Big Sound, Little Box

Space-Saving KICKER^® CompVT^™ Sub Boxes the Smallest, but Loud

Slim-profile, KICKER^® CompVT^™-Loaded Sub Boxes are perfect for pickup-truck seats that hug the back of the cab, with three sub sizes in tight, sealed enclosures.

They are the smallest sub-loaded enclosures ever from KICKER labs, but still blistering, true high-performance KICKER woofers and boxes. The diminutive TCVT8 Sub Box is only five inches deep and 16 inches long, perfect for placing under a compact vehicle’s seat.

Take all the ground-breaking technology from the CompVT woofer – special four-layer voice coil, ventless solid-pole design allowing flush mount to the enclosure’s back wall, space-minimizing binding posts – and combine it with a legend – a tough KICKER wood box covered with dense gray carpeting.

The CompVT Subwoofer itself with reduced mounting depth provides the real, head-pounding bass expected from a KICKER woofer, minus the bulk of a standard round KICKER woofer. The same holds true if you want to drop a ready-made bass enclosure behind the seat or under the hatch, and still have plenty of hauling space.

Both CVT Sub Boxes feature the impedance (2 or 4 Ohm) designated at the terminal cup assembly.

KICKER performance audio systems, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.^®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized dealers worldwide, and also through selected Original Equipment Manufacturers. Consumers needing more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud^® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand Web site at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER at facebook.com/kickeraudio and twitter.com/kickeraudio.

Sound upgrades to turn your cab/sleeper into the front row seat of a concert

by Bruce W. Smith

Raindrops the size of quarters clatter against the cab as 31-year-old owner-operator Michel Himber closes his log book. It’s just before midnight and he’s beat after ending a 1,200-mile run in bad weather to Chicago.

Himber, who rolls in a Mossy Oak camouflaged 2000 Kenworth W900 with a studio sleeper, pulls out a soft pouch and thumbs through dozens of CDs before settling on one.

He slips Rascal Flatts’ “Feels Like Today” into the dash-mounted Sony head unit and adjusts the volume.

He dials home in Killen, Alabama, as guitars fill the cab with “Fast Cars and Freedom.”

The speakers mute as the sound system goes into hands-free Bluetooth mode and he checks in with his wife to make sure all is well at home and with their two young boys. The music rolls back up as he concludes the call.

Several hundred miles away Jordan Hitchcock cranks up the full-on custom 2,000-watt Alpine sound system in his working class Pete 379 show truck, rockin’ and a rollin’ on into the night with the highway pretty much to himself.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

While legions of owner-operators like Himber are spending $500 to $1,500 to upgrade their stock sound system, another group of truckers like Hitchcock don’t blink at dropping $5,000 or more for custom sound systems that rival those of show cars.

Hitchcock, a 21-year-old audiophile who works for his dad at Webberville, Michigan-based MBH Trucking, is one of the new breed of truckers who have both the love of music and the skills to do much of the installation work themselves.

“I am an electronics lover who likes to have the newest and coolest audio stuff,” says Hitchcock, who put roughly $12,000 into the sound system. “But most of all I like having a good, clean-sounding system when it’s late at night, the roads are empty, and there’s no one to talk to on the cell phone. You just crank it up and cruise down the highway.”

Himber says a good sound system is therapeutic: “It really helps out in traffic jams,” chuckles Alabama trucker. “Music puts some sanity back in my life.”

Which is why audio upgrades are on the upswing. Alex Gobel, manager of Western Truck Parts in Henderson, Colorado, notes his other local store and custom truck shop, Outlaw Customs, caters to a wide range of truck owners seeking audio upgrades.

“Those upgrades can range from $300 for a new head unit and a pair of nice speakers to a full-on custom system with high-end speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers fitted in custom-fabricated fiberglass enclosures, where the tab runs $5,000 and up,”

Glen English, the store manager of Joplin, Missouri-based 4 States Trucks and home of the Chrome Shop Mafia, gets similar customers, and adds sound system upgrades rank “about 5 or 6 on the ‘Top 10’ most popular upgrades truck owners make these days.”

Even local car audio shops are finding upgrading sound systems for truckers a growing part of their market.

Empress Car Audio & Marine in Gulfport, Mississippi, for example, is seeing more and more local owner-operators dropping by to have older head units replaced with more full-featured models that provide satellite radio and interface with iPods, USB and Bluetooth.

“It’s not unusual for us to see a truck owner come in and drop $800 to $1,500 on a new system,” says Manager Michael Taylor. “Such a package might include a 50-watt-per-channel (200-watt) Sat radio/CD combo head unit with four 4-by-6.5-inch speakers in the cab, adapted to the factory locations, with maybe four 6-by-9s popped in the sleeper.”

