Audio and 20 Hz Labs Deathmatch Sponsor: Limitless Lithium
Show sponsors: Lord of Bass, B2 Audio, DD Audio, 20 Hz Labs, Pioneer, XS Power, Sundown Audio, Coventry Industries, Italia HiFi, Resilient Sounds, Directronix, Term-LAB, Crossfire Car Audio and Morel.
LEBANON, TN (09.28.2021) – The Saturday fundraiser, September 25th raised $300.00 for the Lebanon High School Bowling Team. The fundraiser events for the Blue Devils Bowling team have taken place for the last 4years. All of the funds raised are used to fund all bowling practice sessions and other expenses as the team captures titles across the state. If fact the Bowling Team has won more State Championships than any other Blue Devil sport.
Members of the winning teams competing at the Blue Devils fund raiser in the Lebanon High School parking lot with their trophies.
Chris Gregory, who heads the Wall Street’s Finest Team stated, “At every MECA event we do at the High School we have a genre specific 4 way battle compromised of the winners of the 3 Official MECA classes and a beginners only class that has been dubbed the Broke Class. The genre for this event was Male/Female Duets. Jeremy Scoggin, a long time supporter of our events battled a Modified, Extreme, and Broke Class build to take home the custom award. Jeremy is previous champion as he won the 1st 4 way battle we ever had on the series.”
Eric and Melissa Halfacre with their trophies.
Street + Jeremy Scoggin (Stoopidloud) Caleb Gregory (WSF / XS Power) Donald Winstead
Modified Eric Halfacre (Stoopidloud) Dave Alessio (SPS) Ray Robinson Omar Acre (Stoopidloud)
A selection of trophies awarded at the Blue Devils Fund Raiser. Chris Gregory created the cool very memorable trophies.
Steve Stern, MECA Commish related, “Working with teams like Wall Street’s Finest is a terrific way for the MECA organization to give back to our club member teams and support their interests.”
Concluding, Gregory offered, “We would like to thank Commissioner Steve Stern and MECA for their generosity in allowing us to host these fundraisers using the format. MECA has always been onboard to step up and help out the community when needed.”
AUSTIN, TX (09.21.2021) – Attention audio fanatics – mark your calendars for the 2021 Car Audio Championship – Oct 8-9 at the North Alabama State Fairgrounds! Come on out and experience the loudest CAR & BIKE SYSTEMS in ALABAMA.
Competition Formats: SPL (Sound Pressure Level), Motorcycle Audio, Kids Power Wheels, Show N Shine and Ride the Lite at Night! Hundreds of vehicles will be on display and competing with their systems in over 50 formats of competition. Vendors will have products on display and showcasing new technology for consumers interested in after-market audio and accessories. Tickets available at gate.
Event Location: North Alabama State Fairgrounds 65 Sportsplex Drive Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
Tickets – $10 per day DEMO PASS – $50 per day Parking – FREE
Show Hours: Friday, October 8, 2021 – 10am – 6pm Saturday, October 9, 2021 – 10am – 6pm
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (08.02.2021) – “With rumors flying, I’d like to announce the sale of MECA, Inc to the Ballinger family, Bud, Shannon, and Salena, from Louisville, KY. We have a buy-out agreement in place that will take effect November 1, 2021. This includes the entire properties of MECA, Inc., including Sound Quality League, Sound Pressure League, Show & Shine, Ride the Light, MECA Kids, and all intellectual properties, i.e. trademarks, logos, Rule Books, etc.”
“I will complete the 2021 season and carry out all my responsibilities throughout both SPL and SQL Finals, and then turn over the business to the Ballingers.”
Salena, Bud and Shannon Ballinger (L to R) pictured at a previous MECA event.
“The excitement and vitality they will bring to our MECA club, contests and trade association will be important assets for our events and our industry. They have competed and judged as a family for many years, with State Championships and World Championships to their credit. Knowing the ropes as competitors, judges, and event directors gives them a unique and experienced insight into what MECA does and what MECA can do, with their vision and guidance.”
“For 23 years, since 1999, MECA has endeavored to be a family friendly, fun, and worthwhile organization for our varied members and the mobile electronics industry. Bud, Shannon, and Salena know the mission statements and goals MECA stands for and are dedicated to keeping the spirit and purposes of MECA strong, relevant and consistent with our founding principles.”
MECA Commish Steve Stern in the MECA office.
“I’d like to thank those who have supported my efforts to develop and maintain a meaningful organization. There are so many people who have contributed through-out the years and made MECA a viable business and organization. My appreciation and respect for these MECA friends are boundless. We have shared many memorable moments together, in the lanes and in our lives. MECA is about people, music, the gear and our vehicles. That’s not going to change.”
