VISTA, Calif. (January 16, 2018) Directed is pleased to announce it has acquired Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS), a leading provider of breathalyzer-based ignition interlock devices (IIDs). ADS provides IIDs under its Determinator® product line, which Directed will maintain moving forward.

Evolving state regulations that require IID devices in DUI and DWI remediation programs have propelled the growth of the IID market. A growing body of evidence shows that IIDs have a positive effect on reducing the incidence of drunk driving.

“Ignition interlock devices really do save lives, and the growth of the IID market has been driven by the major benefit they provide to society,” said Directed CEO Bob Struble. “Directed and ADS share core technology, and we are confident that by bringing our leading product design, technical service, and distribution capabilities to the IID market, we will rapidly expand ADS’s business. IIDs are primarily installed by mobile electronics retailers and auto service shops, and we are excited to bring this new business opportunity to our longstanding partners.”

ADS Founder, Nick Cassiere commented, “We believe we have found an ideal partner in Directed. Directed’s national distribution and service footprint will allow us to expand quickly. I’m enthusiastic to push forward with the Directed team and bring the important benefits of our products to more drivers.”

ADS products are easy to install and use. During remediation programs, users have IIDs installed in their cars, and the devices ensure that the driver successfully passes a breathalyzer test before allowing the car to start. It is typical for IIDs to be recalibrated on a regular basis and then uninstalled upon program completion.

Directed is a division of DEI Holdings, a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC. Charlesbank acquired DEI Holdings in 2011. “We are pleased to support the expansion of Directed and to help bring together two complementary companies,” said Ryan Carroll, a Charlesbank Managing Director. “We look forward to a successful integration building on the cultural similarities, talent, and best practices of these two companies and to a stronger future as one entity.”

Any dealers interested in learning more should call 1-800-677-1361 or visit directed.com/ads/.

AudioControl Adds First-Ever 6-Channel Amplifiers to Mobile Audio Lineup

Superb sound and build quality along with unparalleled OEM integration capability give 12V retailers the ultimate amplifier solution for discerning consumers 

Seattle, WA, January 4^th, 2017 – AudioControl (audiocontrol.com), makers of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial and automotive markets has unveiled two 6-channel car audio amplifiers that offer unparalleled innovation and set new levels of performance for aftermarket sound systems. The design goals of the AudioControl LC-6.1200 and the D-6.1200 were to deliver the ultimate solution for factory (OEM) sound system integration and superior overall performance.

The new 6-channel amps from AudioControl are high-current designs housed in a solid one-piece aluminum chassis with internal cooling. Each amplifier delivers 125 watts into 4 ohms/200 watts into 2 ohms and 400 watts bridged into 4 ohms. Each pair of channels is bridgeable, giving installers unprecedented flexibility from a single amplifier. Both AudioControl 6.1200 models are the first automotive amplifiers to offer 8 Summable speaker-level inputs, eliminating the need for clunky external adapters and making OEM integration possible even for the most complex factory systems. Innovations such as input summing have top 12-volt installers worldwide turning to AudioControl as their premium aftermarket car audio solutions provider.

The LC-6.1200 features fully adjustable independent Linkwitz-Riley crossover networks for precise system configuration. The D-6.1200 offers AudioControl’s matrix digital signal processor, providing the most refined levels of tuning flexibility for any factory or aftermarket sound system. Using AudioControl’s smart user interface allows complete control over all features including 30 bands of equalization, signal time-alignment, input delay and phase correction, plus integrated input and output RTA’s.

Other key features of the new 6-channel amplifiers include AudioControl’s proprietary patented AccuBASS® circuit, a unique smart technology that has been designed to seamlessly apply bass compensation only when required in order to restore low frequencies to their proper level within the recording. Both amps also feature MILC™ level-matching technology and the GTO™ signal sensing circuit, helping installers overcome OEM integration hurdles and deliver the finest possible automotive sound systems. An optional ACR-1 assignable remote level control gives users fingertip access to bass level on the fly. All AudioControl automotive amplifiers are designed and assembled in the USA from components sourced globally and come with a 5-year warranty.  

“Installers need premium solutions to make OEM integration easier and with absolutely stunning performance and overall sound quality,” commented Chris Bennett, AudioControl’s National Sales Manager of Mobile Electronics. “These 6-channel amplifiers are complete system solutions in a single chassis that deliver the features and performance that today’s car audio consumers demand.”

The AudioControl LC-6.1200 has an MSRP of $699 and is expected to become available Q1, 2017. The D-6.1200 has an MSRP of $999 and is expected to become available later in 2017.

PLEASE VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO SOLUTIONS AT CES 2017, BOOTH 5016 NORTH HALL & THE AUDIOCONTROL HOME AUDIO LIVE DEMO IN THE VENETIAN HOTEL, SUITE 29-103