GOING UPSCALE

For those trucking audiophiles who to step to the next level with higher-end speakers, an amp and sub-woofers, the wallet gets tapped a little deeper. Custom installers say mid-level systems begin in the $2,000-$3,000 range.

The performance of mid-priced audio systems rival the best factory systems found in today’s upscale pickups and SUVs where 400-500-watt outputs are the norm.

Such power and fidelity brings the driver to the front row of the stage—or to the chair next to their favorite talk radio hosts.

English says an example of their mid-level system upgrades would typically include an Eclipse CD head unit with satellite/Bluetooth/USB/iPod/MP3 compatibility, Kicker speakers and subs, and an 800-watt Earthquake amp — all neatly integrated into the cab and sleeper.

An installation of this magnitude requires about eight hours shop labor, which can equate to a third to one-half of the bill. If a lot of custom work is required the price of labor may equal that of the components.

“The higher the price of the pieces, the more involved the installation,” says Gobel. “Fabricating fiberglass or custom consoles and custom wiring is very time-consuming, adding to the labor side.”

Five different speaker enclosures are molded into one filling the sleeper of Ivy's Poison built by the Chrome Shop Mafia.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

How components and brands are chosen, matched, and installed varies as much as the music pumped through them. For example, 4 State’s Chrome Shop Mafia likes the looks and performance of Eclipse, Kicker, and Earthquake components, while Arc Audio amps and speakers are the brand of preference at Outlaw Customs.

But there are more important matters than brand names and aesthetics. Swapping out a factory head unit and factory speakers for those of a higher quality is easy.

But when it comes to installing a full array of high-end audio and video, the task is better left to the pros to get it done right the first time.

“Truckers upgrading their sound systems need to pay special attention to two things,” advises Arc Audio’s Fred Lynch.“One is the installation; it’s more important than the components. Two: Get the best head-unit you can buy. Price really does reflect quality in that area, and if it’s crap, high-power amps and great speakers just magnify that point.”

Outlaw Custom’s Gobel agrees wholeheartedly saying, “The hardest part of a full custom installation of a high-end audio system is the correct placement of the aftermarket parts for optimum sound quality with minimal intrusion on interior space.

“Appearance and performance is everything — from placement to final presentation, it must all blend together and work perfect.”

Another aspect to consider is minimizing downtime. English says, the guys at 4 State recommend truckers who are eyeing a mid- to high-end system should drop by the installer to have everything measured then come back on the next trip for the actual installation.

“That allows the shop to get a head start on making any consoles or enclosures needed for the custom installation without actually taking the truck out of service. When the customer returns on the next trip, all that’s left is the actual installation of the hard parts,” says English.

While Hitchcock is satisfied with his ground-shaking sound system, Himber, like many other owner-operators, is already planning his next upgrade.

“I really want a DVD player and a 10-inch flip-down screen installed in the sleeper so when my wife and our two boys come with me on the road next summer the boys can be kept entertained.”–CR

SOURCES

4 State Trucks, www.4statetrucks.com, (888) 875-7787

Outlaw Customs, www.outlawcustomshd.com, (303) 952-8109

Western Truck Parts, www.westerntruckparts.com, (800) 541-3400

Related article: http://crm.randallreillycms.com/about-audio-amps/

AUDIO PRODUCTS SHOWCASE

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New dB Performance Exhaust cat-back systems add power to Ford & Dodge pickups

Looking for more power and a better growl from your “other” truck? The manufacturer of CORSA premium exhaust systems has introduced dB Performance Exhausts – a new line of complete cat-back systems designed exclusively for late-model trucks and their owners.

Featuring 409L Stainless Steel construction and a free-flowing design, dB performance exhausts satisfy truck enthusiasts’ desire for a bold, rugged growl out of the pipe.  The exhaust systems are available for 2004-2009 Ford F-150 and 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks.

All dB exhausts are single side exit systems featuring 12-inch polished, 304L stainless steel tips.  The 2009 Ram 1500 has been designed with a dual rear exit exhaust system option to match some factory packages.

“Our dB Performance exhaust system enhances the driving experience in today’s hard-working trucks while eliminating unwanted cabin noise,” said Craig R. Kohrs, VP Marketing and Sales, TMG Performance Products.

“But sound isn’t the only advantage to our dB line.  We deliver the performance gains you want and, in addition, we have developed an exclusive extra large, Stainless Steel tip that creates a great looking exhaust from every angle of your truck.”

Installation hardware and an illustrated installation guide are included with the bolt-on exhaust systems.  dB Systems are available this fall from select performance dealers and distributors nationwide.

