General SPL Rules |
Section 1 - General Rules |
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1-1 Competitors
may use any audio format they choose to achieve their highest Sound Pressure
Level ( SPL ). This includes test tones, sine sweeps, MP3’s, commercially
available CD’s and burned CD’s. Competitors in the Basic
and
Advanced and Mayhem
Divisions
may choose to “burp” their system for a few seconds or play all out for the full
30 seconds.
Competitors in the Midwest Street, Xtreme, Kaos
and Mayhem Divisions must
play music.
1-2 When
music is required to be played, no test tones, sine sweeps
or music with a continuous bass tone
will be allowed.
(Exception: Mayhem Division ) Visual inspection of measurement equipment will be taken
during the runs to verify legitimate music. In some
cases a 2/3 vote by judges will be required to determine legitimate music.
Midwestspl defines legitimate music as any music that has peak SPL frequency
changes and/or defining bass line/rhythm or beat.
1-3 Music
played through mids/highs must be audible outside the vehicle during the run.(
Intent: Audible music must be coming from within the vehicle )
1-4
Competitors are strongly encouraged not to use any audible music with foul
language, profanity or lewd & suggestive lyrics at any time during the event. If an issue arises, a competitor may be required to play
a different song or not compete.
1-5 The audio
format must be played through an audio device such as a CD player, CD Changer,
MP3 player, flash drive or hard drive.
1-6 There is an 80 Hz limit in all peak SPL
classes.
1-7 The
competitor may have their vehicle running during their
run as long as the following requirements are met:
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The emergency
brake must be set
and function correctly
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The wheels
are chocked or blocked
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A maximum
approximate
engine idle speed is not to exceed 2000 RPM.
Over revving is not permitted. Competitors who over rev
their engines based upon judges discretion during qualifying
may be asked to re-qualify. Over revving during eliminations
rounds may result in a loss.
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The use of
accelerator/idle adjustments is permitted. Accelerator props must not
exceed 1"x1" square.
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Competitors that choose
to idle up their vehicle MUST have a tach installed.
1-8 Only the person
operating the sound system is allowed to remain in the vehicle.
Anyone choosing to sit in the vehicle during the
run must be of legal age to operate a motor vehicle. Those sitting in
the vehicle must sit on the drivers side and proper hearing protection is
used. Competitors sitting in the vehicle may not sit in such a way as to
manipulate their SPL score. This is up to the discretion of the head judge.
1-9 Competitors
may choose to open their doors, windows and other openings of the vehicle during
the metering process, however doors
and other openings are not to be slammed during
this time.
1-10 Once the SPL metering process begins, competitors will have a specified time limit to achieve their
highest SPL. Any adjustments can be made to the sound system before, during and/or after that
time. Additional runs may be allowed if time permits.
1-11 When safety is an
issue, it shall be up to the judges discretion to append or modify a
rule on a case by case basis.
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Section 2 - Vehicle Interior Requirements |
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2-1 No
obstructions or modifications can affect the placement of the sensor and/or
manipulate the SPL reading. This includes any items ( seats or other obstacles )
within 12” of any part of
the sensor.
2-2 Standard
sensor position will be at the “legal” position 12” from the passenger A pillar
( horizontal ) and 4” off of the dash ( vertical ).
2-3 All window
and door/hatch openings need to function normally.
No obstructions can prevent the openings
from functioning normally.
They must be able to open and shut and also roll up
and down. Silicone used on windows ( to prevent water leaks ) needs to prove that the
modification doesn’t affect the SPL score. Sun roofs in walled vehicles do not need to function.
If a window track is broken, functionality will be at the discretion of the
head judge. Exceptions to these rules are listed in
Section 7
2-4 The vehicle
must have front seats. If the OEM seats came with headrests and/or armrests then those
items must remain in place. Seats and seat brackets may not be modified
unless noted otherwise.
2-5 Front seats
may be folded and adjusted for competition but may not be removed from the
vehicle.
2-6 Rear seats, if
intended, may be folded during competition. Head rests
may be removed if this is part of the normal operation of folding the seats.
Modifications
allowing the rear seat to partially stay open must be made
in the cargo area and must not prevent the normal opening and closing of rear
seat.
2-7
Rear seat backs
in trunk vehicles may be folded.
Solid non/folding trunk vehicles may unbolt / latch their rear seat
back. The removed seat back must remain in the vehicle on top of the
bottom seat as if folded.
2-8 Second row
seating in vans and SUVs must remain in the OEM location.
