Qualche giorno fa, Fanatec ha reso disponibile per il download i nuovi driver beta V352 per il suo prodotto di punta, ovvero il Podium con tecnologia Direct Drive.

I nuovi driver introducono il primo aggiornamento delle prestazioni per la serie Podium: includono alcune importanti ottimizzazioni del driver e aggiornamenti del firmware sia per le basi DD1 che DD2, inclusa la versione per PlayStation 4.

Inoltre, Fanatec ha rilasciato dei nuovi driver beta anche per il suo software FanaLab. Entrambi i driver possono essere scaricati gratuitamente seguendo questo link. Prima di procedere all'aggiornamento, consigliamo di leggere attentamente le istruzioni riportate nel link allegato precedentemente in questo articolo. Di seguito riportiamo il changelog completo dell'ultimo update:

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Driver:

• Fixed issue that steering angle in Function Test tab displays incorrect values.
• Fixed issue that Tuning Menu parameters (SEN, FOR, SPR, DPR & FEI) are displayed incorrectly when the DD Base is in Comp V2.5 mode.
• Added new DD Tuning Menu parameters LIN, INT, & NIN to the Tuning Menu tab.
• Fixed issue that steering angle in Function Test tab displays incorrect value when SEN is adjusted via FunkySwitch Encoder.
• Fixed issue that MPS Mode changes when adjusting the MPS Rotary switch (1 to 12).
• FFB commands now get send with increased resolution of 16-bit (65536 increments) instead of 8-bit.

 Firmware:

• Podium DDs specifically:
• FFB effects are now resembled by the motor controller more accurately as before because the old method acted like a filter. The new method gives more details, but also more noise which is the reason we've added the new Interpolation filter to give you the choice and adjustability of how much detail and/or noise depending on the game you like.
• Fixed issue with Formula V2 wheels on a DD base sometimes causing two torque messages when booting instead of one.
• Fixed issue with 100% fan speed when booting the DD and showing 0°C.
• Maximum steering angle of the DD is now 2520° of rotation, Auto setting still has 1080° as default.
• DD display can now show information coming from a game or FanaLab as well. Button combination: Tuning Menu Button + D-Pad/Funky Switch UP.
• Button combination to change DD screens doesn't affect inputs to the game anymore.
• Peak torque value next to the FFB graph on the DD display is now displayed for an extended duration of 10 seconds instead of the previous 5 seconds.
• Added [LIN] Linearity Mode, [NIN] Natural Inertia, and [INT] FFB Interpolation to the Tuning Menu.
• New order of Tuning Menu Parameters: SEN, FF, LIN, SHO, ABS, FOR, SPR, DPR, NDP, NFR, FEI, INT, Inertia, BRF, MPS, APM.
• Added dynamic tooltips in the Tuning Menu, which makes more effective use of the OLED display, and should make Tuning Menu adjustments more intuitive and less intimidating for beginners.
• Improved latency of FFB effects going to the motor by ~20%.
• Fixed electrical end stop when reaching max steering angle building up too early.
• Improved Natural Friction calculation.
• Fixed FEI setting at 0 disabling FFB when booting the base.
• When changing SEN the selected steering angle will be smoothly enforced within 5seconds to prevent rapid movements of the wheel.
• Podium Hub cluster buttons: Added PS Button input when Option button is pressed longer than 3s while base is in PS4 mode.
• Improved Spring Effect calculation
• Improved Damper Effect calculation

Explaining the new Podium DD features:

• Linearity Mode “LIN” reduces maximum FFB output by a small amount to guarantee a consistent output between peaks and holding forces. Improved general linearity between game output and torque output.
• Force Interpolation “INT” (similar to the ‘Reconstruction Filter’ on OSW/SimuCube) filters and smoothens the incoming rough game FFB signal and increases the refresh rate. For example a 60Hz FFB signal (e.g. iRacing) looks like rough steps on a graph and can also feel like this, but using Force Interpolation, the signal is recreated as a smooth curve. In comparison to FEI, this filter is a lot more powerful as it doesn't influence latency as much, has a better smoothing algorithm and doesn't eliminate effects completely. The default setting is 6 which should feel very close to older firmware version. The graph below shows how the Interpolation is working, red is the game output and green the result of INT. This also shows why true 1:1 FFB from the game can feel very noisy if Interpolation is turned off.
• Natural Inertia "NIN" simulates additional weight on the steering axis. This can be particularly useful when using light wheels like the P1 or McLaren GT3. It also makes the Natural Friction setting feel less ‘sticky’ on direction changes.
• New screen for Podium Display which shows telemetry from the game or third party application like on the steering wheel. This will be expanded soon. Button combination is: Tuning Menu Button + D-Pad/Funky Switch UP to show the Legacy screen and Tuning Menu Button + D-Pad/Funky Switch DOWN to go back to the usual DD screens.

