There is no shortage of compact motorcycle audio amplifier solutions on the market today. One company that’s made big waves in this category is Cicada Audio. Founded by industry veteran Larry Frederick, they offer an extensive line of amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, installation accessories, and digital signal processor solutions. This spotlight will focus on their Pro Series four-channel FLX1000.4 amplifier.
Cicada Audio FLX1000.4 Specifications
The four-channel Cicada Audio FLX1000.4 is rated to produce 168 watts per channel into four 4-ohm loads. Power output increases to 254 watts per channel when driving 2-ohm loads. The amp can be wired in a bridged configuration to deliver 530 watts to a pair of four-ohm loads. Those specifications are provided at 14.4 volts.
Performance-wise, the amp is rated at 0.1% THD+N at 10% of rated power. The signal-to-noise ratio is quoted as 91 dB, but the spec doesn’t reference 1-watt or full power. Current draw with music is 60 amps, with a maximum of 116 amps. The amp is rated as being 80% efficient. It is rated to operate with battery voltages from 9 to 16 volts.
Motorcycle Amplifier Features
The key feature of the FLX1000.4 is its diminutive size. The chassis is 6.7 by 4.9 inches in footprint and stands a mere 2.0 inches in height. The power and speaker connections feature angled terminal blocks on the right end panel. The power connection can accept 4-AWG cable, and the speaker connections can handle 12-AWG wire.
A cooling fan built into the amp’s top panel helps manage heat and ensures the amp keeps playing on hot days or during extended periods at high volume.
The signal input Molex connectors are located on the left side of the amp. Each pair of channels has a gain control that’s adjustable from 200 millivolts up to 12 volts RMS. A clip light for each pair of channels indicates when the amp is maxed out. Each channel pair has a dedicated crossover function switch, allowing your installer to choose between full range, high-pass or low-pass filtered operation. The crossovers have a slope of -12 dB/octave and are adjustable between 30 and 300 hertz. Overall frequency response is listed as being 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a tolerance of 3 dB.
A configuration switch that allows the amp to accept a single set of inputs (2CH mode) and send that to both sets of output channels. In 4CH mode, each output channel is driven by its dedicated input. There is also a remote turn-on function switch. In REM mode, the amplifier turns on when 12 volts is presented to the remote terminal by the power connections. In DC mode, the amp monitors the input connections for the presence of a DC voltage. This feature works with the speaker outputs of most radios to turn the amp on automatically.
Designed for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
While the FLX1000.4 would be right at home on any motorcycle, the chassis was designed with the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide models in mind. When used with Cicada’s 14HDAR-SG amp rack, the amp will fit above the factory radio in the front fairing on 2014 through 2023 bikes. The FLX line includes flexible mounting options to allow your installer to create a custom system that will sound great on your bike.
In addition to the compact chassis, the FLX1000.4’s circuit board has a conformal coating that helps prevent moisture from damaging its components. This is key to a long life on a motorcycle.
Cicada Audio backs the FLX Pro Series amplifiers with a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Upgrade Your Harley-Davidson with Cicada Audio
Cicada Audio’s Pro Series amplifier family includes 150, 175, 250, 350 and 500 watt per channel four-channel amplifiers. There are also 1600 and 2500-watt mono amplifiers and a 350-watt per channel DSP-equipped amp. Undoubtedly, there’s a solution to maximize your cruiser’s sound system capabilities. Drop into a local authorized Cicada Audio dealer to learn how they can bring the concert to your next ride.
You can find an authorized retailer using the dealer locator tool on the Cicada Audio website. Be sure to follow Cicada Audio on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-speed on their latest offerings to enhance the audio system on your motorcycle.
