UTV Subwoofers Make the Trails More Fun!

Surprising as it might be, subwoofers do a lot more than make the bass in your UTV sound system better. Having a speaker and amplifier dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sound means that the small speakers don’t need as much power and don’t have to work as hard. While most audio enthusiasts associate subwoofers with home theater or premium car audio systems, they are a fundamental part of reproducing music with clarity and detail, especially at high volume levels. Let’s look at a few popular subwoofer solutions for powersports vehicles.

What To Look For in a UTV Subwoofer

There first thing you should take into consideration when shopping for a subwoofer for your RZR, Maverick, Ranger, YXZ, Commander or Wolverine is that the enclosure needs to be explicitly designed to fit the vehicle. Companies like JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate and MTX make subwoofer enclosures that bolt directly to the chassis of the vehicle to provide impressive bass without the need for permanent modifications. Depending on the brand, these enclosures are made from roto-molded ABS plastic or from hand-laid fiberglass. Fiberglass is typically more rigid than plastic but costs more.

The second thing you’ll want to look for in a UTV subwoofer upgrade is weather-resistance. You don’t want any wood that could swell or become moldy if exposed to water. All of the custom-fit enclosures can handle getting rained or splashed on. MTX has a unique enclosure design called Quick Install Port Seal (QuIPS) that includes a cap that can be installed over the vent in their enclosures. Vented enclosures offer better efficiency, but can be a problem if you plan on crossing a creek or small river.

Subwoofer Power Handling

You’ll want to look at the capabilities of the subwoofer. It’s not easy to compare how loudly a sub will play, as this depends on the amplifier you’ve chosen and the design of the enclosure. You can look at the excursion capabilities of the subwoofer used in the enclosure to give you a sense of how far the cone will move before distortion increases. Don’t put too much value in power handling ratings. All that those numbers really tell you is how much heat the voice coil can handle before it starts to melt.

Choose a Great Amplifier

As important as the enclosure is, picking a high-performance amplifier will have a significant role in determining the quality of the subwoofer system in your UTV. Not all amplifiers are created equally, and the differences are harder to identify when it comes to subwoofer amps. In general terms, you want to choose an amp that is efficient, will produce enough power to ensure that the system will play loudly enough and can handle the vibrations associated with use in a side-by-side. Many companies offer marine-grade amps with their upgrade packages. If you plan on forging a stream or something less logical like driving through a pond, then you need to make sure the amplifier is water-resistant. Most marine amps are NOT water-resistant, and dunking them is a recipe for failure. If you’re going to be adventurous, be sure to ask your specialty mobile enhancement retailer for a water-resistant amplifier solution.

Expert Installation Is Key!

While many companies market their powersports upgrades toward do-it-yourself installers, there are many reasons to pay a professional to complete the installation for you. First, a professional technician knows how to set the sensitivity controls on an amp to maximize output while keeping background noise in check. They know what filter settings will help ensure that your music sounds crystal clear at high volume levels while protecting the speakers from damage when they’re being pushed too hard. Of course, the best part is that you can drop your side-by-side off to them in the morning, then come back after a day of work, and everything will be ready for you to hit the trails.

Upgrade Your Powersports Vehicle with a Subwoofer Today

If you want your music to sound amazing while blasting down the trails, then adding a subwoofer to the stereo on your UTV is a good choice. Drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today to find out what is available for your vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Powersports Speaker Upgrades Improve Sound Quality and Quantity

Powersports speaker upgrades for UTVs and side-by-sides are all the rage these days. Car audio manufacturers offer pods, soundbars and enclosures to let your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer add or enhance the sound system on your Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki or Textron vehicle. Let’s look at some of the options available to make your time on the trails or dunes more enjoyable.

Choosing Suitable Powersports Speakers

Not all speakers are created equally. When it comes to powersports applications, you’ll want to search for a solution with elevated real-world power ratings. Look for speakers that are rated for at least 50 watts of continuous (sometimes called RMS) power handling. These systems get played loud, so having a speaker fail because it overheated wouldn’t be much fun.

