Seeing as SSW supports 6 channels, is my assumption corrrect that there is no need to run 2 dedicated soundcards as I would've with SimVibe to blend CM and EM effects across 4x BK-A, 1x BK-LFE and 1x TST-239?
That is correct...
Simvibe uses what it calls "Output Mixer" here the user adds the channels (supported by whichever card) for CM & EM. One of the worst things about Simvibe is the requirement to manually have to configure, every single channel independently for all the effects settings and then possibly multiple layers and in some cases additional filters. It's 2017/2018 but Simvibe still doesn't support copy/paste and likely never will. So it can take a long time to mess around with each channel and the settings.
From what I have seen in some forums, some people seem to think "Auto Tune" magically makes your settings feel good with your hardware being used. Yet firstly, Simvibe has no idea or settings for determining what level of hardware you are using.
From the research I did for my own study, "Auto Tune" may have some benefits but it defeats the purpose of manually learning and understanding what settings work best on
specific tactile hardware. So often while it may eliminate clipping or help towards possible piston pang on some BK models. It can reduce the true potential of what sensations a properly configured and manually calibrated arrangement of effects can achieve. I know this for a fact with monitoring custom files output over 8 channels via professional DAW software/hardware and then monitoring
"Auto Tuned" arrangements of effects and seeing how "Auto Tune" adjusts the slider values. I could achieve much better tactile immersion with manual configuring of settings for my hardware.
Some may want SSW & Simvibe, that's upto the individual but I myself see more future potential in SSW and prefer its arrangement of effects, simple UI and avoiding all the frustrastion Simvibe can bring.
I have yet to purchase any of my components, but from what I've read (thanks to everybody, especially you, Mr. Latte), my selection is the above shakers with a pair of inuke dsp 1000 and an another inuke dsp 3000 to push the fatty under the seat.
PC is currently using a Sound Blaster ZXR for 5.1 audio, so i will simply use my onboard 5.1 analog outs from my Maximus IX Code mobo for SSW.
Rig is a Sim-Lab P1 with a reclining (bottom mounting) GT-Omega seat. I'm thinking that a side-mounted fiberglas bucket seat will be more informative as a medium for vibrations.
Any clue on which components to start with to maximize my enjoyment? Im looking to throw about 500$ a month at this for a few months in functional stages.
Get the Asus DGX card as that is what most use with SSW and it keeps (future guides) easy to follow for settings etc. I plan to do an
"Unofficial SSW Guide Thread" after the New Year and this will also cover files for effects that have been tested/developed over the last few months. We still want more from Andre and SSW but really that's down to the involvement from the community and possibly how well-received SSW continues to become established as a worthy contender to Simvibe, not just perceived as a cheap or more basic solution.
BKA seems to be the sweet spot for a good low end yet still decent detailing. The BK LFE certainly has greater low-end abilities over the BKA but it has rather limited detail above @60 Hz. So what does the user prefer? The LFE's purpose is for maximum low end extraction but at the cost of midbass detailing. Specs may claim similar operating frequencies, BK customer support promotes the idea that a bigger unit is only needed on bigger seats/platforms etc.
That its recommendations are based on a wattage-weight-size scale to factor what unit a user should consider using/buying. In my own real-world comparisons in this area of "sim based tactile immersion," my advice is to take into account that units like the BK LFE - BK Advance - BK Mini LFE do not perform the same across the given specifications/frequency ranges with just increased wattage differences.
High End Tactile Rig!
Possibly for an optimal high-end tactile rig, if seeking to build up towards such for SSW could use:
Front Stereo = BKA
Rear Stereo = BKA
Cen & Sub Channels = TST 239*
Additional/Secondary Cen & Sub Units = BK LFE
* (1 in seat ) or (1 each in seat & pedals)
* "Dual Role" on Cen & Sub channels:
Pedal Section = Cen & Seat Section = Sub
Trying to Take Tactile Further!
We have the ability to do something Simvibe failed miserably with and harldy anyone bothers to do.This is using car specific effects and settings for greater varation and more resembling the car being driven.
If we proceed with development of future "Car Profiles" effects. These will be created to support 1-6 channels but also make use of a combination like above using secondary TST & BK units in the pedals/seat for combined additional detailing and low-end extension.
"Dual Role" as I refer to it is then producing the maximum low-end extraction but high-end detail with the combined units. No single tactile unit can achieve this to the same performance. Do you want to feel 10Hz with very high levels of energy within an engine at idle? Do you want engine detailing to be the best feeling sensation? This is what the purpose of the "Dual Role" can deliver if properly configured and installed. It simply combines the best of what each unit does better.
This can be applied (already being tested) to highlight specific effects but also is the best way to accommodate Front/Rear biased effects (Acceleration/Deceleration) and also for:
Front Engine Car = More engine energy in pedal section (Corvette C7R)
Mid Engine Car = Evenly Spread 50/50 (Audi R8)
Rear Engine Car = More engine energy in seat section (Porsche 911)
Ready For All Options
This installation layout will also match those seeking to use "Audio Tactile" in a 5.1 configuration with consoles (Forza GT) etc. Additionally the ability on PC to mix both usage of "Game Audio" with telemetry based effects from SWW , Simvibe or other.
Engines / Tactile Immersion
My own personal desire is to have good performance SSW effects and combined with *modified "Audio Tactile". This for future possible discussion in how and whats involved.
As we seem limited with what can be done currently with .wav files for engines in SSW.
My own focus and experimentation is creating and using SSW engine effects that bring the RPM sensations and feel to what is often missing in many "audio engines" espically at mid-high revs.
However, the inclusion of both if done well can give the much desired felt engine strain/energy but also what Simvibe or SSW cannot achieve via (faked engines) is the "Character" of the cars actual engine captured within the audio. Its just too complexed to even try to attempt to do such via tone generation or .wav files with the limitations SSW & Simvibe have.
Community Collaboration?
Early tests are promising but more work needs done, yet we can go way beyond what Simvibe offers in harmonics or its more abundant engine tone generation features that some are currently using. In 2018 I will be keen to try and team up with (sound mod creators) here at RD Forums (if they are interested) to help ensure the wonderful work they do can be configured to also work brillantly with tactile. Some current files do this better than others so I think joint collaboration between audio/file creators and tactile/users makes sense.
Roundup
The BKA is the unit to start building a system around, clearly giving much better output than the smaller Mini LFE / Gamer units but maintains enough detailing over the BK-LFE when used on its own. Combining Clark TST will bring additional detailing. iNuke DSP will allow the best control and tuning for them.
Several people on the forums are using configurations with these components.
Their own satisfaction is a testament to the quality of immersion they deliver.
Hope it helps encourage and to determine what to do.
