simshaker setup for Il2 (with answers)

[Guest deleted@134347]

hello, all!

 

I wanted to start this conversation to get as many details as possible in regards to the hardware and software requirements to get the best out of the SimShaker functionality for Il2.

Looking for the recommendation on:

 

1)  What is the best recommended hardware: 

 

1. JetSeat (or equivalent)  Unfortunately the Jeatseat and JetPad from Andre site are in Pre-order.  ANSWER: YES
2. Can I use Forcefeeel ?  ANSWER: NO
3. bass-shaker(s)  ANSWER: YES (via a separate sound card)
4. JetSeat + bass-shaker  ANSWER: YES (can combine the two)

 

2) what is the required software?

 

1. SimShaker Wings?   ANSWER: YES   (https://andres.shop/software/28-simshaker-wings.html)
2. SimShaker-Wings OPTION  ANSWER: YES    (https://andres.shop/software/29-simshaker-wings-6-channels-audio.html)
3. do I need both if I'm going to run Jeatseat+bass-shaker ?  ANSWER: YES (see below)
   1. SimShaker Wings supports JetSeat ONLY
   2. SimShaker Wings Options is required for audo-based Bass Shaker. IMPORTANT:  must use a separate sound-card to get the effects on bass-shaker.

 

3) what are the features/effects offered by Simshaker in Il2 ?   Can someone post a screenshot of the application?

 

(from Andre's post) Currently available effects:

• Engine Shake,
• Flaps (Movement),
• Landing Gear (Movement & Lock),
• Speed AirBrake,
• Gun Fire,
• Stall/Aerodynamic Shake,
• G-Force,
• Payload Discharge,
• Ground Bumps, Damage,
• Rolling and Pitching Motion.

 

 

cheerios.

 

 

 

Edited January 22, 2020 by Count_de_Money

[The_Grim_1]

this is what "Wings" can support. but you can see as of this moment it only supports pitch and roll in IL-2

[Guest deleted@134347]

4 minutes ago, The_Grim_1 said:

this is what "Wings" can support. but you can see as of this moment it only supports pitch and roll in IL-2

 

 

 

looks like you're using the bass-shaker only (it's checked) and Mono (instead of 5.1 surround). Does it change if you select JetSeat and 6 channels or bass-shaker+5.1?

Edited January 21, 2020 by Count_de_Money

[The_Grim_1]

 

 

 the sound setup is different depending on what audio you use. i use VR so it's something about 1 vs 2 sound cards and an audio software called voicemeeter. but for some reason VR uses whats called a USB audio source so my motherboard sound card only drives the Buttkick when in game. if you use surround sound i think you need a $5 usb sound card. i'm not too sure about setting up without VR i just remember navigating this mess last month when i got mine.

 

if you use all the software you'll only feel vibrations when in the cockpit, not the menus or anyplace else.

Edited January 21, 2020 by The_Grim_1
new software release

[HokieRob]

My experience is only with using a Bass shaker (Buttkicker Gamer 2, specifically) with Simshaker. I just started using it within the last couple week. When doing research, I came across this link that explains most of the details and helped me set everything up:

 

http://www.476vfightergroup.com/showthread.php?5893-Setting-up-a-Buttkicker-(or-other-transducers)

 

NOTE: that post is for a DCS set. With this type of setup for Il-2, you'll need:

1) Buttkicker or other transducer

2) A USB soundcard 
3) SimShaker-Wings*

4) Voicemeeter Banana (optional and free)

 

*I'm assuming Andre will update Simshaker-Wings to fully implement the Il-2 data update.

 

[The_Grim_1]

1 minute ago, HokieRob said:

My experience is only with using a Bass shaker (Buttkicker Gamer 2, specifically) with Simshaker. I just started using it within the last couple week. When doing research, I came across this link that explains most of the details and helped me set everything up:

 

http://www.476vfightergroup.com/showthread.php?5893-Setting-up-a-Buttkicker-(or-other-transducers)

 

NOTE: that post is for a DCS set. With this type of setup for Il-2, you'll need:

1) Buttkicker or other transducer

2) A USB soundcard 
3) SimShaker-Wings*

4) Voicemeeter Banana (optional and free)

 

*I'm assuming Andre will update Simshaker-Wings to fully implement the Il-2 data update.

