@Mr Latte why not using the x32 usb card? should give you 32 channels, but you are right u are limited to 16 mix busses. so 16 rumblers? that sounds awesome
Not exactly.
Some further info for those interested...
Read this as a blog/info update on my own tactile plans.
Simhub will not detect audio hardware interfaces like DAW software will for all the supported channels the hardware has. It is very doubtful its developer will add such support. Having to buy or use multiple soundcards is not such a big drawback though. USB soundcards (even duplicates of the same model) seem to hold their own individual settings and it's easy to connect these and manage them within Simhub.
I will be at some point, buying the Behringer S32 for the primary connectivity from Simhub. All the soundcard channels can be input into this and it kept in close proximity to the Amps and PC. The beauty with it however is that only a single network cable is needed to connect with the X32 mixer for using the S32 own 32 inputs and its 16 XLR outputs. This means we do not need a cable snake. You still can use SD8/SD16 and S32 additional stage boxes, even daisy-chain them with X32 as well as the outputs on the X32 mixer.
For a neater installation, the X32 mixer and the midi controller with perhaps my 2x EPQ 304 amps (for exciters) can be on a trolly based rack/mount and used from beside the cockpit. This will only need one shielded RJ45 cable between the X32/S32 letting you place each the cable inputs and controller units in different places.
This experimental approach makes it possible to control "each effect" like individual instruments via the midi controller. We then can apply the mix level desired for the 20-25 (or whatever effects) may be used. As well as that I will have full control over the 7.1 game audio to also mix this to any channel for tactile/speaker or subwoofer roles. I can send the same "effect" or channel "input" to one or all outputs and each with its own audio processing. We do this via the bus sends to determine the "mix" for each output.
The primary difference to what I was doing before is that now It's possible to apply all the crossover EQ and other audio management desired for "individual effects" No longer is it a case of multiple effects already coming out as a mix from Simhubs own output mixer. Those being combined and treated as one channel and us
only then applying any audio processing with this already created mix.
We use Simhub to determine how/when effects operate as to their sensitivity and telemetry data and then what Hz they generate. I believe this new approach will give more control than ever over how individual effects can be made to feel. It kinda opens up a new door of potential and control.
I now can create my own mix direct on the X32 but from the midi controller in realtime, save good settings as "scenes" for individual cars or sims. Load these up and I can instantly see what it is for and the motorised sliders all fall into position for the values saved or being used.
This gives an idea but not representative of my usage case scenario. See 4:50 & 7:20
Behringer X Touch
Simhub effects example, channel strips colours and names
7.1 Audio example, channel strips colours and names
It's rather cool but yes extensive and pushing the boundaries but that's been my aim and something that just continued to progress to this level.
If that's not enough, I will then be duplicating certain specific channels via Behringer MS8000 units.
The reason for this is to firstly reduce the workload and number of output channels but still accommodate my own preferred "Dual Role" installation approach. So at the last part of the chain, I will still use the DSP within the amps from each generated "mix bus channel" relevant to the tactile hardware that the amp is powering.
So to put it simply, I can achieve a "tuned mix" / "unrestricted tuned effects" / "tuned amp outputs" all controlled for the individual BK or TST units operation. An effect that contains very low bass but also mid-high range bass frequencies. This will be divided over the BK/TST units as they each have their own performance benefits. So only the desired frequencies being sent to each transducer device for whatever role it primarily has on the rig. Now as for the EPQ 304 amps which do not have DSP then they will be dealt with suitable crossover and EQ via the X32.
The plan is at 18-20 tactile channels but it will be 24-26 operational transducer units for the whole rig. Then we have the actual audio with also applying fairly competent, dual Yamaha sound-bars (1xL 1xR) installed in the floor of the build firing up and accompanied with 4x Pioneer 12" tube subwoofers (1 each corner).
Perhaps extremely different from anything anyone else is doing but fully focused on "audio" based immersion and taking things discovered or via creative means to my own curiosity and imagination.
It should be a fun ride.
