Cicada Audio CM8.2X — 8" Carbon Matrix Mid-Bass Motorcycle Speaker (2Ω) – 8-inch
| Size | 8 · Mid-bass |
| Impedance | 2 Ohm |
| Power | 250W RMS |
| Year Range | 2024+, 2014-2023 |
| Location | Saddlebags, Lower Fairing |
250W RMS, 94 dB. The full-range capable mid-bass component for custom 8-inch builds.
The Cicada Audio CM8.2X is an 8-inch 2Ω mid-bass component speaker — 250W RMS, 94 dB sensitivity, Carbon Matrix Composite™ (CMC™) cone, OFC copper shorting ring, Black Coat™ OFC 2.0-inch voice coil, N35SH neodymium motor, and a die-cast aluminium basket with Vortex Flow Venting™. Frequency response 70 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB). Sold in pairs.
The CM8.2X is a dedicated mid-bass driver — no tweeter, no crossover — built for custom 8-inch speaker positions in active DSP builds and component systems. Where the CM65.2X and CM69.2X are purpose-built mid-bass drivers that hand off to a tweeter before 10 kHz, the CM8.2X extends to 20 kHz — usable as a full-range driver in simpler builds, or as a high-output mid-bass in active systems where the DSP crossover point is set above 10 kHz. CMC™ cone construction, 94 dB sensitivity, and the OFC copper shorting ring's inductance distortion reduction make it the component option for 8-inch custom enclosure positions.
Who This Speaker Is For
For builders running custom 8-inch speaker positions — saddlebag lids, Tour-Pak enclosures, lower fairing, or bespoke fabricated enclosures — who want active DSP control or a component setup rather than a coaxial. The CM8.2X is the 2Ω version, correct for dedicated 2Ω-rated amplifiers in stereo. For bridged configurations or 4Ω builds, the CM8.4X is the 4Ω variant. For an all-in-one coaxial option in 8-inch positions, the CHX8.2 includes the horn tweeter and crossover.
What This Is Best For
- Active DSP builds in custom 8-inch saddlebag lid enclosures — the CM8.2X in a custom or aftermarket saddlebag lid speaker position, driven by dedicated channels on a DSP amplifier (FLX700.4PRO, FLX1400.4PRO) or DSP processor (DSP412PRO). DSP control over the 8-inch position — crossover frequency, slope, level, and time alignment — that a coaxial cannot provide.
- Full-range single-driver builds in 8-inch custom positions — where a tweeter is not installed and the CM8.2X operates across its full 70 Hz – 20 kHz range. At 94 dB and 250W RMS, it delivers the output level the 8-inch format is capable of without requiring a separate high-frequency driver.
- Custom Tour-Pak or lower fairing builds — for builders fabricating or modifying lid enclosures or fairing pods to accept 8-inch drivers, the CM8.2X provides the mid-bass foundation for an active stage without the height constraints of a horn coaxial tweeter assembly.
- High-efficiency rear stage builds — at 94 dB sensitivity, the CM8.2X delivers the output available from the 8-inch format with less amplifier effort than lower-efficiency alternatives, relevant in builds where rear stage output needs to match a high-efficiency front stage.
2Ω vs 4Ω — Choosing the Right Version
The CM8.2X is a 2Ω mid-bass driver. Choose the 2Ω version when running a dedicated 2Ω-rated amplifier in stereo — the FLX1400.4 and FLX2000.4 publish their rated output at 2Ω, where the CM8.2X delivers its full 250W RMS capacity. For bridged amplifier configurations requiring a 4Ω minimum load, the CM8.4X (4Ω) is the correct choice.
The Bottom Line
250W RMS, 94 dB, 8-inch mid-bass component with CMC™ cone and OFC copper shorting ring — full-range capable, or the dedicated mid-bass driver for active DSP and component 8-inch custom builds.
Ready to build? Add to cart above. For the 4Ω variant, the CM8.4X is the same driver at 4Ω. For an all-in-one coaxial in 8-inch positions, the CHX8.2 includes the horn tweeter and crossover.
What's Inside the CM8.2X
The mid-bass cone is Carbon Matrix Composite™ (CMC™) — lightweight, rigid, and thermally stable under sustained high-output operation. The 2.0-inch / 51mm Black Coat™ OFC copper voice coil handles sustained 250W RMS with high conductivity and low thermal resistance. The 8-inch format provides greater cone area and lower-frequency extension than the 6.5-inch or 6×9-inch variants — the CMC™ cone's stiffness keeps the larger driver's resonant characteristics predictable across the power levels available in this format. On the road: authoritative mid-bass from a custom 8-inch position, with the consistent character of a rigid cone at sustained output.
