STILLWATER, OK (08.24.23) – KICKER returns to the MEA KnowledgeFest at the Dallas Convention Center August 25-27, and will feature the KICKER Tech Force conducting a pair of trainings Friday and Saturday. The classes will help installers quickly determine the equipment needed to integrate aftermarket audio into a factory sound system, using KICKER’s revolutionary FIT™ and KEY technologies. All training attendees will automatically be entered to win one of two KICKER PowerBar powersports soundbars.
KICKER’s booth will be in front of the Convention Center’s main entrance, booth 801. Forty of the world’s largest 12-volt manufacturers will attend the event.
Also making an appearance will be the KICKER FIAT 500 Sport, equipped with the award-winning KEY Smart Amplifiers. KEY Technology drastically improves clarity, volume, and soundstage to nearly every radio on the market today – including those equipped with start/stop technology. It automatically applies time alignment, detects speaker sizes, adjusts gain, and applies a 40-band EQ and 24dB crossovers in a matter of seconds. The Fiat also features the enormous Quad Box of Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofers.
KICKER’s newest gear will be on display, including the ST-Series of P.A. Speakers, SoloX Subwoofers, the powerful Warhorse™ Sub Amplifier, newly released PowerCans, and award-winning KMXL Horn-Loaded Speakers.
STILLWATER, OK (08.22.23) – KICKER is headed back to the East Coast as the title sponsor of the Ocean City Jeep Fest, held from August 24-27 and originating from the Ocean City (Md.) Convention Center.
Located in front of the Convention Center entrance, KICKER and Jeep Fest will host Jeeps from several local and national clubs, with several featuring custom KICKER installations. As an added bonus, there will be a chance for showgoers to win a full KICKER bass system, including the TB-Series 10-inch loaded “tube” enclosure, 400-watt mono amplifier and wiring kit.
KICKER dealer Audio Works (Newark, Del.) will be installing audio systems on-site for the entire show and will feature several audio packages for purchase made especially for Jeepers. The Audio Works tent will be located next to the KICKER setup, which will be assisted by sales representatives from OPUS Marketing.
OC Jeep Fest has a nonstop event schedule planned for every day of the show, beginning with 300 Jeepers cruising the Ocean City sand during a beach crawl. The KICKER Show-and-Shine is planned for Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and three daily KICKER sand-course events will run from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. The KICKER Kickoff Party caps off the first day of the show at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn that evening. On Friday night, Pier 23 waterfront restaurant hosts Kickin’ It at the Harbor with KICKER, featuring live music, food and drinks.
STILLWATER, OK (08.16.23) – KICKER played host to more than 20 dealers and rep firms here last week during a two-day training and tour of KICKER World Headquarters, which included hands-on experience with KICKER product and discussions with company executives from Sales, Marketing, Product Planning, and Research and Development. The tour began with the background story about the brand’s inception, shared by KICKER founder and CEO Steve Irby.
“It’s always enjoyable to welcome our dealer guests onto our campus,” said Tom Heath, KICKER Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We hope our visitors learn a little bit about what makes KICKER different, and we tend to get a lot of positive feedback after they’ve spent time with us for a few days.”
“It’s easy to look at KICKER from afar and think it’s another huge corporate entity,” said Bob Hernandez of distributor GoFast Solutions . “The truth is that’s not accurate at all. Hearing Steve address the group is heartwarming. I’ve heard him do it several times and I’m touched every time. The peek behind the curtain at all the different departments – it gives great insight.”
The class received hands-on training with the SoloX Subwoofer reconing process, led by KICKER Tech Force training manager Aaron Malin. Malin also led the group on an extensive tour of the facility, including a chance to audition speakers in the company’s listening lab.
In other activities, the group experienced a demo of the outrageous KICKER Ford Bronco, equipped with nine, 12-inch SoloX subwoofers and 36,000 watts worth of KICKER Warhorse amplification (anticipated release in late 2023). The Bronco will make another appearance this year at KnowledgeFest in Dallas, and again at the SEMA Show in November.
Marking a KICKER dealer-visit first, personnel from authorized dealer Brian’s Motorsports (Hendersonville, Tenn.) brought “Big Debra,” a converted bread truck, from their home base outside of Nashville, as well as their in-house videographer to document the experience. The modified ride features a pair of enormous KICKER Quad Boxes loaded with Solo-Baric L7R Square Subwoofers, KS-Series Coaxials, and five CXA-Series Amplifiers. The three-minute recap can be seen on the Brian’s Motorsports YouTube channel.