 

BTW  if using VR you wont need the second sound card 

[Guest deleted@134347]

19 minutes ago, The_Grim_1 said:

yes it does change if i click on the seats. but most of those actions don't work in IL-2.

 

 

 

does sim shaker give you the motor rumble? 

 

also, looks like Andre just released the beta version of the Wings and mentions IL2..  https://dreamsimteam.blogspot.com/

[The_Grim_1]

yes there is motor rumble.

 i just tried the beta IT'S AMAZING thanks you IL-2 devs and Andre!  but now you can feel a unique feeling to stalls, gear moving, flaps deploying, guns and more. this is fantastic.

[Guest deleted@134347]

4 minutes ago, The_Grim_1 said:

yes there is motor rumble.

 i just tried the beta IT'S AMAZING thanks you IL-2 devs and Andre!  but now you can feel a unique feeling to stalls, gear moving, flaps deploying, guns and more. this is fantastic.

 

and you can feel it all on one bass-shaker? 

[ICDP]

I have a jetseat rolled up waiting for this moment... I must dust it off and get it working in Il-2.

[The_Grim_1]

yeah 1 bass shaker works great

[SCG_motoadve]

Now the problem is to get the seat.

Will Force Feel work ? Be aware of this before you order it.

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=249388&page=4

 

Other options for seats?

Edited January 21, 2020 by SCG_motoadve

[joeyjojojunior]

Pre-order it from Andre. It's worth the wait, and you won't be ripped off. 

[kestrel79]

Would it be overkill to have a Buttkicker and a seat?
 

Thanks for all the info exactly what I needed. If anyone has links to more seats let’s see them!

[SCG_motoadve]

3 hours ago, kestrel79 said:

Would it be overkill to have a Buttkicker and a seat?
 

Thanks for all the info exactly what I needed. If anyone has links to more seats let’s see them!

No Buttkicker attached to the joystick ,and the seat will make the setup complete.

This is what I am planning to do.

Get it.

 

[kestrel79]

I already have a Buttkicker. Right now that's all I have. I might try this out with just the Buttkicker and see how I like it first before diving in. So I would need to buy a $7 usb soundcard and download a license for the SimShaker Wings?

[SCG_motoadve]

38 minutes ago, kestrel79 said:

I already have a Buttkicker. Right now that's all I have. I might try this out with just the Buttkicker and see how I like it first before diving in. So I would need to buy a $7 usb soundcard and download a license for the SimShaker Wings?

I downloaded Simshaker and tried it in demo mode, and the Buttkicker was playing the effects, without an external soundcard.

But in game it did not worked in demo mode, (was just working as usual, but could not feel any difference )so also wondering if it is because its a demo or because I need an external sound card.

[platypus65]

I thought I would share my Buttkicker setup that works great for me. I had the Gametrix Jetseat but found it uncomfortable. So instead I purchased a Buttkicker Gamer 2 and attached it to the back of the joystick post of my MonsterTech flight sim stand. I get a very subtle effect in my HOTAS that is nearly silent. It works perfectly!

Edited January 22, 2020 by platypus65
typo

[Lombra]

You only need an external sound card if you already use your existing sound card (including integrated ones) for your speakers/headphones. Not sure if you can plug in your regular speakers and SimShaker consumer into the same sound card.

Edited January 22, 2020 by Lombra

[Guest deleted@134347]

5 hours ago, kestrel79 said:

I already have a Buttkicker. Right now that's all I have. I might try this out with just the Buttkicker and see how I like it first before diving in. So I would need to buy a $7 usb soundcard and download a license for the SimShaker Wings?

 

I tried it out yesterday. 

 

You need 2 products from SimShaker to work with sound Buttkicker:

 

1) Simshaker Wings.   https://andres.shop/software/28-simshaker-wings.html

This is the main software. However, It supports JetSeat only.

 

2) SimShaker-Wings option: up to 6 Bass-Shakers Support https://andres.shop/software/29-simshaker-wings-6-channels-audio.html

The add-on to Wings that supports the Bass Shakers powered by a separate sound-card.

 

 

4 hours ago, SCG_motoadve said:

I downloaded Simshaker and tried it in demo mode, and the Buttkicker was playing the effects, without an external soundcard.

