Cicada Audio DSP88 User manual

Please read this entire manual before first use
AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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DSP88
8 IN / 8 OUT
DSP PROCESSOR
DSP88
8 IN / 8 OUT
DSP PROCESSOR
DSP88
8 IN / 8 OUT
DSP PROCESSOR

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
ABOUT CICADA AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Congratulations, you have just purchased the finest Motorcycle Audio products on the
market today. Cicada Audio products represent the latest advances in acoustic
technology in sound reproduction for your Motorcycle applications. Cicada Audio
products are designed, developed, and engineered using the latest innovative materi-
als and components to provide the finest sound reproduction possible. Every Cicada
Audio product has been Klippel verified and tested to ensure the best sounding and
most reliable product on the market, if installed properly, Cicada Audio products will
provide many years of the ultimate listening experience.
Please note that prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100dB can
cause permanent hearing loss. Using Cicada Audio products can exceed that level so
please exercise restraint in its operation in order to preserve your ability to enjoy its
high fidelity sound for many years to come.
Cicada Audio recommends our products be professionally installed by an authorized
Cicada Audio dealer to achieve the test possible system recommendation and installa-
tion. This will ensure a true Cicada Audio listening experience and sound you would
expect from Cicada Audio products. In doing this you will extend your warranty from
one year to two years.
DSP88 - 8 INPUT / 8 OUTPUT DSP PROCESSOR
What comes in the package
(1) Mounting - Double Stick Bottom
(1) 8 Channel INPUT High Level RCA Input Harness
(1) 4 Channel INPUT Lo Level SPEAKER Input with HD Molex Harness
(1) 8 Channel OUTPUT High Level RCA Output Harness
NOTE: there is a FULL “Plug & Play harness kit available from your local Cicada Audio retailer or from our website
www.cicadaaudio.com
DSP88
8 IN / 8 OUT DSP PROCESSOR
• Signal Input: 8 High-Low Level Inputs
• Signal Output: 8 RCA Outputs
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
• Input Voltage: 0.02V – 8V
• Input Impedance: 20k Ohms
• Output Voltage: Up to 4V
• THD+N: <1.0%
• Signal-to-Noise: >100 dBA (A-weighted)
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP):
Speed: 147 MIPS Precision: 32-Bit Accumulators: 72-bit
• Digital to Analog (DAC): Precision: 24-Bit
• Dynamic Range: 108 dB
• Digital to Analog (DAC): Precision: 24-Bit
• Dynamic Range: 108 dB
• THD+N: -98 dB
• Analog to Digital (ADC): Precision: 24-Bit
• Dynamic Range: 105 dB
• THD+N: -98 dB
• Operating Voltage: 9 – 16 VDC
• Crossover Frequency: Variable: 20 Hz to 10 kHz
• Crossover Slope: Selectable Slope: 6/12/18/24/36/48 dB/Octave
• EQ Frequency Controls: Selectable Q: 0.05 to 20.0
• Dimensions (H x W x D):
1.26″ x 4.04″ x 5.12″ (32 mm x 102.5 mm x 130 mm)

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
OUTPUT CONFIGURATION
INPUT CONFIGURATION
CH1
(LEFT INPUT) CH2
(RIGHT INPUT)
CH3/4
(LEFT/RIGHT INPUT)
CH5 (+/- INPUT)
CH6 (+/- INPUT)
CH7 (+/- INPUT)
CH8 (+/- INPUT)
CX250.2D
CX250.2D
CX150.4D
CH1+CH2+CH3+CH4+CH5+CH6+CH7+CH8+
CH1-CH2-CH3-CH4-CH5-CH6-CH7-CH8-
DSP88 CROSSING OVER TWEETERS
HIPASS AT 6kHz 12dB PER OCTAVE
2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
DRIVES FRONT MIDBASS
2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
DRIVES REAR MIDBASS
4 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
DRIVES FRONT/REAR TWEETERS
DSP88 CROSSING OVER 6.5” MIDBASS DRIVERS
BANDPASS AT 70Hz - 6kHz 12dB PER OCTAVE
DSP88 CROSSING OVER 6.5” MIDBASS DRIVERS
BANDPASS AT 70Hz - 6kHz 12dB PER OCTAVE
SPEAKER INPUT
CX125.4
GAIN
12V 0.2V
FREQ
40Hz 400Hz
GAIN
12V 0.2V
DCREM VOX
HPFLPF FULL
FREQ
40Hz 400Hz HPFLPF FULL
CH3/4
CH1/2
CX125.4
GAIN
12V 0.2V
FREQ
40Hz 400Hz
GAIN
12V 0.2V
DCREM VOX
HPFLPF FULL
FREQ
40Hz 400Hz HPFLPF FULL
CH3/4
CH1/2
CX125.4
GAIN
12V 0.2V
FREQ
40Hz 400Hz
GAIN
12V 0.2V
DCREM VOX
HPFLPF FULL
FREQ
40Hz 400Hz HPFLPF FULL
CH3/4
CH1/2
INITIAL GAIN SETTINGS ON DSP88
(ALL CHANNELS -6dB)
INTITIAL MASTER GAIN
SETTING ON DSP88 (-6dB)
FRONT L/R
OUTPUT
REAR L/R
OUTPUT
* ON MOTORCYCLES THESE INPUTS
ARE TYPICALLY NEVER USED!!!

