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General Rules Competitors may use any music format they choose. This includes test tones, sine sweeps, MP3’s, commercially available CD’s and burned CD’s. (Exception – Xtreme division must play music only.) The music format must be played through an audio device such as CD players, CD Changers, MP3 players or hard drives. There is an 80 Hz limit in all peak SPL classes. (Exception – Xtreme division must play music with no frequency limit.) The competitor may have their vehicle running during the competition as long as the following requirements are met:
Only the competitor sitting on the drivers side may remain inside the vehicle during the metering process as long as proper hearing protection is used. Competitors may choose to open their doors and/or windows of the vehicle during the metering process. Doors and other openings are not to be slammed during the metering process. (Exception – Xtreme division competitors may only roll down their windows.) Once the SPL metering process begins, competitors will have 30 seconds to achieve their highest SPL. Any adjustments can be made to the sound system during that time. Additional runs may be allowed if time permits. Classification Competitors are classified by the components of their sound system and modifications to the vehicle. All the subwoofers mounted behind the “B” pillar in the competitor’s vehicle will be counted to determine what class they can compete in. Subwoofers mounted in OEM center consoles will not be counted. Subwoofers 10” or larger mounted in front of the “B” pillar may be asked to be disconnected or inoperable during the run. In some classes a power rating is used. The higher of the two ratings will determine a competitor’s class.
Each competitor may compete in as many classes as they choose at an event as long as their particular audio system installation, vehicle regulation and experience meets each class’s requirements. National level classes will be the only classes available for any prize money at the Nationals at the end of the year. To be eligible for prize money please see the “Finals” section at the end of the rule book. Classes:
MSD Local Division ( no points, no prize money ) Local 1 Local 2 – Local 3 – Local 4 – Unlimited MSD Basic Division ( Non Wall ) Basic 1 Basic 2 – Basic 3 – Basic 4 – Basic 5 MSD Advanced Division ( Wall ) Advanced No Wall - Advanced 1 Advanced 2 – Up to 2-18’s, 4-15’s, 6-12’s or 9-10’s, up to 4,000 watts ( max clamped ) Advanced 3 – Unlimited Speakers, Unlimited Power MSD Xtreme ( 30 second average )
Vehicle Interior Requirements No obstructions or modifications can effect the placement of the sensor and/or manipulate the SPL reading. Standard sensor position will be at the “legal” position 12” from the passenger A pillar and 4” off of the dash. (Exception: Xtreme division will measure the audio system 13” from the opening of the drivers door outside the vehicle) All windows and openings need to function normally. They must open and shut and also roll up and down. The vehicle must have front seats. If seats came with headrests or armrests then those items shall remain. Front seats may be folded and adjusted for competition but may not be removed from the vehicle. Rear seat backs may be folded or removed from the vehicle.[ trunk vehicles ] Second row seating in vans and suvs must be in the OEM location. They can be folded but not removed. Third row seating may be folded or removed from vehicle. If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pickup truck with side mount seats, you do not need to be able to fold the side seats as normal operation. All interior panels, including those in the trunk, hatch or cargo area must remain in place.
Interior modifications is limited by the class the competitor competes in.
Replacing/Modifying the OEM windshield/side windows Replacing/Modifying the OEM dash Replacing/Modifying the OEM seats Replacing/Modifying the OEM door panels Replacing/Modifying the OEM headliner Replacing/Modifying the OEM floor Replacing/Modifying the OEM carpeting Replacing/Modifying any OEM interior panels
Seats not allowed: Go-Cart seats, arcade game seats, dune buggy seats, etc. They are not considered OEM equivalent. Aftermarket seats are allowed provided they serve both form and function of the original OEM seat. Seats must be fully bolted and secured. OEM seats must remain in their original place. Replacement seats must be bolted in the rear most OEM bolt hole location. Custom seat brackets will be at the sole discretion of the head judge. Door panels must not be glued or silicone on. In other words, they can not be sealed to the door and must be easily removable. Custom panels are allowed. Structural panel modifications are not permitted unless the modification to the panel is to accommodate components of the sound or video system. Custom fiberglass dashes must resemble the original dash in size form and function. Structural reinforcement is allowed only to those areas where aftermarket accessories might be installed. Custom center consoles are allowed as long as they are not designed to manipulate the interior of the vehicle to increase the competitors score. This will be at the discretion of the head judge.