But in game it did not worked in demo mode, (was just working as usual, but could not feel any difference )so also wondering if it is because its a demo or because I need an external sound card.

 

You need 2 products from SimShaker to work with sound Buttkicker:

 

1) Simshaker Wings.   https://andres.shop/software/28-simshaker-wings.html

This is the main software. However, It supports JetSeat only.

 

2) SimShaker-Wings option: up to 6 Bass-Shakers Support https://andres.shop/software/29-simshaker-wings-6-channels-audio.html

The add-on to Wings that supports the Bass Shakers powered by a separate sound-card.

 

a) You need to have a separate sound-card in order to get the SimShaker effects in your Buttkicker.

b) the demo software will let you use both Wings + Option for 20 minutes at a time (up to 6 times I think).

 

I tried it yesterday and it worked fine. Again, via a separate sound card. ?

[HagarTheHorrible]

I’m pretty sure, when I played DCS, that I didn’t need two sound cards.  I’ve used both a buttkicker and the jetseat.  If I remember it was a bit of a faff trying to figure it all out, but then I’m more of a hit it until it works type of guy, especially with audio.  I did have it working in DCS though, probably through a dedicated audio card AND the onboard audio.   With my Oculus Rift I just plugged in the jet seat USB and it all worked perfectly, no sound cards involved at all.

[kestrel79]

Cool, I do have the Rift S...but use my headphones plugged into my motherboard instead of the Rift speakers...so I still don't need another soundcard? Awesome! I'll have to get this SimShaker software and try it out with the Buttkicker.

[Guest deleted@134347]

1 hour ago, kestrel79 said:

Cool, I do have the Rift S...but use my headphones plugged into my motherboard instead of the Rift speakers...so I still don't need another soundcard? Awesome! I'll have to get this SimShaker software and try it out with the Buttkicker.

 

if you use Rift speakers for the game then you can use the mobo soundcard to drive the effects on the bass-shaker.

[SCG_motoadve]

Bought an external sound card and got it to work, with some tuning got to like it a lot, to make it work I mirrowed the external sound card however my second Buttkicker is attached to my joystick and I need it to work, then I will be set, but this one is right now plugged to my PC soundcard.

 

VR is HP Reverb, I use other headset microphone Hyperx 7.1, not the ones that comes with the HP Reverb.

So any ideas how can I make the second Buttkicker work?

 

Have Voice Meter , but dont use it because I have no idea how to set it up so both Buttkickers work.

 

 

[Guest deleted@134347]

On 1/22/2020 at 7:51 PM, SCG_motoadve said:

Bought an external sound card and got it to work, with some tuning got to like it a lot, to make it work I mirrowed the external sound card however my second Buttkicker is attached to my joystick and I need it to work, then I will be set, but this one is right now plugged to my PC soundcard.

 

VR is HP Reverb, I use other headset microphone Hyperx 7.1, not the ones that comes with the HP Reverb.

So any ideas how can I make the second Buttkicker work?

 

Have Voice Meter , but dont use it because I have no idea how to set it up so both Buttkickers work.

 

 

 

i'm having a hard time following your setup:

 

- "Bought an external sound card and got it to work"    <--- did you use the external sound card with SimShaker? I.e. selected the external card inside Simshaker program as 'mono' or 'stereo' ?

- "to make it work I mirrowed the external sound card"   <---- or you're using the external sound card to mirror game sound? Is the external card called ROCCAT JUKE ?

- "my second Buttkicker is attached to my joystick and I need it to work"  <---- is joystick butt-kicket powered by external sound card?

 

 

If you want to have both butt-kickers play the effects from SimShaker then you have couple of options:

1)  connect both butt-kickers to a 2 channel AMP (option 2 on diagram). Then direct the audio from the external sound card to the amp. Select the external sound-card in SimShaker in Stereo so the Simshaker sends both left/right channels to the AMP

2)  see option 3 on the picture, i.e. have a dedicated amp per bass-shaker, then either use a stereo-splitter to send audio to 2 separate amps, or a mono-splitter (if using Mono channel in SimShaker).