Next, you should choose products that are designed specifically for outdoor applications. It’s pretty much guaranteed that your speakers are going to get dusty and dirty – everything else on a side-by-side does. If you are a bit more on the adventurous side, things could get wet if you are blasting through puddles, swamps, ponds or even a small lake. Finally, since most powersports vehicles spend most of their time outside, you’ll want to pick a speaker solution that is built with UV-resistant materials and tested to meet industry specifications.

As always, you should listen to the speakers you are considering purchasing using music you know well. Be sure to crank up the volume and see if the overall tonal balance changes when things get loud. Higher-quality speakers sound better at elevated volume levels. You don’t want the speakers to get bright or harsh when you turn things to 11.

Powersports Speakers — The JL Audio SB-POL-RZG2SPKR/M3-650i Stealthbox speaker pods for 2014 and up Polaris RZR 4 900, 900XC, XP 1000 and XP4 1000 include a set of 6.5-inch coaxial speakers rated to handle 60 watts RMS of power.

The Importance of Proper Installation

Before we dive into the speaker options available for your side-by-side, we want to reiterate the importance of having your mobile sound system installed by a qualified professional. Using proper wiring, making secure electrical connections, mounting equipment securely and, of course, configuring each system properly is crucial to ensuring that the system will be reliable and sound great for many years. Yes, it will cost a little bit to have your audio upgrade installed by a pro, but it’s a good investment.

Vehicle-Specific Speaker Pods

Companies like Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio, MB Quart and MTX offer vehicle-specific speaker pods for a variety of side-by-side vehicles. In most cases, these pods are constructed from a reinforced ABS plastic to provide a good balance of strength to weight. A few companies build their pods from fiberglass. Fiberglass is more rigid than ABS plastic, so while they may cost a little more, they might sound better.

Most vehicle-specific front speaker pods mount down in the footwell area of the average side-by-side. Some applications include options for dash-mounted speaker upgrades. The pods typically mount in place using factory fastener locations or use band-clamps that attach to the tubular chassis of the vehicle. While mounting the pods can be fairly easy, running the wiring to the amplifier and ensuring that it’s safe and secure can be tricky. The last thing you want is to get your feet caught in a speaker wire while trying to drive.

Universal Speaker Upgrades

Another option to add or upgrade the sound on your side-by-side is to use an enclosed speaker system, like marine wakeboard tower speakers, on the rear of the vehicle. These pods mount to the rear roll-cage and chassis and can be angled and aimed to direct sound right at the driver and passenger. Speaker pods are available with speakers sized between 5.25 and 10 inches. Many solutions have RGB LED lighting options if you want to add a little more style to your ride.

Powered and Bluetooth Sound Bars

Another easy way to add sound to your side-by-side is to choose a soundbar. These compact speaker systems typically include four or six 4-inch speakers and a pair of tweeters. Many are available with built-in amplifiers and a Bluetooth receiver, so the system is fully self-contained. All you have to do is pair your smartphone to the receiver and you can play music or listen to a streaming audio service like Pandora or iHeartRadio. Many bars have RCA preamp inputs so they can be integrated with a factory or aftermarket source unit.

Custom Speaker Solutions

As always, if a drop-in solution doesn’t exist, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can craft a bespoke speaker installation for you. Let them know what you have in mind, and they can build something that fits perfectly with the vehicle and sounds great.

Upgrade Your Powersports Speaker Today

Whether you want to upgrade your existing speakers so the sound system on your side-by-side or UTV will sound better or play louder, or you want to add an entirely new audio system, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer has dozens of options available. Drop by today and ask about their powersports speaker solutions.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Thinkware Q200 Dash Camera

Consumers typically have two schools of thought when it comes to dash cameras. Some want the most advanced technology and highest-resolution image sensors available. Others believe that any dash camera system is exponentially better than none. Sadly, the latter concept often leads to people buying low-quality, unreliable solutions. Sitting between these philosophies is the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system. With 2K QHD image quality on the front, 1080P FHD image quality on the rear, intelligent parking modes, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, this affordable system is anything but run-of-the-mill. It even includes a 32 GB microSD card! Let’s check it out!