STILLWATER, OK (08.03.23) – KICKER is now shipping an audio processor that controls the volume in up to four different zones. The KICKER KXMARLC Zone Volume Controller, created for marine use but with all-weather features for any outdoor setting, distributes a stereo RCA signal from vehicle’s source unit to as many as four independent stereo RCA outputs for very clean, very clear sound. Compatible with most any amplifier, the KXMARLC will be available for purchase at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online. Soon to be introduced to the world on the KICKER UnMASKED! Live streamed show, KXMARLC Zone Controllers will retail for $299.99 each and will also be available for purchase online at www.kicker.com.
Perfect for boat and RV applications, the half-DIN controller unit measures under two inches high and nine inches wide, making it easy to mount in a variety of locations. It utilizes large, user-friendly knobs for adjusting individual zone volumes. Custom zone adhesive labels are included for easily personalizing the controller unit and overall sound system.
Also included is the hide-away processor unit that features a remote turn-on lead for activating all amplifiers within the system. The processor houses the preamp section that delivers up to eight volts to each channel, so every amplifier is getting the cleanest signal possible. This allows for lower gain settings, increased noise rejection and overall better sound. All installation and mounting hardware for surface or flush mounting of both units is included.
TEMPE, AZ (07.14.23) – Mobile Solutions announces the introduction of KICKER-Approved L7 Solo-Baric mounting and grille templates. The Solo-Baric line of high output subwoofers feature a unique mounting pattern that can be difficult to replicate without a template, let alone flush mount them without gaps. Mobile Solutions now offers a line of Smart Templates™ just for the L7S square subwoofers (including sizes 8”-15”) to help fabricators achieve that perfect mounting pattern and flush mount option, all with the ease and repeatability known from the Smart Templates family.
Features of the L7S Solo-Baric Smart Templates: • Mounting ring and flush mounting templates • Press grille templates (inside ring and center) • Made from durable shatter-resistant plastic • Designed to hang on slat or grid wall • Pre-aligned 1/8” mounting holes • Engraved center lines & vertical index marks • 4 sizes from which to choose (L7S8, L7S10, L7S12 & L7S15) • Priced from $59.99/set (8” model) to $74.99/set (15” model)
Each Size 4 Piece Set Includes: • Top and Bottom flush mounting template • Two Pressed grilled templates
Also available – Complete Kit with all 4 Sizes: • 4 Sets of 4 Templates for each Subwoofer Model • (16 total pieces) • $249.99
Bryan Schmitt, CEO and founder of Mobile Solutions commented “We are pleased to work with KICKER on this important project because the geometry of getting square subwoofers mounted without gaps and visual faults is challenging. Our Smart Templates solution for the L7S Solo-Baric subs makes life easier for fabricators and technicians installing KICKER square subwoofers!”
Watch Mobile Solutions’ Facebook, Instagram and website for more information on new and exciting fabrication tools and supplies, as well as MasterTechExpo.com for the 2024 MasterTech Expo education program details slated for March 3-6, 2024 at Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.
STILLWATER, OK (07.07.23) – KICKER welcomed country-music and Americana recording artist and KICKER brand ambassador Tim Montana to World Headquarters here last week to hear his newly upgraded Chevy C-10 and perform in front of 200 in-house employees.
Montana was treated to a demo of the newly minted KICKER Bronco, in addition to a personal tour of the KICKER facility by Director of Brand and Sports Marketing Roger Demaree, who shared the history of the company in the VIP Museum and Visitors Center.
He then witnessed the unveiling from KICKER’s Special Projects team: the new sound system for his long-owned C-10 featuring a KICKER mono amplifier powering two L7T square subwoofers, housed in a Slosh Tubz enclosure. To power the front stage, a KEY200.4 smart amplifier was used to bring a set of KS-Series coaxials to life. The truck was Montana’s first as a teen, selling it later in life and then locating it once again to purchase once more.
To cap off the afternoon, Montana thrilled a crowd of employees with an acoustic set, featuring personal hits “Hillbilly Rich” and “Rust and Red”, the song written for his beloved Chevy and penned by himself along with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top.
ATLANTA, GA (06.29.23) – As part of KICKER’s sponsorship of the event, KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey traveled to Atlanta and judged competitions in the SkillsUSA Championships June 19-23, during SkillsUSA’s 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.
Aaron Malin looks down on the State Farm Arena, across the street from the Georgia World Congress Center, during the awards ceremony Friday night.
