At Altered Sound, our philosophy can be summed up in one simple mantra: "From mild to wild, we do it all."
We take immense pride in being the sole dedicated motorcycle audio company in Canada, where our singular focus is motorcycle audio. While others may dabble in various trades, we've mastered one, and that's motorcycle audio.
Our commitment to excellence is evident from the very beginning. We believe in educating our customers about every aspect of the audio system we'll be installing on their beloved bikes. We don't just install audio components; we provide you with the knowledge and insights you need to make informed decisions.
Our team at Altered Sound takes the time to understand your unique requirements and preferences. We work closely with you to ensure that the audio system we install aligns perfectly with what you need and want. We're not just here to sell products; we're here to provide you with an audio experience that will enhance your riding adventures and leave you thoroughly satisfied.
In a world where many businesses spread themselves thin by offering a wide range of services, we stand out by specializing in one area and excelling at it. At Altered Sound, we're not just experts in motorcycle audio – we're enthusiasts who are passionate about elevating your riding experience through exceptional audio solutions. When you choose us, you're choosing a level of expertise, dedication, and personalized service that is truly unparalleled in the industry.
Motorcycle Sound Offs:
Sign Of A Rising Market
In a reflection of history repeating itself, the surge in car audio culture during the 1980s introduced the concept of car audio sound-offs. Similarly, the escalating demand for motorcycle audio systems has given birth to the phenomenon of motorcycle sound-offs.
These captivating competitions have become a magnet for thousands of enthusiastic spectators, gathering momentum through the efforts of various organizing groups such as Sound Warz, Big Wheel Women, Team Money Cycle, and the Banger Audio Sound Series.
Notably, even traditional car audio sound-off organizations, such as IASCA and MECA, have expanded their offerings to include motorcycle competitions. IASCA is actively bolstering its involvement in this growing segment, while MECA is also exploring avenues for further participation.
This burgeoning interest is evident at events like Sound Warz, where up to 5,000 attendees converge to witness around 130 competitors vying for supremacy. These events are orchestrated by Ben Evans, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, who has grown the series to encompass 15 thrilling events each year.
Adding to the roster is Rumble Night, hosted by Big Wheel Women under the guidance of Denise Markham. This annual spectacle boasts two major gatherings, along with a handful of smaller meets. Notably, during Bike Week in Daytona, Rumble Night garnered an impressive attendance of approximately 1,000 motorcycle audio enthusiasts. Mike Hall, a former competition sponsor and now a Regional Representative for MMATS Audio, attests to the frenzy by mentioning that he attended no less than five different motorcycle audio competitions during the Bike Week festivities in March.
Remarkable quite a few of the motorcycles we work on are geared towards audio installations designed for these intense competitions. Some of these specially outfitted motorcycles can accommodate as many as 30 speakers, underscoring the devotion and dedication of the participants.
Markham, who runs a trucking company, found herself yearning for something beyond the usual car and motorcycle shows. She observed the burgeoning trend of audio installations on bikes and decided to take matters into her own hands, organizing shows exclusively for motorcycle audio enthusiasts, an endeavor that commenced approximately four years ago, around the same time that Evans initiated his Sound Warz competitions.
Evans' competitions follow a tiered structure, ranging from a rookie class, where competitors can use up to four speakers in factory positions, to an unlimited class that permits an unrestricted number of speakers. As Evans explains, participants often advance through the ranks, with some of the top classes featuring as many as 40 to 50 bikes equipped with formidable audio setups, pushing out 20,000-plus watts and an impressive array of speakers.
Remarkably, these events place a strong emphasis on sound quality rather than sheer loudness, a trait that is exemplified at SOS (Sound Off Series) shows by Team Money Cycle, based in Philadelphia. These events, which extend from Philadelphia to Florida and Michigan, with plans for further expansion into the Midwest, underscore the organization's commitment to uniting people through music and motorcycles.
Founder Rickie Will highlights how motorcycles and music have the unique power to bring people together, regardless of age, race, or gender, creating a vibrant melting pot of enjoyment.
Over the years, these competitions have witnessed a shift in equipment choices. Initially, participants used larger car audio products on their bikes. Still, as the phenomenon grew, Will transitioned to professional audio components, eventually incorporating smaller amplifiers from SounDigital and speakers from Beyma, both of which are now proud sponsors of SOS events.
These gatherings can attract anywhere from 50 competitors in regular events to up to 100 during the finals. With a variety of classes, ranging from Featherweight with up to six speakers, to Heavyweight with up to 18 speakers, and an Unlimited class that truly lives up to its name, judging is conducted either on a point system per show or in a head-to-head competition, pitting two bikes against each other in an electrifying two-way showdown.
