Trio ElectricoTucuman in Argentina is the smallest city in the country, and is about 5500 miles from Los Angeles, CA. But despite the great distance between the two places they are joined by a passion for car audio, a hobby that day by day attracts more fans in Argentina and South America.
USAC, dB Drag, IASCA and IdBl all conduct competitions here. A growing number of car audio enthusiasts are lining up for the chance to compete against each other. But in addition to the aforementioned governing bodies, there is another game in town. It started in Brazil, and is called Trio Electrico, or Electric Trio. From the land of samba and bossa nova and tropical beaches, it originated among sound aficionados who built systems that they would enjoy by the ocean, where the music would complement the sound of the waves. So they installed all the speakers in such a way that the sound would project out of the vehicles. Street parties were organized, bringing many people around the "disco cars." It was then that organizations like IdBl and others began to hold Electric Trio competitions.
The rules are simple: get the most dB with the microphone installed a meter from the trunk, outside the vehicle, and a meter off the ground. The sound that is recorded is not exclusively the low-end frequencies, as the system plays mids and highs as well. There are no filters in the microphone so the different frequencies contribute to a dB score.
As is the case with SPL, the quality of the installation is not part of the scoring. The only thing that counts is the dB measurement.
Electric Trio has become one of the main attractions at sound events, with spectators driven to a frenzy by the head to head matches between competitors. Go south, young man! -Osvaldo Acosta
2001 Installers Guide From Scosche
For those of you looking for a guide through the mass of automotive audio accessories and gear, Scosche has put together a publication, available now, that will help novices and professionals alike with audio installation.
This Installers Guide features installation kits for most domestic and import vehicles; wiring harnesses; EFX fuse blocks; antennas; ACCUMAT insulation; and info for even matching carpet for custom boxes. If you're looking to install a head unit or a monster watt sound system Scosche is a source for the right parts to make your job easier. Check out their wares at www.scosche.com. For the 2001 Installers Guide contact the company at 1550 Pacific Ave., Channel Islands, CA 93033. Or you can call 800-621-3695. In California dial 805-363-4490.
Best Motoring Video Vol. 01 "Type R Legend"Rating: Triple platinum n Run time: Plenty Long n MSRP: $19.95
Nothing to do with car audio, but it'll make for a great demo tape on your multimedia system while at the shows... just add the Kool-Aid!
Best Motoring is a company that specializes in making some of the most technical automotive videos that cover a full rage of performance sports cars from Japan - from track testing on both circuit and drag strips, wet and dry conditions, and side by side comparison races with a varied range of name badges. While my older collection of these videos are all in Japanese, this is in English! But no matter the language, the 1998 #11 May edition is one of my all-time favorites! In a segment of various race cars, there is a RE Amameya RX7 dogfighting against the Top Fuel Civic; and it's a feverish battle that will have all Civic lovers jumping for joy and wishing for turbo power! Yes, the Civic spanks the RX7!