“Please welcome and support the Ballingers as they take on the responsibilites of MECA for you and the organization. We are very fortunate that they have embraced the excellence and longivity of our club and contests.”
More info and details to be announced as they unfold. Hope to see you at either the SPL or SQL Finals.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (06.07.2021) – The SPL Finals Soundfest will be in Muscle Shoals, AL at the N AL Fairgrounds on the weekend of October 8 – 10, and will be a United Finals event with dB Drag Racing and IASCA. This features the Dueling Demos Finals on Saturday evening at 7 PM.
This is the only weekend open at the only venue open for business, and it does shorten the time between the official end of the season and the Finals contest, by 1 week. Some shuffling of events may be necessary, and any changes will be made asap.
Click below to hear a message from Steve Stern
The SQL Finals Soundfest will be in Bentonville, AR at the Fairgrounds on the weekend of October 22 – 24 and will be a United Finals event with EMMA and IASCA.
This will include the Show & Shine championships on Saturday, with Ride The Light Finals Saturday evening.
Co-Sponsors at this time are Ohio Generator, Sundown Audio, and Incriminator Audio. Other Co-Sponsor opportunites are available.
Commissioner Stern said, “We are excited to conclude our season with 2 high quality events for our members and the mobile electronics industry.”
NASHVILLE, TN (06.02.2021) – Trauma Car Audio, based in New Port Richey, FL, is one of MECA’s newest Manufacturer Members.
Trauma Car Audio will be the 2021 Title Sponsor for all MECA events in Florida.
Steve Stern, MECA Commish, related “Damian Reyes witnessed the popularity and engagement of the MECA program at the Inciminator Audio Triplefest in April at the N. Alabama Fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals, AL. After seeing the excitement and participation from MECA Club members he made the decision to join MECA as a Manufacturer Member.”
Trauma Car Audio specializes in car audio amplifiers, and these are Bluetooth enabled, eliminating the need for wires for amplifier installation. Team Trauma is being developed and will part of the street team of customers and competitors that use Trauma equipment.
Commish Stern concluded by offering “We welcome Trauma Car Audio to our club and contests, and are excited to see this highly specialized car audio equipment in our SQL and SPL lanes.”
PITTSBURGH, PA (05.25.2021) – Team Nutz rolled out the red carpet for competitors at the MECA Team Nutz Spring Jam at the company’s retail store in Pittsburg on Sunday, May 23rd.The MECA event featured SQL, SPL plus Show & Shine formats for competitors. MECA Event Directors Andy Magill and Kevin Mayo kept all moving in the competition lanes.
MECA and Team Nutz crews gathered for an image as the event wrapped… Tony, Andy, Dan, Don, Ed and Kevin (L to R).
Setup was underway in the Team Nutz parking lot early Sunday morning.
Ed Nuttall, Team Nutz owner, stated, “The event ran very smoothly and it was a great atmosphere as people who enjoy premium sound in their rides had an opportunity to compete. We drew competitors from Ohio and presented custom trophies to top competitors.”
Andy Magill related, “The Team Nutz crew really put together a well organized event. Judging the SQL competitors in the large installation bay was an ideal setting.”
The large Team Nutz installation bay was an ideal spot for the SQL judging.
Custom trophies were presented to competitors for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes.
SQL Competitor Dan Arndt made the 120 mile trip from Erie, PA for the event. “The setting was great for my new KIA to compete in the lane. Also, I am studying to become a SQL Judge so that added to my super experience at the Team Nutz MECA event.”
Continuing, Nuttall commented, “We had tents set up in the parking lot for the SPL and Show & Shine judging. My young niece and nephew handed out way over 100 bottles of water to folks as well as Team Nutz stickers, bags and lanyards.”
Rusty North, a factory rep with End Result, also attended the event. North offered, “This MECA event was terrific. Seeing a top area retailer like Team Nutz working to host a MECA sound off event will create excitement and stimulate more participation from enthusiasts in the area.”
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (02.10.2021) – MECA Commissioner Steve Stern has developed an updated, new and improved, Sound Quality contest for beginner consumers, with the help of our R&E Committee, Retailers, Manufacturers, Competitors, and Judges. This is part of the 2021 Sound Quality League Rule Book ( tinyurl.com/2021MECASQLRulebook ) and intended to be stand alone contests, or included with regular MECA events. The SQ score sheet is used, just like all MECA SQL contests, so that the new people see exactly how the systems and music are evaluated.
This archive image shows a smiling competitor from Trinidad.
