The Official Bass Shaker, Buttkicker, Tactile Transducer Thread

[Big Daddy]

Please post comments and pictures about your experience with the above in this thread.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactile_transducer

A tactile transducer or "bass shaker" is a device which is made on the principle that low bass frequencies can be felt as well as heard. A shaker transmits low-frequency vibrations into various surfaces so that they can be felt by people. This is called tactile sound. Tactile transducers may augment or in some cases substitute for a subwoofer.

A bass-shaker is meant to be firmly attached to some surface such as a seat, couch or floor. The shaker houses a small weight which is driven by a voice coil similar to those found in dynamic loudspeakers. The voice-coil is driven by a low-frequency audio signal from an amplifier; common shakers typically handle 25 to 50 watts of amplifier power. The voice coil exerts force on both the weight and the body of the shaker, with the latter forces being transmitted into the mounting surface.

Tactile transducers may be used in a home theater, a commercial movie theater, or for special effects in an arcade game, amusement park ride or other application.

Related to Bass Shakers are a newer type of Tactile Transducer referred to as "Linear Actuators." These piston-like electromagnetic devices are said to transmit motion in a direct and lossless fashion. Linear Actuators directly and physically lift home theater seating in the vertical plane rather than transferring vibrations (by mounting within a seat, platform or floor). This technology is said to transmit a high-fidelity sound-motion augmentation, whereas "Shakers" may require heavy equalization and/or multiple units to approach a realistic effect.

There are other products now on the market which employ hydrualic (long-throw) linear actuators and outboard motion processors for home applications as popularized in "virtual reality" rides. These products differ radically from tactile transducers in that they require the manual composition and synchronized playback of motion signals, in addition to the standard soundtrack that the motion is meant to accompany.

http://www.baudline.com/erik/bass/tactile_faq.html
http://www.practical-home-theater-gu...s-shakers.html
http://hometheater.about.com/cs/loud...bwoofera_3.htm
http://www.baudline.com/erik/bass/clark_update.html


See the effect of these wonderful gadgets on cheese heads.

Buttkicker LFE DEMO - YouTube

List Of Manufacturers:

1. Aurasound Bass Shakers
   
2. Buttkicker
   
3. Boom Chair
   
4. Clark Synthesis Tactile Transducers
   
5. Crowson Technology
   
6. Dayton Audio Sound Exciters
   
7. D-Box
   
8. Earthquake Sound Tactile Transducers
   
9. Messina GSS, http://www.etronics.com/m-3355-messina.aspx
   
10. Rockford Fosgate's I-Beam Tactile Transducer
    
11. Vidsonix Tactile Transducer
    
12. Woon/K-Woon/DOT2SR Bass Shakers

Advantages of Bass Shakers, Buttkickers, or Transducers over Subwoofers

1. These are sometimes referred to as Silent Subwoofers. Although you may not substitude them for subwoofers, they should definitely be considered as complentary products that can increase the enjoyment of the lower frequencies. After all, good bass is meant to be felt and not only heard.
2. They will give you most of the enjoyment of good bass without making you deaf and forcing you to wear hearing aids.
3. They are a very good and cost effective alternative to buying a better or a second subwoofer.
4. Placement is generally easier as you don’t worry about standing waves and/or using the Subwoofer Crawl technique. Their proper placement is under your a$$.
5. They are ideal for people who live in apartments/condominiums or have small children who need to sleep or have nagging WAFs. An easier solution to a nagging WAF is . . Just kidding.

Connecting Multiple Transducers/Buttkickers/Bass Shakers to a Single Mono Amplifier:

If you plan to connect multiple Transducers/Buttkickers/Bass Shakers to a single amplifier, it is very important that you pay close attention to the net impedance of the speakers. Most subwoofer amplifiers can handle 8-ohm or 4-ohm speakers easily. However, the vast majority of amplifiers will have difficulty with 2-ohm speakers.

