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 will discuss what bass shakers are and their features, applications and benefits.

What are bass shakers?

Bass shakers, also called tactile transducers, are devices that produce vibrations based on low-frequency signals (bass sounds) reproduced through audio equipment, such as amplifiers or home theater systems. Instead of producing sound through air, as traditional loudspeakers do, bass shakers transmit vibrations to the surfaces they are in contact with. This creates a physically tangible bass sensation, adding an extra dimension to the listening, playing 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 are watching a movie or playing a game, and an explosion or deep bass line occurs, 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 big 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 to great effect.

Sound reduction

Because bass shakers transmit vibrations directly to the body instead of through the air, you can enjoy an impressive bass experience without having to turn up the volume of the speakers. This is especially useful in situations where high volume can be a problem, such as in apartments or homes 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.

Applications of bass shakers

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 realistic. 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 brings an intense, immersive dimension that traditional audio equipment cannot provide. Even quiet scenes, such as thunderstorms or a subway train, gain an extra layer of depth and realism.

Video Games - Driving & Flight Simulation

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

Music

Bass shakers also add a unique dimension to your musical experience. They are able to make deep bass lines and beats 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 body. It's like being at a live festival or concert, even if you're just listening to music at home.

How to install a bass shaker?

The installation of a bass shaker varies depending on the mounting. For a sofa, it is usually mounted under the Racing Seat, on the frame of the sofa. For a gaming chair, it is placed on the bottom or back of the chair. On a sim rig, there are specific locations under the Racing Seat or on the platform, such as near the Pedals, where the bass shakers are best suited. Tailor the installation to your specific situation for best results.

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Note: It is important to know that bass shakers, like subwoofers, must receive a filtered signal. This means that the high frequencies are removed 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 such as SimHub or, additionally, a passive low pass filter.

Dayton Audio BST Series Mounting Kits

We offer various mounting kits for different types of bass shakers. These kits are specifically designed to ensure a stable attachment and minimal visibility on your sim rig, providing a clean finish. The mounting kits include holes and require countersunk head screws. In addition, screws and nuts are included to secure the shakers to the bracket.

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 vibrations to adapt to specific game events, such as engine feel, road conditions or impacts.

Bass shakers recommended by Simufy

  • Dayton Audio BST-1 50WKnown for its durable construction and excellent vibrational response. Suitable for a variety of applications from home theater to gaming setups, it's the most popular bass shaker!
  • Dayton Audio BST-2 35WAn excellent bass shaker for both home theater and gaming applications. It offers a powerful vibration and is easy to install.
  • Dayton Audio TT25 mini 15WThis 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 Racing Seats compact gaming 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 line! The BST-300EX delivers unmatched vibrational 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 realistic experience that puts you in the middle of the action.
  • Buttkicker Gamer PLUS V2 and Gamer2 PRO: offer deep and 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 cannot be achieved with traditional speakers alone. Whether you're a movie buff, gamer or 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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