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
ABOUT CICADA AUDIO
Introduction
SPECIFICATIONS
INPUT
123456
111213141516
78
1718
910
1920
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Pin
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Wire
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Blue
Black
Wire
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Red
Yellow
Function
CH8 (-)
CH7 (-)
СНб (-)
CH5 (-)
CH3 (-)
CH3 (-)
CH2 (-)
CH1(-)
REM Out
Ground
Function
CH8 (+)
CH7 (+)
CH6 (+)
CH5 (+)
CH4 (+)
CH3 (+)
CH2 (+)
CH1(+)
REM In
B+ Constant
CH1 Front
Full-Range
Front
Mid-bass
Rear
Full-Range
Rear
Subwoofers
CH2
CH3
CH4
CH5
CH6
CH7
CH8
123456
91011121314
78
1516
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Pin
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Wire
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Wire
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Function
CH8 (-)
CH7 (-)
СН6 (-)
CH5 (-)
CH3 (-)
CH3 (-)
CH2 (-)
CH1 (-)
Function
CH8 (+)
CH7 (+)
СН6 (+)
CH5 (+)
CH4 (+)
CH3 (+)
CH2 (+)
CH1(+)
(looking into wired end)
OUTPUT

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
ABOUT CICADA AUDIO
Introduction
SPECIFICATIONS
PWR/PRT LED - This light indicate when the amplifier is powered up normally and when there is a protection fault.
The Protect LED is illuminated when there is a problem with your amplifier. Please contact your authorize
Cicada Audio dealer or call Cicada Audio’s technical support.
GAIN (Input Gain Adjustment) - This control matches the preamp INPUT stage of the Cicada Audio amplifier to your
source unit. This is NOT a volume control. The range is between approximently 200mV and 10V. It can ALSO handle
speaker inputs of less than 25 watts RMS (typical OEM headunits are LESS than 25 W RMS,...but NOT all)
TURN-ON OPTIONS - The Cicada Audio DSP88 can be switched on and off using one of two methods, determined
by the position of the amplifier’s “Turn-On Mode” switch. Please read the “Set-Up ” portion of this guide and
determine which is best suited for your specific system. NOTE: DC and VOX turn-on settings ONLY work with
speaker level input.
USB C - Input for connecting a PC to use ONLY for updating Firmware. ONLY!!!
BlueTooth Dongle - (Plug in) This makes it so the DSP125.4D can be programmed by phone or tablet for all DSP
tuning.
Front RCA Input Terminal (CH1 /2 ) - The RCA jacks allow for a normal Left and Right channel signal input. Simply
connect to the source unit using RCA type audio cables, keeping them away from power wiring wherever possible to
reduce risk of noise. NOTE: This input can be used for “speaker level” input by using the optional Speaker Hanress
HDFIM/HDRIM (with load resistors), or by simply cutting and attaching OEM head unit speaker outputs to these
wires. Or cut up an old RCA cable and connect your HD radio speaker wires that way (Better solution)
Rear RCA Input Terminal (CH3 /4 ) - The RCA jacks allow for a normal Left and Right channel signal input. Simply
connect to the source unit using RCA type audio cables, keeping them away from power wiring wherever possible to
reduce risk of noise. NOTE: This input can be used for “speaker level” input by using the optional Speaker Hanress
HDFIM/HDRIM (with load resistors), or by simply cutting and attaching OEM head unit speaker outputs to these
wires.
RCA Output Terminal - The RCA jacks allow for a pre amp level CH5/6 output to create a 6 channel system. Which
could be subwoofers or midbass or full range drivers
Front Speaker Output Terminal - Connect your Front speakers to these wires. Stereo connections are connected as
labeled. Bridged connections use the LEFT + and RIGHT - as the two connections. The 2 and 4 channel amplifiers
will perform into 2 Ohm stereo loads or 4 Ohm bridged loads. DO NOT run 2 Ohm bridged loads on AND CIcada
Audio amplifers. They will work, but will over heat very quickly.
Rear Speaker Output Terminal - Connect your Rear speakers to these wires. Stereo connections are connected as
labeled. Bridged connections use the LEFT + and RIGHT - as the two connections. The 2 and 4 channel amplifiers
will perform into 2 Ohm stereo loads or 4 Ohm bridged loads. DO NOT run 2 Ohm bridged loads on AND CIcada
Audio amplifers. They will work, but will over heat very quickly.
Power Input Connections - These connections are for input power(12V), chassis ground (GRD), and remote(REM)
turn-on. Use a minimum of 8 gauge wiring for power and ground connections. The terminals will handle up to 8
gauge wiring with no problem what so ever. Be sure any wiring that passes through metal has a grommet!
DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS
FOR FITMENT
1.26” / 32mm
4.04” / 102.5mm
5.12” / 130mm