Vehicle Requirements The vehicle must be capable of driving into and out of the judging lanes. In other words, the vehicle must be able to propel itself using the engine and OEM or equivalent drive train. If the vehicle breaks down either at the show or on the way to the show or if foul weather does not permit the driving or unloading of a vehicle, then the vehicle can enter the judging lanes by any means available. In situations where safety is an issue the head judge has the final ruling. Suicide or gull wing doors are permitted provided no other rules are broken. The OEM B-pillar must not be modified. Modifications to the body of the vehicle are not allowed if the modification will change the vehicle’s interior volume. This includes, but not limited to, cutting of the floor, gas filler tube or wheel wells of a vehicle. If the vehicle is a pickup then that vehicle is allowed to cut out the back wall ( under the rear window ) and install a subwoofer enclosure in the bed of the pickup provided a commercially available bed cover is used. The judge must be able to see inside of the vehicle during the metering process to observe metering equipment. This includes side windows and/or front window. Any number of people is allowed to hold or sit on the vehicle while being metered provided no other rules are broken. The competitor takes responsibility for all parties involved. OEM or equivalent door seals must be in place and not modified. Equipment Requirements The audio equipment must be designed for use in a 12-Volt environment. Wiring and interconnects do not apply. The audio equipment must be available for purchase through established auto sound retailers. Use of wireless remote controls, IR repeaters, Bass Knobs and/or podiums is allowed. The subwoofers must be powered by the audio amplifiers in the vehicle. The maximum voltage of the vehicle’s electrical system can not be higher than 15.5 volts in any class during the 30 second run. In most cases measurement will be taken at or near the amplifier. In some situations due to install or other unforeseen issues, measurement can be taken elsewhere. Notice - Battery Limitations Aftermarket batteries are allowed. Batteries are not to exceed 800 cubic inches ( not including terminals ). Batteries must be 12 volts. No hybrid 12/16 volt batteries allowed. Custom-made batteries are not allowed. An aftermarket “main” battery must be located in the same area as the original battery location. Aftermarket battery trays and/or brackets may be installed. Additional batteries may be mounted in a cargo area and/or under the hood. Vehicles with batteries installed in an unsafe manner, according to the head judge, will not be allowed to compete. The use of aftermarket alternators and external voltage regulators is allowed provided no other rules are violated. There is no limit on the number of alternators used. External generators, battery chargers and other charging devices may not be used in the judging lanes or while the vehicle is being metered. Installation Requirements Nothing in the sound system may interfere with the normal daily use and/or operation of the vehicle. This includes equipment in the floor or on the seat. Subwoofer enclosures are required to be located behind the edge of the driver’s door to the edge of the passenger door referred to as B-Pillar and/or Doorjamb. This is referred to as the “B” pillar rule or test.
Subwoofer enclosures and other equipment are encouraged to be mounted and secured for safety. Notice - Non-Wall Pickup Trucks : Single cab pickup trucks (not an extended-cabs or king-cabs) with the subwoofer enclosure behind the front seats, the “B” pillar test is not required. All other pickups ( extended-cabs, king-cabs, etc. ) the “B” pillar test is required. In the Basic Division all equipment must reside within the cab of the vehicle. No equipment will be allowed in the bed of a truck. [ In the Basic Division ] In full size trucks with forward facing rear seats, the enclosure shall be under or behind the rear seat. Rear seat must be in its OEM location. [ In the Basic Division ] If the pickup incorporates a cut through then the exception of only the subwoofer enclosure and sub woofers is allowed in the bed. Installation is limited to the top sides of the bed rails and a commercially available bed cover must be used. In the Advanced No Wall Division, pickups are allowed to remove or modify any of their back seat(s) to incorporate the sound system.