I believe the impedance of each Transducer/Buttkicker/Bass Shaker is 4 ohms. You cannot connect them in parallel as the impedance will drop to 2 ohms and most amplifiers cannot handle that kind of a load. However, if you connect them in series, the net impedance will rise to 8 ohms and the amplifier can handle it.

Series Loudspeakers:

This connection would give a final impedance of 8 ohms.

Parallel Loudspeakers:

This connection would give a final impedance of 2 ohms.

If you wnt to connect four Transducers/Buttkickers/Bass Shakers to a single amplifier, you can use Series/Parallel connection.

Series/Parallel Connection: In the following diagram, the net impedance of the top two speakers connected in series is 8 ohms. The net impedance of the bottom two speakers connected in series is also 8 ohms. Two series of 8 ohms each that connected in parallel will yield a net impedance of 4 ohms.

This connection would give a final impedance of 4 ohms.

For more information, read Impedance and Sensitivity of Speakers

My Scientific Recommendation: At night when you want to watch a movie, turn the master volume down, turn the powered subwoofer(s) off, and turn the bass shaker/buttkicker/transducer up. You can turn the subtitle on. By doing this, you can still enjoy the movie and feel the bass without disturbing anyone. Most new movies have a lot of action, plenty of low frequency bass, a lot of sex, horrible dialog and language, and very bad acting. Fortunately, you won’t be missing anything. You will still enjoy over 90% of the movie without the cops showing up at your door. The best or the worst part is that your marriage will be saved. That is why I refer to these gadgets as MARRIAGE SAVERS.

Where to Buy:

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_5b8oeexf8n_b
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...sl_6k2tzuvyy_b
http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...TOKEN=76228419
http://www.htmarket.com/audio-video-...e-theater.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_47kq2dydlg_e
http://www.gamechairstore.com/IVG2/N...=3-gmc50062-10
http://www.av-outlet.com/en-us/dept_463.html
http://shop.ebay.com/items/aura+bass...=229191_229196
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_kw=tact...ducer&_rusck=1
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_kw=clar...ducer&_rusck=1
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=bas....c0.m270.l1313

[Big Daddy]

More information will be added to this post.

My recommendation to all people who plan to use any type of Bass Shaker, Buttkicker, or Transducer is to use an amplifier that has adjustable gain control because if the level is set too high, the vibration in the seat will become very distracting and difficult to concentrate on the movie. If your amplifier does not have an adjustable level control, you can buy an active pro crossover/volume controller from Amazon for around $60 to $100.

PyleCrossover.jpg PyramidCrossover.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/s?url=search-a...Pyle+crossover
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PR3000...4596618&sr=8-1

A cheaper option is the Vidsonix for less than $30. You can buy it directly from the manufacture or from their Ebay store

This is the address of their Ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Vidsonix-Audio-Outlet?_rdc=1

The Vidsonix is a mono passive controller and has only TRS connectors. For subwoofers, you only need mono. You also need RCA to TRS adapters. The Pyle and Pyramid crossover/volume controllers need power and are more expensive, but they are stereo and have RCA connectors.


The following Amplifier Level Controllers are not as elegant, but they are pretty cheap:

Level Controller.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...3JV3W5B3W9FKP3
http://www.amazon.com/Peripheral-PRC.../dp/B001AK3HLI
http://www.lesscoelectronics.com/Per...rol_p/prc1.htm

REVIEWS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Buttkicker:
http://thebuttkicker.com/reviews/index.htm
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=98460

Buttkicker vs Bass Shaker:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/foru...omparison-long

Clark Sysnthesis Tactile Transducers:
http://hometheatermag.com/customaccessories/72/
http://fieldrecording.wordpress.com/

Crowson Technology:
http://www.crowsontech.com/go/crowso...opDefault.aspx
http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/apr0...rectdrive.htm/

Rockford Fosgates's I-Beam Tactile Transducer:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/s...300-transducer

Other Applications Besides Home Theater:
http://www.clarksynthesis.com/just_for_fun.html
http://thebuttkicker.com/theaters_amusements/index.htm
http://www.d-box.com/en/supported-titles/

[Big Daddy]

Some of you may be aware that I bought an 8-inch under-the-sofa subwoofer several weeks ago. The first thing I did was buy some wood and add a few inches to the legs of my sofa to increase its distance from the floor. I also added rubber isolators to the bottom of the legs. Being a crazy tweaker, I replaced the driver with a more powerful driver and turned the subwoofer to a passive one by powering it with an external amplifier. Details are explained in The Official Theater Solutions Subwoofer Owners Thread. The good news is that the performance of the subwoofer has increased significantly.