[SCG_motoadve]

Just now, Count_de_Money said:

 

i'm having a hard time following your setup:

 

- "Bought an external sound card and got it to work"    <--- did you use the external sound card with SimShaker? I.e. selected the external card inside Simshaker program as 'mono' or 'stereo' ?

- "to make it work I mirrowed the external sound card"   <---- or you're using the external sound card to mirror game sound? Is the external card called ROCCAT JUKE ?

- "my second Buttkicker is attached to my joystick and I need it to work"  <---- is joystick butt-kicket powered by external sound card?

 

 

If you want to have both butt-kickers play the effects from SimShaker then you have couple of options:

1)  connect both butt-kickers to a 2 channel AMP (option 2 on diagram). Then direct the audio from the external sound card to the amp. Select the external sound-card in SimShaker in Stereo so the Simshaker sends both left/right channels to the AMP

2)  see option 3 on the picture, i.e. have a dedicated amp per bass-shaker, then either use a stereo-splitter to send audio to 2 separate amps, or a mono-splitter (if using Mono channel in SimShaker).

My Setup is like the #3 picture

In WMR for Steam VR , I have Audio Mirroring to the external sound card.ROCCAT JUKE 

 

The external card inside Simshaker program is selected in stereo mode.

 

 I connected the second Buttkicker  the one attached to the joystick to the external audio card (now both are connected to the external audio card).

 

Works very nice, liking it more and more the more I fly with it.

Any more questions just ask if that does not clear things out, I will be happy to help.

[Guest deleted@134347]

3 minutes ago, SCG_motoadve said:

My Setup is like the #3 picture

In WMR for Steam VR , I have Audio Mirroring to the external sound card.ROCCAT JUKE 

 

The external card inside Simshaker program is selected in stereo mode.

 

 I connected the second Buttkicker  the one attached to the joystick to the external audio card (now both are connected to the external audio card).

 

Works very nice, liking it more and more the more I fly with it.

Any more questions just ask if that does not clear things out, I will be happy to help.

 

so you're Mirroring the sound to the external soundcard AND using the external sound card with SimShaker?  I.e. you're combining both Game Sound + Effects ?

 

wasn't aware that SimShaker would work with a 'shared' sound card like that..

 

[SCG_motoadve]

Game sounds are with the PC internal sound card , not the external one.

External sound card is only driving the Buttkickers and Simshakers.

 

In WMR I selected audio input and output to my headset Hyperx7.1 which is connected to the PC internal sound card.

[Guest deleted@134347]

16 minutes ago, SCG_motoadve said:

Game sounds are with the PC internal sound card , not the external one.

External sound card is only driving the Buttkickers and Simshakers.

 

In WMR I selected audio input and output to my headset Hyperx7.1 which is connected to the PC internal sound card.

 

aren't you mirroring it to ROCCAT JUKE (per your steamvr screenshot) ?      Is ROCCAT JUKE  an 'external soundcard' that is used in SimShaker? ?

[SCG_motoadve]

3 hours ago, Count_de_Money said:

 

aren't you mirroring it to ROCCAT JUKE (per your steamvr screenshot) ?      Is ROCCAT JUKE  an 'external soundcard' that is used in SimShaker? ?

Yes ROCCAT JUKE is the external sound card.

And its being mirrored in Steam VR

[Guest deleted@134347]

14 minutes ago, SCG_motoadve said:

Yes ROCCAT JUKE is the external sound card.

And its being mirrored in Steam VR

 

I think you're missing the point in my question.

 

Are you using the SAME external soundcard to  1) drive game audio to Shakers  and  2) provide Simshaker effects to the same shakers ?

 

 

[SCG_motoadve]

2 hours ago, Count_de_Money said:

 

I think you're missing the point in my question.

 

Are you using the SAME external soundcard to  1) drive game audio to Shakers  and  2) provide Simshaker effects to the same shakers ?

 

 

Yes

[FeuerFliegen]

6 hours ago, Count_de_Money said:

 

wasn't aware that SimShaker would work with a 'shared' sound card like that..

 

 

 

I was reading this thread from a DCS group forum, and they said that they do it because some sounds do not transfer over because they don't have a special EVENT file designed for such a thing, such as when you come into the close wake of another plane, etc.