Known Issues and hints:

• FanaLab 1.12 is not compatible, you need to download 1.23 which is linked below as well.
• CSW V2.5: DRI settings are all acting like -5 which leads to too much dampening of the steering.
• AUTO SEN issues on Xbox 1 using Podium DD
• Knock when powering off DD Base, nothing to worry about but we are looking into it.
• Some experience random Jolts/Knocks/Thumps while driving which seem not to come from the game, we are looking into it as well and are happy about every report giving detail about settings which influence it and so on.
• The arrow buttons on the tuning menu page of the driver might affect other values as well, use dragging the bar instead.
• It's normal and not a bug that after updating the base firmware the fan will run loud at 100% until you update the motor firmware as well.
• If your device is not shown in the gamecontroller screen, use the driver installers repair function while the base is on and connected.
• The new features have default settings which work right out of the box with all previously posted recommended settings.
• As always after a motor update don't forget to run the motor calibration on the settings tab in the driver to ensure it runs as smooth as possible.
• Race Room FFB: A user found out the following solution when he felt weird FFB in Race Room
• Delete the FFB profiles (rcs files) in the following folder: my documents/my games/simbin/raceroom racing experience/userdata/control set. Then Start Race Room, go to controller profiles and click detect. Now choose the DD profile of your base and start from scratch.

How to report issues:

If you report a driver or firmware issue, please make cross checks:

• 0. Update driver and FW separately to isolate an issue. Most likely it will be driver OR firmware.
• 1. Which driver OR firmware does show the issue
• 2. Which driver OR firmware does not show the issue
• 3. Check if you can reproduce the issue again if you go back to the version which seems to have cause the issue
• 4. Post the answers gathered from the questions above + a short description of the issue including the following information:
• Wheel Base Model (product ID): ....
• Steering Wheel Model (product ID): ....
• Driver Version: ....
• Base FW Version: ....
• Wheel FW Version: ....
• FanaLab Version: ...

Già qualche tempo fa, il team di Virtual Racing School ha annunciato di essersi lanciato nella produzione di periferiche per la guida virtuale, partendo da una base direct drive per volanti. Oggi è stato confermato che il nuovo VRS DirectForce Pro Wheel Base è in vendita tramite preordine ad un prezzo per l'Europa di euro 899,00, con le prime consegne previste per Febbraio 2020.

Il prezzo interessante e l'esperienza sul campo del team VRS, potrebbero fare la differenza per una tipologia di prodotto - le basi direct drive - che sempre di più si stanno affermando come lo standard di riferimento per gli appassionati di simracing.

Commenti e discussioni sul forum dedicato.

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The VRS DirectForce Pro Wheel Base will retail in the US for $799 and in the EU for €899 (VAT incl.). We expect to start shipping to customers in the US in late Jan or early Feb 2020. Reservations are now open (here).

VRS DirectForce Pro is our high-end, competitively-priced sim racing hardware product line. After receiving strongly positive feedback at the SimRacing Expo earlier this year (driver quotes here), we are excited to bring the VRS DirectForce Pro Wheel Base to market at the start of 2020.

The VRS DirectForce Pro Wheel Base consists of:

• VRS DirectForce Pro controller
• The popular 20Nm MiGE motor customized for the VRS DirectForce Pro controller
• 3 meter motor power and encoder cables with double shielding and quality metal connectors
• 2 meter long double-shielded USB cable
• AC power cord

Optional accessories:

• Motor shaft hub adapter for a steering wheel with standard 70mm PCD bolt pattern. The hub adapter has 6x M5 threaded holes that allow you to directly screw a steering wheel onto hub adapter. Not needed if your steering wheel comes with its own quick-release hub, or if your steering wheel is screwed in from the back and requires through-hole mounting holes on the hub adapter.
• Motor mounting bracket for mounting on desks or rigs that only support bottom mounting. Not needed if your rig comes with a front motor mounting bracket with mount holes for the MiGE motor.