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
Introduction 5) Pairing remains intact when the DSP88 and/or the Bluetooth device is powered off or is
taken out of link range (30 feet). To re-establish an active connection when your Bluetooth
device returns within range,simple turn off and turn on the DSP88.
6) The next time the DSP88 is powered on it will automatically try to re-establish a link with the
most recently linked Bluetooth device. If your device does not support auto-linking OR was not
the last linked to the DSP88, you must re-link manually by selecting DSP88 from the Bluetooth
device’s menu on your Bluetooth device.
7) MAKE SURE ALL NOTIFICATIONS AND SOUNDS ARE TURNED OFF on you Phone or
Tablet!!! Otherwise during setup if someone texts or calls you..it will scare you how loud it is!!!
So TURN it ALL off.
REMEMBER: With ANY DSP I HIGHLY recommend that you willget an RTA to REALLY setup
your system. Especially the EQUALIZER part of your setup. There are many available and
relativily cheaply.
Our favorite is Audio Tools software (see below) AVAILABLE ONLY ON APPLE! Make sure to
buy the APP (Typically $5.00) as you MUST slow down the RTA for “time Averaging”. I recom-
mend 3s to 6s Decay. You dont absolutely need an RTA, BUT It makes life much easier and
setup much faster. Your call.
(Not my motorcycle..... so I don’t a have “dog in this hunt”! Hey I call ‘em the way I see ’em!!)
BASIC SETUP - START PAGE AND HOME
BEFORE YOU START
First thing to do BEFORE anything is to decide on what system you are building? Good news
is you are using a 8 channel DSP that can handle RCA (pre amp level) or Speaker Level input.
So you can do ALOT!. You have to plan you work and work your plan!!! Trust me it makes it
way easier if you have and “end goal” in mind. As mentioned it is a 8 channel DSP with 8
channels you can deal with - at least digitally.
SO LETS DECIDE ON WHAT EXACTLY YOU ARE BUILDING - HERE ARE SOME SYSTEM IDEAS TO
LOOK AT. THIS IS SOME SYSTEM IDEAS YOU CAN DO WITH THE DSP88 AND MULTIPLE
AMPLIFER CHANNELS. LOTS OF WHYS TO ROLL!!!
NOTE: BlueTooth functionallity is limited to the SetUp DSP application - CA DSP
NOT for playing audio!! You’ll need some kind of source unit (like the stock HD HeadUnit)!
Make sure to download the App
for your phone or tablet
Your Bluetooth device (Phone, Tablet, etc.) must support the A2DP Bluetooth profile (commonly
known as stereo audio profile) to work with the CA-AMP app. Many of the latest mobile Phones
and Tablets with built-in Bluetooth functionality will support this profile. For accurate information
about your product, please refer to your Bluetooth device’s user manual for details on the
Bluetooth profiles it supports and on how to set the device’s Bluetooth pairing/searching/setup
mode
ABOUT PAIRING VS LINKING
Pairing is the term used when wirelessly connecting two Bluetooth devices for the first time.
This allows the devices to “see” each other and creates a unique lasting connection between
the specific devices to pass audio. You do NOT need to PAIR you DSP88 as it will NOT BT
music on its on. BT is only for setup!!!! You will LINK up to the CA DSP app, ....NOT PAIR
1. Open the CA DSP app you downloaded to your phone. IF you have set up your phone to
“see” all bluetooth around you.... it will see the CA DSP (as long as it is powered up!!)
2. Once you opened the CA DSP software it will look for your phone.
It should “Pop up” Connect Sucessfully AS shown to the left.
3. IF the CA DSP software is open and does NOT show the Connect
Successfully Green DOT, then tap the at the top right and the
Devices widow opens up. The DSP88 C0:00:00:FO:C? should show
up. Slide the right button over to the right to lock it on
4. You’re IN! Now everytime you open the CA DSP app it will say “Connect Successfully”
with the GREEN dot with the check in the middle of it.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE CONNECTED BEFORE DOING ANY SETUP CHANGES!!!!
NOTE: CURRENTLY MY APPS DO NOT WORK WITH ANDROID OS12!
DO NOT UPDGRADE!!!

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
Introduction
SYSTEM DESIGN OPTION 1
REAR INPUT WITH
HD MOLEX WITH
47 OHM RESISTOR
(Can be used if bike is FLASHED)
DSP88 REAR INPUT:
CX150.4D (Fairing Mid/Tweeter Amp INPUT CH1/2/3/4)
BDA1600.4D
(Bag Woofer Amp INPUT CH7/8)
CX250.2D
(Bag FullRange Amp INPUT CH5/6) 12V 0.2V
AUTO
TURN ON
FREQ
30Hz 300Hz
PWR
PRT
CLIP
CH1/2
XOVER
12V 0.2V
CONFIG
FREQ
30Hz 300Hz
CH3
CH3/4
XOVER
2CH 4CH
CH4
POWER INPUT
+12V REM GRD
BRIDGED CH2CH1
CH3 CH4
BRIDGED
3 AMPLIFIERS /BI-AMPED
2 - 4 CHANNEL / 1 - 2 CHANNEL
REM
REM
REM
BDA1600.4D
(Bag Woofer Amp OUTPUT CH7/8)
CX150.4D
(Fairing Mid OUTPUT CH3/4 )
CX150.4D (Fairing Mid
OUTPUT CH1/2 )
CX250.2D
(Bag FullRange Amp OUTPUT CH5/6)
CM65.2 (6.5” 2 Ohm MidBass)
CH65.2 / CH69.2 / CH8.2
(6.5” 2 Ohm CoAx Horns)
CS8.4/CS10.4
(8 or 10” 4 Ohm MidWoofers)
AMP 1
AMP 2
AMP 3
CX150.4D (Fairing Mid
OUTPUT CH1/2/3/4 )
NOTE: DSP XOVER
SET AT BANDPASS
90 - 6kHz@12dB
NOTE: DSP XOVER
SET AT LOWPASS
90Hz @12dB
NOTE: DSP XOVER
SET AT 6kHz@12dB
HIGHPASS
NOTE: DSP XOVER
SET AT HIGHPASS
90Hz @12dB
8 CHANNEL / 3 AMP SYSTEM W / COmponent & HORNS / WOOFERS8 CHANNEL / 3 AMP SYSTEM W / COmponent & HORNS / WOOFERS
NOTE: SOME TYPE
OF LID KIT IS NEEDED
NOTE: MAKE SURE TO SEPERATE
THE WOOFER FROM THE COAX HORNS!!!
(AT LEAST “ACOUSTICALLY”)

