Getting The Most Out of Your ButtKicker

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The ButtKicker’s are the ultimate sim racing and gaming haptic hardware experience that takes immersion to a whole new level. If you’re unfamiliar, prepare to be blown away as you dive into the world of sim racing, flight simulation, and gaming, where every sensation is brought to life with unparalleled precision and power.

The ButtKicker captures every nuance, delivering lifelike and authentic feedback directly from the in-game audio. This is not just a mere upgrade to your gaming setup – it's an adventure that transports you right into the heart of the action.

In this quick guide, we’ll explain how to best set up your ButtKicker and get the most out of it to enhance your gaming experience.

Which Model Should I Buy?

ButtKicker have 2 models which are used widely by gamers, the Plus and Pro. As you’ve probably guessed, the Pro is the upgraded version of the Plus. While the Pro is only roughly $100 more than the Plus, the differences are incomparable. If you want true immersion, you’ll get it and here’s why:

Plus:

90 W Power Output
170 g of Moving Mass
4.05 kg Total Weight
Gaming Chairs/Small to Medium Rigs

Pro:

150 W Power Output
450 g of Moving Mass
5.4 kg Total Weight
Large/Heavier Rigs

For the sim racing enthusiasts, we introduce ButtKicker HaptiConnect, the key to unlocking a deeper level of in-game integration. Prepare to be amazed as in-game telemetry breathes life into your ButtKicker, granting you unparalleled control and sensory feedback.

Feel the very texture of the track surface under your virtual wheels, sense the vehicle grip with astonishing precision, and embrace every haptic cue crucial for carving those lightning-fast laps.

With the ButtKicker, it's not merely about playing a game – it's about becoming one with the game. With HaptiConnect, the boundaries between the real and virtual blur, and you're transported into a realm where you dictate the rules.

Get ready to unleash the true potential of your racing prowess and gaming skills like never before. Step into a whole new dimension of control, where every sensation fuels your passion for victory.

Core Components

Before we can dive into the setup, it’s important to understand the main components that come with your ButtKicker package. Let’s take a quick look at each of them now:

Transducer: At its core, the transducer thrives on the essence of low-frequency audio replication. Through its ingenious design, it transforms audio signals, specifically bass frequencies, into tangible mechanical vibrations that resonate with users on a visceral level.

These dynamic vibrations surge through the surface where the ButtKicker finds its home – be it a gaming chair, platform, couch, or any fitting piece of furniture. This allows users to physically feel the rumble of engines, the impact of collisions, and other in-game effects.

Easy Clamp Attachment Mechanism: The easy clamp attachment a is user-friendly and efficient way to attach the ButtKicker transducer to various types of platforms. This secure and hassle-free installation allows users to quickly set up and enjoy the immersive haptic feedback experience without the need for complex tools or extensive adjustments.

The easy clamp mechanism consists of a robust and adjustable clamp that wraps around the ButtKicker unit. This clamp is designed to accommodate different furniture profiles, such as gaming chairs, platforms, or couches.

Amplifier: The ButtKicker is accompanied by a powerful and dedicated amplifier. The purpose of this amplifier is to drive the transducer, providing the necessary power to generate the tactile feedback or vibrations based on the audio signals received from the audio source (e.g., gaming console, PC, home theatre system).

The amplifier is designed to deliver high-quality and low-frequency audio signals that resonate with the transducer, creating immersive vibrations that can be felt by the user. The power output of the amplifier determines the intensity and strength of the tactile feedback.

Remote: The remote control is an added convenience which allows users to adjust various settings of the amplifier without having to access the unit physically. This means users can fine-tune the intensity of the vibrations or adjust other audio-related parameters from a distance, making it easier to optimize the haptic experience to their liking.

Setting Up Your ButtKicker

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, lets get stuck into setting it up!

Remember: Do not turn on the amplifier until all the connections have been made!

1.    Connect the transducer:

First things first, you need to attach the main 3.3’ cable that connects the transducer to the amplifier. To do this, all you need to do is insert the exposed tinned wire ends into each of the transducer terminals. Simply press the terminal down and insert the wire, then release.

Note: Remember that the red wire is positive (+) and the black is negative (-).

2.    Attach the transducer using the easy clamp

Gaming Chair or Seat:

1. If you’re attaching the transducer to a regular gaming chair, it’s important to raise your chair first to its maximum height. Once done, attach the transducer to the exposed centre post (sometimes you’ll need to push down a plastic covering).
2. Open the clamp by loosening the large knob, then loosen the smaller knob to adjust the clamps diameter so it fits around your seat.
3. Tighten both the knobs to secure it to your seat, make sure that it doesn’t wobble and is fastened nice and tight (it’s going to be vibrating remember!).
4. Using the supplied Velcro straps, secure the cables along side the chair to avoid any loose cables dangling down.

Sim Rig Cockpit:

1. Most rigs like the Trak Racer range have mounting adapters you can use, otherwise you’ll just need to find a secure post which you can attach the transducer to.
2. Same as the gaming seat instructions, open the clamp by loosening the large knob, then loosen the smaller knob to adjust the clamps diameter so it fits around the mounting adapter.
3. Open the clamp by loosening the large knob, then loosen the smaller knob to adjust the clamps diameter so it fits around the adapter.
4. Tighten both the knobs to secure it to your seat, make sure that it doesn’t wobble and is fastened nice and tight.

3.    Position the amplifier and connect the transducer:

1. Firstly, you’ll need to connect the quick release cable (9.8’ long cable) to the short cable which is already attached in step 1 above.
2. Next, connect the long quick release cable to the speaker input terminals on the back of the amplifier. Remember that the red plugs are the positive (+) and black is negative (-).
3. Make sure you position the amplifier close to the source (PC or console).
4. Finally, connect the power cord to the power terminal on the back of the amplifier and plug it into a power source.

4.    Connecting to your platform

PC - Connect to your PC using either of the methods below:

1. USB: Connect the amplifier using the USB Type C to USB Type A cable. To use this method you’ll need to download the HaptiConnect software from ButtKicker which you can download from here. To see more info on the HaptiConnect software, go here to see their FAQ page.
2. Y Splitter: Connect the amplifier using the included 3.5mm Y splitter. Plug the splitter into the PC’s headphone out jack and plug your headphones or speakers into 1 side of the Y splitter. Use the included 3.5mm to RCA cable to then connect form the Y splitter into the L/R inputs of the amplifier.

Console – Connect to your console using either of the following methods:

1. Y Splitter: Connect the amplifier using the included 3.5mm Y splitter. Plug the splitter into the console controller’s headphone out jack and plug your headphones or speakers into 1 side of the Y splitter. Use the included 3.5mm to RCA cable to then connect form the Y splitter into the L/R inputs of the amplifier.
2. HDMI Extractor: Connect the amplifier using a HDMI 2.0 (or 2.1) audio extractor (not included in the usual package). Connect the extractor in-line with your console and TV/Audio System using the included 3.5mm to TCA cable. Connect from the HDMI extractors 3.5mm Output to the left and right inputs of the amplifier.

Now comes the fun bit, once you’ve connected everything, turn it all on and boot up a game!

Recommended starting amp settings:

You’ll need to fine tune your ButtKicker to best suit your needs, but there’s a few recommended settings that you can start with. On your amplifier, make sure the settings are set to:

Low Cutoff Switch: Off

High Cutoff Switch: On

High Cutoff Freq. Knob: 80 Hz

Let us know what you think in the comments below, we’d love to hear about your experience in using the ButtKicker! 😊