Thinkware Q200 Front and Rear Camera System

The Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is based around the compact (3.9 x 0.9 x 1.3 inches) forward-facing camera with its Quad-HD (2506 x 1440-pixel) image sensor. The camera has a 125-degree field of view, offering a good balance of forward focus and side-approach monitoring. Videos are recorded in HEVC format using the H.264 codec to keep the file sizes manageable. As mentioned, the system includes a UHS-1 32 GB memory card but can accept cards up to 256 GB in capacity for over 800 minutes of storage.

The camera includes several video processing technologies to help improve image quality. First, Super Night Vision 2.0 helps ensure clear, low-noise images in low-light situations, capturing details like license plates or street signs when it’s dark. Advanced Video Clear Technology includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture technology that compresses washed-out highlights while boosting information usually lost in the shadows. Smart focusing and intelligent auto exposure enhance the system’s ability to store clear, sharp videos. Finally, de-warping technology reduces barrel distortion so objects at the extreme edges of the video don’t look misshapen.

The camera body has three connection ports: one connection is on top of the chassis for the power source, while one on the side is for the rear camera and one for the GPS receiver. The buttons on the rear panel activate the manual recording mode, and another provides control options for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can use Wi-Fi with the free Thinkware Dash Cam Link application to download videos directly from the camera. Alternatively, you can remove the microSD card from the bottom of the chassis and use the PC viewer software to view video files.

Rear and Optional Cameras

The rear camera included with the Q200 Front and Rear kit is even more compact (2.40 x 1.20 x 0.98 inches) and captures video in full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). It shares the same 125-degree field of vision as the front camera and records at 30 frames per second. A 19.7-foot cable lets your installer connect the rear camera to the front camera.

Another option is the infrared interior camera from Thinkware. This compact camera (part number TWA-NIFR) is ideal for taxi, limousine, and rideshare applications where recording what happens and what’s said inside the vehicle is important. The camera includes two compact infrared transmitters so it can effectively see in the dark.

The Q200 is compatible with the optional multiplexer box. With this option, your installer can add three additional cameras to the system, bringing the total to five. The four cameras connected to the multiplexer combine their images into a single video feed that records on the rear channel of the Q200. Side-view and infrared interior cameras are just some options available for additional cameras.

Parking Mode

For those not up-to-date with dash camera lingo, the parking mode feature allows the camera to continue capturing what’s happening around your car when it’s parked. Depending on where you park, you can work with your installer to choose between two frame-per-second Time Lapse, Energy Saving, and Motion/Impact Detection options. In Motion and Impact mode, the camera monitors the image sensor for changes that indicate something or someone has entered the field of vision. When this happens, it stores a video file with 10 seconds of footage before and after the trigger. The built-in three-axis accelerometer also monitors the vehicle for motion from an impact, which triggers a similar recording.

Energy-saving mode foregoes image sensing, dramatically reducing the electrical energy required to maintain camera operation. This mode is ideal for longer-term parking recording.

Built-In ADAS Features

The Q200 is no slouch when it comes to bonus features. The camera includes Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the form of Lane Departure Warning (LDWS), Forward Collision Warning (FCWS), and Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW). These systems use artificial intelligence and advanced image processing to detect potential hazards and provide a warning to the driver. The GPS antenna must be installed for these features to function.

Protect Yourself with the Thinkware Q200

As is evident, the Thinkware Q200 dash camera system is exponentially more capable than most solutions you’ll find outside a professional mobile enhancement retailer. If you want premium image quality in the videos, advanced ADAS warnings, and easy Wi-Fi downloading, drop by your local Thinkware retailer and ask about the Q200 system. They can provide a package price for the dual camera system with expert installation to ensure reliable operation.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR

Imagine you are driving your side-by-side down a twisty, high-speed trail. You want to crank up the volume on your stereo. Do you take your hands off the wheel to make an adjustment? You don’t have to if you have the Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR universal remote control installed. Let’s check it out!

