Racer XO's wip Cockpit

[Racer XO]

A few people have asked for pics of my setup, so I decided to go ahead and post a few shot. Keep in mind this is a work in progress so the shots are a little rough.

I'm building the triple screen stand so I'm currently playing with different ideas, right now I thing I will end up going with aluminum, stainless steel tubing to match the cockpit.






The rig has it's own surround sound setup with a transducer built into the seat housing which literally shakes the entire cockpit....feels like I am actually sitting on top of the engine.

 

[stega]

Very nice... I like! 👍

Those monitors are all on single screen swivel mounts??

 

[Racer XO]

Thanks!

Yes mounts for triple screens are entirely too expensive $300 and up, so i was able to grab all 3 single mounts which allows for height, angle and depth adjustments for around $60 brand new.

 

[jswilli1]

Extremely nice setup. 👍

 

[stega]

I really wanna hear a review of that clark synthesis TT from someone who has used a few buttkickers... I am interested in possibly getting one if it would add another dimension of sound/feel on-top of the buttkickers.

What is holding your pedals upside down??? are they bolted to something, or are those zip ties holding them in place???

 

[Racer XO]

I really wanna hear a review of that clark synthesis TT from someone who has used a few buttkickers... I am interested in possibly getting one if it would add another dimension of sound/feel on-top of the buttkickers.

Well I'm not good at giving reviews.....

Imagine hearing an engine rev when the revs drop back to idle you actually feel the lopey idle of the engine in your back and butt while your cockpit, chair, or couch actually rumbles while your ear hears the higher pitch's of the engine.

Also what the TT does is pick up each individual ripple of your tire going over a rumble strip that rattles ..not like a vibration rattle that a bass shaker or BK does but think of it like the movie Jurassic park when the T-Rex was walking and you see the water ripple in the cup and you hear the thunder of the steps ....with the TT you actually feel the thunder in different pitches and levels of sound and feel, but trust me target one for your price bracket and buy it with confidence just make sure you drive it with a mono block amp and not off your regular surround sound receiver.

In addition to a BK or bass shaker, or used by itself a TT is the way to go because it will add to a deeper immersion and experience that really cannot be explained in text properly....you just need to test drive one to see the difference.

 

[Mr Latte]

Hi, this has got some great potential...

Can I ask how far your centre screen is to the wheel rim?

I think the main difference with the Clarke units is they produce a better result across wider range of frequencies than a BK that works better with low frequencies. The Clarke range also could perhaps benifit from a faster response offering more performance with music.

Id be interested to know if any of you guys have experienced a setup using both BK and these Clarke models? I also see a SILVER model is available much cheaper but with less power, mmmm tempting.

UK Supplier of Clarke Silver Model and some sales blurb

 

[stega]

hi, this has got some great potential...

Can i ask how far your centre screen is to the wheel rim?

I think the main difference with the clarke units is they produce a better result across wider range of frequencies than a bk that works better with low frequencies. The clarke range also could perhaps benifit from a faster response offering more performance with music.

Id be interested to know if any of you guys have experienced a setup using both bk and these clarke models? I also see a silver model is available much cheaper but with less power, mmmm tempting.

uk supplier of clarke silver model and some sales blurb

I also am very tempted.. I bet when I get paid Thursday I will place an order lol. I think one of these + a bk would add greater immersion because of the different frequencies it is responsive to.

Are you using the amp they sell for the clarke unit??? or your own?

Racer have you ever used a buttkicker unit? I feel like you are not properly describing the sensation it produces, as your description makes it seem very crude and unsophisticated feel/sound, like a rumble pack attached to a chair when it is a bit more than that although I do think the clarke unit produces higher quality sensations/feelings. I get very similar results to what you described for the clarke unit from my bk's although it seems more defined and cleaner sounding/feeling with the clarke.

 

[Mr Latte]

Technically what is the difference in how both operate or is it just each brand marketing their product to be better?
Buttkickers can also be ran via stereo speakers not just make use of the LFE bass. For example the their frequency response is:

EDIT

Buttkicker Mini LFE:
10 Hz - 350 Hz

Clarke Synthesis Platinium:
5 Hz - 800 Hz

So the Clarke series will work with higher frequencies beyond the common 250 Hz - 350 Hz of Buttkickers.
The larger Buttkickers can also support from 5 Hz but those models usually only peak to 250 Hz

Im not convinced their will be much difference in them for our purposes regards a cockpit but perhaps more of a difference in their own perfomances. Be nice to be surprised but the Clarke series is really going into mid range frequences as well.

