This article explains how to add a Sim Racing Studio 2 Channel Extension or a ButtKicker Gamer 2 to your existing ShakeKit.
Adding a Sim Racing Studio 2 Channel Extension or a ButtKicker Gamer 2 to a Sim Racing Studio ShakeKit increases the number of channels from 4 up to 5 or 6. This allows the ShakeKit to focus on the subtle suspension, road and g-force effects while the SRS 2 Channel Extension or a ButtKicker Game 2 handles the engine and other effects.
Use the steps below to add a SRS 2 Channel Extension or ButtKicker Gamer 2 to a ShakeKit. The video below will show the installation process:
Hardware Setup
- Open the ShakeKit box.
- Connect the 3.5mm cable of your ButtKicker Gamer 2 to the ORANGE (Sub/Center) input on the ShakeKit. sound card.
- The ButtKicker Gamers 2 wire can utilize the round hole in the ShakeKit. If the hole does not exist, you can easily make one using a drill (watch for clearance inside of the ShakeKit).
- 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.
Software Setup
- Close Sim Racing Studio (Don't just minimize.)
- Open Windows Sound
- Select the Speakers (USB Sound Device)
- Select Configure in the lower left of the window
- In Speaker Setup, verify Audio channels is set to 5.1 Surround (Note: Try 7.1 Surround if you have issues with 5.1 Surround)
- Click the CENTER (C) Speaker icon. You should hear a melody, not a shake, coming out of the ButtKicker Gamer 2. If the CENTER (C) speaker does not make a sound from the ButtKicker Gamer 2 when pressed, checking cable connections and ensure the ButtKicker Gamer 2 amp is turned On.
- Set all speakers to Full-range speakers.
- Press Next and Finish
- Once back to the Sound window, select the Speakers (USB Sound Device) again 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, ensure Speakers (USB Sound Device) is selected.
- In the Profile drop down menu, set it to 6 Speakers - 5.1
- 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 Sim Racing Studio 2 Channel Extension or ButtKicker Gamer 2 is now ready to use with the ShakeKit.
To adjust the effects used by the Sim Racing Studio 2 Channel Extension or a ButtKicker Gamer 2, follow the guidance in the Advanced Shaking Profiles article here.