This article explains how to connect a ButtKicker Gamer 2 (BK2) to Sim Racing Studio so it can utilize game telemetry instead of game sound to shake the ButtKicker Gamer 2.
NOTE: You must have an extra DEDICATED sound card for this method. You are unable to utilize the same sound card use for game sound.
Hardware Setup
- Connect the 3.5mm cable of your ButtKicker Gamer 2 to the ORANGE (Sub/Center) output of your DEDICATED internal or external 5.1 or 7.1 sound card .
- If you don't have a 5.1 sound card, connect the Buttkicker Gamers 2 to the Front Speakers. By not using a 5.1 sound card you will lose some shaking effects from the rear suspension.
- Open Sim Racing Studio
- Set the ButtKicker Gamer 2 amp like picture below (Low filter = OFF, High Cut Off Frequency = 120, High Filter = Off). Sim Racing Studio uses special low frequency sounds and different ButtKicker Game 2 amp settings could impact performance.
Windows Setup
- Close Sim Racing Studio (Don't just minimize.)
- Open Windows Sound
- Select the DEDICATED sound card you setup for the ButtKicker Game 2
- Select Configure in the lower left of the window
- In Speaker Setup, set Audio channels to 5.1 Surround (Note: Try 7.1 Surround if you have issues with 5.1 Surround)
- Click the CENTER (C) Speaker icon (if you utilized the ORANGE (Sub/Center) output) or both front speaker icons (L & R) (if connected to front or headphone jack). You should hear a melody, not a shake, coming out of the ButtKicker Gamer 2.
- Set all speakers to Full-range speakers.
- Press Next and Finish
- Once back to the Sound window, select your DEDICATED sound card and select Properties in the lower right.
- Select the Levels tab and set Speakers to 80% as a starting point. This can be increased later if the shaking effect is too weak.
- Select the Advanced tab at the top and set the Default Format to 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality)
- Click OK when finished and close the Sound window
Sim Racing Studio Setup
- Open Sim Racing Studio
- Select SETUP and click on Hardware in the left toolbar
- Scroll down to the SHAKERS section
- In the Soundcard drop down menu, select the DEDICATED sound card you setup for the Buttkicker Gamer 2
- In the Profile drop down menu, set it to:
- 1 Speaker - Center if connected to the Orange output (Sub/Center)
- 2 Speakers - Front Left/Right if connected to the Green output (front speakers/headphones)
- Press the Test button to activate the Buttkicker Gamer 2 shake effect
- Click Save in the upper right in the PROFILE IN USE box to save the changes.
The Buttkicker Gamer 2 is now ready to use with Sim Racing Studio.
To adjust the effects used by the Buttkicker Gamer 2, follow the guidance here in the Advanced Shaking Profiles article here.