This is how the subwoofer looks now:

I power it with this PylePro amplifier:

I decided that perhaps it was not a bad idea to add a tactile transducer to the bottom of my sofa. After doing a little research, I decided that a Clark Synthesis tranducer would fit and work pefectly. Clark makes five home theater transducers: TST209, TST239 Silver, TST329 Gold, and TST429 Platinum. They also make AW339 All-Weather Transducer and AQ339 Aquasonic® Underwater Speaker. Initially, I was thinking about buying the Gold or Platinum. However, after checking the bottom of the sofa, I realized that there was not that much padding there and since I already had an 8-inch subwoofer there, the Gold or Platinum would have been a bit excessive. Eventually, I settled on the Silver model. I made an offer on Ebay and it was accepted for $115 plus free shipping. The normal price at Amazon or Parts Express is $135. These are the specifications:

Continuous Power Handling: 100 watts
Impedance: 4 ohms
Overload Protection: Polyswitch
Frequency Response: 15Hz to 17kHz
Connection: 3 ft.- 16 gauge, 2 wire
Dimensions: 8 in. diam. x 2.25 in. high

After waiting a few days, UPS delivered the box. It was brand new and shipped directly from the Clark factory in Colorado. Here is a picture.

Inside the box, there was an installation bracket and different size and shape screws to make installation easy. This is the picture of the tranducer after I attached it to the bottom of the sofa.

I used one channel of the amplifier mentioned above to power it. The other channel is used to power the 8-inch subwoofer. After calibration I was shocked on how powerful this little monster really is. I have to start watching some of the bass-heavy movies again.

I am so glad I did not buy the Gold or Platinum transducers as I find even this one a bit too much. The best part is that the amplfier has level control.

[Fors*]

Nice thread BD!!!! Lets see how many people become interested in these now......

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Fors*

Nice thread BD!!!! Lets see how many people become interested in these now......

If you look at the comments and reviews by buyers at different dealers and other forums, you will notice that they are pretty popular.

[stcurell]

I have a Clark Synthesis 209 and I love it. This is the base model even below the Silver one and I find it has more than enough power. I have it installed (in my opinion) in a very efficient way and that probably helps- I am lucky to have a steel frame couch that provides a rigid installation point, and I also installed rubber isolation feet under the couch.

I've watched many bass heavy movies with it and it never runs out of power. The amplifier I have it connected to is a class A/B with 130w RMS. Like you said Big Daddy, it is important to have adjustable gain on the amp because there is a fine line where it meshes with the movie experience. If it crosses that threshold it is very distracting from the movie, and oddly you no longer hear the low frequency sounds from the sub. When properly adjusted it augments experience in a way that a subwoofer really can't, especially for the price! I would recommend one of these setups before upgrading your subwoofer- its a very cost efficient way to enhance your theater.

Another important feature to have on the amp is a crossover. Since this runs off the same signal as your sub you need a crossover on the amp to control the transducer individually. I set mine as low as it would go - 50 hz. Any higher and voices occasionally come through (my girlfriend and I weren't expecting that and we burst out laughing.)

Another thing to note about its performance- (can anyone else comment on this as well?) There is a slight delayed reaction due to the fact that it is a large moving mass rather than a lightweight speaker cone, which renders it pretty much useless for hi-fi music listening. I would like to try an even better class A/B amp with a higher damping factor to see if this makes a difference.

[kilimats]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

More information will be added to this post.