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
Introduction
REAR INPUT WITH
HD MOLEX WITH
47 OHM RESISTOR
(Can ber used if bike is FLASHED)
DSP88 REAR INPUT:
SYSTEM DESIGN OPTION 2
NOTE: CH8.2 (CoAX Horn) or CH69/2 CAN BE SUSTITUDED ALSO!
8 CHANNEL / 3 AMP SYSTEM W / COmponent & HORNS / NO WOOFERS
8 CHANNEL / 3 AMP SYSTEM W / COmponent & HORNS / NO WOOFERS
NOTE: SOME TYPE OF LID KIT IS NEEDED

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
HOME PAGE:
This is just the beginning, and tell you
that you amplifer is a 4 channel amplifer
with a 6 channel processor BUILT IN!
Too cool!!!!
Hitting the “ ” link takes you back
to the “Start” page where you “TAP”
the screen to go back to the SUMMING
page. From there you can go to all
setup pages.
NOTE: Software version!!!
HOME PAGE AND “PRE” SETUP PROCEDURES SETUP - PRE GAIN SETUP
Once that is done...lets move on to the
CROSSOVER PAGE-VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
Here you need to “PreSet” Crossover
settings. This is SUPER important if
you dont want to blow up your expensive
speakers!
ALL Speakers on a HD motorcycle audio
system MUST be highpassed -
PERIOD!!!! 99% of the time these are
high output “Pro Style” speakers with
high Fs (free air resonance) Make sure
to HP (High Pass) at 80Hz or higher on
any 6.5 Inch “Full Range” drivers.
DOING ANYTHING ELSE will cost you
time and money, and Heartburn!!
YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!!!!!
SUMMING PAGE:
Depending on your head unit (Stock HD
or aftermarket) determines what you
select here. If your bike is NOT flashed
and your stock bike started out with just
fairing speakers and your adding bags,
then you’ll want to choose ASSIGN
As that is the INPUT selection, you can
still get ALL channel out meaning
CH1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 By selecting “Assign”.
This is an automatic function. AS
SHOWN! Clicking “Assign” Then Ch1 is
paralled to 3/5/7. Ch2 is paralled to
4/6/8. IF you have a flashed bike or after
market HU with frotn and rear outputs
then select “Custom”. IF you are doing
something unusual, then select “Custom”
and go for it!
SPECIAL NOTE: All “PreSetup”
is done with the amplifier(s) OFF!!
(or speakers disconnected)
DELAY/GAIN PAGE PRE GAIN
SETUP?? What? YES!
With ALL amplifier(s) OFF (or speakers
disconnected) DO all PreSets. First..set GAINs
on the DSP88 “GUI” (Graphical User Interface).
I tend to be safe about this and set ALL channels
at -6dB down as well as Master Gain.
This still gives you 12dB of GAIN adjustment at
the end. Easy way to do that is click the
LINKED boxes at the bottom of each channel.
Now just slide one of the channels gain setting
down to -6dB. Too easy!
All Channel gains are adjusted in one SWOOP.
Do the same to the MASTER Volume -6dB.
Thats the slider near the bottom of the page.
You have a MASTER Mute button too!
SPECIAL NOTE: SOME BIKES NEED LONGER THAN 3 OR 4 SECONDS FOR
TURN-ON TO NOT POP AND BANG. USE THIS TO ADJUST THAT - UP TO 30 SEC!!!