If designed to do so, they can be folded but
not removed. Third row seating may be folded or removed from vehicle.
2-9 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.
2-10
All interior panels/carpet, including those in the trunk, hatch or cargo area
must remain in OEM position unless custom trim panels are used.
Notice - The spare tire cover,
spare tire and tools may be removed.
2-11 Interior modifications
are limited
by the class the competitor competes in.
Notice - Examples of interior
modifications (but not limited too):
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM
windshield/side windows
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM dash
and components
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM seats
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM door
panels
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM
headliner
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM floor
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Replacing/Modifying the OEM
carpeting
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Replacing/Modifying any OEM
interior panels
Notice - Seat Limitations
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Seats not allowed: Go-Cart seats,
arcade game seats, dune buggy seats, etc. They are not considered OEM
equivalent.
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Aftermarket seats or those from
another vehicle are allowed provided they serve both form, size and function of the original
OEM seat. Seats must remain in the forward
facing position.
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Seats must be fully bolted and
secured.
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OEM seats must remain in their
original place.
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Replacement seats must be bolted in
the rear most OEM bolt hole location.
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Custom seat brackets will be
at the
sole discretion of the head judge.
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Modifying seats in order to fold or
slide forward past their original OEM specification is prohibited.
2-12 Door
panels must not be glued or siliconed on. In other words, they can not be sealed
to the door and must be easily removed if required.
2-13
Custom panels must be covered or painted. Modifications
are allowed provided to
accommodate accessories, sound, video system or
for cosmetic reasons; as long as they are
designed/built from the original OEM panel.
2-14 Custom
dashes must resemble the original dash in size, form and function.
Structural reinforcement is allowed only to those areas where aftermarket
accessories, sound or video systems are installed.
2-15 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.
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Section 3 - Vehicle Requirements |
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3-1 Each
vehicle must be capable of being registered, licensed/tagged to drive on a
Highway.
3-2 The vehicle
must be capable of driving into the judging lanes.
In other words, the vehicle must be able to propel itself using the engine and
OEM or equivalent drive train.
Notice - If the vehicle breaks down
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 may enter the judging
lanes by any means possible. This is at the sole discretion of the head judge.
3-3
Modifications to the body of the vehicle are not allowed if the modification
will increase the vehicle’s interior volume. This includes, but is not limited
to: cutting of the floor, wheel wells and other areas that will change the
interior volume of the vehicle. Airbag suspension modifications are allowed.
3-4 The judge
must be able to see inside of the vehicle during the metering process to observe
the metering equipment. This includes sides or front window.
3-5 People are 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.
( See Xtreme rules for further details )
3-6 OEM or
equivalent door and hatch seals must be in place. They may not be added to or
modified, unless specified by a particular division.
3-7 Standard
door and window openings may not be sealed ( taped or siliconed
shut ) during the run unless otherwise noted.
For safety reasons, windows may be taped to prevent breakage of glass or flying
glass particles.
3-8 A competitor
may switch vehicles at any point during the season.
No borrowing, renting or switching vehicles for finals.
3-9 National competitors may not
share a vehicle at the same event. However, they may create a “team name “ and
run under that name. Only 1 vehicle
per division
may be assigned to a particular competitor
and/or team per show.
Example: Competitor A may not share
their vehicle and/or system with Competitor B at the same event. Also,
Competitor A may not allow Team C to use their vehicle as a "team vehicle".
However, one competitor may use 1 vehicle in one
division and another vehicle in a different division.
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Section 4 - Equipment Requirements |
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4-1 The audio
equipment must be designed for use in a 12-Volt automotive environment.
4-2 The audio
equipment must be available for purchase through legitimate auto sound
businesses.
4-3 Use of
wireless remote controls, IR repeaters, Bass Knobs and/or podiums are allowed in
all classes.
4-4 The
subwoofers must be powered by the audio amplifiers in the vehicle.
4-5 The maximum
voltage of the vehicle’s electrical system can not be higher than 15.5 volts in
any national class during the entire
run. In most cases this measurement will be taken at or near the amplifier. In some
situations due to install or other unforeseen issues, the measurement can be taken
elsewhere.
Notice - Battery Limitations
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Aftermarket
batteries are allowed.
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Batteries must be 12 volt only.
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Hybrid 3 post 12/16 volt batteries
are not permitted.
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14volt, 6volt or 2volt
battery
combinations
are not permitted
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Custom home-made batteries are not
allowed.
