The Official Bass Shaker, Buttkicker, Tactile Transducer Thread

[Nikka488]

Originally Posted by Kali157

I am not sure about the difference btwn the 209 and silver, but I followed BD's lead in the first post and bought my TST239 (sliver) on ebay. The seller had a "make an offer" option, and I got it for $100 shipped. For our couch (in the gallery for reference), the silver is plenty. I am using a BASH amp from a friend's BIC PL200, and we have it a little above 1/3 power. If we put it under 1/2 power, the "ride" becomes crazy... a little too much at times.

But I think there is an important factor indicated in the manual that gets overlooked: bracing. The manual says to use hardwood, not MDF or plywood. It is all about transferring the vibration from the shaker to your body. As I understand it, using soft materials for bracing creates loss of energy from the transducer as the bracing flexes. I would with hard wood backed with steel rods (ones you can get for adjustable wall shelves). I built a double "H" structure under the couch and attached it to the rigid, structural frame of the couch. Used construction adhesive and angle brackets where I can. Finally, don't forget to put rubber feet on the couch.

I guess what I am saying is, based on my experience with the Clark transducers, it isn't about adding more shakers. Clark makes some strong transducers (at least I can vouch for the silver). For a mid to small couch, one is plenty IMO... as long as you install it properly and provide proper bracing as per the manual.

As for heat, I don't think it runs hot... well the driver doesn't run hot... don't know about the amp if over driven.

Awesome feedback thanks! You've given me one more question though for the group:
1. Get 2 TST209's for $80 each (Total $160)
2. Get 1 TST239 for $160

I took a look under my Ikea couch and confirmed that there are two bracing supports that run perpendicular under each of the two cushions. Perhaps a hard wood beam running parallel from left to right in the middle with the Transducers mounted to that would be the best choice.

I really REALLY appreciate everyone's input. My buddy (Also a member of this forum) and I are planning all this out for our Theaters.

Once someone chimes in on which Clark model Transducer I should get I'll place my order.

I've also settled on the Bash 300Watt amp unless someone suggests strongly otherwise.

Finally is there a specific site that has the best pricing? I was going to go with parts express.

[Kali157]

Originally Posted by Nikka488

Awesome feedback thanks! You've given me one more question though for the group:
1. Get 2 TST209's for $80 each (Total $160)
2. Get 1 TST239 for $160

I took a look under my Ikea couch and confirmed that there are two bracing supports that run perpendicular under each of the two cushions. Perhaps a hard wood beam running parallel from left to right in the middle with the Transducers mounted to that would be the best choice.

I really REALLY appreciate everyone's input. My buddy (Also a member of this forum) and I are planning all this out for our Theaters.

Once someone chimes in on which Clark model Transducer I should get I'll place my order.

I've also settled on the Bash 300Watt amp unless someone suggests strongly otherwise.

Finally is there a specific site that has the best pricing? I was going to go with parts express.

I couldn't find the seller I bought from, and ebay doesn't save purchases that far back. I did find this seller with a "make and offer" option (don't know if it was the same seller). I would make an offer if you want the Silver. As for the 209 vs Silver, I never heard (I mean felt) the 209.

In terms of support, I would run a beam the entire width of the couch. I would then attach the beam to the 2 bracing supports you mentioned as well as the left/right side frames. I would bolt (or screw) and glue them together or even use angle brackets.

On a side note, did the Silver TDs go up in price? I thought they were around $130 retail?

[Bluvette]

Look at the specs on the Transducers, 2 209 clarks 216 ft lb eachwill have more output than one silver 297ft lb.

[Kali157]

Know what, thinking about it, if the price is nearly the same, I would go with two 209s to help spread the vibrations. I went with the Silver b/c it was $100 vs $160 +ship for two 209s. In truth, I don't think it is power you will be lacking for your application. If you were to install it under the floor, then that would be a different story.