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2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
Introduction
SETUP - CROSSOVERS AND GROUPING
“PRE” SETUP - CROSSOVER
CROSSOVER PAGE
This is where you will HP you speakers
(or Low Pass - LP for subs) SIMPLY “TAP”
the HIGH PASS box, it will turn ORANGE
if it is “Activated”. Once activated select
crossover slope. 6/12/24/36 or 48dB slopes
are available to you. I recommend a 12 dB
slope. You can pick any slope you like.
Then “TAP” the frequency box (the one
that shows 20 in the middle).
Once you tap that - the keyboard window
opens up - SEE BELOW
Once you have highlighted the 20(as shown
to the right) go below and type in whatever
frequency you desire, A good frequency to
start with is 80Hz. Remember that these
settings can all change anytime you want
them too! So it isn’t forever. Just your intial
“PreSet Up”. Once you’ve type in whatever
frequency - hit Done and it will show up in
the Frequency “box” and you’ll see it in the
frequency response curve at the top of the
page too.
NOTE: Looking to the left you will
also notice that ONLY CH1“box” is
activated (Orange)
NOW IF you want both Left/Right
to be crossoverd over at the same
frequency go to the bottom of the
Crossover Page... and GROUP
GROUPING
Grouping is a wonderful thing!(did I hear “orgy”
in the background???... Oh...not that type of
grouping...Damn!!)
Anyway....this is a cool function to speed up
things and to keep it all together.
Typically you would want to make both the
front fairing speakers crossover at the same
frequency...logically. So the easy way is to
“group” CH1/CH2 - meaning Left Front and
Right front.
Simply “TAP” the Grouping CH1 & 2. A new
window opens. The window below, “TAP”
CH1. The window will blink out and CH1 and
CH2 are now “grouped” so whatever crossover
you’ve selected is for both CH1 and CH2
Too EASY!
HIGH PASS/LOW PASS/BAND PASS?
Highpass is ALWAYS used for Mids/Midbass
and tweeters. Lowpass is ALWAYS used for
woofers/subwoofers. Bandpass? Ahh.. that
can be used for a lot of things. For example
you could use it in a 3 way system (like a car)
with Tweeters up in the “A” pillars, Midbass in
the doors and Subwoofer in the trunk. A VERY
common 5 channels system. But on a bike?
You could use the bandpass feature for a
“woofer” (NOT a subwoofer!) Subwoofer (a
REAL one!) on a bike is ..well...DUMB in my
opinion. Too much road noise, bike is to loud,
very small enclsoures and the desire to have
HIGH SPL. ALL contribute a really BAD deal!!!
BUT ..,bandpass a serious woofer (higher Fs
than a sub!) And now ya got something!!!

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
HOW TO SAVE ANY SETTING?
This is SUPER important. ALWAYS save
settings!!! Once you select SAVE on ANY
page it will bring you to the “Save” text box
as shown to the left. This is where you name
the file so you know which one it is,
Once named. It goes back to whatever page
you were on. IF you want to set this as your
setting, then go to the TOP of any page and
TAP this symbol This will “Load” it to the
processor can sometimes take up to 60 seconds,
.....so be patient.
BANDPASS?
High Pass is ALWAYS used for Mids/Midbass
and tweeters. Low Pass is ALWAYS used for
woofers/subwoofers. Band Pass? Ahh.. that
can be used for a lot of things. On a bike with
a Processor that has 8 outputs (Gee? Like a
DSP88??) ...High Pass the 4 channels that
drive all the High Pass drivers (probably CoAx
horns or High output Midbass drivers with horn
tweeters.) And then BandPass CH5/6 to a
monoblock or BIG stereo amplifier to some
knarly Pro style Midbass drivers that go low.
Thats not normal by the way. So hunt those
baby’s down. Need something with a High Fs
(like 45-50Hz) and realitively high sensitivity.
(over 95dB 1W/1M) Then CH7/8 can be
dedicated to woofers (typically BANDPASSED)
“PRE” SETUP - BAND PASS? WHATS THAT?
BAND PASS - HOW TO CREATE?
So ....how to create? Simple! Highpass plus
a Lowpass equals a BAND PASS. Look at
the settings on the CROSSOVER page to
the right. I’ve selected High Pass on the top
filter and selected 35Hz (basically I made a
subsonic filter here). Then on the bottom
filter I selected Low Pass. It is not highlight-
ed..but it is activated...as you can see that I
have selected 200Hz as the Low Pass. Look
above at the curve and you can see the filter.
COOL huh!!
If you are using this for a “Woofer” on your
bike then I would also recommend that you
“GROUP” CH7/8. That way the settings are
on both channels.
“PRE” SETUP - SAVING SETTINGS
BEFORE you see the bright orange loading
dot. You’ll get this page to the right that asks
do you REALLY want to load this DSP
settings file (DUH!!) Hit YES (of course!) and
the ORANGE dot comes up to mesmorize
you.
You’ve falling asleep...you’ll write me a check
for a million dollars...whoops ..you woke up!)
Moving on....
Remember that ANY setting can be deleted...
and at worst case you can go into settings,
then at bottom of page and TAP “Reset DSP
Tuning”.And your DSP88 will start off all clean
and fresh, NO EQ, Crossover or Gain/ Delay
settings.
YOU KNOW THE
SETTINGS ARE
BEING “LOADED”
WHEN YOU SEE
THIS ORANGE MOON
SPECIAL NOTE: TO REMOVE A CROSSOVER SETTING
SIMPLY TAP & HOLD RESET FOR 2 SECONDS
Load...