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Aftermarket battery trays and/or
brackets may be installed.
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Additional batteries may be mounted
in a cargo area and/or under the hood. No
battery boxes underneath the vehicle permitted.
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Vehicles with batteries installed
in an unsafe manner, according to the head judge, will not be permitted to
compete.
4-6 The use of
aftermarket alternators and external voltage regulators are allowed provided no
other rules are violated. There is no limit on the number of alternators used.
4-7 External
generators, battery chargers and other charging devices ( excluding alternators
) may not be used in the judging lanes or
while the vehicle is being metered.
4-8 Passive radiators
are allowed provided they are commercially available. They are not considered
woofers and will not be counted. Custom or homemade passive radiators are not
permitted.
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Section 5 - Installation Requirements |
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5-1 Nothing in
the sound system may interfere with the normal daily use and/or operation of the
vehicle. This includes equipment on the floor or seat
and seating position of passengers. See specific divisions
for details.
5-2
Amplifiers mounted in the passengers compartment must meet the following
guidelines:
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Amplifiers may be
installed under front or rear seats as long as the installation doesn't interfere
with normal operation of the seat
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Amplifiers may not be installed where
the seat lays directly on top of the amp.
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Amplifiers must be
securely fastened and protected from unintentional damage or
abuse.
5-3 No aftermarket sub amps
and/or batteries may be mounted in the center console or center console area.
5-4 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.
Notice - The following test
will/can be performed - “B” pillar test: A string is passed through both
doors and ran up and down the doorjamb. Nothing in the audio system may
interfere with this test.
OEM trim panels attached to the enclosure are not
counted.
Notice - Non-Wall Pickup Trucks :
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Single cab pickup trucks (not an
extended-cabs or king-cabs
and only those with 2 doors) with the subwoofer enclosure behind the front
seats, the subwoofer enclosure can not be in front of the "B" pillar by more
than 4" at any point.
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All other pickups ( extended-cabs,
king-cabs, etc. ) the “B” pillar test is required.
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In the Basic Division all equipment
must reside within the cab of the vehicle except for batteries.
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In the Basic Division 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.
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In the Advanced No Wall Division,
pickups are allowed to remove or modify any
part of their back seats to incorporate the
sound system. Enclosure, amps, batteries may reside in the bed
of the vehicle as long as the equipment doesn't extend above the
side bed rails.
Notice - Wall Pickup Trucks :
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In the Advanced Divisions all
equipment can be in the bed of the truck provided a commercially available
bed cover or camper shell is used.
5-5
Competitors are encouraged to mount/secure subwoofer enclosures and
other equipment for
safety.
5-6 The cargo
area in vans and SUVs is defined as behind the second row seating. If the vehicle does
not have second row seating in place, then that vehicle can not compete in the
basic division unless otherwise noted.
5-7 In two seat
vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, all
equipment ( excluding source unit, EQ, processors and battery under hood ) must be behind the B-pillar and can't be setting behind
the front seats on the floor. Equipment location is subject per division.
5-8 A speaker
wall is any subwoofer enclosure that is taller than the top of the rear seat
back (not including head rests) or taller than the
bottom of the rear side windows which ever is lower.
Notice - No Wall Division
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If the vehicle has no
side windows and the enclosure up to the B-pillar, then the box
height will be at the opening of the drivers and passenger
window at the B-pillar.
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If the vehicle is a
4-door car, the the box height will follow the trailing edge of
the rear drivers and passenger side windows.
Notice - Box Height
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Anything that is attached to or
setting on the subwoofer enclosure including, but not limited to, speakers,
surrounds, amplifiers, processors etc., is considered to be a part of the subwoofer
enclosure and will count towards the “wall” test.
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Any aftermarket audio components
installed to increase the competitors SPL
score, that is
installed in non OEM locations will be counted towards the wall test.
Components installed for Mids/Highs purposes will be permitted upon judges
discretion.
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If the vehicle is a two seat
vehicle such as a 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 floor. Floor build-ups in relation to box
height will be at the sole discretion of the head judge.
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Vehicles such as standard cab,
extended cab and king cab pickups the maximum box height will be at the
bottom of the rear window.
5-9 Trunk
vehicles may port through the rear deck utilizing existing openings only. Modifying or
cutting the rear deck or OEM package tray cover is prohibited.
The only allowed modification is the removal of the
back of the rear seat
in non-folding vehicles
and/or rear speakers.