 

http://www.476vfightergroup.com/showthread.php?5893-Setting-up-a-Buttkicker-(or-other-transducers)

[kalbuth]

This post should be updated, I have a ForceFeel and it definitively works with Simshaker Wings, in IL2

[6FG_ST0N3DLAMA]

has any one had any experience with 6.1 option 

i have 2x 30w shakers to a usb soundcard amp 

 

and a buttkicker advance on a seperate sound card (external) 

so i have 2 external usb sound cards and 3 buttkickers

at the moment the only way i can use all of them is to select 2.1 and select usb sound card amp (2x 30w shakers)
and split my headphone jack to the buttkicker 

obviously the biggest downfall of that setup is the big buttkicker not being used through simshaker as only one soundcard can be selected 

please any advise/help would be appreciated !!

 

Edited September 21, 2020 by 6FG_ST0N3DLAMA

[AlphaRayTheReal]

It's correct that "SimShaker Wings" only extracts the low frequencies from sound input..and that's all?
I'm using an 7.2 AVR-Receiver where i can attach my subwoofer and buttkicker (actally they aren't).  The frequency is set to 50 Hz (top level).
So i need no special software as i see - right?

[Bob100]

I don't believe SSW extracts anything from the normal sound output from IL2.  It uses a separate set of telemetry signals from IL2 that are activated by specific events occurring during flight, e.g., guns firing, damage effects, landing gear extension, engine sounds, etc.

 

That is why a second sound card is recommended to be a dedicated processor for these separate telemetry signals that activate your bass transducers (buttkickers).

 

I do not currently fly IL2, but I have the SimShaker Sound Module and SimShaker for Aviators setup to drive 2 bass transducers in DCS.  It works as described above.

 

I use a small USB sound module as the dedicated signal processor that receives the vibration telemetry signals from DCS.  This USB sound module is connected to a 200 watt Dayton Audio bass shaker amplifier whose output goes directly to my 2 bass transducers.  SimShaker Wings should work the same way in IL2.

[AlphaRayTheReal]

On 11/21/2020 at 10:47 PM, Bob100 said:

I don't believe SSW extracts anything from the normal sound output from IL2.  It uses a separate set of telemetry signals from IL2 that are activated by specific events occurring during flight, e.g., guns firing, damage effects, landing gear extension, engine sounds, etc.

 

That is why a second sound card is recommended to be a dedicated processor for these separate telemetry signals that activate your bass transducers (buttkickers).

aaah...i understand!  ok - this makes sense now    I've 7.1 onboard Sound.  So i need to make a switchbox to switch between PC and AV-Receiver as input for my buttkicker to use it for movies & co. too.    I've actually only one Bass Pump 3 which is enought as support for my subwoofer below 30 Hz.

 

Is somewhere list of supported games?  Actually i've IL CoD only.  And RoF.

[Bob100]

Yes, go to this link:

 

https://dreamsimteam.blogspot.com/p/simshaker-wings-user-guide.html

[Wolf8312]

I've had both the jetseat and a buttkicker. I personally prefer the butt-kicker (with simshaker wings) though both are great. Not just because it feels more realistic in my opinion but for a few other reasons too. The jetseat while good was not as 'set and forget' for me. I didn't find it particularly comfortable to sit on (though I had one of the original versions) so would always have to disconnect and connect it again when I wanted to use it, and it was always slipping around or else the main connection would come undone (the wire connecting it being close to my hands).

 

In terms of how it felt, compared to the BK, I was more conscious of the fact the vibrations were coming through the pad I was sitting on as opposed to the chair itself with the butt-kicker. For me this makes the BK vibrations feel more authentic somehow and I feel more enveloped in the noise emanating from the AC. I won't be getting a jetseat in future, and as soon as I heard about the simshaker wings software I immediately ordered the BK gamer.

Jetseat is easier to set up, no doubt about it (be sure to use software such as voice meter with BK) and probably has a more powerful gun vibration thus far (which I really liked) though maybe their are some user files I don't know about that can improve that.  

Either way its a joy to be flying great battles in VR again now this software has been produced. I kind of stuck to the other sim in VR as GB didn't support the jetseat for so long. I think people underestimate how important the vibrational feedback of the AC is once you have tasted it! 

Edited December 23, 2020 by Wolf8312