There are 2 classes that are simply defined by the speaker set-up: Street 1 is for 3-way systems, and Street 2 is for 4-way systems. There are some basic rules, but overall the competitors are given space for creativity and custom installs, that may have been built before they read the Rule Book or before the new classes were introduced. Consumer beginners only, so no pros or experienced competitors of any sort are permitted. The Retail Members who choose to use this promotional program will be responsible for making sure the competitors fit the profile, and are brand new to our sport. These 2 classes are State Champion eligible, but are not offered at the MECA World Finals Soundfest.
This archive image highlights a classic creation from World Champion Steve Cook-Audio X.
The events are clinics and contests designed to educate about MECA’s judging and scoring, focused on the quality of the music reproduction: clarity, resolution, imaging, and tonality being the most important criteria. It’s like Music Appreciation, but more technical with regard to recordings that are official SQL Judge tracks, listed in the Rule Book.
For the month of February, MECA is offering 1 FREE event for all Retailers, even non-MECA members, which includes clinic direction and a Judge. The event can be scheduled for later in the year, but it must be scheduled by March 1st. Score sheets will be provided at no charge. These events are designed to last 3 -4 hours, depending on the participation and agenda. A retailer could work a good plan with 6 -8 customers engaged in an event like this. Saturday’s might work best, although Friday evening get-togethers work when set up right, and Sunday’s are always an option for businesses that are comfortable with that. After the 1st event, additional events are only $50 for MECA Retail Members ( $75/year ), with a limit of 3 events in 2021.
The MECA Tantric Tuning CD is the classic official test source for the SQ League
MECA is pro-active, with 22 years evolving and promoting the Sound Quality League contests. We have some of the best judges and resource people in the mobile electronics industry who are willing to share their knowledge and abilities. These events are prime opportunities for Retailers to showcase their products and services.
Six Manufacturer Members have stepped up to co-sponsor this program: Arc Audio, JL Audio, Linear Power, Stereo Integrity, TRU Technology, and XS Power. Their contributions will help with logistics and paying the judges, travel and expenses. They will be sharing and endorsing the program with their Retailers. Contact the Commissioner for more info, to schedule an event, or with questions and concerns: mecacaraudio@comcast.net or 615-851-7428.
KNOXVILLE, TN (01.29.2021) – Longtime sound-off competitor Anthony Caldwell from Knoxville, TN is retiring from the lanes after 15 years, with 7 MECA World Championships in Sound Pressure League and Dueling Demos contests. His van, Big Blue, was built for music with 110 speakers, inside and out, and was a big draw at our events. It is an SQL vehicle that does SPL, and it’s an SPL vehicle that sounds great cranked up at concert levels, like a live performance. With over 2 dozen Tennessee State Championships in SQL and SPL classes over his 14 years of competition, traveling to almost all the East Coast big events, as well as Slamology, and events in IN, VA, KY . He owed Xtreme Audio (Team XFL) in Knoxville until 2020, after 17 years in business, and is now the Tech guy at MechMan Alternators.
Anthony Caldwell
Anthony and Big Blue, his 1997 Ford E150 Van, are legendary in the car audio sports world, and helped show people that BIG builds could sound great. Always demonstrating good sportsmanship and accessibility, Anthony has this way of describing 150+ MECA events:
Anthony in Big Blue – his 1997 Ford F150 van with 110 speakers
“MECA is like pizza. Even a bad pizza is still good because it’s pizza. If you have product failure, or your numbers aren’t where they should be, it’s still good, because it’s MECA. There are people to lend a hand. You get to catch up with friends. You ask ‘how’s the family? You answer questions, you help troubleshoot, you have a good time. Even on mornings that I didn’t want to make the drive, I knew when I got there everything would be okay. Too much fun!”
Big Blue took the SPL Park & Pound DB5 World Championship ( 140. 74 dB 6′ from the vehicle ) at the 2020 Finals in Lafayette, IN, along with 2nd place in Dueling Demos Extreme, and 5th place in Sound Pressure M5 ( at the headrest with 158.13 dB ). Incredible score in M5 for a music vehicle! And, as he has for many years, he won the Sound Pressure League Best of Show with highest combined scores in Sound Pressure (M5) and Park & Pound (DB5). Anthony went out banging and at the top of his game.
He’s put in a lot of years, and miles, competing and representing the Mobile Electronics Industry, and is retiring from the competition lanes. We hope that Big Blue will show up at our events in E. Tennessee every now and then. Anthony is always available for tech help at MechMan and has a wealth of real-world knowledge about power flow, especially in the big systems.
12VoltNews.com 