What is the Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR?

The PMX-BTUR is a remote designed to mount on the steering wheel of your side-by-side, boat, car, or truck. The remote pairs with your smartphone using Bluetooth and allows you to control the device. You can adjust the smartphone’s volume, change tracks, or even answer a phone call. When used with an iPhone, you can also fast-forward and pause what’s playing.

The remote is impressively compact, measuring only 2-3/4 inches tall, 1-7/8 inches wide, and 1-1/4 inches thick. Your installer can mount it on the dash or a center console using two-sided tape. The remote also comes with a heavy-duty Velcro strap and mounting adapter that allows it to be attached to the inside of your steering wheel. Best of all, there are no wires to run. The device is powered by an easily replaceable CR2032 coin cell.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR — The PMX-BTUR universal Bluetooth remote is small enough to fit in your pocket.

How Does the PMX-BTUR Work?

The PMX-BTUR is easy to configure and use. Once installed, press any button to wake the remote up. You can then search for PMX-BTUR in the list of available devices. Once selected, it will pair with your smartphone. The remote uses Bluetooth 4.0 to communicate commands to your phone. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as only small digital commands are transmitted back to the phone. This communication method dramatically reduces power consumption and extends the battery’s life. Low Energy Bluetooth still provides up to 30 feet (10 meters) of range. As such, you can use your Polaris Ranger’s Rear Audio Cap to provide music for the entire campsite and control it all with the PMX-BTUR.

Durable Design for Long Life

Rockford Fosgate knows how crazy things can get in a side-by-side or after an evening of hanging out with friends by the campfire. The PMX-BTUR remote is IP67 rated, so it can be dropped in the water or get dusty without fear of failing. The materials used to construct the remote are designed to withstand prolonged UV and salt spray exposure.

Remote Control Adds Safety

The PMX-BTUR controls the operation of your phone, not a radio. As such, you can pair your phone with almost any radio brand and use this remote. It would be an excellent solution for a factory-installed or aftermarket motorcycle audio system mounted on the handlebar. You could even use the PMX-BTUR with a motorcycle helmet and built-in speakers.

Of course, if you are captaining a boat, then the PMX-BTUR adds instant convenience. Imagine being at the helm of a jet boat headed up the rapids. Keeping your hands on the wheel is crucial to ending the day with great stories instead of drama. The PMX-BTUR is a perfect solution!

Do you have an older car or truck without steering-wheel audio system controls? The PMX-BTUR is the perfect solution for controlling your phone. Stream music from a service like Pandora or Spotify, then use the remote to change tracks or adjust the volume.

Add Audio System Convenience Today

If you’re looking for a remote that works with most smartphones to provide volume, track selection, and let you answer a call, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today. You can find a shop near you using the online locator tool on their website. As always, be sure to follow our fanatical friends from Tempe on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, YouTube.
This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Powersports Amplifier Upgrades For Fun and Function

UTVs and side-by-sides from companies like Polaris, Yamaha, Honda and Can-Am can provide hours of fun on the trails or sand dunes. While some of these vehicles come with basic audio systems, none has the power to drown out wind and exhaust noise entirely when the pedal is to the floor. Adding a powersports-specific amplifier to the audio system is the best way to ensure that your music will sound great. Let’s look at a few amplifier options and explain what to look for when shopping.

What Does a Powersports Amplifier Do?

The job of an amplifier is to take the signal from the radio – be it factory-installed or an aftermarket solution – and increase the signal to a level that can drive the speakers. The amplifier needs a robust power supply so that it can also provide adequate current to those speakers.

Powersports Amplifiers — Extreme Audio near Richmond installed a pair of JL Audio water-resistant amplifiers in this RZR 1000.

What to Look for in a Side-by-Side Amplifier

Many companies produce great amplifiers for powersports applications. The amps fall into three classes. The best choices for those who are the most adventurous with their vehicles (i.e., elbow deep in water) is a water-resistant amplifier. These amplifiers can get wet or muddy without any fear of the internal components becoming damaged. Most of the manufacturers who produce water-resistant amps ask that you don’t submerge them, especially for long periods.