5-10
Competitors may install additional equipment in the spare tire well. This
includes but is not limited to: amps, batteries, wiring, CD changers, speakers and
enclosures. This area must also be available for inspection.
5-11 There is
no limit on the amount of sound damping. All sound damping must be installed in such a
manner that the OEM door panel/panels and headliner must attach normally using the
factory OEM tabs/screws, rear deck lid or other places
in the cargo area
where there is not an OEM cover may be used. Sound damping must be used in
accordance to the manufacture's recommendation. No sound damping shall be
visible or placed on top of interior panels. Products such as Dynamat, Road Kill
and Accumat are considered approved materials.
5-12 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, to seal gaps between panels
or to cover vents
5-13 The use
of, but not limited to, glue, silicone and/or additional screws is not permitted
to attach OEM panels in place.
5-14 Expanding
foam may only be used in limited amounts in front of the B-pillar and may not be used to fill any large voids such as under dashes or doors.
5-15
Competitors are encouraged to mount all batteries and capacitors safety and
securely.
5-16
Competitors may not share same equipment unless one competitor is out of
the competition.
5-17 All
subwoofer speaker wires must be capable of being inspected from the sub amp to the enclosure.
5-18 Competitors are
required to use only a single strand of speaker wire per speaker terminal.
Speaker wire distribution blocks or connections may be used as long as the
metering equipment can be placed between them and the amplifier.
5-19
Competitors are required to have all (+) positive speaker wires going to the enclosure(s) ran in such a way that they can all be clamped at one time.
5-20 Competitors are
strongly encouraged to have their installations neat in appearance. Bare wood or
unfinished materials are discouraged. Recommended finish materials are: paint,
carpet, Formica, Plexi, stainless steel, aluminum and vinyl. Competitors taking the
time to do so will be rewarded by having photos of their vehicles posted on the
official website
www.midwestspl.com
and other forms of media used by Midwestspl.
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Section 6 - Classification |
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6-1 Competitors
are classified by the components of their sound system and modifications to the
vehicle.
6-2 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
an OEM center console will not be counted.
Competitors may be asked to disconnect or make inoperable subwoofers 10” or larger mounted in front of the “B” pillar, during the run.
6-3 In some
classes a power rating along with the sizes of subwoofers is used. The higher of
the two ratings will determine a competitor’s class.
Example: Competitor “A” has 2-12”
speakers and 1,000 watts. The entry level class allows for 2-12’s
and 500 watts therefore the competitor would be moved up into the class that
allows for 1,000 watts. However, competitors
may choose to turn down their 1,000 watt amp to produce 500 watts of power
during their run and remain in the entry level class.
Example: Competitor “B” has 500
watts and 4-12’s; this competitor would be in
a larger class because of the number and size of
subwoofers.
6-4 Each
competitor may compete in
only
1 class per division ( IE: Basic, Advanced, Xtreme,
Kaos & Mayhem ) at a
regular season
event as long as their particular audio system
installation and vehicle regulations meets each class’s requirements.
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Section 7 - Instructions per Division |
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Midwest Street Division |
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MSD - Classes are
for beginner and entry level competitors only. Manufacturers, retailers and
professionals are prohibited from participating in these classes. This includes
but not limited to: Anyone that has competed at ‘any’ World Finals, anyone that
is a current member of another sound off organization
or someone that has higher skills or knowledge than
others in their class. Moving someone out of these classes is at the sole
direction of the event promoter or judge. Local level rules
and classes may vary from event to event.
These are typically offered at most Midwestspl Events. All MSD
competitors are
required to play music ( no tones or sweeps ).
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Typical Classes Offered ( could change
depending on the needs of the retailer:
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MSD 1 – Up to 1-12, 2-10’s or 3-8’s
( peak score )
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MSD 2 – Up to 1-15, 2-12’s, 3-10’s
or 4-8’s ( peak score )
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MSD 3 –
Up to 1-18, 2-15's, 4-12's ( peak
score )
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MSD 4 - Unllimited
The rules for the MSD
are suggested rules and can vary from show to show depending on the specific
needs of the retailer/show promoter. The following rules are typical of what you
will see:
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Doors and windows may be open
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Engine RPM limit 2000
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Parking break must be set
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Competitors may sit inside vehicles with hearing protection
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Walls are permitted
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Vehicles must have 2 front seats
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Basic Division
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Classes:
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Basic 1 – Up to 1-15, 2-12’s,
3-10’s or 4-8’s,
7-6.5's up to 500 watts ( max clamped )
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Basic 2 – Up to 1-15, 2-12’s,
3-10’s or 4-8’s, 7-6.5's up to 1,000 watts ( max clamped )
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Basic 3 –
Up to 1-24, 1-21, 1-18, 2-15’s,
4-12’s or 6-10’s, 9-8's, 14-6.5'sup to 2,000 watts ( max clamped )
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Basic 4 – Unlimited Speakers, up to 4,000 watts ( max clamped )
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Basic Trunk - Unlimited Speakers,
up to 2,000 watts ( max clamped )
7-1 CRX's are
not allowed in the Basic 1-3 classes
7-2 Structural
modifications to the passenger or cargo compartment are not permitted.
