SEMA 2024 Wrap-Up
Sundown is constantly developing the latest and loudest in high-power car audio. This year we brought a bevy of new gear to Vegas for the largest car show in the world: SEMA. With over 160 thousand visitors every year, this is the biggest stage imaginable to see what can be in your ride now, and of course- unveil what you’ll see pounding the streets next year!
One of the stars of the current Sundown line is the Nightshade. The sixth iteration of this incredibly strong subwoofer, the Neodymium power plant is not only far lighter than its Ferrite cousins but goes to incredible lengths to keep the motor cool while providing a stunning amount of motor force. The result is competition-level volume in a truly unique package.
The SML subs were another hit at SEMA. These thin, affordable drivers are made specifically to fit into smaller sealed enclosures, making them an ideal choice for mounting under a seat or in a cargo area. Minimum footprint. Maximum bass. Extensive R&D was done to this sub to ensure the SML series plays deep and takes the kind of power you’d expect from the world’s loudest brand.
Poised in the middle of the booth was an all-Sundown system, made specifically to get loud in any weather - on or off the road. The Polaris RZR XP 1000 was loaded with Sundown powersports gear, including our PSSB Soundbar, five channels of SAM amplification, eight BPS pro-sound coaxials, and 2 PSE 8” subwoofers.
The 300-watt soundbar uses six powerful marine-grade speakers and two crisp mylar tweeters. The waterproof system is IP67-rated, and includes both 3.5mm and USB inputs to be the source of your entire sound system. The BPS pro sound coaxials are built to sound extremely clean and project your audio incredibly well. Like the sound bars, the waterproof SAM 4-channel amplifier also has Bluetooth connectivity and can double as your audio source.
Also on display at the SEMA show was the SAEv4-150.4 four-channel amplifier and the SAEv4-2000.1D mono amp. The four-channel amplifier is engineered to be a high-fidelity Class A/B multi-channel architecture, providing an ideal balance between performance and affordability. Leveraging the latest half-bridge technology, these amplifiers deliver clean, powerful audio signals in a compact form factor, delivering as much as 900 watts into two bridged channels. The 2,000-watt mono amp features a heavy aluminum heat sink, variable phase control, low pass/subsonic filters, and more.
THE SNEAK PEEK
Our R&D department is hammering away at the latest gear, so we decided to let the world see what’s coming, including prototypes no one has seen outside of the Sundown labs!
Fitting bass under a seat can be a challenge, especially for people that want super-low extension. Our new thin SD-5 thin sub is the answer. Built to be our premier under-seat option, the 10" prototype was on display at the show. Featuring a 500-watt RMS, Neodymium magnet and W-surround with carbon-fiber dust cap was the first step. Then we added extensive thermal control, 15mm of Xmax, and a giant voice coil to this sub for extremely deep throw – all in a super-thin sub that fits under your seat.
One of the biggest attractions in the SEMA booth was the eight-inch Z-8 prototype. Featuring a triple-stacked 190mm magnet, Megaroll v.3 surround and a carbon-impregnated pulp cone, the subwoofer is rated at 2,000-watts RMS. A set of heat-absorbing fins are integrated into the patented Z8 frame, both inside and outside. The external heat sinks connect to the top plate for a direct thermal transfer. The inside set of fins are specially contoured so the triple-pack spider drives air through the fins at high speed to dissipate heat.
One of the most powerful subs in Sundown’s lineup, the 3,500-watt Compact Neo has as much motor force as a 2,000 oz Ferrite motor, but at a fraction of the weight. The sub incorporates large shorting rings to minimize distortion and improve frequency response, frequency response. Megaroll surround technology delivers precise, linear cone movement, while the cross-cut pole piece enhances thermal regulation. The heavy-duty cast aluminum basket provides a rigid, vibration-resistant structure, ensuring accurate alignment during extreme operation.
As if being one of the most formidable competition subs in the industry wasn’t enough - it’s also one of the most flexible. Sundown will offer a trio of options for the Compact Neo: the Music will offer all-around performance, the Musical SPL version is great for higher output (like demo vehicles) and the SPL version will be perfect for burp vehicles in the competition lanes. The SPL version is customizable, with cone, coil and suspension configurations all available on request.
The SA-3M three-inch midrange and SA-1T one-inch tweeter. Both drivers are built for premium builds and have premium materials. The SA-3M comes with a carbon fiber cone, and is tuned extraordinarily low, allowing for an outstanding soundstage and exceptional clarity. Focusing on an exceedingly smooth response, the SA-1T comes with a one-inch silk dome tweeter and comes with multiple mounting options. Both speakers come with a custom metal grille.
The M-Series 10-inch sub is the entry line into Sundown’s Mega platform. A quad-stacked magnet and three-inch coil support combine to be the beating heart of a low distortion/high-efficiency system. Use this sub in a ported, sealed or even in an infinite baffle. With a high-velocity pole vent, a heavily vented magnetic gap, and machined channels around the pole piece itself.
The NeoPro 12" is a leap forward in pro audio midrange drivers. The vented, high-strength Neodymium motor and carbon fiber cone deliver amazing volume and clarity, along with a 99dB sensitivity rating and 450-watt RMS. An extremely shallow mounting depth make installing the 12” in a door possible, and a high power rating makes the NeoPro an ideal choice for a stunt wall or any high-power pro audio system.
The Sundown Z-Series v.7 is the newest "ultra-high excursion" subwoofer, slated for release early next year. Redesigned to be the new standard in the low frequency / small ported box subs, they will work in the same small enclosures that are commonly used for Sundown subwoofers, although they can be used with enclosures up to about 50% larger than those if you want even deeper bass. On top of the sub’s renowned smooth response, extremely high output and 2,500-watt RMS, it delivers over 4" of peak-to-peak travel with a longer, wider 8-layer voice coil. A patent pending cooling cap redirects airflow through the pole, moving behind the coil, and out the gap vents.
Sundown’s constant work towards “the next level” in high-performance car audio has been the mantra since Jake Fuller started the brand in his North Carolina garage, nearly 20 years ago. Look for release announcements on social media, or get the latest info by signing up to our email list, at the bottom of this page.