The VRS DirectForce Pro Wheel Base is compatible with any OSW style steering wheel and button plate. Some third parties even offer conversion kits for popular mid-end wheels. You need a sturdy rig that can withstand the forces produced by the MiGE motor.

We will initially be only serving the US and EU markets with a warehouse in each of the two markets. Once we scale our production, we’ll start selling to customers outside of the US and the EU. We are now accepting no-deposit reservations. The reservations will help us monitor demand in different markets and will help us ensure we have appropriate levels of stock in our US and EU warehouses. With a reservation you’d be able to monitor your estimated shipping date. And when your turn is up, you’ll be able to convert your reservation to an order. You can place a reservation here (free VRS account required).

Pricing for those shipping to the US:

• VRS Direct Force Pro Wheel Base – $799
• Motor hub adapter – $49
• Motor mounting bracket – $49

Pricing for those shipping to the EU:

• VRS Direct Force Pro Wheel Base – €899 (VAT incl.)
• Motor hub adapter – €49 (VAT incl.)
• Motor mounting bracket – €49 (VAT incl.)

We will announce pricing and availability for other markets like Canada and Australia at a later date. We would ship to the US and to the EU from warehouses within those markets, so we expect the shipping costs to be quite reasonable. We’ll announce the shipping costs by the time we start converting reservations to orders.

To get the latest news on the VRS DirectForce Pro product line, follow our Facebook page, or register to our hardware mailing list here.

VRS è al lavoro anche su una pedaliera professionale, denominata DirectForce ProPedals, attualmente in fase di sviluppo.

Lo svedese Mikael Engstrom della Rig Designs è un pilota di simracing e ingegnere meccanico con l'obiettivo di sviluppare impianti di alluminio a prezzi accessibili per le corse virtuali.

Di recente, Mikael ha sviluppato quella che potrebbe essere la prima piattaforma di karting con profilo in alluminio chiamata SimKart Pro. Durante lo sviluppo, la Rig Designs ha avuto l'aiuto di piloti professionisti di kart che hanno testato l'impianto di perforazione dando vita ad un prodotto che può essere utilizzato come strumento di allenamento per i professionisti di Kart e gli appassionati di corse.

Il telaio altamente regolabile è dotato di un sedile Nek Z2 (volendo anche in fibra di carbonio) che si traduce in una posizione di guida molto realistica per il Kart. Inoltre, il telaio è dotato di equipaggiamenti sim racing di fascia alta come il Simucube 2 Pro, pedali e cambio seguenziale della Heusinkveld. Lo chassis SimKart Pro sarà inoltre disponibile con funzionalità opzionali come il supporto per monitor e un sistema di movimento. Infine, per aggiungere quel tocco svedese, i prodotti SRD sono pronti per l'autoassemblaggio e vengono forniti con un manuale ispirato a IKEA.

Al momento lo chassis è ancora sottoposto a un beta test e non è stato comunicato alcun programma di rilascio o prezzi. Come sempre, vi terremo informati quando saranno disponibili ulteriori informazioni. Fateci sapere sul forum cosa ne pensate di questa postazione. 

[Fonte BSimracing]

Come riportato da BSimracing, Fanatec ha pubblicato un video tutorial che mostra ai clienti come installare il Kit Performance per la sua pedaliera ClubSport V3. Queste parti apparentemente insignificanti possono avere un grande impatto sulla sensazione e sull'uso dei pedali della serie ClubSport.

Il Brake Performance Kit è compatibile con i pedali ClubSport V3 e serve ad aumentare la sensazione del punto di pressione del freno riducendo la corsa del pedale e offrendo una maggiore capacità di pressione. Le molle in elastomero rosso e / o verde e la molla corta in poliuretano andranno installate sulla vite di precarico dell'unità freno.

Il kit performance è disponibile presso il negozio online Fanatec per 29,95€.