7-3 Custom
installations and/or custom panels are permitted provided no other rules are
violated.
7-4
All windows and openings need to
function normally.
7-4 Subwoofers
and enclosures must be in the “cargo” area.
7-5 Subwoofers
and enclosures may not set on top of a folded rear or 2nd row seat.
7-6 Seats and
seat backs 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.
7-7 Enclosures
may be "built" into the trunk of the vehicle. However, the construction may not
be permanent and the competitor must easily be able to return the vehicle to its original/OEM
condition. Competitors may be asked to provide proof that the installation meets
these guidelines.
7-8 Speaker
walls are not permitted.
7-9 Any audio equipment
used to produce SPL must be below the window line referred to as the wall test.
7-10 Two seat vehicles such
as a CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, may have equipment, excluding the subwoofer(s) and
enclosure, up to the B-pillar. The enclosure and anything attached to it must be
15” behind the B-pillar.
Exception: If the two seat vehicle
has less than 24" of maximum B-pillar to back depth in the cargo area, then
that vehicle may use all of the cargo area for the subwoofer enclosure and
equipment installation provided no other rules are broken.
7-11 Commercial
vehicles, those with no rear 2nd or 3rd row seating and/or have floor cuts such
as handicap van or an ambulances are not allowed.
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Advanced No Wall Division |
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Classes:
7-12 Structural
modifications to the passenger compartment are not permitted in front of the “B”
pillar. Interior modifications are allowed provided the modification is behind
the "B" pillar and under the "wall test".
7-13 All
windows and openings need to function normally in front of the “B” pillar
and above the widow line.
7-14 Cut throughs in pickups are permitted.
7-15 Speaker
walls are not permitted.
7-16 Commercial
vehicles that have floor cuts such as handicap van or an ambulances are not
allowed.
7-17 Two seat vehicles such
as a CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, may have all equipment up to the B-pillar.
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Advanced Division |
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Classes:
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Advanced
1 – Up to 1-24, 2-21's, 2-18's, 4-15's, 6-12's, 9-10's, 14-8's, 21-6.5's up to 4,000 watts ( max clamped )
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Advanced
2 – Up to 2-24's, 3-21's, 4-18's, 6-15's, 9-12's, 13-10's,
21-8's, 31-6.5's up to 8,000 watts ( max clamped )
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Advanced 3 – Unlimited Speakers,
Unlimited Power
7-18 Structural
modifications to the passenger compartment are not permitted in front of “B”
pillar.
7-19 All
windows and openings need to function normally in front of the “B” pillar
( excluding sunroofs ).
7-20 Speaker
walls are permitted but not required.
7-21 Two seat vehicles such
as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, may have all equipment up to the B-pillar.
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Xtreme Division |
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Xtreme 1 & 2 use
Basic Rules, Xtreme 3 & 4 use Advanced Rules for the following:
Classes:
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Xtreme 1 –
Up to 1-15, 2-12’s, 3-10’s or 4-8’s, 7-6.5's
/ Unlimited
Power
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Xtreme 2 – Unlimited Woofers /
Unlimited Power
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Xtreme 3 –
Up to 1-24, 2-21's, 2-18's, 4-15's, 6-12's, 9-10's, 14-8's, 21-6.5's/ Unlimited
Power
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Xtreme 4 - Unlimited Woofers /
Unlimited Power
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Xtreme Trunk - Unlimited Woofers /
Unlimited Power
7-22 All passenger
side doors must remain shut during the run, but other windows, doors and other
openings can remain open.
7-23 Scores
will be averaged for 30 seconds during the run.
7-24 Xtreme
Division will measure the audio system's SPL 12” from the opening of the
front passenger's door window, centered left to
right of window opening, level with the opening ( window seal ) outside the
vehicle.