The OFC copper shorting ring is mounted in the motor gap — a conductive sleeve that counteracts the voice coil's inductance variation as the coil moves. The effect is a reduction in second and third harmonic distortion (which a fluctuating inductance otherwise generates) and a flatter impedance curve at higher frequencies, extending usable response. The CM8.2X's response to 20 kHz reflects the combined effect of the 8-inch cone's surface area and the shorting ring's upper-frequency extension — in an active DSP system, this gives flexibility to set the crossover point higher than 10 kHz if the tweeter being paired warrants it. In a full-range configuration, it means the CM8.2X covers the full audio range without a companion driver. On the road: clear upper mid-range and presence through to the top of the audio band — from a single 8-inch driver.
The motor is an N35SH neodymium with H-grade temperature rating. The die-cast aluminium basket with Vortex Flow Venting™ channels airflow through the motor assembly for active thermal management. No external crossover is included or required — the CM8.2X is designed to be driven directly from an amplifier channel, with crossover management at the system level if needed.
Sensitivity and Frequency Coverage
At 94 dB (1W/1m) and 250W RMS, the CM8.2X delivers the same sensitivity as the rest of the CM series — the higher efficiency figure versus coaxial alternatives in the same format reflects the absence of coaxial crossover insertion loss and the OFC shorting ring's contribution to usable upper-frequency response. Frequency response runs 70 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB) — the full audio range from a single 8-inch driver. In active DSP builds where a tweeter is installed, the DSP crossover point is typically set between 3 kHz and 8 kHz depending on the tweeter; in full-range single-driver builds, the CM8.2X operates across the complete range.
Why 2Ω — Amplifier Pairing
At 2Ω, the CM8.2X extracts full rated output from any 2Ω-stable motorcycle amplifier. For active DSP builds, the FLX700.4PRO and FLX1400.4PRO provide DSP crossover control and dedicated amplifier channels for mid-bass and tweeter from a single unit. For high-output stereo builds without DSP, the FLX1400.4 and FLX2000.4 publish their rated output at 2Ω stereo. For bridged configurations, the CM8.4X satisfies the 4Ω minimum load requirement.
Fitment
- Designed for custom 8-inch speaker enclosures — no H-D direct-fit factory position. Suitable for any fabricated or aftermarket enclosure built to the CM8.2X's mounting dimensions.
- Custom saddlebag lid enclosures: Aftermarket or custom-fabricated saddlebag lids with 8-inch speaker openings — the primary custom 8-inch position on Street Glide and Road Glide platforms.
- Tour-Pak enclosures: Custom Tour-Pak lid builds or fabricated internal enclosures designed around the 8-inch mounting footprint.
- Lower fairing positions: Custom or fabricated lower fairing speaker pods built for the 8-inch format.
- Bespoke fabricated enclosures: Any custom speaker housing designed around the CM8.2X's 7.1-inch mounting diameter and 2.8-inch depth.
- Mounting Depth: 71 mm (2.8 in). Mounting Diameter (cutout): 180 mm (7.1 in).
- Requires a dedicated external amplifier — FLX700.4PRO, FLX1400.4PRO, FLX1400.4, or other 2Ω-stable motorcycle amplifiers.
Technical Specifications
| Driver Size | 8 in |
| Driver Type | Mid-bass component (no tweeter) |
| Impedance | 2Ω nominal |
| Power Handling — RMS | 250W RMS |
| Power Handling — MAX | 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB (1W/1m) |
| Frequency Response | 70 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Voice Coil | 2.0 in (51 mm) — Black Coat™ OFC copper |
| Shorting Ring | OFC copper — inductance reduction, distortion control |
| Magnet Type | Neodymium N35SH |
| Cone Material | Carbon Matrix Composite™ (CMC™) |
| Basket | Die-cast aluminium — Vortex Flow Venting™ |
| Crossover | None — active DSP or external passive crossover at system level |
| Mounting Depth | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mounting Diameter (Cutout) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Weather Resistance | Rain or Shine™ — CMC™ cone, OFC shorting ring, Vortex Flow Venting™ |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Sold As | Pair |
Australia Shipping:
- Under $500 → $19.95
- $500–$2,500 → $14.95
- Over $2,500 → FREE
- Bulky items → +$24.95 surcharge (waived over $2,500)
Fast dispatch from Brisbane. Same-day shipping on in-stock orders before 1pm AEST.
Change-of-mind returns: We accept returns within 7 days of delivery on unused, unopened products in original sealed packaging. Restocking fees apply (20–30%). Return shipping is the customer's responsibility.
No returns on opened audio gear, installed items, custom orders, or special-order products. Please check fitment carefully before installing.
Faulty or incorrect items: If you experience an issue, contact us with photos/video and your order number. We'll assess the claim and arrange repair, replacement, or refund for verified faults under the Australian Consumer Law.
Fitment assistance: If you're unsure about compatibility, reach out before ordering—we're happy to help.