Psychlone Competition
©2006 Wayne Harris

Psychlone is a new format of competition. There is a good chance that minor changes to the rules will be implemented as we gain experience judging vehicles that compete in this format. Please check back periodically to review the latest revision of the rules.

Psychlone is a new format of competition designed to capture the original excitement of a great sounding aftermarket car stereo installation. This format is also designed to cater to the vast majority of auto sound enthusiasts who design and build their systems to sound great at moderate to high listening levels. All of the original, "old school", elements of car stereo competition are integrated into Psychlone judging.

• Sound Pressure Level (SPL) is used to determine how "loud" the stereo system can play.
• Real Time Analysis (RTA) is used to determine the frequency response of the system.
• Installation Quality is used to determine if the fundamental elements of good aftermarket installation are followed.

• 1 To 10 Speakers
• 11 to 20 Speakers
• 21+ Speakers

• Only music shall be used during competition. Songs incorporating profanity are prohibited.
• The driver's door must remain completely OPEN during the competition. All other doors, windows, hatches, and sunroofs may be opened or closed at the contestant's discretion.
• The vehicle's engine must be turned off during the competition.
• Competitors may remain inside (or outside) their vehicle when competing.
• Competitors must wear adequate hearing protection when competing.

• Audio equipment must be designed for use in auto sound applications. This includes source units, signal processors, amplifiers, speakers, video decks, mp3 players, etc.
• All of the equipment must be powered by the 12-volt electrical system in the vehicle.
• Only 12-volt batteries may be used.
• All equipment must be permanently installed within the vehicle and shall not interfere with the normal use of the passenger compartment. (The area in front of the B-pillars.)

• Each vehicle shall be metered individually.
• Every contestant shall qualify twice.
• Contestants shall be awarded a comprehensive score after each qualifying run which consists of the contestant's measured SPL + RTA scores (see below for SPL and RTA judging details).
• The contestant's highest qualifying comprehensive score shall be retained.
• The contestant's highest qualifying comprehensive score shall be added to the contestant's installation score to determine the contestant's overall score. (See below for installation judging details.)
• Placement within each class shall be determined by the contestant's overall score (SPL + RTA + Installation).

A perfect score is 336 points.

• The currently approved Term-LAB Broadband RTA shall be used for all measurements.
• The SPL will be calculated based on the full-bandwidth (20-20K) average SPL of the contestant's sound system which is then further averaged over a period of 30 seconds.
• The microphone shall be located 10 feet from the driver's side of the vehicle, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, centered at the driver's side, exterior door handle. Placement of the microphone shall take place when the door of the vehicle is closed.
• The SPL shall be capped at 136 dB. Scores exceeding 136 dB shall be recorded as 136 dB.

Maximum Score (SPL): 136 points

• The Term-LAB RTA analyzer will identify PRIMARY discontinuities within the frequency response of the system. (Band-to-band deviations in excess of 9 dB.) The primary discontinuity with the highest band-to-band deviation will then be determined. The actual deviation at this location (in dB) will be deducted from the RTA starting score of 100 points.
• The Term-LAB RTA analyzer will identify SECONDARY discontinuities within the frequency response of the system. (Band-to-band deviations in excess of 6 dB.) The secondary discontinuity with the highest band-to-band deviation will then be determined. The actual deviation at this location (in dB) will be deducted from the current RTA score.
• The Term-LAB RTA analyzer will identify all band-to-band discontinuities exceeding 3 dB (excluding the primary and secondary discontinuities, if any). One point shall be deducted for each of these deviations.

Maximum Score (RTA): 100 points

• Aftermarket source unit in use
• 5-Band or greater equalizer in use (stand-alone or integrated)
• Active crossover in use (stand-alone or integrated)
• Bi-amped (or greater) amplification
• Appropriate power wire size for amplifiers
• Amplifier power wire(s) fused within 24 inches of the car battery
• Subwoofer enclosure present
• Front-stage and rear-fill speakers present
• Custom trim panels OR completely "stealth" installation
• All equipment installed securely

Maximum Score (Installation): 100 points