7-25
Competitors/Spectators may not crowd around or “cup” the sensor during the
metering process. The distance away is up to the head judge.
At finals, only the operator of the vehicle may stand "between the bumpers".
Competitors and teams are allowed to sit on top of the
vehicle as long as no other rules are violated.
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Kaos Division |
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Kaos 1 & 2 uses
Basic Rules, Kaos 3 & 4 uses
Advanced Rules - Except for the following:
Classes:
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Kaos 1 - Up to 1-15, 2-12’s, 3-10’s or 4-8’s, 7-6.5's / Unlimited
Power
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Kaos 2 - Unlimited Woofers /
Unlimited Power
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Kaos 3 - Up to 1-24,2-12's, 2-18's, 4-15's, 6-12's, 9-10's, 14-8's, 21-6.5's / Unlimited
Power
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Kaos 4 - Unlimited Woofers /
Unlimited Power
7-26 Scores will be
averaged for 1 1/2 minutes
minutes ( 90 seconds )
during the run.
7-27 The SPL sensor will
be placed inside the vehicle on the center of the windshield centered horizontally and
vertically.
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Mayhem Division |
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Mayhem
Division uses the Advanced Rules with
the following exceptions: |
7-28 16 volt / 8 Volt
combinations batteries are allowed. Max charging voltage shall not
exceed 18 volts. 7-29 Scores will
be averaged for 3 minutes during the run.
7-30 Anything that "sounds"
like "music" will be allowed.
7-31
The SPL sensor will be placed
inside the vehicle on the center of the windshield centered horizontally
and vertically.
7-32 Passenger compartment
must resemble a stock interior ( See interior rules )
Exception:
- Roof may be reinforced
- Doors may be reinforced
- Floor may be reinforced
- Dash may be reinforced
- "Stripper poles" ( roof to floor
bracing ) may be used. Competitors may have 1 brace not to
exceed 3" in diameter.
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Additional
Classes |
At some events, additional classes may be offered.
These classes are for fun and do not accumulate points for finals.
- Loud N Low - This format requires the
competitor to play 4 tones ( 20hz, 25hz, 30hz & 35hz ). The
scores from these tones will be averaged together to achieve a
final score. Sensor placement is in the center of the windshield
measured vertically and horizontally. Advanced Division rules
apply.
- Top Dog - This format uses track 19
on the Midwestspl CD. The track highlights frequencies
between 30-50hz. Competitors must play this track for at least
30 seconds while the computer takes an average score. Sensor
placement is in the center of the windshield measured vertically and
horizontally. Advanced Division rules apply.
- S.L.A.M ( Sound Looks and
Modifications ) - This is a car show style format. Competitor's
vehicles are judged on all aspects of their vehicle as the title
says. The more done to the vehicle, the cleaner it is and the
better it sounds will allow the competitors to achieve the
highest score possible.
- Benefit Class - Each year, Midwestspl
chooses a benefit to help raise money for. The format is simple,
the sensor may be placed anywhere in the vehicle to achieve the
highest SPL. As long as no device goes "into" the sensor
competitors are allowed to do what ever they want.
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Section 8 - Inspections & Protest |
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8-1 Vehicle
inspections will take place at Finals prior to qualifying. The
registered competitor must be with their vehicle during this process. If an
issue arises where judges need to address installation legality, only the
registered competitor ( not team or friends ) may be involved in a private
discussion. Team vehicles will designate one person to be the spokesperson.
8-1 Midwestspl
and its judges reserve 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.
8-2 Audits may
include, but not be limited to, the following inspections:
-
The vehicle’s electrical system
-
The vehicle’s sound system
-
The subwoofer enclosure
-
The interior panels
-
Competitor's
media
8-3
Competitors may protest another competitor at finals
-
Competitors may ONLY protest by filling out a protest form
-
You may only protest someone else in your class.
-
Protest forms must be filled out completely.
-
You must provide your name ( or competitor number ), the
name of the competitor being protested, the rule in which
they are in violation of, the action you would like to see
taken and the time.
-
Judges will review each protest form as they are submitted
and take action.
-
After brackets are made, protest forms may ONLY be turned in
as long as the violation has occurred AFTER the competitor
has qualified. ( IE: The competitor qualified legally, made
changes and now is illegal )
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Section 9 - Other Information |
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9-1 All rules
will be enforced based upon their intent and the ruling of the head judge is
final.
9-2 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
Midwestspl.
9-3 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.