As part of the TMG Performance Products, LLC group of companies, dB Performance Exhausts delivers an aggressive sound and attractive look for today’s truck enthusiasts.  All dB Performance exhaust systems come with a 10 year warranty from the date of purchase against defects in material and workmanship.  For more information, visit www.dBexhaust.com or call 800.486.0999.

The secret to adjusting any sound system’s performance is in the fine-tuning

By Grizz Archer

You’ve just dropped a couple Gs on a new sound system for your custom rig and want to show off. But it’s not quite loud enough. Easy fix. Crank up the gain.

Wrong. Contrary to popular belief, the gain (input sensitivity) adjuster on the amp is not a volume control, even though you may think it works like one.  Don’t feel alone: Very few people, including installers, know how to set gain controls correctly.

The input sensitivity adjustment regulates the power, or amplitude, of each component’s signal. In the simplest terms the gain adjuster is a voltage control. But the power levels in a sound system have to be nicely balanced to achieve the maximum performance. Proper adjustment of gain is the secret to audio perfection.

An improperly tuned audio system yields higher distortion; a higher noise floor, which decreases dynamic headroom; less than optimum operating conditions for electronic equipment; and higher failure rate for both the electronic equipment and speakers.

(An example of a poorly adjusted system would be when the system plays loud at low volume on the radio and gets really distorted as you turn it up. Or, when you have to turn the radio way up before it starts to play remotely loud.)

So, why don’t more people learn to adjust the input sensitivity of their sound system’s components correctly? Maybe they are too lazy. Maybe they simply don’t care. Or, maybe they’ve never had the secrets explained t them.

I can’t do anything about the first two items. But I can explain the secrets of how to adjust your sound system’s gains properly, and in doing so, you’ll be way ahead of the competition.

TUNING ON THE CHEAP

Not many people have an oscilloscope, which is the ideal tool for adjusting gain. So I will give you a couple of methods using zero test equipment to fine-tune your system.

Suppose we want to set the gains in a system consisting of a headunit, two-way crossover and two amplifiers.

First, turn all the gains to the minimum position. You’ve probably heard by now that we want the highest signal voltage possible to keep the signal clean.

The reason the signal is cleaner with higher voltages is because the amplifier’s gain is supposed to be turned down accordingly, which reduces noise.

For the gain setting, do not use music; use a 1kHz sinewave tone from a test disc.

First, turn all gains to the minimum setting.  Start with the first gain control in the chain, which is the one controlling the headunit/radio in the dash. Turn it up until the speakers start to distort. This is typically at about the 80%-90% position on the headunit.

Now back off the adjustment a fraction and remember this is the limit of the headunit, which should never be exceeded since everything after the processor will not be able to correct the distortion. It will, in fact, make the sound worse in most cases.

The next component in line for our imaginary system is the crossover. Every time I look at a vehicle’s sound system, the crossover is turned down and the amp is turned up.

By doing this you just starved the amp for signal voltage and tried to compensate by turning the amp gain up. Not cool.

Treat the gain on the crossover just as you did the headunit. Use the same steps: Increase gain until it distorts and then back off a bit.

If, by miracle, your 4V headunit actually does put out 4V, the crossover gain adjuster on many amps should be close to the minimum position.

Let’s say your wonderful headunit does indeed put out 4-volts. In this case, the amp gain should generally be set to match the 4V input, which will probably be the minimum position, if the range is from 100mV – 4V, and will yield full rated power.

If a gain is set in the 50% range, that doesn’t mean the amp is only putting out 50% of its available power.

Read the above paragraph again. And again. Once more, please.

ADJUSTING AUDIO CLIP

Now then, let’s go to the next level of fine-tuning with a little investment – a small, amplified speaker, such as the Archer brand unit offered by Radio Shack (no, I am not related).

This cool little toy will remove any doubt of where the clipping starts causing distortion. Using the Archer speaker is very easy. Simply plug the RCA outputs from the head unit into the Archer’s inputs. (Depending on the amplified speaker you use, you will probably need some sort of adaptor.)

As you turn up the headunit’s volume, the sound will of course get louder. When you “clip” the output of the headunit, the speaker will reproduce a noticeable distorted volume increase in output. It will be very obvious.

When a signal is clipped, a DC offset is briefly sent through the RCAs. This DC offset contains smaller sinewaves 127% more powerful than the unclipped sinewaves.  This translates to about 2.1dB of sound pressure level (SPL).

At this point, slowly turn the gain counterclockwise until the sound is normal again.  This is the clip point and the adjustment should never be turned above this position.