The second and most popular group of amplifiers falls into the marine-grade category. These amplifiers are designed with a corrosion-resistant chassis and hardware, and typically have a coating on the circuit boards to prevent moisture from damaging components. These amps aren’t designed to get wet or really dirty but should be able to shrug off a splash or two.

Finally, we have regular car audio amplifiers. For a dusty, dirty and often wet environment like a side-by-side, these aren’t a great long-term solution. Debris can get into the amp and block cooling vents and fans. Without proper airflow, the amps can overheat and will stop working. If you are using your side-by-side in an application more like a heavy-duty golf cart and it’s going to stay dry, you might be able to get away with this for a while. We recommend staying with marine-grade or water-resistant amplifiers for powersports applications.

Whether you choose a water-resistant or a marine amplifier, you are going to need to decide how many channels the amp needs to have. The product specialist at the store can help you figure this out. If you didn’t bring the vehicle with you, having a set of pictures on your phone is a good idea. If you’ve already made upgrades, be sure to tell them. If you plan on adding more updates in the future, let them know that information as well.

Suitable amplifiers are available in configurations from single-channel, high-power monoblock solutions for subwoofers to four-channel full-range solutions to power your speakers. There are even compact marine amplifiers with as many as eight channels for complex systems. In short, you want an amplifier channel for each speaker on the vehicle and enough power to ensure that any subwoofers will play loudly without the amp distorting.

Amplifier Installation Is Crucial to Longevity

Once you’ve decided on the right amp or amplifiers for your vehicle, the next step is to ensure that they are correctly installed. Powersports amplifiers can draw a lot of current from the electrical system when the volume is cranked. So that they function as designed, they need to be connected to the battery with large-gauge, high-quality wiring. Wiring, connectors and protection devices (fuses and circuit breakers) are not items to skimp on. You wouldn’t buy a Porsche as a track-day vehicle, then outfit it with off-brand all-season tires to save a few bucks, right?

Amplifiers need to be mounted securely. Stable mounting not only prevents the amp from moving around as you bounce off rocks and logs, but it makes sure that the electrical connections won’t be unduly stressed from vibration and motion. Mounting locations and methods vary from vehicle to vehicle and may include composite panels or metal brackets. You don’t want wood in your powersports vehicle – it’s going to get wet, swell and potentially become moldy.

The last step in installing the amplifier is its proper configuration. Crossover and input sensitivity settings need to be configured correctly so that you get the most performance for your investment. Many shops use oscilloscopes and test equipment to optimize the installations they do. Hearing mention of this equipment is a sign that you’re dealing with a reputable facility.

Enjoy Your Day on the Trails

Upgrading your side-by-side, ATV or even a snowmobile or personal watercraft with a high-quality sound system is a great way to make your fun-time even more enjoyable. Visit your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and talk with them about the amplifier options for your powersports vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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What To Look For in a UTV Subwoofer

Subwoofer Power Handling

Choose a Great Amplifier

Expert Installation Is Key!

Upgrade Your Powersports Vehicle with a Subwoofer Today

Choosing Suitable Powersports Speakers

The Importance of Proper Installation

Vehicle-Specific Speaker Pods

Universal Speaker Upgrades

Powered and Bluetooth Sound Bars

Custom Speaker Solutions

Upgrade Your Powersports Speaker Today

Thinkware Q200 Front and Rear Camera System

Rear and Optional Cameras

Parking Mode

Built-In ADAS Features

Protect Yourself with the Thinkware Q200

What is the Rockford Fosgate PMX-BTUR?

How Does the PMX-BTUR Work?

Durable Design for Long Life

Remote Control Adds Safety

Add Audio System Convenience Today

What Does a Powersports Amplifier Do?

What to Look for in a Side-by-Side Amplifier

Amplifier Installation Is Crucial to Longevity

Enjoy Your Day on the Trails

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