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
MORE COOLNESS!!
Another cool thing is you can instantly hear the
difference in any and ALL of you memory
settings you’ve saved!!! You can hear the
difference between EQ settings, different gain
settings, different time alignement settings.
All kinds of things.
So lets say you have one setting with a 80Hz
12dB slope High Pass filter on the front speak-
ers?
Another setting has the crossover at 60Hz but
at 24dB. Now you can hear what that differ-
ence sounds like. Just tap the one you want to
listen to and it automaticaly switches to that
memory setting
10 O’Clock
CH1/2
GAIN
CH3/4
GAIN
DSP125.4D
DC REM
VOX USB
MIN MAX MIN MAX
“PRE” SETUP - AMPLIFIER GAIN SETTING
With the DSP part pretty much finalized (at least for Pre Setting) WE now
need to go to the amplifiers and do a “Pre”set gain adjustment on them.
Again...the amplifier(s )is NOT powerered up and we haven”t “Scoped”
anything, metered...zip...zilich. But this works great and I have done it for
over 10 years of doing DSP tuning. So lets just go with it, for now. Good
news is you can readjust EVERYTHING once you get the system up and
running
REMEMBER this is “Pre” Setup!
On ALL high pass channels - Pre Set GAINs to about the 10 O’Clock position.
Remember that there is NO quarter gain. or half gain, or three quarter gain.
No such thing. This “Pre” set is just that. A PRE set. Its just to get you on
your way. ALL settings can me “massaged” and changed at any time
On ALL Low Pass channels - Pre Set GAINs to about the 12 to 1:00 O’Clock
position. Typically bass needs more GAIN and more energy to keep up with
the mids and highs. This “Pre” set is just that. A Pre set. Its just to get you
on your way. ALL settings can me “massaged” and changed at any time
Now that gains and crossovers are ALL preset, inside the DSP and on the
amplifier(s) it is time you’ve SAVED you settings on the DSP88 - ONCE
SAVE is completed (it takes 60 seconds) its time to RECONNECT the
amplifier(s).
1. Power everything DOWN - connect the amplifier now
2. Power everything up
Adjust your HU’s volume to a comfortable level. You should have plenty
of gain already. AGAIN this is NOT your final gains settings , or crossover
or EQ (you havent even touched EQ yet ...RIGHT???)
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO WITH PRESETS?
YOU CAN SHARE PRESETS!
This is actually an advance settings thing-
BUT while I am talking about what you can
do with Pre Sets...you can SHARE them
with your friends! Enemies, whomever.
Click the far right of one of the memory
settings that shows the box with the up
arrow. When you touch that ....the box on
the left opens up (on Android at least)
From here you can pick how you want to
send your file! Text, Email, whatever!!!
If you are copying a frinds system and he
has it all “dialed ” up...you cans simply ask
for his file and he sends it to you and
BAMM! You’re set up!!

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
(Good time to SAVE and call it TEST1)
EQUALIZER SCREEN (EQ):
This is where ALL the “magic” happens. There are 8 bands of Parametric
Equalizer adjustments. Which means that YOU can select whatever
frequency you need to fix, or bands of frequencies and easily solve the
peaks or dips in your system setup. QUICKLY!
Q ADJUST:
Q (or width) of the frequency being
adjusted. Q’s of below 1 are very
wide, Q of 10 is very narrow
FREQUENCY:
Each of the 8 Bands can be
changed to ANY frequency you
need it to be.
Click inside the grey box to the
right of Freg: It will activate that
frequency of that channel.
Type the frequency desired
NOTE: if you want this be the
same for CH1/2 (for example)
then go below and click Grouping
CH1&2 (or whatever CH you
want to work with) That same
window you saw before will “pop”
open...then click whatrever
channel you want to Group with.
It will close and those channels are
now groupled
NOTE: All “Q’s” are set
at 7.2 by default. You
can move the slider to
change “Q” also!
NOTE: Frequency can
be “typed” You can move
the slider to change frequency!
DOUBLE NOTE: IF you have’t touched anything in a few seconds
you may have to tap the slider you are adjusting to activate it again
EQUALIZER (EQ) TUTORIAL? EQUALIZER (Q) TUTORIAL?
Q? what do I do with that? Lets play with this
amazing EQ. There is so much you can do with
very few controls and be able to EQ any speaker
system very quickly. The beauty of “parametric”.
You have total control of your sound.
EXAMPLE: To the left we have an EQ setting of
1,000HZ -12dB with a Q of 10. Notice how
narrow this is. Very typical of what a 1/3 Octave
EQ would do. Big issue with this is that it tends to
be TOO narrow and not audible when you make
that adjustment. All I am doing now is showing
you how easy it is to adjust and what to touch and
slide to make your life easier, and these adjust-
ments meaningful. Even though Parametric is
seemingly more complicated, in reality it is MUCH
easier and quicker to EQ a system. But you
REALLY need an RTA to do this!! NO BS!! Your
phone can we a GREAT RTA. Download the app
I told you about on page 5
Now look to the right at the SAME EQ setting
as the above one same frequency, same
amount of cut, everything. BUT “Q” is differ-
ent. We went from a Q of 10 to a Q of 1.0
Notice the difference in the curve! You can
hear that for sure!!! Thats why Parametric is
so powerful. Once you know the frequency
you need to adjust (because your using an
RTA to SEE where you need to be adjusting)
then it really is a matter of playing with the Q
and how much boost or cut you do. BUT Q
makes the BIG difference.
Typically on a Bike you will adjust the front
speakers almost identically. That’s why you’ll
want to GROUP channels together to make it
easier