Now move back to the next signal processor in the chain, which may be a line driver because your headunit/radio only puts out 2V and the amplifier can handle up to 8 or 9 volts.

Note: It is important to remember the goal of this tuning process is to get the gain as high as possible at the front of the chain (headunit/radio)- and as low as possible back at the back of the chain (amp.)

Repeat the same gain adjusting process, as was previously done using the speaker as your tuning ear. Then move on down the chain to the next signal processor, which might be preamp or equalizer, followed by a crossover or bass processor.

FINAL AUDIO ADJUSTMENT

With all the component’s input sensitivity controls set at a minimum before you started, you can guarantee this fine-tuning procedure will keep your sound system’s signal as potent as possible and as clean as possible.

If for any reason the subs are overpowering the components, or vice versa, then turn the amp down more until the correct level is achieved.

Do not turn the other amp up – never gain up to level match, always turn gain down.

If something is still too loud, then turn the gain down on the last signal processor before the amp. If the drivers are all new, you will need to readjust the gains after all drivers are broken in.

A common problem is most people expect the system to sound great the first time it’s turned on.  The truth is all speakers need a break-in period (50-100 hours) before they get comfortable and start to sound warm and clear.

So plan on making a second tuning run through your sound system to re-adjust the gains to maximize overall sound performance.

HOT GRILL

HOG Enterprises new line of Hog Grills  for the Peterbilt 379 are sure to set your custom rig apart from all others. HOG uses 304 Stainless Steele stock and plates it with high-quality chrome for a durable shine and superior brilliance. Their line of grilles is very customizable and is available in four patterns. A highlight is the one-piece trim ring featuring a sharp outer edge, which sets the sunlight flying. Retail: $995-$1,200. (888) 305-8999

FASTER WRENCH

GearWrench’s new XL X-Beam Reversible Wrench not only offers the opposite ends set 90-degrees from each other, it has a reversible lever so you can alternate from loosening to tightening without flipping the wrench over.  The unique 15-degree offset provides clearance for users’ hands.  The wrench features a flex hinge on the box end allowing you to adjust the offset angle when working in tight spaces. (800) 688-8949

OUTLAW BRACKETS

Steal the show with Outlaw Customs Criminal Headlight Brackets ($375). A direct bolt-on headlight replacement for Peterbilt 379s and Jones Performance Truck Rodz hoods. A sleek design allows for a two light mounting system affording one headlight and a second light of your choice.  There are countless light options available from drive lights to fog lights to turn signals, completely customizable to your liking. (303) 952-8109

FUSION SOUND

Fusion’s CA-IP500 ($250) audio receiver features Apple iPod integration and internal docking,. Offering innovative docking and charging inside the head unit, the new receiver eliminates installation hassles and the need for cables. The new Fusion receiver mirrors the iPod user interface to ensure familiar control from the head unit. (623) -580-9000

SNOW INJECTION

The new Snow MPG MAX system ($950) from Snow Performance is the only Class 7/8 water/methanol injection system that increases fuel economy 3-5 percent in all load states while improving horsepower and torque, the manufacturer says. It also reduces exhaust gas temperatures more than 250- degrees under full power without affecting engine durability or reliability. Special mapping and the most sophisticated 2d digital controller available are the heart of the new system, which allows a small, steady spray of water/methanol to be injected across the entire power curve – even while in cruise.  This provides an increase in combustion efficiency and more power without injecting more fuel. (719-) 633-3811 

BRIGHT LIGHT

The new 3730 LED Light Head from Ecco provides a budget-conscious lighting option where a premium light with SAE Class II operation is required, the company says. The 3730′s compact size gives it the ability to fit confined mounting locations. Features include 14 flash patterns, all with three alternating flash modes, synchronization capability, zero maintenance and a five-year warranty. (800) 635-5900

KOUL TOOLS

Since stainless braided hose was invented, racers, mechanics, and custom truck builders have been fighting the problem of installing the hose into the socket part of the assembly. KOUL Tools assembly kits, with parts made of a high -tech composite, address those issues. Just insert the socket into the tool, and twist the hose in. No vise marks. No wearing out. Perfect first time, every time. New Pro Combo Kit ($150) fits hoses from -4 to -16.  (928) 854-6706

BARGAIN RECEIVER

A great upgrade receiver is the new JVC  KD-BT11, which  features built-in Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and audio streaming. It is updatable for pairing with new cell phones. The unit is equipped for readiness with CD changer, HD radio, satellite radio, and is MP3/WMA compatible with front aux input. A wireless remote is included. Retail: $220. (800) 252-5722

