Monitor Audio ICS-8 8" In-Ceiling Subwoofer

The Monitor Audio ICS-8 is a passive in-ceiling subwoofer designed to deliver system-enhancing bass from a discreet 120mm grille opening, making it ideal for pre-construction installations where visual impact must be kept to a minimum. Developed primarily to complement the Monitor Audio CF230 speaker system, it fits into ceiling and wall cavities, or under floors, and is suited to basements, new-build projects and any space with sufficient joist depth and spacing.

Why we like it

• 20cm long-throw driver with C-CAM cone technology delivers punchy, tuneful bass from 40Hz to 120Hz
• Angled driver within a rigid MDF enclosure reduces overall box height without sacrificing output
• Delivers the performance of a 20cm subwoofer from a compact 10cm grille opening
• Round and square flush-fit grille options match the visual style of the CF230 for a coordinated system
• Paintable white grille allows the finish to blend seamlessly with the ceiling

Installation notes

The ICS-8 is a pre-construction install, fitted using a CFB3-R (round) or CFB3-SQ (square) pre-construction bracket, sold separately. The bracket is mounted first to allow the 120mm cut-out hole to be cut; once the plasterboard is fitted, the tube is secured to the d-ring, with the integral 'mud bank' and plastering shield allowing skimming up to the bracket edge for a precise, clean finish once sanded back. Box dimensions are 396 x 280 x 235mm, with vent dimensions of 427mm (long) x 75mm (diameter), so adequate void depth and joist spacing are essential. As a passive subwoofer with an 8 ohm nominal impedance, the ICS-8 requires its own amplifier channel (such as an IA-series installation amplifier) fed via a low-pass filter set at 120Hz, 12-24dB/octave. It can be paired with up to eight CF230 speakers on a single mono subwoofer channel to create a complete, unobtrusive system.

Specifications