Be nice to have a proper comparison by someone.

I would want to avoid such a feeling from vocals or general dialogue and if this unit is effected by those then Im not sure its what Id be after. XO does this happen with yours?

Stega their is a 209 model on Amazon for a great price @ $80, might be worth a go.

 

[Racer XO]

Hi, this has got some great potential...

Can I ask how far your centre screen is to the wheel rim?

I think the main difference with the Clarke units is they produce a better result across wider range of frequencies than a BK that works better with low frequencies. The Clarke range also could perhaps benifit from a faster response offering more performance with music.

Id be interested to know if any of you guys have experienced a setup using both BK and these Clarke models? I also see a SILVER model is available much cheaper but with less power, mmmm tempting.

UK Supplier of Clarke Silver Model and some sales blurb

Hey Mr. Latte....My center screen is exactly 21inches from the wheel rim. To answer your question about using the TT with a BK.....I do have the BK300 with this setup but I had it disconnected when I took the pics. While playing around with the setup I found that having both the TT and the BK set to operate at different frequencies gave me pretty good results.

Are you using the amp they sell for the clarke unit??? or your own?

Racer have you ever used a buttkicker unit? I feel like you are not properly describing the sensation it produces, as your description makes it seem very crude and unsophisticated feel/sound, like a rumble pack attached to a chair when it is a bit more than that although I do think the clarke unit produces higher quality sensations/feelings. I get very similar results to what you described for the clarke unit from my bk's although it seems more defined and cleaner sounding/feeling with the clarke.

Absolutely I have. That's the thing when doing comparisons....wasn't my intent to be little or downplay the BK 👍

I had the BK300 before I got the Clark unit but I'm getting rattles from the cylinder which leads me to believe the inner coil is shot from bottoming out.

Technically what is the difference in how both operate or is it just each brand marketing their product to be better?
Buttkickers can also be ran via stereo speakers not just make use of the LFE bass. For example the their frequency response is:

EDIT

Buttkicker Mini LFE:
10 Hz - 350 Hz

Clarke Synthesis Platinium:
5 Hz - 800 Hz

So the Clarke series will work with higher frequencies beyond the common 250 Hz - 350 Hz of Buttkickers.
The larger Buttkickers can also support from 5 Hz but those models usually only peak to 250 Hz

Im not convinced their will be much difference in them for our purposes regards a cockpit but perhaps more of a difference in their own perfomances. Be nice to be surprised but the Clarke series is really going into mid range frequences as well.

Be nice to have a proper comparison by someone.

I would want to avoid such a feeling from vocals or general dialogue and if this unit is effected by those then Im not sure its what Id be after. XO does this happen with yours?

Stega their is a 209 model on Amazon for a great price @ $80, might be worth a go.

You won't get vocals from a TT per se unless you're feeding it higher frequencies, the same applies for any transducer

 

[stega]

Racer do you use the clarke amp???

 

[CTznOfTime]

Damn, this is serious business... and doesnt look too cheap either.

CanaCoke's setup was nice, and made me remember it all the time,
but yours has just made me forget his totally.

 

[Racer XO]

Racer do you use the clarke amp???

No I don't, I bought the AudioSource 5.3A mono block amp instead.

Damn, this is serious business... and doesnt look too cheap either.

CanaCoke's setup was nice, and made me remember it all the time,
but yours has just made me forget his totally.

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words!

I'm not satisfied with the monitor setup though so I will be upgrading it to either a tubular mount to match the cockpit or MDF with built in shelving for the consoles.

 

[Mr Latte]

Hey Mr. Latte....My center screen is exactly 21inches from the wheel rim.

You won't get vocals from a TT per se unless you're feeding it higher frequencies, the same applies for any transducer

Thanks for measuring it will come in handy.

What Im trying to get at is if the TT goes to 800 Hz and your sending it max 180 Hz (example) from your amplifer crossover, how does it differ much to a BK?.

Does it feel different, which is more powerful and can you be more specific if you were comparing both set to similar settings.
I take it your using one for the seat and the other for the front end feeding the pedals and wheel sections?

