USACI Announces New “Street Beat” Competition Format.

Lowell, AR – December 26, 2005.

After a series of meetings with retailers and retail customers USACI directors have come together to develop a new competition format designed to attract new consumers to the world of car audio competitions. “The new format will be comprised of some old and some new thinking” stated USACI President Ralph Randall. “We expect it will be the next big thing in car audio competition as well as retail promotions,” he continued. “And as the success of this format continues to grow, we strongly expect to see more support from manufacturers on behalf of their retailers.”

The new format called Street Beat takes a 30 second average from a vehicle while actual recorded music is playing. No test tones or burps will be allowed. Classes are determined by the number of speakers broken down by surface area into an easy to understand format for the first time competitors. Industry professionals will be exempted in the class in an effort to promote more local and beginner competitors.

“This new format will be great for our retailers” stated Mike Jaffe, USACI’s Southwest Regional Director. “I love it” says Don DeRose, USACI’s Southeast Regional Director.“ Now the retailer will have something they can help their customers with and make sales as they help their customers advance to higher levels of competition.”

USACI is currently the largest sound off organization in the US with more than 700 events in more than 400 cities across the US each year. In 2005 more than 15,000 individuals competed in USACI sanctioned events.
 
 
Street Beat is intended for average store customers in the local market.   SB5 is the only class open to industry professionals.  
 
Five classes: Points values for woofers:

SB1

 4 Points Maximum 8” Woofer = 1 Point Each
SB2 8 Points Maximum 10” Woofer = 2 Points Each
SB3 16 Points Maximum 12” Woofer = 4 Points Each
SB4 Open, Consumer 15” Woofer = 8 Points Each
SB5 Open, Pros or By Choice 18” Woofer = 16 Points Each

    1. No constructed enclosure or speaker placement that may manipulate the SPL sensor may be placed forward of the “B” pillar and will be considered reason to reclassify the vehicle to the Port Wars or Super Port Wars divisions or disqualification. This decision will be at the discretion of the head judge.

    2. Scores will be determined by an average SPL taken over 30 seconds. Only music may be played. (No test tones or sine waves).

    3. Sensor placement will be any place in front of the “B” pillar facing forward with globe affixed … or mounted to windshield without globe at 12” to the left of passenger’s side A pillar and 4” above the dash. (Competitor’s choice)

    4.  Only commercially available music may be used for judging (no burned cd’s).  Music must contain a discernable bass beat or rhythm.  Must be music.  Music with intentionally extended bass tones will not be allowed. This will be evaluated by the head judge

    5. 1200 rpm maximum (no revving engine during test).

    6. Windows up or down, doors and/or sun roofs open or closed. Doors can be fanned but not slammed during the run.

    7. In the event of a system malfunction prior to a score being recorded, the competitor will be given 5 minutes to make repairs and attempt to register a score.

    8. Factory or factory replacement front seats must be installed in the vehicle in factory locations. Must have the front bench or both front seats.

    9. No woofers larger than 8” inches may be forward of the “B” pillars. (Limit 4)

    10. All woofers larger than 8" must be behind the back of the front drivers and passengers seats.

    11. SB5 is the only class open to any vehicles that use a system voltage higher than 14.7 maximum or utilize multiple alternators. Any competitor meeting any or all of the above qualifications may compete in SB5 by choice.

    12. Reruns are allowed.

    13. Any current USACI member who competes in at least one Street Beat event will be invited to compete in Street Beat at the USACI world finals.

    14. In the event an issue arises that is not covered above, the final ruling will rest with the on site event director.