1-1     Competitors may use any music format they choose to achieve their highest SPL. This includes test tones, sine sweeps, MP3’s, commercially available CD’s and burned CD’s. Competitors in the Local, Basic and Advanced divisions may choose to “burp” their system for a few seconds or play all out for the full 30 seconds. (Exception – Xtreme & Kaos divisions must play music only.)

1-2     The music format must be played through an audio device such as CD players, CD Changers, MP3 players or hard drives.

1-3     There is an 80 Hz limit in all peak SPL classes. (Exception – Xtreme & Kaos division must play music with no frequency limit.)

1-4     The competitor may have their vehicle running during the competition as long as the following requirements are met:

• Emergency brake is set

• Wheels are chocked

• Maximum engine RPMs is not to exceed 2000

1-5    Only the person operating the sound system is allowed to remain in the vehicle. Those sitting in the vehicle must sit on the drivers side as long as 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.

1-6     Competitors may choose to open their doors, windows and other openings of the vehicle during the metering process. Doors and other openings are not to be slammed during the metering process.

1-7     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.

Exception: Kaos Division is a 3 minute music average

2-1     Competitors are classified by the components of their sound system and modifications to the vehicle.

2-2     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.

2-3     In some classes a power rating along with the sizes of speakers is used. The higher of the two ratings will determine a competitor’s class.

Example: Competitor “A” has 2-10” speakers and 1000 watts. The entry level class only allows for 2-10’s and 500 watts therefore the competitor would be moved up into the next class of 2-12’s and 1,000 watts. Competitor “B” has 500 watts and 2-12’s; this competitor would be in the second division because of the number and size of subwoofers.

2-4     Each competitor may compete in 1 class per division at an event as long as their particular audio system installation, vehicle regulation and experience meets each class’s requirements.

2-5     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 Section 12 at the end of the rule book.

Local Level - Classes are for beginner and entry level competitors only. Manufactures, retailers and professionals are discouraged 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, 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 may vary from event to event. General rules are outlined in Section 8 of this rule book.

3-1     Local Division ( no points, no prize money ) These are typically offered at most Midwestspl Events.

• Local 1 – Up to 1-12, 2-10’s or 3-8’s

• Local 2 – Up to 1-15, 2-12’s, 3-10’s or 4-8’s

• Local 3 – Up to 1-18, 2-15’s, 4-12’s or 6-10’s

• Local 4 – Unlimited

3-2     Basic Division

• Basic 1 – Up to 1-12, 2-10’s or 3-8’s, up to 500 watts ( max clamped )

• Basic 2 – Up to 1-15, 2-12’s, 3-10’s or 4-8’s, up to 1,000 watts ( max clamped )

• Basic 3 – Up to 1-18, 2-15’s, 4-12’s or 6-10’s, up to 2,000 watts ( max clamped )

• Basic 4 – Up to 2-18’s, 4-15’s, 6-12’s or 9-10’s, up to 4,000 watts ( max clamped )

• Basic 5 – Unlimited Speakers, Unlimited Power

• Basic Trunk - Unlimited Speakers, up to 2,000 watts ( max clamped )

3-3     Advanced Division

• Advanced No Wall - Unlimited Speakers, up to 4,000 watts ( max clamped )

• Advanced 1 – Up to 1-18, 2-15’s, 4-12’s or 6-10’s, up to 2,000 watts ( max clamped )

• 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

3-4     Xtreme Division ( 30 second music average )

• Xtreme 1 – 1-2 Woofers / Unlimited Power / No Wall

• Xtreme 2 – 3+ Woofers / Unlimited Power / No Wall

• Xtreme 3 – 1-2 Woofers / Unlimited Power / Wall

• Xtreme 4 - 3+ Woofers / Unlimited Power / Wall

3-5     Kaos Division ( 3 minute music average )

• Kaos - Unlimited Woofers / Unlimited Power

4-1     No obstructions or modifications can effect the placement of the sensor and/or manipulate the SPL reading. This includes any items within 13” of the sensor.

4-2     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 passenger's door window, centered left to right of window opening, level with the opening ( window seal ) outside the vehicle.

• Kaos Division will place the sensor in the middle of the windshield

4-3     All windows and 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 leaks ) need to prove that the modification doesn’t effect the SPL score.

4-4     The vehicle must have front seats. If seats came with headrests and/or armrests then those items shall remain.

4-5     Front seats may be folded and adjusted for competition but may not be removed from the vehicle.

4-6     Rear seat backs in trunk vehicles may be folded. Solid non/folding trunk vehicles may unbolt / latch their rear seat back. The removed seat must remain in the vehicle on top of the bottom seat as if folded.

4-7     Second row seating in vans and SUVs must remain in the OEM location. They can be folded but not removed. Third row seating may be folded or removed from vehicle.

4-8     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.

4-9     All interior panels/carpet, including those in the trunk, hatch or cargo area must remain in place.

Notice - The spare tire & tools and spare tire cover may be removed.

Exception - Two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette may not remove their spare tire cover

4-10 Interior modifications is limited by the class the competitor competes in.

Notice - Examples of interior modifications (but not limited too):

          Notice - Seat Limitations

4-11     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.