My recommendation to all people who plan to use any type of Bass Shaker, Buttkicker, or Transducer is to use an amplifier that has adjustable gain control because if the level is set too high, the vibration in the seat will become very distracting and difficult to concentrate on the movie. If your amplifier does not have an adjustable level control, you can buy an active pro crossover/volume controller from Amazon for around $60 to $100.

Attachment 23611 Attachment 23612

http://www.amazon.com/s?url=search-a...Pyle+crossover
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PR3000...4596618&sr=8-1

The cheapest I have seen is the Vidsonix for less than $30. You can buy it directly from the manufacture or from their Ebay store

This is the address of their Ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/Vidsonix-Audio-Outlet?_rdc=1

The Vidsonix is a mono passive controller and has only TRS connectors. For subwoofers, you only need mono. You also need RCA to TRS adapters. The Pyle and Pyramid crossover/volume controllers need power and are more expensive, but they are stereo and have RCA connectors.

Could also get a simple volume controle like this one?: http://www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=79690

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by kilimats

Could also get a simple volume controle like this one?: http://www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=79690

Yes, you can use one of those, but they are made for in-wall speakers. They are also available at places like Home/Depot/Lowes and online. Unfortunately, attaching them to an external amplifier and subwoofer may not be as easy. Moreover, their power ratings may not be sufficient and they don't have the crossovers if you need one.

[crazyBLUE]

My Pyramid PR3000 Active Crossover is here in town & will be here today Will hook it up & give Terminator Salvation a whirl. Thoughts later

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

My Pyramid PR3000 Active Crossover is here in town & will be here today Will hook it up & give Terminator Salvation a whirl. Thoughts later

I look forward to your feedback Brent!

[kilimats]

Originally Posted by crazyBLUE

My Pyramid PR3000 Active Crossover is here in town & will be here today Will hook it up & give Terminator Salvation a whirl. Thoughts later

I just finished Matrix 1 with my aura pro, go watch the end sequence where he stops the bullets and bend the walls, the shaker SHINES so much in this sequence, CRAZYYYY

the helicopter crash scene was madness too !!

[moviefan]

I see virtually no discussion of home theater bass shakers in this forum.
My theater is equipped with "Buttkicker" bass shakers under each seat, and a "buttkicker" amplifier to drive them.
In my opinion, this is the best bang-for-the-buck investment you can make to bring your theater "alive".
It is also a great way for anyone who must keep the sound level low to heighten the movie experience.
Why no discussion here?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by moviefan

I see virtually no discussion of home theater bass shakers in this forum.My theater is equipped with "Buttkicker" bass shakers under each seat, and a "buttkicker" amplifier to drive them.
In my opinion, this is the best bang-for-the-buck investment you can make to bring your theater "alive".
It is also a great way for anyone who must keep the sound level low to heighten the movie experience.
Why no discussion here?

You should have done a little search before making such a strong statement.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/subwoofers...er-thread.html

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

You should have done a little search before making such a strong statement.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/subwoofers...er-thread.html

Now you did it OP......Big Daddy has put his foot down.

Use the search and type "buttkicker" and see what you get by the way.....

By the way, I have had my buttkicker for 2 years now.....it does a great job of enhancing the movie experience.

[FREYMAX 3D]

Clark Transducers rock!

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by FreyTheater

Clark Transducers rock!

Troy, how do you have them attached to the seats...I don't seem to see what you could screw the transducers into?

[moviefan]

Great info Big Daddy!
I heartily recommend the Buttkickers and Buttkicker amp.
The 3 1/4 pound piston in the Buttkickers can be really felt.
There are crossover and volume controls to tailor them for any application.
The "Depth Charged" chapter in U-571 is awsome with the Burrkickers!

[muddyduck]

I just got one saturday, it lives up to its name. It sure does make take you into the movie.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Oops....I thought you were talking about my ex-wife. Got rid of her many years ago.

[TKNice]

Originally Posted by John72953

Oops....I thought you were talking about my ex-wife. Got rid of her many years ago.

Rofl.

I do want to add some buttkickers to my setup. Out of all the user reviews I've ever read, I don't think a single person was disappointed.