La società francese ProSimu ha presentato le sue offerte del Black Friday del 2019 con alcune opportunità molto interessanti per chi desidera acquistare una postazione di guida marcata ProSimu.

Durante le vendite del Black Friday, è possibile acquistare uno chassis ProSimu T1000 2M per 1825€ escluse imposte. Qualsiasi ordine di una postazione della serie T1000 (T1000 / 2M / 3M / 5M ) verrà fornito con un supporto del cambio Fanatec gratuito. Inoltre, la spedizione in Europa, negli Stati Uniti e in Canada sarà gratuita per tutti gli ordini effettuati tramite il sito Web ProSimu.

L'offerta del Black Friday è valida fino alla mezzanotte del 29 novembre 2019. La spedizione gratuita è gestita automaticamente dal sito Web, non è necessaria alcuna azione. Per ottenere gratuitamente il supporto del cambio Fanatec, si prega di aggiungerlo nel carrello prima di ordinare una postazione della serie T1000.

Fanatec ha appena annunciato con un breve trailer la versione aggiornata del suo ClubSport Shifter: denominato SQ V1.5 Limited Edition 2019, è una release in versione limitata del già noto cambio, ma interamente in metallo e con alcune features interessanti, come il pomello in fibra di carbonio! Sarà disponibile a partire dal 29 novembre sullo shop ufficiale.

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The ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 Limited Edition 2019 is entirely made of metal, which means quality, durability, and reliability. The unique colour scheme features a matte grey body, anodised red lever, and matte carbon gear knobs. It is strictly limited and the availibility starts on Black Friday 29th of November 2019 as long as stocks last!

Di recente, Harris Muhammad di HM Engineering ha presentato il suo prototipo del nuovo telaio HM Motorbike Simulator.

Il simulatore di moto sportive "GP-Moto" è stato originariamente progettato per essere un impianto statico. Numerosi membri della community hanno sfidato Harris a trasformare il suo design in una piattaforma equipaggiata per il movimento, rendendolo quindi molto adatto all'uso della realtà virtuale.

Harris ha accettato la sfida e ora sta lavorando ad una versione Motion basata sul suo primo progetto. Al momento della stesura di questo documento, non sono stati condivisi ulteriori dettagli. Vi terremo informati quando saranno disponibili ulteriori informazioni o contenuti multimediali.

Cosa ne pensate di questo progetto? Ecco la sezione giusta del nostro forum dove poter commentare. 

La Fanatec ha appena annunciato quelle che saranno le sue offerte per il Black Friday 2019: gli sconti partiranno il 29 novembre per concludersi il 2 dicembre, esclusivamente sul web shop ufficiale della casa tedesca e, come vedete dalle immagini e testi qui sotto, ce n'è davvero per tutti i gusti!

Inoltre la Fanatec approfitta del Black Friday per lanciare ben 5 nuovi volanti, che vanno dal modello Nascar con licenza ufficiale, fino al Clubsport Wheel in Alcantara. Tenete d'occhio questo link, perchè fra 4 giorni sarà certamente molto affollato. Per raggiungere direttamente lo shop, potete anche fare click sui banner Fanatec che trovate qui sul sito Drivingitalia.

Vi ricordiamo di non perdere le offerte Black Friday relative a SimXperience, iRacing ed ai vari software ed al mondo modding.

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It’s that time of year again, and we have some great new offers and new product reveals for Black Friday! 

The Black Friday Deals will be available from November 29th at 09:00 CET until Cyber Monday (December 2nd), exclusively through our webshop.

CSL Elite Pro Kit - Officially Licensed for PS4 at 699.95 € (Europe only)

• This offer is only valid in EU and is strictly limited!
• Race-ready Fanatec package for PS4 and PS4 Pro combines the CSL Elite Racing Wheel for PS4 and the CSL Elite Pedals LC
• Wheel base provides realistic force feedback thanks to Fanatec ClubSport technology
• Fully metal, adjustable CSL Elite pedals
• CSL Elite Loadcell Kit included! Load cell technology greatly improves brake feeling and consistency.

ClubSport Pedals V3 + Brake Performance Kit at 299,95 €/$, 37,900.00¥, AU $499.90

Buy the legendary ClubSport Pedals V3 with the Brake Performance Kit for less than the normal price of the pedals alone!