 

[stega]

The gold transducer has this description:
20-ounce, 37 MGO neodymium magnet, 2.8 lbs of force/watt across 10 Hz to 800 Hz. Capable of driving a full size, overstuffed couch or a 4'x8' floor section or wood riser. Built to "Military Specifications" and is the most accurate, flattest frequency response transducer available in the Clark Synthesis line.

And the platinum is:
25-ounce neodymium magnet 6.9 lbs. of force/watt at frequencies below 100 Hz. Vented design greatly improves displacement.
Provides unmatched low frequency tactile sensation and is the finest tactile offering in the Clark line.

I am not sure what to make of that for our use Latte. Which sounds like it would preform better for what we are doing??

 

[Mr Latte]

The more I think about it the more I feel I wont get a great deal of difference in getting one of those Clarke models. I think all transducers will have similar feeling but slight different characteristics and with using EQ or audio enchancers like Berringer etc the user should be able to dial in a setting they enjoy.

If anything Id maybe consider another or 3rd subwoofer going directly under the seat as I still believe mixing audible bass with "sensation bass" from transducers gives the best results.

 

[jswilli1]

I had the BK300 before I got the Clark unit but I'm getting rattles from the cylinder which leads me to believe the inner coil is shot from bottoming out.

I experience the same issue with my BKA300 Transducer bottoming out, which can be annoying at times. According to BK the transducer is supposedly indestructable? The bottoming out is primarily from overdriving the transducer which I am guilty of of. After reading your post I went back and made/verified adjustments on my Onkyo 805. I also noticed my HT was sounding flat, I found my 10" Klipsch sub had blown a fuse. I forgot about the Bass setting that is individual for the subwoofer channel this adjustment if from the receiver and not on the remote. I had it set at +5db. After resetting the Bass back to 0db, I added a -10db to my multichannel LFE channel. I adjusted my Subwoofer Channel from the -12db back to 0db (because of the -10db on the multichannel). I now have strong bass back to my subwoofer while I have excellent "feel" from the transducer again. That +5db on the Bass for my subwoofer channel really jacked up everything. I also leave the Movie setting (0db) on the BKA300 amp. I have yet to feel or hear the transducer bottom out (finally), I was adjusting it while playing Battlefield Bad Company 2.

I am seriously considering the Clark Synthesis Platinum TT, I don't think the silver or gold model would give me much more over the BK.

 

[Mr Latte]

Well Ive taken your advice and ordered one of the Clarke Transducers although only a 209 model.
Wont get it to end of summer with friend visiting USA.

Heres the idea:
I think I will try this possibly having it attached to my back region on the back of the seat but use this device on minimal volume/strength and maybe even let it run from the FR/FL audio rather than the LFE. This way it will utilise the upper harmonic frequencies. I wouldnt want it to be discomforting but having some form of sensation felt in the back along with the base of the seat should really encompass the player.

What you reckon as some professional cinema seats cover the back and base as well with these devices.
Have you considered adding more or trying to add in subwoofers as well?

If I do thisit then means I will have

Clarke 209 for higher frequency tactile response
Buttkicker 300 for LFE tactile bass response
Dual 12" subwoofers behind the seat for acoustic/audible bass
7 channel audio via speakers built onto cockpit
1x Mini LFE Buttkicker for Pedals
1x Mini LFE Buttkicker for Wheel

This is getting out of hand but its going to be quite an experience

 

[raz_10]

👍 RAcer XO, great set up.

But a little cable management will do wonders to further enhance that great look it already has.
None the less super setup 👍

 

[grog]

Yeah thats an awesome setup you have there, very professional.

Did you make the aluminum frame yourself?

Like Raz mentioned cable management can really clean up the look of a cockpit. automotive split loom tubing works great.

This is what it looks like incase you aren't familiar with it http://www.evsource.com/images/cabling/splitloom/600-SWL-001-012.jpg

 

[tinker]

Cool setup

 

[Racer XO]

I experience the same issue with my BKA300 Transducer bottoming out, which can be annoying at times. According to BK the transducer is supposedly indestructable? The bottoming out is primarily from overdriving the transducer which I am guilty of of. After reading your post I went back and made/verified adjustments on my Onkyo 805. I also noticed my HT was sounding flat, I found my 10" Klipsch sub had blown a fuse. I forgot about the Bass setting that is individual for the subwoofer channel this adjustment if from the receiver and not on the remote. I had it set at +5db. After resetting the Bass back to 0db, I added a -10db to my multichannel LFE channel. I adjusted my Subwoofer Channel from the -12db back to 0db (because of the -10db on the multichannel). I now have strong bass back to my subwoofer while I have excellent "feel" from the transducer again. That +5db on the Bass for my subwoofer channel really jacked up everything. I also leave the Movie setting (0db) on the BKA300 amp. I have yet to feel or hear the transducer bottom out (finally), I was adjusting it while playing Battlefield Bad Company 2.