4-12     Custom interior panels are allowed. Structural panel modifications are not permitted unless the modification to the panel is to accommodate accessories, sound or video system.

4-13     Custom fiberglass 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 system might be installed.

4-14     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.

5-1     Each vehicle must be able to be registered to drive on the road.

5-2     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.

Notice - 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.

5-3     Suicide or gull wing doors are permitted provided no other rules are broken. The OEM B-pillar must not be modified.

5-4     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 and other areas that will change the interior volume of the vehicle. Channeling, body drops and/or airbag modifications are allowed.

Notice - 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.

5-5     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.

5-6     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.

5-7     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.

5-8     Standard door and window openings may not be sealed, taped or silicone shut during the run. See rule 4-3.

5-9     Competitor may switch vehicles at any point during the season.

5-10     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 may be assigned to a particular competitor and/or team per show.

Example: Competitor A may not share their vehicle and system with competitor B at the same event. Also, competitor A may not allow Team C to use their vehicle as a "team vehicle".

 

6-1     The audio equipment must be designed for use in a 12-Volt automotive environment.

          Exception:

• Wiring and interconnects do not apply.

• Non automotive batteries are allowed in specific classes.

6-2     The audio equipment must be available for purchase through legitimate auto sound businesses.

6-3     Use of wireless remote controls, IR repeaters, Bass Knobs and/or podiums is allowed in all classes.

6-4     The subwoofers must be powered by the audio amplifiers in the vehicle.

6-5     The maximum voltage of the vehicle’s electrical system can not be higher than 15.5 volts in any national 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

6-6     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 as long as they’re all ran off the same motor, belt or chain.

6-7     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.

7-1     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.

7-2   Amplifiers may be mounted under front seats

7-3   No sub amps may be mounted in the center console

7-4   No batteries may be mounted in the center console

7-5     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.

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.

7-6     Subwoofer enclosures and other equipment are encouraged to be mounted and secured for safety.

Notice - Non-Wall Pickup Trucks :

• 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.

7-7     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 basic division unless otherwise noted.

7-8     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. The side mount seats must remain in place.

7-9     In two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, equipment must be behind the B-pillar and can't be setting behind the front seats on the floor. Equipment location is subject per division.

7-10     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 rear side or rear glass, which ever is lower.

Notice - Box Height

Exception: Basic Trunk Division is not allowed to cut anything. The only modification is the removal of the back of the rear seat and/or rear speakers. See Instructions Per Division 8-12.

7-11     There is no limit on sound dampening. All sound dampening must be installed in such a manner that the OEM door panel/panels must attach 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.

        Exception: Rear deck lid or places where there is not a OEM cover.

7-12     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 or to seal gaps between panels. Use on sub enclosure is permitted.

7-13     The use of, but not limited to, glue, silicone and/or additional screws is not permitted to attach OEM panels in place.

7-14     Expanding foam may only be used in limited amounts in front of the B-pillar. Expanding foam may not be used to fill any large voids such as under dashes or doors.

7-15     All batteries and capacitors are encouraged to be mounted and securely fastened for safety.

7-16   Competitors may not share same common equipment unless one competitor is out of the competition.

7-17     All subwoofer speaker wires must be capable of being inspected from the amp to the enclosure.

7-18     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.

The rules for the Local Division 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.

• Doors and windows may be open
• RPM limit 2000
• Parking break must be set
• Competitors may sit inside vehicles with hearing protection
• Walls are permitted
• Vehicles must have 2 front seats
• Enclosure must be somewhere behind front seats

Basic Division

8-1     Structural modifications to the passenger or cargo compartment are not permitted.

8-2     Custom installations are permitted provided no other rules are violated.

8-3     All windows and openings need to function normally.

8-4     Subwoofers and enclosures must be in the “cargo” area.

8-5     Subwoofers and enclosures may not sit on top of a folded rear or 2nd row seat.

8-6     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.

8-7     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 and welding are not.

8-8     Cut throughs are permitted in single cab trucks.

8-9     Speaker walls are not permitted.

8-10   Any audio equipment used to produce SPL must be below the window line referred to as the wall test.

8-11     Two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette, the audio system and components( excluding source unit and processors and main battery ) must not be within 15” of the “B” pillar. This includes batteries, amps, subwoofers and enclosures.

Exception: In the Basic 5 division, two seat vehicles 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.

Exception: Two seat vehicles may not have any audio equipment located/installed in the spare tire well.

8-12     Commercial vehicles, those with no rear seating and/or have floor cuts such as handicap van or an ambulances are not allowed.

8-13     In the Basic Trunk Division, porting (IE: Cutting ) through the rear deck is not allowed.

Advanced No Wall Division

8-14     Structural modifications to the passenger compartment are not permitted in front of the “B” pillar.

8-15     All windows and openings need to function normally in front of the “B” pillar.

8-16     Cut throughs are permitted.

8-17     Speaker walls are not permitted.

8-18     Two seat vehicles such as CRX, EXP, RX7 or Corvette are allowed to have the audio system and components up to/next to the “B” pillar

8-19     Commercial vehicles that have floor cuts such as handicap van or an ambulances are not allowed.