In the Advanced Division all equipment can be in the bed of the truck provided a commercially available bed cover or camper shell is used. The cargo area in vans and suvs will be behind the second row seating. If the vehicle does not have second row seating in place, then that vehicle can not compete in the “non wall” class unless otherwise noted. The audio system can not interfere with the normal operation and seating position of the vehicle. If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pickup truck with side mount seats, you do not need to be able to fold the side seats as normal operation. In two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, equipment must be behind B-pillar and can't be setting behind the front seats in the floor. Box location is subject to division. A speaker wall is any subwoofer enclosure that is taller than the top of the rear seat (not including head rests) or taller than the bottom of the side or rear glass, which ever is lower. Notice - Box Height Any audio components that are attached to or sitting on the subwoofer enclosure including, but not limited too, speakers, amplifiers, processors etc., is considered to be a part of the subwoofer enclosure and will count towards the “wall” test. If the vehicle is a two seat vehicle such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette (excluding pick up trucks), then the maximum height of the enclosure shall be 16” measured at its tallest point from the bottom of the box. Two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette (excluding pickup trucks), that use the spare tire well for part of their enclosure will be measured vertically from the horizontal plane that crosses the opening of the spare tire well. Vehicles such as standard cab pick ups and extended cab pickups the maximum box height will be at the bottom of the rear window.
There is no limit on sound dampening. All sound dampening must be installed in such a manner that the OEM door panel/panels must attached normally using the factory OEM tabs/screws. Sound dampening must be used in accordance to the manufacture's recommendation. No sound dampening shall be visible or placed on top of interior panels. The use of duct tape or other adhesive tapes is not permitted within view of the passenger compartment or cargo area to hold panels in place or to seal gaps between panels. The use of, but not limited to, glue, silicone and/or additional screws is not permitted to attach OEM panels in place. Expanding foam may only be used in limited amounts. All batteries and capacitors are encouraged to be mounted and securely fastened for safety. Equipment may be transferred or shared from one vehicle to another as long as no other rules are violated. Instructions Per Division Basic Division (non wall) Structural modifications to the passenger or cargo compartment are not permitted. All windows and openings need to function normally. Subwoofers and enclosures must be in the “cargo” area. Subwoofers and enclosures may not sit on top of a folded seat. Seats must be fully functional when the enclosure is in its competition position. If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pickup truck with side mount seats, you do not need to be able to fold the side seats as normal operation. Enclosures may be “sealed” off from the trunk provided the enclosure can be removed. Temporary seals are permitted such as expanding foam but permanent or structural seals such as fiberglass are not. Cut throughs are permitted. Speaker walls are not permitted. Two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, the enclosure must not be within 15” of the “B” pillar Commercial vehicles, those with no rear seating and/or have floor cuts such as handicap van or an ambulances are not allowed. Advanced No Wall Division [ new 5/15/08 ] Structural modifications to the passenger compartment are not permitted in front of “B” pillar. All windows and openings need to function normally in front of the “B” pillar. Cut throughs are permitted. Speaker walls are not permitted. Two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette is allowed to have the enclosure up to/next to the “B” pillar Commercial vehicles that have floor cuts such as handicap van or an ambulances are not allowed. Advanced Division (wall) Structural modifications to the passenger compartment are not permitted in front of “B” pillar. All windows and openings need to function normally in front of the “B” pillar. Speaker walls are permitted but not required. Xtreme Division “B” Pillar test Doors must remain shut but windows and other openings can remain open. Scores will be averaged for 30 seconds. Music must be played (no test tones or sine sweeps). SPL meter will be placed 13” outside the vehicle on the driver’s side. Inspections Get Loud Productions and its judges reserves the right to audit a competitor’s vehicle. During an audit the competitor will be asked to show the vehicle and its audio sound system. If the competitor does not allow the head judge to verify their vehicle then the competitor’s score shall be eliminated and the competitor disqualified from the event and no refund given. Audits may include, but not limited too, the following inspections:
Other All rules will be enforced based upon their intent and the ruling of the head judge is final. At times there may be certain rules or guidelines that are not printed in this rule book. There also may be times that certain rules need amended, modified, changed, reworded or added too in an effort to keep within the spirit or intent of Get Loud Productions In some cases a competitor meeting will take place prior to the event. It is your responsibility to know the information discussed at this meeting. Meetings will be announced prior to the event date. Competitors caught tampering with the judging equipment will be removed from the event. National and State Records To establish a National or State Record, a competitor must beat the old record twice at the same event. The lower of the competitor’s two record-breaking scores will be used as the new record. National & State Records are a separate feature at each event and requires an additional fee per record to enter. The same score can be used for both records. You do not need to be a current Get Loud Productions member to set a National or State Record. Nationals Get Loud Productions National Invitational information can be found online at www.midwestspl.com or you can contact our offices for further information. Invitations to the Get Loud Productions Nationals will be awarded as follows: Competitors must earn the requested total number of points. For this season the total is 20. Competitors must earn 12 points to qualify in the class they wish to compete in at Nationals. Competitors must be a member of Get Loud Productions to compete at Nationals. Only those competitors that have qualified for the Midwest Street Basic and Advanced divisions will be eligible to receive any form of prize money that may be offered at the Nationals.