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
HOW TO DELETE A SETTING?
You can have up to 9 saved settings. But at
somepoint your going to want to delete some.
Here is how, its very simple. Go to the top of
any page and “Tap” the SAVE link. That will
bring you to ALL your saved settings. Press
and hold the setting you want deleted and slide
your finger to the left. You’ll see the trash can
in a red box. Tap that trash can...and its
GONE!
REMEMBER THAT ONCE A SETTING IS
DELETED IT IS GONE!!!!
Make sure to SAVE often. There is NO limit to
how many memories you can save. You can
always delete it (them?) later.
EQUALIZER (Q) TUTORIAL?
8 BANDS OF WHAT? PARA WHAT?
On our EQ you have 8 bands of PARAMETRIC
EQUALIZER. ANY frequency and 8 bands of
ANY Q and 8 bands of EQ of +20 /-20dB. In
other words you have a LOT of EQ capability!
Be careful what you do and know the limits of
your drivers and amplifier(s).
HOW TO ACTIVATE ANY EQ BAND?
Simply “Tap” the band in the center. It will then
ACTIVATE that band and you know it is beca-
sue the grey boxes of that band turn RED. Now
you can adjust that band and make it anything
you want, any frequency, any Q, etc.
You’ll notice that the band I picked (7...yeah
Lucky 7) I’ve EQ’d +6.3dB at 6,000Hz with a Q
of 6.3. Notice how narrow the “peak” is. You
will hear this adjustment, one reason is it is in a
band of frequencies that human ears are very
senstitive to (2,000- 8,000Hz)
Now...notice to the right the SAME EQ
setting, same frequency same amount of
boost...BUT...different Q. Now we have a Q
of 1. Notice the difference in the curve. You
can DEFINITLEY hear this difference.
For FUN....just move the frequency slider to
the left or right
HUGE difference ! WOW! This is why
I perfer parametric to 1/3 octave EQ’s.
Its easier to HEAR the changes you make.
Easier to adjust.
Now if you think you screwed up (haven’t
we all!) just “Tap” and HOLD the Reset EQ
tab and ALL EQ settings will be eliminated.
DELETING A SETTING?
Lets go back to EQ settings
Now you’ve been playing around and you should have some sense of the
system coming together audio wise. Is the level correct? Meaning do you
have the ability to go to FULL power? Or does it sound like there is still more
to get out of your system?
Does it sound weird??
What IF you own a HD 2014-2020 and HAVEN”T “Flashed” you bike. IF you
dont know what that is you should read up on it on our website. In a “Nut-
Shell” HD has a “built-in” custom EQ setting in their stock OEM HD radio.
DB LEVEL
The STOCK HD EQ setting curve is shown
to the right (in RED). The “Desired” curve is
shown below that in GREEN. You can see
that the stock curve is WAY off the desired
curve. Have NO fear as Cicada is on it!
We’ve designed into OUR software are
own custom curves to flatten the HD curve!

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
HD SPECIFIC EQUALIZER PRESETS YOU CAN SHARE PRESETS!
TO DELAY ...OR NOT!
Typically on motorcycles you won’t
be using DELAY(Time Alignment)
At least that is kind of the pervailing
thinking with many HD audio guys.
But others think it is REALLY
important. It s not the typical car
audio time alignment. We arent
dealing with left and right being
different path lenghts - becasue we
are offset in our primary seating
positions - like a drivers seat. On
a bike you are pretty much center.
But ....time alignment FRONT to
REAR is important.
And it can make a HUGE improve-
ment in the overall sound quality
on your bikes audio system.
SO...OO HOW MUCH AND HOW?
Good question! Lets look to the right and
see the DELAY/GAIN page. You have
your 8 channels lined up. Lets assume
some things. You’re using the DSP88
and 8 channels of amplification. Front
channels (CH1/2) are driving the CH65.2
CoAx horn drivers. Rear Channels
(CH3/4) are drivng the CH69.2 Drivers.
CH5/6 for rear Full Range. And then
CH7/8 for woofers. We are going to
concentrate on the front (CH1/2) is going
to be are reference points. It isnt going to
“move” time wise /Delay wise) So we
select Rear (CH3/4) as those are the
channels we will move TIME WISE
(DELAY) Measure it from your seat, your
ear to the speaker in the bag. Put that
dimension in (*should be about 34
inches) But it needs be what is REAL,
BEFORE you see the bright orange loading
“moon”. You’ll get this page to the right that
asks do you REALLY want to load this DSP
settings file (DUH!!) Hit YES (of course!) and
the ORANGE dot comes up to mesmorize
you.
You’ve falling asleep...you’ll write me a check
for a million dollars...whoops ..you woke up!)
Hey I had to try!! Moving on....
Remember that ANY setting can be deleted...
and at worst case you can go into settings,
then at bottom of page and TAP “Reset DSP
Tuning”.And your DSP88 will start off all
clean and fresh, NO EQ, Crossover or Gain/
Delay settings.
YOU KNOW THE
SETTINGS ARE
BEING “LOADED”
WHEN YOU SEE
THIS ORANGE MOON
ONE LAST TIME FOR SAVING?
This is the last time you’ll select SAVE! Whoop
whoop! Again...you can do that from ANY
page and once “Tapped” it will bring you to the
“Save” text box as shown to the left. This is
where you name the file so you know which one
it is - like FINAL BIKE SETUP or something.
Once named. It goes back to whatever page
you were on. IF you want to set this as your
setting, then go to the TOP of any page and
TAP this symbol. This will “Load” it to the
processor can sometimes take up to 60
seconds,
.....so be patient.
Load...
NOTE: You may want to delay your
woofers too, That you’ll do by ear,
Unless you have SMaart Software.
Yeah...dont think so.

