Hi MrLatte,
After driving with 4 transducer in chassis mode for awhile, i'm thinking is it really necessary to use 4 separate transducers? For ex. when I drop one wheel off in the dirt, I can't really feel accurately which side it is, I suppose as long as there is vibration along with visual cue, even a single transducer will be sufficient.
whats your thought on this? i'm wondering for my new rig (aluminum profile) should I keep the 4 mini lfe setup or change to single or dual but bigger transducer (such as earthquake transducer)
No question that stereo effects can be enjoyable, but having a richer quality of tactile with improved low end brings its own benefits. Each have their own advantages.
The thing to consider is, as mentioned earlier in this thread on having a combination of
both.
Stereo at your feet in the pedals, better low-end performance in the seat and improved detailing in the spine area. This in my experience covers all important factors, here they are....
- Stereo (directional tactile)
- The Best Low-end frequency performance (enhanced realism)
- Full body immersion (feet/thighs/back)
A single unit is limited in the total immersion it can bring.
Yet it is important to have it installed that the energy is going where you want it. Can the connection be improved at the seat supports, even increasing the contact at the bolts/seat riser that go into the seat, for example this was something I discussed with
@Ceolmor who seems to be missing a bit of something? Yet we know from most BK Advance users they are happy with its performance. I would recommend unit in the spine or pedals to increase over the limited immersion a single unit can give. In SSW this will at least give additional immersion in "acceleration" or "deceleration" effects with improved perception of bumps etc.
To compare 4x Mini LFE to a single BK Advance is not a fair comparison.
One is more likely close (for 4x Mini with cables/connectors and 2 amps) a $800 option the other with (BKA cable/connectors and single amp) more around $400.
Is the user willing to spend $800, upto $1200 or $1500. How about $2000 or more on their tactile hardware. Each level will allow them to tick better the 3 factors above with more capable hardware and improvements in performance.
Actually lets make this more interesting.....
So with what you have and a common consideration for a lot of people.
Quad Channel (Chassis Mode) using 2x great amps with ability to control those Mini LFE from the piston issues.
Now, how can this be improved on....
Lets forget about Extension Mode with more of the same units at this stage.
Option 1
So you already have stereo in pedals and seat with 4 decent units.
What are the best rig configs I would consider for @ $1000
*Required Cables/Connectors Not Listed
2x BK Mini (Pedals/Stereo)
1x BK-LFE (Seat Base/Low-End)
1x TST 239 (Seat Spine/Improved Detailing)
2x iNuke DSP 1000 (Best control)
Alternative Option 2
2x ADX (Pedals/Stereo)
1x BK-LFE (Seat Base/Low-End)
1x TST 239 (Seat Spine/Improved Detailing)
2x iNuke DSP 1000 (Best control)
It's possible to make a decent saving by replacing the TST 239 with the more budget TST 209.
Likewise depending on the region the BK-Advance while only @ $40 cheaper than the BK-LFE. Currently in the UK it's £75 less. The BK-Advance pleases most people but yes the BK-LFE will offer easily the best tactile immersion with frequencies below 20Hz. Importantly it has very good energy at 10Hz where (bumps/engine idle/low revs) all benefit with a much richer and satisfying sensation.
* Some people prefer to upgrade to the iNuke DSP 3000 for the amp that will power the BK-LFE but the 1000 DSP model is capable of running it with no issues
(paper specs are not real world scenario).
St St St Stereo
Yes and you may of noticed whats missing?????
(stereo in the seat)
I would place having "dual stereo pairs front/back" as less important as having all the 3 main factors I listed.
Of course its possible to go for stereo also in the seat, with twin BKA or BK-LFE or even upgrade the front channels to the same models for 4x higher performing units. Yet this and with the additional amps required is what can push the price to rather high extremes.
Ongoing
Currently at this moment I am doing private tests with some guys and at least 3 guys using, very good tactile rigs and while different in their hardware. I have them focusing on covering the 3 main aspects and combining SSW with specially adapted audio-tactile.
Is Simvibe still the best option?
These guys can give their own opinions in future when we have finalised testing.
Yet what we are doing is seeking the best immersion and pushing the boundaries with a bit of creativity and exploration.