Equipment may not be transferred from one vehicle to another ( shared ) at Nationals Damaged equipment may only be replaced with exact make/model equipment. Prize Money Prize money will only be paid in the following classes: Basic and Advanced ( Non Wall & Wall ) The amount of prize money offered at the finals will vary upon the amount of participation at each event and the amount of money raised leading to and for the event. Max Wattage Some classes require a Max Wattage measurement to be taken. This is how Max Wattage is derived: 1 Volt meter is placed on the speaker leads coming out of the amplifier. 1 Ammeter/Current meter is “clamped” around the (+)speaker lead coming out of the amplifier going to the subwoofers. Competitors are asked to have these wires accessible. The “peak hold” feature is selected on both meters. During the run, the meters will keep track of the peak voltage, amperage/current going to the subwoofer. After the run, the judge will examine both meters and multiply the measurements together to determine max wattage. Example: (50ACV x 10ACA = 500 watts) Judging Format The judging of the event will be easy provided competitors are aware of the rules and prepare their vehicle accordingly. We encourage all competitors to fully read these rules to completely understand their intent. When qualifying for the event the competitor will open their vehicle for the judge to place the proper measurement equipment inside their vehicle. This includes: SPL Sensor to measure the Sound Pressure Level Volt meter to measure the system voltage to determine wattage Amp meter to measure the systems current to determine wattage On the competitors first qualifying attempt, after the judge sees what class they’ll be in due to the max wattage they produced, the competitor may be allowed to re-qualify in an effort to change their wattage class or improve their score. If there is equipment failure after the first qualifying attempt at Nationals, competitors will have a predetermined time to replace damaged equipment before they run again. Competitors will only receive 2 qualifying attempts. The competitor, if he/she chooses, will qualify a second time to re-establish their class or to improve their score. If the competitor’s wattage class does not change then that competitor will automatically be in that designated class. If the competitors score improves then the higher of the two scores will be kept. Additional qualifying attempts to change competitors class or to improve a competitors score may be allowed and subject to an additional entry fee or re-run fee. Once all competitors have qualified for their class, the top 4 competitors in each class will compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. First place qualifier goes against fourth place qualifier and second place qualifier goes against third place qualifier. The winners will advance to the final round of competition to determine the first place winner of each class at the event. Points Points will be awarded to each competitor competing at an officially sanctioned Get Loud Productions event. Points are as follows:
Multi point events will simply multiple the total amount of points by the value of the event. Points are tracked by the competitor’s name. A valid picture ID shall be presented upon registration to verify the name of the competitor. Competitors may earn extra points by participating in additional classes at each event. Competitors may only move up in classes and/or compete in a different format offered. Employees or representatives of Get Loud Productions are not eligible to receive any points towards Nationals and are not allowed to compete at their own events. Competitors can not share, exchange or give points away. If Get Loud Productions feels that a particular event results are in error, Get Loud Productions has the right to modify that event results and competitors points accordingly. |
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Get Loud Productions and its affiliates strongly encourages the safe use of autosound equipment and suggest users be kind, courteous and respectful to those around them. This page, and all contents, are Copyright© 2008 Get Loud Productions LLC Harrison, Arkansas, USA All rights reserved. |