8-20    Non automotive batteries may be used.

Advanced Division

8-21     Structural modifications to the passenger compartment are not permitted in front of “B” pillar.

8-22     All windows and openings need to function normally in front of the “B” pillar.

8-23     Speaker walls are permitted but not required.

8-24    Non automotive batteries may be used.

Xtreme Division

8-25     “B” Pillar test required

8-26    Passenger door must remain shut but other windows, doors and other openings can remain open.

8-27     Scores will be averaged for 30 seconds.

8-28     Music must be played (no test tones or sine sweeps).

8-29     SPL meter will be placed 13” outside the vehicle on the passenger’s side.

8-30     Competitors/Spectators may not crowd around or “cup” the sensor during the metering process. The distance away is up to the head judge.

8-31     Xtreme 3 & 4 ( wall), non automotive batteries may be used

Kaos Division

8-32    Scores will be averaged for 3 minutes

8-33    Music must be played ( no test tones or sine sweeps ).

8-34    SPL meter will be placed inside on the center of the windshield

8-35    Competitors must be outside the vehicle during the run and may only lean in to make adjustments to the sound system and/or vehicle if needed.

9-1     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.

9-2     Audits may include, but not limited to, the following inspections:

• The vehicle’s electrical system

• The vehicle’s sound system

• The subwoofer enclosure

• The interior panels

10-1     All rules will be enforced based upon their intent and the ruling of the head judge is final.

10-2     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 Get Loud Productions.

10-3     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.

10-4     Competitors caught tampering with the judging equipment will be removed from the event.

10-5    Competitors caught cheating will be banned from competition for life.

11-1     Get Loud Productions National Invitational information can be found online at www.midwestspl.com or you can contact our offices for further information.

11-2     Invitations to the Get Loud Productions Nationals will be awarded as follows:

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.

11-3     Only damaged equipment may be replaced or exchanged at finals.

11-4     Competitors may not share same common equipment unless one competitor is out of the competition.

11-5     The vehicle must carry valid insurance.

11-6    Vehicles and systems should remain viewable to all competitors and spectators at finals.

11-7    Photos of winner's vehicles will be taken at finals and posted on the main site www.midwestspl.com.

12-1     Prize money will only be paid in the following classes:

• TBA

12-2     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.

13-1     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)

13-2     An allowance on wattage will be offered for each class.

13-3    Competitors are encouraged to run the proper size speaker wire ( or larger ) and have it accessible to placement of the judging equipment. See rule 7-15

14-1     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.

14-2     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:

14-3    The judging equipment may not be touched by the competitor after it is placed in the vehicle.

14-4     On the competitors first qualifying attempt, the judge will determine if that vehicle qualifies for their specific class. 

14-5     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.

14-6     Competitors will only receive 2 qualifying attempts.

14-7     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.

14-8     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. The time in which a competitor may take their rerun will be at the discretion of the head judge

14-9     Once all competitors have qualified for their class, the top 8 competitors 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 where another bracket will take place. This will continue until a winner is selected.

14-10     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 events that the competitor or team are not responsible for. This is at the discretion of the head judge.

14-11     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.

14-12     If both competitors in elimination exceed their class’s power limitation, then both competitors will re-run until one competitor has an official score.

14-13    If there is a dispute regarding the competitors score or power, it must be made aware immediately after the run.

14-14   Competitors & teams must remain with the vehicle being judged during the judging process ( before, during & after ) until after scores & wattages are verified by judges.

15-1     Points will be awarded to each competitor competing at an officially sanctioned Get Loud Productions event. Points are as follows:

15-2     Multi point events will simply multiple the total amount of points by the value of the event.

15-3     Points are tracked by the competitor’s name. Each competitor must be present at the event to run his/her vehicle through      the lanes. Competitors unable to attend the event do to unforeseen circumstances may allow a team mate to run his/her vehicle for them as long as prior approval from Get Loud Productions has been authorized.

15-4    Teams must consist of active participants in the construction of the vehicle.

15-5   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.

15-6     Competitors can not share, exchange or give points away.

15-7    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.

This years points cup is sponsored by Incriminator Audio ( see www.incriminatoraudio.com ).

The points cup is a points race to see who can have the most points at the end of the season. At the conclusion of the season at National Finals, the winner will be presented with the Incriminator Audio Points Cup for their achievement.

How to win:

Competitors wanting to win the points cup must enter at least 2 classes per event. Competitors points will only come from (1) one Basic or Advanced class and (1) one Xtreme or Kaos class, which ever is higher.

Example: If a competitor enters 4 classes ( Basic 3, Advanced 1, Xtreme 2, Kaos 1 ) and gets the following points from each class:

• Basic 3 - 1st place 20 points

• Advanced 1 - 3rd place 16 points

• Xtreme 2 - 2nd Place 18 points

• Kaos 1 - 3rd Place 16 points

We will take their highest points in Basic or Advanced ( Basic 3 - 20 points ) and their highest in Xtreme 2 or Kaos 1 ( Xtreme 2 - 18 points ) for a total Incriminator Audio points from the show of 38 points.