What are bass shakers and why are they so popular?

In the world of audio experiences and home entertainment, bass shakers are an increasingly popular phenomenon. But what exactly are bass shakers, and why are they so popular among audio enthusiasts and gamers? In this blog, we'll discuss what bass shakers are and their features, applications, and benefits.

What are bass shakers?

Bass shakers, also known as tactile transducers, are devices that produce vibrations based on low-frequency signals (bass sounds) played through audio equipment, such as amplifiers or home theater systems. Instead of producing sound through the air, as traditional speakers do, bass shakers transmit vibrations to the surfaces they come into contact with. This creates a physically tangible sensation of bass, adding an extra dimension to the listening, gaming, or viewing experience.

How do bass shakers work?

A bass shaker consists of an electromagnetic coil that begins to vibrate when it receives an audio signal. These vibrations are transmitted to the surface to which the bass shaker is attached, such as a chair, sofa, or even the floor. For example, when you're watching a movie or playing a game, and there's an explosion or a deep bass line, you feel the vibrations through your body. This immerses you deeper into the experience, making it more intense.

Advantages of Bass Shakers

Compact and space-saving

Bass shakers are small and take up very little space, which is a huge advantage compared to large subwoofers. This makes them ideal for smaller rooms where you still want to experience powerful bass without having a bulky speaker in the way. You can easily mount them under furniture, making them virtually invisible, but with a powerful effect.

Sound reduction

Because bass shakers transmit vibrations directly to your body rather than through the air, you can enjoy an impressive bass experience without having to turn up the volume on your speakers. This is especially useful in situations where high volume can be a problem, such as in apartments or houses with thin walls.

Easy installation

Bass shakers can be easily installed on a variety of surfaces. They are often attached under chairs or sofas and can also be integrated into the floor or even beds for a unique experience. Installation requires only basic DIY skills.

Bass shaker applications

Home theater

In home theater systems, bass shakers add a new layer of realism to movies and TV series. Action scenes, with explosions and chases, for example, feel much more lifelike. This greatly enhances the viewing experience. Imagine yourself in the middle of an action scene and feeling the vibrations of an explosion in your body. It provides an intense and immersive dimension that traditional audio equipment can't provide. Even quiet scenes, such as thunderstorms or a subway train, gain an extra layer of depth and realism.

Video Games – Driving and Flight Simulation

For virtual gamers and pilots, bass shakers are indispensable, especially in simulators. A sim rig is a kind of custom-built cockpit where you feel as if you're actually in an airplane or a racing car. Bass shakers, also known as "Buttkickers," provide deeper immersion by adding an extra dimension to in-game events, such as the engine starting, driving on a rough road, or the impact of a crash. This significantly increases the experience and tension of the game. Additionally, in shooters and adventure games, they can make the vibrations of gunshots or explosions tangible, which takes the gaming experience to the next level.

Music

Bass shakers also add a unique dimension to your musical experience. They're capable of making deep bass lines and rhythms feel palpable, something especially appreciated by fans of electronic music and heavy metal. Imagine listening to your favorite song and not just hearing the bass, but feeling it throughout your entire body. It's like being at a festival or live concert, even if you're just listening to music at home.

How do you install a bass shaker?

Installing a bass shaker varies depending on the setup. For a sofa, it's usually mounted under the seat, on the frame. For a gaming chair, it's placed on the bottom or back of the chair. On a sim rig, there are specific locations under the seat or on the deck, such as near the pedals, where the bass shaker fits best. Adjust the installation to your specific situation for best results.

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Note: It's important to know that bass shakers , like subwoofers, must receive a filtered signal. This means that the high frequencies are eliminated from the overall signal, as they are irrelevant to the vibration and, in a sense, waste energy that could be used in the low frequencies. You can filter this signal using software like SimHub or, additionally, a passive low-pass filter .

Mounting kits for the Dayton Audio BST series

We offer several mounting kits for different types of bass shakers. These kits are specifically designed to ensure stable mounting and minimal visibility on your sim rig, providing a clean finish. The mounting kits include pre-drilled holes and require countersunk screws. Bolts and nuts are also included to secure the shakers to the stand.

Here are some of our available mounting kits:

Hardware and software recommendations

Recommended amplifier for 1-2 bass shakers

Recommended amplifiers for 2-4 bass shakers

Software:

SimHub

For gamers and simulation enthusiasts, SimHub is a must-have software. SimHub is a powerful tool compatible with a wide range of games and peripherals. It allows users to configure and customize their bass shakers for different games, creating an unparalleled immersive experience. SimHub allows users to adapt vibrations to specific game events, such as engine feel, road conditions, or impacts.

Bass shakers recommended by Simufy

  • Dayton Audio BST-1 50W : Known for its durable construction and excellent vibration response. Suitable for a variety of applications, from home theater to gaming setups. It's the most popular bass shaker!
  • Dayton Audio BST-2 35W : An excellent bass shaker for both home theater and gaming applications. It delivers powerful vibration and is easy to install.
  • Dayton Audio TT25 Mini 15W : This bass shaker is ideal for small or entry-level setups. Despite its compact size, the TT25 Mini delivers impressive performance, making it perfect for applications where space is a constraint, such as compact gaming seating or smaller home theater setups. The TT25 is available in 8 and 16 ohm versions.
  • Dayton Audio BST-300EX 300W : The most powerful bass shaker in the Dayton Audio lineup! The BST-300EX delivers unmatched vibration power, ideal for high-end home theater systems and professional gaming setups. With its rugged construction and ability to generate deep, powerful vibrations, it brings any movie or game to life, delivering a lifelike experience that puts you right in the middle of the action.
  • Buttkicker Gamer PLUS V2 and Gamer2 PRO : Offer deep, realistic vibrations for home theater and simulation. The PRO is ideal for professional setups, while the PLUS V2 combines power and compact size, perfect for advanced setups. Both guarantee total immersion with exceptional vibration response.

Bass shakers are an impressive addition to any home audio and entertainment system. By converting low-frequency sounds into palpable vibrations, they provide an extra layer of experience that can't be achieved with traditional speakers alone. Whether you're a movie buff, a gamer, or a music lover, using bass shakers will be a must. Consider adding them to your system and experience the difference for yourself!

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