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
Since we know that HD put in their own
strange custom EQ we have designed 6
Specific EQ, GAIN and CROSSOVER settings
for YOUR system - with OUR product.
Select one of these “Audio Presets” and life
just got a WHOLE lot easier!!
To the left I have chosen the PreSet “HD19
NEWER - HORNS” This is HD 2019 and
newer bike with a 4 channels amplifier and
front 6/5” speakers CoAx horns(or MidBass
with Horns) and rear bag 6 X 9” CoAx Horn
(or midbass driver and horn)
Notice what looks like a strange EQ. This is
done to conpensate for HD’s CRAZY EQ!
This is ONE (1) of six “varations on a theme
for EQing a HD audio system using Cicada
Audio products, These ”PreSets are there to
start you on your way. And NOT the “end all -
be all” of curves!!! You will still need to do
some adjustements. WE RECOMMEND that
you do adjustments as everyone wants their
bike to sound a certain way. There is NO
correct EQ or “Perfect” EQ. Make sure to
save your settings!!!
Try any of the other PreSets as you may like
them even better.
This is actually an advance settings thing-
BUT while I am talking about what you can
do with Pre Sets...you can SHARE them
with your friends! Enemies, whomever.
Click the far right of one of the memory
settings that shows the box with the up
arrow. When you touch that ....the box on
the left opens up (on Android at least)
From here you can pick how you want to
send your file! Text, Email, whatever!!!
If you are copying a frinds system and he
has it all “dialed ” up...you cans simply ask
for his file and he sends it to you and
BAMM! You’re set up!!
ALMOST FINAL THOUGHTS
There is a lot to take in on setting up any DSP
processor. The PreSetting of GAINS - both on the
DSP and amplifier(s) is CRUCIAL. As well as
PreSetting CROSSOVERS for ALL speakers in the
DSP will make or break your system.
Also make sure ALL speakers are in PHASE.
I forgot to mention that on the GAIN/DELAY page
you can put each channel in and out of phase 180
This is SUPER important! You MUST have the
system “In Phase” to be able to EQ it correctly
DELAY - OR TIME ALIGNMENT SAVE SAVE SAVE...THEN LOAD LOAD LOAD....

2
2021 Cicada Audio All rights reserved.
FINAL SETTINGS AND YOUR DONE!!
At this point you are pretty much done, My recommendation is that you live with
the intial setup for a week and THEN make adjustments.
Also do not spend to much time “tweaking” the system. Once you have gains set
CORRECTLY and have Checked “Phase” acoustically (with a Phase Meter - which
is built into the AudioTools APP) Spend LESS than 45 minutes EQing your system.
Then take a break as your ears and brain will be charcoal!!
Rest your ears over night and listen again in the morning.
45 minutes is plenty of time to get a system intially “dialed in”.
You need to “live” with it for a bit BEFORE randomly changing settings.
Remember to play the music YOU listen to and not some “Artsy Fartsy “Audiophile
recordings that you NEVER listen to!
Also make sure whatever recordings you listen to are as ”HiRes” as possible and
NOT 128mps MP3’s!!!!
Cicada Audio warrants this product to be free of defects and quality workmanship for a period of
Two (2) years from the original date of purchase. A receipt from an authorized Cicada Audio dealer
is required for warranty claim. Product warranty starts on the day of purchase or no longer than
three years from the date of manufacture.
THIS WARRANTY IS NON-TRANSFERABLE AND APPLIES ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER
OF THE PRODUCT IN THE ORIGINAL INSTALLATION.
Should a manufacturing defect occur during the warranty period, Cicada Audio will repair or
replace defective product with a product of the same or equivalent value and performance.
Damage or failure caused by improper use is not covered under this warranty. Negligence,
improper use, product modification, unauthorized repair, accident, acts of god, dealer misrepre-
sentation and improper or inadequate packaging during return shipment will not be covered.
Warranty is void if serial numbers have been removed or defaced.
HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE:
In the event a Cicada Audio product should require service, you should return to your authorized
Cicada Audio retailer. All claims must follow the guidelines listed above and be returned with a
copy of the original sales receipt.
Product returned for warranty service must be freight prepaid, properly packaged, and clearly
marked with the Return Authorization (RA) number issued by Cicada Audio. Products that are
returned and are improperly packaged, do not have an RA number clearly marked on the package,
or have never been issued an RA number may be refused upon delivery. Cicada does not assume
responsibility for lost or mis-labelled products.
Repair or replacement under this warranty is the exclusive remedy of the consumer. Cicada Audio
shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of any expressed or
implied warranty on this product. Certain states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so
the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights and you may also have other rights that may vary from state to state.
For factory service contact:
Cicada Audio [email protected]
3757 E Broadway Road, Suite 5
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: [phone]
LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT:
IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES DO NOT
HESTITATE TO CALL ME!
1-480-758-4394
THAT IS MY DIRECT LINE
OR EMAIL ME @
[email protected]
website: www.cicadaaudio.com