Vehicles entered into this competition were judged on all aspects of their sound system, including the installation quality, sound quality, and how loud the system plays (SPL). Competing allows you to see how good your car sounds to an impartial judge.

A Sound-Off is like a loud car show- a lot of cars parked with their hoods/doors/trunks open showing their audio systems. This year at SShowdown, we had a drive-through competition.

Typically, Sound Pressure Level (SPL) is done first with the mic stand in the driver's seat and the competitor in the passenger side adjusting only the volume. Hearing protection must be worn. After SPL measurements are completed, playing pink noise performs Real Time Analyzers (RTA) measurements. When the volume level is within the specified "window" around 90db-110db, the RTA judge will signal you out, and at that point you must exit the vehicle for the actual scoring measurements. The next area for judging should be Sound Quality (SQ) where the judge will sit in your car and judge the sound quality based on his reference CD/tape. The next area is installation judging where the competitor has 5 minutes to explain and show the installation of his/her vehicle. It is very useful to have a picture book/album of photos of the installation that may not be visible to prove that items not visible do exist. When that is completed, the competitor can park the vehicle and show spectators the vehicle. These procedures may differ in what can and can't be done, e.g. a judge will make sure no adjustments are made after SPL until after sound quality judging is over, ear protection, etc.

At  SShowdown, the competition will be judged on qualities such as:

Installation Quality, Wiring, Amplifiers, Speakers, Attention to Show Details.  Sound Pressure Level – SPL, Sound Quality - SQ, Tonal Accuracy and Spectral Balance and Frequency Response – RTA,

·           For SShowdown the division will be segmented by the power classes, Stock (for BOI contenders), 1-600w and 601w and up.

·           Judge(s) are encouraged to be as constructively helpful in their suggestions and document as many helpful comments on the score sheet as possible.