I am seriously considering the Clark Synthesis Platinum TT, I don't think the silver or gold model would give me much more over the BK.

I'm guilty of over driving mine as well, even though it was a short burst there was enough distortion that blasted the coil

I'm sure you are loving the 805! I have the 875 and have really enjoyed it since I had it, I wish I would have gotten the 905 but it just didn't fit the budget.

Well Ive taken your advice and ordered one of the Clarke Transducers although only a 209 model.
Wont get it to end of summer with friend visiting USA.

Heres the idea:
I think I will try this possibly having it attached to my back region on the back of the seat but use this device on minimal volume/strength and maybe even let it run from the FR/FL audio rather than the LFE. This way it will utilise the upper harmonic frequencies. I wouldnt want it to be discomforting but having some form of sensation felt in the back along with the base of the seat should really encompass the player.

What you reckon as some professional cinema seats cover the back and base as well with these devices.
Have you considered adding more or trying to add in subwoofers as well?

If I do thisit then means I will have

Clarke 209 for higher frequency tactile response
Buttkicker 300 for LFE tactile bass response
Dual 12" subwoofers behind the seat for acoustic/audible bass
7 channel audio via speakers built onto cockpit
1x Mini LFE Buttkicker for Pedals
1x Mini LFE Buttkicker for Wheel

This is getting out of hand but its going to be quite an experience

Latte,

Congrats on the decision, you will be happy once you get it all setup.

You know I did think about adding more subs, but nothing to the scale that you are. Mainly just (2) 8inch or 6inch subs for acoustics, however I put that on hold for the time being since I'm getting very good results with single transducer, I've had to re tighten bolts because they tend to vibrate loose over time..lol.

👍 RAcer XO, great set up.

But a little cable management will do wonders to further enhance that great look it already has.
None the less super setup 👍

Thanks for the compliment, however this is still a work in progress and no were near where it's going to be when it's complete. The room that's dedicated for it is not finished yet as well as the monitor setup. I'll have pics up when it's done so you guy's can see how it turned out. 👍

Yeah thats an awesome setup you have there, very professional.

Did you make the aluminum frame yourself?

Like Raz mentioned cable management can really clean up the look of a cockpit. automotive split loom tubing works great.

This is what it looks like incase you aren't familiar with it http://www.evsource.com/images/cabling/splitloom/600-SWL-001-012.jpg

Thanks!

I didn't build it myself, I did assemble it does that count . The rig a the Virtual Roadster I'm just attempting to add to it. I do have some welding experience so i will attempt to build the monitor mounts from metal tubing once I make a decision.


I'm very aware what split loom is ....lol, as I mentioned earlier it's a WIP so I will have pics up of the finished product once everything is done. I just posted what I had so far because I was getting several pm's to post my current setup

 

[12thgear]

I just gotta give a shout out to those 805 and 875 receivers too. I have the 805. It's kind of amazing what Onkyo packed into those products. The value proposition was pretty ridiculous. Subsequent models have added features, but have trended towards reducing amplifier and Audyssey performance.

 

[jswilli1]

I just gotta give a shout out to those 805 and 875 receivers too. I have the 805. It's kind of amazing what Onkyo packed into those products. The value proposition was pretty ridiculous. Subsequent models have added features, but have trended towards reducing amplifier and Audyssey performance.

I have always been a Sony guy, I had an ES model receiver that had issues with the rear channels. I opened up the chassis and found the faulty relays, I was disappointed in what I saw in the internal electronics (Cheap materials for a "High" end receiver). I found the 805 at Fry's Electronics for ~$600 U.S. The features outstacked everything else, the amplifier section alone is 25 pounds heavier over the Onkyo 705 model. Both the 805, 875, 905 are monster units weighing it at nearly 60lbs. I have honestly been very happy with the Onkyo and would definetely buy another in the future.👍