A competitor interacts with the KICKER Tech Force members.
Malin related “This was the second SkillsUSA national competition that KICKER has attended in Atlanta and provided a sponsorship. In 2022 we had a total of 6 competitors from all over the country. In 2023 we had a total of 11 competitors from all over the country. Two of the competitors at the 2023 in Atlanta were from Oklahoma. We would certainly like to see like 20 competitors in at Atlanta in 2024.”
These competitors are ready to review KICKER products.
The KICKER prize products, valued at $5,000 we’re spotlighted during the completion.
The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. These skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.
As the SkillsUSA concluded competitors assembled for prizes.
Continuing Malin offered “The KICKER Tech Force intends to continue our support of SkillsUSA in Oklahoma and at the national competition in 2024. We are actively encouraging other states to join the competition and increase the number of young men and women interested in joining the 12volt industry. We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire.The 12-volt industry needs more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table and SkillsUSA can provide a pathway.”
The event in Atlanta included a written examination covering the Basic MECP certification, a professional interview and five hands-on applications that spotlighted taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering and working with relay circuits plus troubleshooting electronic circuitry.
KICKER donated over $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions. When the event wrapped of Friday night Malin and Luckey handed out prizes and medals for First, Second and Third for secondary and post secondary competitors.
“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in the very exciting and quickly evolving industry” Malin concluded.
STILLWATER, OK (06.19.23) – As part of KICKER’s sponsorship of the event, KICKER Tech Force manager Aaron Malin and Tech Force trainer Jacob Luckey will judge the SkillsUSA Championships June 19-23, during SkillsUSA’s 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.
The Mobile-Electronics Installation category tests competitors’ abilities to perform standard installation practices used by certified, professional mobile-electronics installers. These skills have been established through the certification objectives and items created for the Basic MECP certification by the Consumer Electronics Association.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” said Malin. “There are 107 different categories of competition within SkillsUSA, each category stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace; so when they graduate, they are positioned to enter a job and immediately contribute. The 12-volt industry needs more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table.”
The event includes a written examination covering the Basic MECP certification, a professional interview and five hands-on applications that include taking electrical measurements, installing consumer-electronics equipment, soldering, working with relay circuits and troubleshooting electronic circuitry.
KICKER is donating over $5,000 in prizes to the winners of the 12-volt competitions.
“I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry leaders and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level,” Malin said. “As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in the very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
Elena Johnson OSU Journalism contributed to this article
STILLWATER, OK (06.16.23) – SkillsUSA prepares students for the workforce and students in the Mobile Electronics Division will compete for recognition at the national competition in Atlanta. The conference will be held at the Georgia World Conferencee Center in Atlanta and attract over 6500 competitors in 110 competitions.
KICKER Audio is a strong supporter of the SkillsUSA initiative. Aaron Malin, TECH Force Global Training Manager, has participated in previous SkillsUSA National Conferences. Malin and Jacob Luckey are headed to Atlanta for the 2023 Skills USA Conference.
Aaron Malin working with one of the students at the local SkillsUSA local session in Stillwater. After the event the 4 winners were bussed to KICKER’s HQ for lunch and a tour.
In April, the local SkillsUSA Mobile Electronics Installation competition was held at the Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater OK, Malin was on site as students prepared to showcase their installation and communication skills to judges, and the stakes were high with only three winning spots available for the State high school and secondary/college level competition.
“Each student was prepared to perform to their best abilities for the judges. Some of the stations included soldering, wiring speakers and identifying components. Students were judged on their proficiency in those particular skills and only the top four were chosen to go to state competitions” Malin stated..
Jacob Luckey observes one of the students working on a speaker template.
The Oklahoma state SkillsUSA competition was held on April 25th at the Cox Convention Center in Tulsa. Kicker Global Trainer Jacob Luckey was in the house and presented some of the awards. “The experience was great. It was awesome to see the excitement on the faces and be able to see the students working toward their goals. The conference was well attended and put together” Luckey commented.
SkillsUSA works to bring motivated individuals to the workforce and teach them lifelong skills. There are local, state and national competitions with 53 states participating, according to SkillsUSA.org. Its mission is to empower its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.
The four winning students in the KICKER HQ lobby during their tour.
The 12-volt industry is in need of more sharp-minded employees to bring new ideas to the table. The overall employment of mobile electronics installers and technicians is projected to show little to no change from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics years.
