MECA 2007 Finals Pictures

durwood · 11-26-2007, 09:34 AM

For those who like pictures of car audio competitions, here's some of the MECA sound finals in Nashville, TN Nov 17-18th.

http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z...ca%20finals07/

The carputer was a big hit with those who saw it and although I didn't place in my division, it wasn't the computers fault.

I just need more power (bigger amplifiers) for better dynamics. That's where I lost most of my points.

Anyway, quite afew people loved the carputer and were asking me all sorts of questions. Someday, I hope to see more at the shows.

Most pictures are of the sound quality cars, sorry I didn't take any for you boom boom people other than the MECA Kids.

More here: (I always wish I had taken more pictures though)

http://s191.photobucket.com/albums/z...ca%20finals07/

DarquePervert · 11-26-2007, 05:43 PM

durwood, I gotta ask...

How much participation is there in the PowerWheels class?

RedGTiVR6 · 11-26-2007, 06:04 PM

There's a TON! At least in IASCA and USACi.

BTW - I really wanted to go to MECA finals, but with it being on the same weekend as USACi, had to pick one or the other.

How was the show? How many entries showed up?

durwood · 11-27-2007, 08:17 AM

There were 5 or 6 powerwheels. It's was funny as hell to watch. That one I took close-ups of was part of team zapco. It had 4 image dynamics horns mounted on the front and could play Sweet Home Alabama at 120dB driving by the mic.

Here was the competitor list

http://www.mecaforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5593.0

109 total
39 SQ cars
5 Meca kids
75 or so SPL cars

It was a fairly good turnout although it was down a little from last year. It was a great time though. Inside at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, we had a banquet with buffet style food that was part of the price and also free lunch on Sunday. It was a great time and everyone was real cool.

RedGTiVR6 · 11-27-2007, 08:33 AM

wtf!?

banquet and free lunch!

damn...I should have gone there.

durwood · 11-27-2007, 10:52 AM

I know I was VERY impressed Steve arranged that or does that every year I guess. Way cool. SLAP's finals weren't like this either. He definitely wants MECA to have that friendly sort of atmosphere. I wasn't going to continue competing but the end result makes me feel there is still some support there and I think I'll do it again next year. Audiocontrol actually sponsered a $500 cash prize for RTA freq out which was fun to watch too. Steve mentioned he really wanted to try to get cash prises next year for everything, but he said he can't promise anything.

The other nice thing was that since it's MECAs big event (or even triple point events) there are three separate judges and your score is averaged in SQ. That's great for a hobby were it's all subjective.

How was USACI finals?

RedGTiVR6 · 11-27-2007, 11:20 AM

USACi finals was in Omaha...lol

Other than the drive being horrid (at least we made it at night...the drive back durring the day was a nightmare), it was actually a pretty good show.

We had something like 79 SQ entries alone I believe (that's counting people competing in more than one class mind you). Turnout was lower than normal for both MECA and USACi since they were on the same weekend, not to mention Ralph waited forever just to announce when and where finals was going to be held.

We did better than we ever expected to this year...two more titles! I've always wanted to do MECA, was actually planning on it this year...until I found out the finals were on the same date. No point in busting butt to drive across the country for a small show just to qualify for finals that you can't even attend...lol

Maybe this next year we'll be able to attend. I'm really interested in competing in the install class. Sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe we'll compete in MECA at spring break nationals this year.

durwood · 11-27-2007, 01:41 PM

I can't beleive USACI picked omaha for finals. I've been there and it was kind of a quiet city.

I don't compete in the install part of MECA, but having seen your attention to detail on yours I'm sure you would do quite well. Congrats on your win.

My main goal is just to have fun, get some good advice on the sound part of it and learn look and listen. Meca satsifies that at the finals level but our local level is something to be desired. If budget allows it, I might bounce around to some other states just for fun although most of the good SQ MECA competitors are in the Tenessee, Alabama, Georgia, VA area.

RedGTiVR6 · 11-27-2007, 02:02 PM

Ralph goes where he can make the most money and has to pay the least.

TREO sponsored a good chunk of finals, as did 4 local shops.

I'm hoping it will be here in D/FW next year...but I'm not holding my breath...lol

Megalomaniac · 11-27-2007, 11:10 PM

sorry for newb question, but why are windows covered?

RedGTiVR6 · 11-28-2007, 07:58 AM

that's only allowed in MECA (the front windows).

It's to prevent a judge from fixating on something and thus pulling the stage.

if you can prevent the judge from seeing out, they cannot be distracted and cannot fixate on a point as easily.

Again, it's only allowed in MECA, not IASCA or USACi.

We use acoustic foam in the rear windows of our car. That IS allowed in all orgs. In all reality, it's no different than if we were to build a wall of woofers in the car. Only this actually helps improve the imaging in the car.

boomintrac · 11-29-2007, 07:15 PM

Hey darrin sounds like it was a good show, mabye next year Ill be in the lanes with ya.
Aron

Megalomaniac · 11-30-2007, 11:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

that's only allowed in MECA (the front windows).

It's to prevent a judge from fixating on something and thus pulling the stage.

if you can prevent the judge from seeing out, they cannot be distracted and cannot fixate on a point as easily.

Again, it's only allowed in MECA, not IASCA or USACi.

We use acoustic foam in the rear windows of our car. That IS allowed in all orgs. In all reality, it's no different than if we were to build a wall of woofers in the car. Only this actually helps improve the imaging in the car.

ive seen people put acoustic foam on dash instead of a dash mat. but then it begins to look ugly since the foam is soo thick, but they swear by it that it brings the stage up drastically. i never heard of the back window thing you mentioned

RedGTiVR6 · 12-01-2007, 07:45 AM

we used to have a huge dash mat...it doesn't matter what it looks like when you're being judged for sound...the whole point is to get the best sound possible.

durwood · 12-03-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Megalomaniac

sorry for newb question, but why are windows covered?

This was the first time I had seen it too and asked about it. It was excatly as what RED said, so the judges are not distracted. I think it's hogwash. Most good judges I know clsoe their eyes when listening anyway. If they were really that worried about it I'd just offer a blindfold/sleeping mask thing.

Quote: Originally Posted by boomintrac

Hey darrin sounds like it was a good show, mabye next year Ill be in the lanes with ya.
Aron

Sweet! Aaron I think you should, we need some more IL SQ cars represented. I'm sure Zapco would definitely support you if you haven't already looked into it.

As far as dash mats, I'm not sure I believe they have any bearing on dash reflections, but it soley depends on the car. If your dash is hard plastic, then I can see it making a difference, but if you dash is squishy (like mine) it's not really going to do much IMO. Plus it depends on your speaker mounting locations, but the window is going to do more damage then your soft dash ever would. It's all about hard and soft surfaces and how to determine what's really affecting your sound.