MOTION-SENSING DOME

Grote’s sleek S100 Dome Lamp features built-in infrared motion activation, eliminating the need for installation of an independent switch, and a low profile, energy-efficient LED design. The sensor is calibrated to recognize the heat signature unique to humans, and turns on when it detects movement by a person within 15 feet.. The lamp will remain on as movement continues. (800) 628-0809

PIMP YOUR HORNS

“Go Ahead Punk … Make My Day!” Imagine this familiar voice blaring out from your truck. Or maybe as you’re sitting at a stoplight, your truck gives a ferocious growl. With the new Horntones FX-550 3-piece system ($299), the possibilities are endless. This is the first mobile audio system that supplements the sound of a vehicle’s horn function by sounding any MP3 audio clip. The company’s website includes a Virtual Player that allows users to completely configure the FX-550 online and then simply save the resulting file to a USB thumb (flash) drive. The thumb drive is then plugged into the FX-550 and the new tones are automatically loaded. (949) 429-7900

SUPER SEALER

Custom painters will love Big Sky Performa-Seal, which is a non-sanding 2K acrylic urethane sealer from ChemSpec that applies smoothly and maintains superior color and gloss retention for high-quality finishes. Performa-Seal allows for increased inter-coat adhesion while providing a uniform ground coat over repairs. All three shades of sealer may be mixed to provide the painter with a variety of gray shades. (800) 328-4892

PARKING SENSORS

Never back blind when your custom truck utilizes Auto-i Corporation’s new OEM-style T400 Parking Sensor System. The head unit features an LED digital display with top-mount or in-dash mount, meter or feet display. Kit comes complete with sensors and detachable cables — perfect for commercial truck uses. (416) 727-8699

DETAIL MAGIC

A car care industry leader, Blue Magic recently introduced five surface care products – a heavy foam upholstery cleaner, heavy foam carpet cleaner, foaming glass cleaner, dash and console restorer and upholstery stain and spot lifter. The new products join the existing Blue Magic line, which includes a top-selling carpet stain and spot lifter, leather and vinyl cleaner and leather conditioner. (888) 522-2746 

COOL QUIET

QuietRide Solutions has designed pre-cut, ready to install AcoustiShield Cool and Quiet insulation kits for certain Freightliner, International, Peterbilt and Volvo tractors. Each kit ($500-$600) includes state-of-the-art, multi-stage acoustic/heat insulation for the floor, cowl, firewall, rear cab, roof and doors. Exterior noise and radiant heat are cut dramatically. Universal AcoustiShield Insulation kits are available for all other trucks. (209) 942-4777 

SWITCH IT UP

Del City now offers three styles of toggle and rocker switch panels including a 6-Switch Panel with LED lights to indicate they are activated. The new switch panels are crafted to withstand marine settings yet are resilient enough to tolerate various applications. Del City offers a variety of switches, fuses, relays and wire to complement these new switch panels. (800) 654-4757

CLEVER STORAGE

Storage of small items is always a challenge, which is where Covercraft Industries PocketPods come to the rescue. With many new styles and sizes to choose from, stowing away small items is literally a snap. PocketPods can include one to three storage pockets, depending on the application, with a closure latch in each pocket lid. PocketPods are constructed from heat-formed carpet and mounted on an ABS backing. Each storage unit contains a mounting kit of automotive grade fasteners and/or 3M adhesive tape. (800) 426-8377

X-FACTOR LIGHTS

Want the coolest looking and hottest performing auxiliary lights on the road? VisionX’s weatherproof, low-profile Xmitter LED Light Bars produce more light than a 35-watt HID while drawing only 4 amps and boasting an astonishing 50,000 hour life span. Each is manufactured of die-cast aluminum ends and extruded aluminum body measuring less than 3-in. tall and 3-in. deep. They are available in lengths from 4 in. to 52 in. and come standard with flat surface mounts and rubber shock isolators. Prices start at $500. (800) 994-4460

SPLINE TIGHTNERS

Customizers will find the new GearWrench XL Splineratcheting Wrench works on a wide assortment of fasteners including spline, six-point, six-point rounded, twelve-point, square, and E-Torx. The GearWrench Surface Drive Plus feature reduces fastener rounding and delivers up to 25 percent more torque than standard wrenches. (800) 688-8949

POWER LIGHTS

If you want the brightest European-style, spot-driving, or flood lights on the planet, VisionX’s new micro-ballast HID technology in their 6500-, 5700- and 8500-series lights will do the trick. These slim, 3.4-in.- deep lights put out an amazing 5,000 lLumens compared to the 1,200- lLumens output of a standard 100-watt halogen bulb while only drawing 5.4 amps off your rig’s electrical system. Available in either powder-coated black or X- Chrome finish. (800) 994-4460.