By the way, I called Clark Synthesis about their rating when I was shopping for mine, and the tech said that two of any of their transducers does not equal twice the force or lift. So two 209s does not equal 432 lbs of force. I was asking b/c the Gold was rated at only 378 lbs vs 432 lbs for two 209s, so who the hell would spend for the Gold? He explained it in detail... but I don't remember. Maybe give them a call?

[Nikka488]

Here's what I ended up ordering:


Clark Synthesis TST209 Tactile Transducer
2 x $79.98 $159.96

Recoton AC212 RCA Y Adapter Cable 1 Male to 2 Female
1 $0.98 $0.98

Dayton Audio SA230 230W Subwoofer Amplifier
1 $199.80 $199.80

$5 off $98 - Thank you for your previous order
1 ($5.00) ($5.00) --- PESAVE5 is the coup

FedEx Ground $4.95
Order Total: $360.69

I ended up going with a stand alone amp that will look nice in my theater set up. I could have gone cheaper and built my own box, but I know it would never look as nice as a stand alone AMP.

Thank you to everyone who helped. Especially Bluvette & Kali157

[Bluvette]

Originally Posted by Nikka488

Here's what I ended up ordering:


Clark Synthesis TST209 Tactile Transducer
2 x $79.98 $159.96

Recoton AC212 RCA Y Adapter Cable 1 Male to 2 Female
1 $0.98 $0.98

Dayton Audio SA230 230W Subwoofer Amplifier
1 $199.80 $199.80

$5 off $98 - Thank you for your previous order
1 ($5.00) ($5.00) --- PESAVE5 is the coup

FedEx Ground $4.95
Order Total: $360.69

I ended up going with a stand alone amp that will look nice in my theater set up. I could have gone cheaper and built my own box, but I know it would never look as nice as a stand alone AMP.

Thank you to everyone who helped. Especially Bluvette & Kali157

Congrats, you will love them. Remember to check back with us after you have them installed.

[Bluvette]

Originally Posted by Kali157

Know what, thinking about it, if the price is nearly the same, I would go with two 209s to help spread the vibrations. I went with the Silver b/c it was $100 vs $160 +ship for two 209s. In truth, I don't think it is power you will be lacking for your application. If you were to install it under the floor, then that would be a different story.

By the way, I called Clark Synthesis about their rating when I was shopping for mine, and the tech said that two of any of their transducers does not equal twice the force or lift. So two 209s does not equal 432 lbs of force. I was asking b/c the Gold was rated at only 378 lbs vs 432 lbs for two 209s, so who the hell would spend for the Gold? He explained it in detail... but I don't remember. Maybe give them a call?

This is true but like you said 2 will spread the effect out through the couch. It will give him more shake than he may want

[Nikka488]

Originally Posted by Bluvette

This is true but like you said 2 will spread the effect out through the couch. It will give him more shake than he may want

I figure it's a learning curve. If 2 end up being to much then I can either find the optimal output from the AMP to turn it down OR I can take one Transducer out of the couch and put it in a nice leather chair I have.

I'll take pics. My Theater gallery is way outdated. I need to add some more current shots.

I put in the order today. The earliest it will arrive is next Wed. So it leaves this weekend to gather materials (hardwood board, L brackets, etc...) and start to plan out the couch building/reinforcing phase. Then next Thursday/Friday night or next Saturday I'll get it all put together.

I can't wait.

[Bluvette]

Originally Posted by Nikka488

I figure it's a learning curve. If 2 end up being to much then I can either find the optimal output from the AMP to turn it down OR I can take one Transducer out of the couch and put it in a nice leather chair I have.

I'll take pics. My Theater gallery is way outdated. I need to add some more current shots.

I put in the order today. The earliest it will arrive is next Wed. So it leaves this weekend to gather materials (hardwood board, L brackets, etc...) and start to plan out the couch building/reinforcing phase. Then next Thursday/Friday night or next Saturday I'll get it all put together.

I can't wait.

Agreed, you will have to play with the gain on the amp to dial it in perfect for you. Some people like more action and some less.