• High performance pedals with Hall sensors on throttle and clutch pedals for precision and durability
• Pressure sensitive load cell brake system with custom-made 90 kg sensor and tool-free stiffness and travel adjustment
• 12-bit resolution (4096 values) on all axis
• Alternative D-shape pedal plates included, with adjustable extensions
• Brake sensitivity can be adjusted through the Tuning Menu while driving
• Vibration motors on throttle and brake pedals to simulate TC, ABS, and other effects
• Exchangeable throttle springs. Two springs with different strengths are included.
• Optional damper kit for gas and brake with adjustable damping resistance.
• Full multi-platform compatibility
• Full metal construction of CNC-machined aluminium
• Brake Performance Kit stiffens and shortens throw to behave more like a race car pedal, greatly improving on-the-limit threshold brake feel.

ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 Limited Edition 2019 for 259,95 €/$, 28,900.00¥, AU $349,90

• The ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 Limited Edition 2019 comes in a unique colour scheme, featuring a matte grey body, anodised red lever, and matte carbon gear knobs.
• Shares the same high-performance specification as the standard ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5: Full metal construction, seven gear H-pattern mode, reverse gear with realistic inhibitor to prevent accidental shifts, realistic sequential mode with strong haptic feedback, instant switching sequential and H-pattern mode.
• Carbon Fiber gear knobs, compatible to popular automotive standards (value ca. 80 €/USD)
• Adjustable shift feeling and resistance
• Multiple mounting options on all four sides and bottom

Introducing five new Wheel Rims!

ClubSport Wheel Rim NASCAR at 149,95 €/$, 20,000.00¥, AU $259,90

Drivers, start your engines! Grab the officially licensed NASCAR wheel rim for the most realistic oval racing experience!

• Officially licensed NASCAR product
• Three-spoke aluminium wheel rim with a 35 cm diameter
• Genuine Alcantara grip
• Genuine Alcantara hub cover with embroidered NASCAR logo 

ClubSport Wheel Rim Classic 2 for 129,95 €/$, 14,900.00¥, AU $199.90

The Classic wheel rim returns in a new colour!

• Perfect for vintage road cars and historic racing cars. The thin, large diameter rim creates an authentic feeling of driving a classic car.
• Three-spoke aluminium wheel rim with a 35 cm diameter
• Polished, anodised silver finish
• Black ‘F’ signet in centre of silver metal hub cover

ClubSport Wheel Rim R330 for 129,95 €/$, 14,900.00¥, AU $199.90

Multi-purpose, fully round wheel with ergonomic grips. The smooth leather is durable and comfortable, and features stunning blue and orange accents.

• Three-spoke aluminium wheel rim with a diameter of 33 cm
• Genuine smooth leather
• Neon blue centre stripe
• Neon orange stitching
• Fanatec ‘F’ signet embossed in centre of black metal hub cover

ClubSport Wheel Rim Flat 2 for 129,95 €/$, 14,900.00¥, AU $199.90

The compact size and light weight makes this wheel perfect for open-wheel racing and any race car requiring fast steering inputs. The evocative polished silver and red colour scheme is a nod to classic Formula cars.

• Three-spoke aluminium wheel rim with a diameter of 27.5 cm
• Polished, anodised silver finish
• Red synthetic suede

ClubSport Wheel Rim GT Alcantara for 129,95 €/$, 14,900.00¥, AU $199.90

A variation on the popular ClubSport Wheel Rim GT, using genuine Alcantara. The striking lime green accents add a splash of colour to any simulator setup.

• Three-spoke aluminium wheel rim with a 33 cm diameter
• Genuine Alcantara grip
• Genuine leather lime green centre stripe
• Lime green cross stitching
• Of course, the five wheel rims will also be available as ClubSport Steering Wheels. The site will be updated with the newly announced hardware very soon.

Fanatec ha finalmente svelato il suo nuovo prodotto: si tratta del volante Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R ! Ben 650 euro di sterzo, ma decisamente spettacolare... Commenti e discussioni sul forum dedicato.

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The Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R is the ultimate wheel for GT racing. The complete set of modular steering wheel components from the Podium range come together to create a high-performance, full-scale replica of the Porsche 991 GT3 R wheel.