“We hear from retailers on a regular basis that they cannot find qualified people to hire,” related Malin. “Take out qualified… they can’t find people to hire.” Malin will again be one of the judges for the National SkillsUSA competition and has been judging for two years. Malin added that many of the students are put in a position where they can find a suitable job by participating in SkillsUSA national conference.
“There are 110 different categories of competition within SkillsUSA,” Malin said. “Each category stresses various aspects of the real-world workplace…so when students qualify for the national event they are positioned to enter the job market.”
Through SkillsUSA, students have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and make lifelong friends. “It is always exciting when you see the ‘lightbulb’ moment as something really clicks in the mind of a student,” Malin said. “The ‘ah hah!’ that lets you know they really got it! Last year at the national competition in Atlanta, one young man was so excited to introduce me to his mom and siblings after we really connected during his job interview competition. He experienced my admiration and his family’s proud moment, all at the same time.”
This student showing his soldering skills to the judge.
The SkillsUSA State Conference in Tulsa was a chance for local champions to compete for a spot at Nationals and make new valuable connections. “The students that competed got to meet industry partners that are looking for skilled employees and got to make friends with the other competitors and had new experiences while at state” Emily Goff, State SkillsUSA Director, stated.
“Students not only receive valuable skills from these events, but also priceless communication skills. From difficult interviews, to speaking with industry professionals and presenting their skills they also learn difficult communication skills” stated Chris Jack, Technical Chairperson for mobile electronics installation, for SkillsUSA. “My father always said that “I don’t care if you’re going to wipe up dirt off the floor, wear a suit and tie to an interview…no matter what it’s for.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce, according to SkillsUSA.org. Students excel and often have the opportunity to secure jobs at competitions. “Almost every year, one of my winners has been offered a job before they left the contest,” Jack said.
Concluding Malin commented “The12volt industry needs workers more than ever, and SkillsUSA helps to ensure that they are proficient in their trade. I would like to encourage other 12-volt industry members and manufacturers to get involved with SkillsUSA at their local, state and national level. As an industry, we need those young men and women to join us in our very exciting and quickly evolving industry.”
For more information, visit SkillsUSA.org or contact Chris Jack who handles the 12volt portion of SkillsUSA. Email at cnjacklausd@aol.com.
Elena Johnson OSU Journalism contributed to this article
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (06.13.23) – Now in its second decade of sponsorship, KICKER® returned and put its brand name with Slamology – one of the largest car audio events in the country. The 20-year show took place June 10-11 at Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis. During the rain disrupted event the highly anticipated KICKER “Gates” Bronco was unveiled.
The KICKER Bronco honoring the Alma Gates ‘Beast’ drew many attendees to the booth.
The KICKER-built Bronco, which pays homage to Alma Gates’ “Beast” from 20 years ago, houses a 30,000-watt system with nine 12-inch KICKER SoloX subwoofers. KICKER’s booth area also featured four other extreme builds, including Andy Magill’s famed “Cookie Monster,” Slamology founder Donnie Babb’s magazine-worthy Mazda® truck, and the “Bone Shaker” rocket-powered big rig from Canada. The KICKER booth was located on the south side of the show in Audio Vendor Row, where full-tilt demo sessions regularly occurred.
Attendees checked out KICKER’s wide selection of products in the booth.
The action under the KICKER tent was busy throughout Slamology 2023.
The Main Stage was action central with bands, bikini contests and much more.
“It’s truly astounding that we’ve made it to our 20th annual event,” said Babb, president of GaugeMagazine.com and Slamology. Lucas Oil Raceway Park has proven to be the perfect venue for our continued expansion.”
In addition to Slamology’s well-earned reputation as a first-class car show, it is also grown to be a premiere car audio event on the planet, with more than 2,000 vehicles positioned on the Lucas Oil Raceway venue.
Hydraulics was spotlighted on many rides around the venue.
How low can you go is the question.
Extreme customized bikes were on display under many tents.
Simultaneously USACi, MECA, IASCA and Bass Wars conducted independent, multi-point car audio competitions, featuring hundreds of the world’s best Sound Quality and SPL competitors vying for much-desired championship points, trophies and prizes.
The Sunday afternoon rain definitely brought out the umbrellas.
The Sunday rain definitely dampened the BassWars Competiton.
Slamology anticipated attendance in excess of 20,000 spectators. The weather forecast and Sunday afternoon rain definitely impacted the 2023 overall attendance. The show also featured live, local bands on stage, along with a tattoo competition, auto-limbo, a hydraulic contest, big-rig show, bikini contest and more.
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