9-4
A competitor caught tampering with the judging equipment will be disqualified and
removed from the event with out refund.
9-5 A competitor
caught deliberately cheating will be banned from competing at any Midwestspl
event.
9-6 Groups or
"teams" are encouraged to wear matching shirts or clothing in an order to have a
more professional appearance at events.
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Section 10 - National Finals |
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10-1 Midwestspl
National Invitational information can be found online at www.midwestspl.com or
you can contact our offices for further information.
10-2
Invitations to the Midwestspl Nationals will be awarded as follows:
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Competitors must earn the requested
total number of points. For this season the total is 100.
-
Competitors must earn 50 points to
qualify in the class they wish to compete in at Nationals.
-
Competitors must attend a
minimum of 3 events during the season no matter how many points they
earn to be eligible to attend finals.
-
Competitors must be a member of
Midwestspl to compete at Nationals.
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Only the top 15 competitors in each
class will be invited to finals.
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Those competing in the Mayhem
Division at Finals MUST compete with their Mayhem built vehicle in at least
1 event as part of their 3 show minimum requirement.
Example: A competitor can have 60
points in Basic 1 and 40 points in Xtreme 2 to equal 100 points. They would
receive 1 invite to finals. A competitor can have 60 points in Advanced 3
and 60 points in Xtreme 3 to equal 120 points. They would receive 2 invites
to finals.
10-3 Participation at
National Finals:
-
You may only compete in either 1
Basic or 1 Advanced class at Nationals
-
You may only compete in 1 Xtreme
class at Nationals
-
You may only compete in 1 Kaos
class at Nationals
10-4 Competitors must use
their own vehicle or the vehicle they competed with the most during the year at
finals. No borrowing, renting or switching vehicles at finals.
10-5 The
vehicle must carry valid insurance.
10-6 Vehicles and
systems must remain
viewable to all competitors and spectators at finals.
Vehicles may be shut or locked when not supervised.
10-7 Photos of
all vehicles, participants and attendees at finals may be taken and posted on the main site
www.midwestspl.com
and on various other websites and used for marketing purposes.
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Section 11 - State & National Records |
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11-1 State
Records may be set at any event. The competitors highest winning score of the
event will be counted. Scores will be posted on the official website
www.midwestspl.com.
Certificates will be handed out at Finals to those who
have the current record at the end of the season.
11-2 National
Records may only be set at Progressive Events and
Finals. The competitors highest winning score of
the event will be counted. Scores will be posted on the official website
www.midwestspl.com.
Plaques will be handed out at Finals to those who have the
current record at the end of the season.
11-3 National
Records at Finals will count towards the next season.
11-4 At
the end of each season, records will be reset
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Section 12 - Max Wattage |
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12-1 Some
classes require a Max Wattage measurement to be taken. This is how Max Wattage
is derived:
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1 Volt meter is placed on the
speaker leads coming out of the amplifier.
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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 and 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: (50AAC x 10VAC = 500 watts) AAC = AC
Amperage VAC = AC Voltage
12-2 An
allowance on wattage will be offered for each class.
-
5% at 500 watts ( 525 watts )
-
5% at 1000 watts ( 1050 watts )
-
3% at 2,000 watts (
2,060 watts )
-
3% at
4,000 watts ( 4120 watts )
-
3% at
8,000 watts ( 8240 watts )
12-3 Competitors are
encouraged to run the proper size speaker wire ( or larger ) and have it
accessible to placement of the judging equipment. If wires are
unable to be "pierced" or the judge feels they can not get a proper measurement,
then the competitor must
either run a non-power class
or make changes if time permits.
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Section 13 - Judging Format |
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13-1 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.
13-2 When
qualifying for the event the competitor will open their vehicle for the judge or
official 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
-
Judge may verify installation of
equipment.
13-3 The judging
equipment may not be touched by the competitor after it is placed in the
vehicle.
13-4 Competitors will not be allowed to "test" their equipment on the
judges equipment in the lanes prior to their run in order to set their
power. Once the meters are set, they will not be reset. Any recordings
made shall stand until the end of their run.
13-4 On the
competitors first qualifying attempt, the judge will determine if that vehicle
qualifies for their specific class by checking wattage of the system.
13-5 If there
is equipment failure after the first qualifying attempt, competitors will have a
predetermined time to replace damaged equipment before they run again.
13-6
Competitors may receive up to 2 qualifying attempts.