Combine the Podium Wheel Rim Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Podium Button Module Endurance, Podium Advanced Paddle Module, and Podium Hub for a feature-rich steering wheel of the highest quality.

The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup rim is a premium quality replica of the real Porsche steering wheel based on original CAD data, built to automotive-grade quality. The brushed and anodised aluminium rim is covered in genuine, premium suede leather.

The customisable OLED display offers enhanced display capabilities through Intelligent Telemetry Mode (ITM). RGB LEDs and multiple input types are arranged neatly within the wheel rim, with instant access to force feedback adjustments using the Tuning Menu button.

With 10 buttons, two 2-way toggle switches, a 2-axis analogue stick, 7-way FunkySwitch, and two 12-position switches which can also be configured as endless rotary encoders, you’ll have a wealth of controls at your fingertips.

The 9 high-intensity RGB RevLEDs and 6 high-intensity RGB FlagLEDs surround the 2.7” OLED display. Intelligent Telemetry Mode can switch between 5 different game telemetry data layouts (manually or triggered by the game).

Featuring magnetic shifters and Hall sensors, the Podium Advanced Paddle Module is the ultimate shifter and paddle system.

The magnetic ‘click’ generates a solid, positive feel to every shift. Allows for rapid shifting. The secondary paddles can be mapped to regularly-triggered button inputs.

The paddles allow for four different modes: Advanced clutch bite point mode, clutch/handbrake mode, brake/throttle mode, and mappable axis mode.

Ormai il Black Friday con relativi folli sconti è alle porte, visto che sarà venerdi 29 novembre, ma le offerte iniziano già ad arrivare. Dopo la scontistica offerta per l'abbonamento ad iRacing, vi segnaliamo invece gli interessanti sconti del team di SimXperience, che produce vario hardware dedicato al simracing. Le offerte, che iniziano domani 22 novembre per terminare il 2 dicembre, riguardano praticamente tutti i prodotti targati SimXperience:  AccuForce Steering Systems, GS5 GForce Seat, DIY Motion Kits, SimVibe ed anche i Buttkickers!

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AccuForce Pro Complete and Your Way

The original turn-key direct drive wheel system is on sale for Black Friday this year. Bang for the buck, you will not find a better deal on a direct drive wheel system on the market.  You can take $75.00 off either the Complete or Your Way models during this promotion.
AccuForce Pro Complete  $999.00 - $75.00 off = $924.00
AccuForce Your Way         $699.00 - $75.00 off = $624.00

GS-5 G-Force Seat

Looking to add motion to your simulator, look no further than the GS-5 G-Force Seat! The GS-5 is the only peripheral on the market that provides this type of unique immersion.
We’ve discounted the GS-5 $500 for Black Friday and its available while supplies last at $2499.00
GS-5 G-Force Seat  $2,999.00 - $500 = $2499.00

DIY Motion Simulation Starter Kits

We have some great savings on motion this year! All of our Motion Starter Kits are 15% off during this promotion.
2DOF 100mm SCN5 Motion Starter Kit    $1353.00 – 15% OFF = $1150.05
2DOF 150mm SCN5 Motion Starter Kit    $1520.00 – 15% OFF = $1292.00
2DOF 150mm SCN6 Motion Starter Kit    $2179.00 – 15% OFF = $1852.15

3DOF 100mm SCN5 Motion Starter Kit    $1829.00 – 15% OFF = $1554.65
3DOF 150mm SCN5 Motion Starter Kit    $2086.00 – 15% OFF = $1773.10
3DOF 150mm SCN6 Motion Starter Kit    $3069.00 – 15% OFF = $2608.65

SimVibe Software

Some of you may not realize that SimVibe does a lot more than breathe new life into your transducers. SimVibe is part of the Sim Commander software suite that offers in game on screen gauges, a virtual lap analyzer and more. SimVibe and Sim Commander software suite is $20 off during our Black Friday promotion.
SimVibe Software            $89.00 - $20.00 = $69.00

Buttkicker

To go along with our great deal on SimVibe, get yourself a Buttkicker Mini LFE SimVibe Edition (or up to for $70.00 each! *amplifier not included
Buttkicker Mini LFE          $95.00 -$20.00 = $70.00
* LIMIT 8 PER CUSTOMER WHILE SUPPLIES LAST