13-7 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
unless the result is a class change then that competitor can choose to have the
newly established score nullified.
13-8 Additional
qualifying attempts to change a competitor's class or to improve a competitors
score may be allowed and subject to an additional entry fee or re-run fee. The
time in which a competitor may take their rerun will be at the discretion of the
head judge
13-9 Once all
competitors have qualified for their class, the top 4 competitors ( sometimes 8
depending on size of event ) in each class will compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd
place. First place qualifier goes against eighth place qualifier and second
place qualifier goes against seventh place qualifier, etc. The winners will
advance to the next round ( semi finals ) where another
bracket will take place. The person with the higher
incoming score ( quarter finals win ) that loses in Semi Finals will get 3rd
place. We do not track or count losing scores. The winners of the semi final
rounds will advance to finals to compete for 1st place.
13-10
Eliminations are single elimination format. Competitors will not be allowed to
re-run during this time. Situations may arise where a re-run might be allowed
due to failure in metering equipment or other unforeseen situations that the
competitor or team are not responsible for. This is at the discretion of the
head judge.
13-11 If there is judging equipment failure
in a competitors vehicle, that vehicle/competitor will need to re-run in order
to get a legit score. The competitor in opposite lane may choose to keep their
original score and not run again OR delete their score and re-run to obtain a
new score.
13-12 When in
the case of a broken or cracked windshield, the sensor may be taped to
the window in order to hold in place to ensure a safe and accurate
reading.
13-13 In case
there is a tie in elimination rounds, the win will go to the competitor with the
lowest power. If a tie results in a non power class, then the round will be
re-ran.
13-14 If both
competitors in elimination exceed their class’s power limitation, then both
competitors will re-run until one competitor has an official score.
13-15 If there is a
dispute regarding the competitors score or power, it must be made aware
immediately after the run. Once the competitor leaves the judging lanes, he or
she acknowledges their run was accurate and complete.
13-16 Competitors & teams
in the lanes must remain with the vehicle being judged during the judging
process ( before, during & after ) until after scores & wattages are verified by
judges. During set up and tear down, competitors, teams and family members are
asked to step away until all equipment is removed from the vehicle.
If a judge feels that a competitor or team has violated
this rule, then disciplinary actions might take place. One or both vehicles
re-run, scores dismissed, person/competitor removed from judging lanes.
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Section 14 - Points |
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14-1 Points
will be awarded to each competitor at an officially sanctioned
Midwestspl event. Points are as follows:
-
First Place: 20 Points
-
Second Place: 15 Points
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Third Place: 12 Points
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All others: 10 points
14-2
Progressive Event points value will reflect the total number of unique
competitors: Example 24 unique competitors = 2
times the points; 46 unique competitors = 4 times the points.
14-3 Points are
tracked by the competitor’s name. Each competitor must be present at the event
to run his/her vehicle through the lanes.
14-4 Teams must
consist of active participants in the construction of the vehicle.
-
Must be a Team Member prior to
accruing points at any event
-
All team members names must be on
the Team Membership card
-
Team Memberships are $50 per season
-
Teams must be setup/bought 60 days
prior to season cut off date
-
A $20 fee will apply to change/add
names on membership card
-
Team Membership card must be
present upon registration
-
Team Membership card must specify team vehicle
-
A $20 fee will apply to change team
vehicle on Team Membership Card
14-5 Competitors may earn
additional points by
participating in multiple
divisions at each event.
14-6
Competitors can not share, exchange or give points away.
14-7 If Midwestspl
feels that a particular event results are in error, Midwestspl has the right to
modify that event results and competitors points accordingly.
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Section 15 - Points Cup |
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This years points cup is sponsored by
Incriminator Audio ( see
www.incriminatoraudio.com ).
The Points Cup is a race to see
who can have the most points at the end of the season.
After the conclusion of the
season at Midwestspl National Finals, the winner will be presented with the
Incriminator Audio Points Cup for their achievement.
How to win: Attend as many shows as
possible and enter as many classes as allowed.
Competitors points will only come from:
-
(1) one Basic or (1) one Advanced class
-
(1) one Xtreme
-
(1) one Kaos
-
(1) one Mayhem
Incriminator Audio Points Cup points
will be awarded as follows:
-
1st - 5 points
-
2nd - 3 points
-
3rd - 1 point
We will take the highest points from
either Basic or Advanced class, but not both. Max points awarded from each show
shall be 20 points.
Points Multiplier ( Progressive Events ) will
not count towards the points cup.
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