[Waszak1977]

Originally Posted by Bluvette

Man you must be doing some serious shaken.

Each Kicker has a 3Lb magnetic floating piston (for lack of better words) You shake/vibrate 12 lbs at frequencies as low a 3HZ & you're really moving!

I used to have a Youtube video, My cup of water in the T-Rex Jurassic park seen was WAY better! Now w/ Blu-ray the sound is even better, I noticed the lows are much smoother sounding, & I say sounding because most who have never used these just think they "Shake"... I love the FEEL of sound

[Kali157]

Originally Posted by Nikka488

I figure it's a learning curve. If 2 end up being to much then I can either find the optimal output from the AMP to turn it down OR I can take one Transducer out of the couch and put it in a nice leather chair I have.

I'll take pics. My Theater gallery is way outdated. I need to add some more current shots.

I put in the order today. The earliest it will arrive is next Wed. So it leaves this weekend to gather materials (hardwood board, L brackets, etc...) and start to plan out the couch building/reinforcing phase. Then next Thursday/Friday night or next Saturday I'll get it all put together.

I can't wait.

Congrats. I think you made a good choice on the 209. Take a pic of the bottom of your couch if you want ideas on the bracing. Either way, have fun on the build.

[MovieFanatic2010]

I was reading a review on some buttkickers and this reviewer said .

"One other note on installation, if your seating is sitting on thick carpet or on cement, you may need to purchase some rubber isolators to make sure that the shaking stays in the seat and is not transferred to the floor."

If this is true ? If so where would i purchase rubber isolators for something like this ?
Thanks

[Nikka488]

Originally Posted by MovieFanatic2010

I was reading a review on some buttkickers and this reviewer said .

"One other note on installation, if your seating is sitting on thick carpet or on cement, you may need to purchase some rubber isolators to make sure that the shaking stays in the seat and is not transferred to the floor."

If this is true ? If so where would i purchase rubber isolators for something like this ?
Thanks

Hey Bro,
I saw them on Parts Express for less than $6. You might want to check Monoprice as well.

I have carpet @ home, but will test them out and get rubber isolators if necessary. Either that or have BigDaddy help me make them myself. LOL

[Nikka488]

Originally Posted by Kali157

Congrats. I think you made a good choice on the 209. Take a pic of the bottom of your couch if you want ideas on the bracing. Either way, have fun on the build.

There's no way I'm turning down the option to have help on bracing. I will throw my couch on the operating table this weekend and take some pictures of it's insides.

[Kali157]

Originally Posted by Nikka488

Hey Bro,
I saw them on Parts Express for less than $6. You might want to check Monoprice as well.

I have carpet @ home, but will test them out and get rubber isolators if necessary. Either that or have BigDaddy help me make them myself. LOL

I wouldn't buy Clark's "special" isolators at $6 per foot. Just get these at $1.75 each. Same dimensions and has the metal washer.

edit
wait this doesn't have the metal washer... can't find what I bought... hmmmmm

I bought a couple sets of these few months back for my sub riser and other projects. Slightly smaller but should work on a couch.

[Waszak1977]

Originally Posted by MovieFanatic2010

I was reading a review on some buttkickers and this reviewer said .

"One other note on installation, if your seating is sitting on thick carpet or on cement, you may need to purchase some rubber isolators to make sure that the shaking stays in the seat and is not transferred to the floor."

If this is true ? If so where would i purchase rubber isolators for something like this ?
Thanks

Its true, the "rubber" things are Kinetic Isolators, I used them everytime, the soft & squishy the better (IMHO)

But yeah, they help, You can even build a deck and just mount them to the "floating floor" for the same effect, just less of an impact. Since I was injured & the surgeries piled up ive had to turn mine way down! Bullets HURT! even fake ones Sure is fun though!

[Big Daddy]

Over the past few months too many people have sent me private messages and asked the same question about using a single mono amplifier to power multiple Transducers/Buttkickers/Bass Shakers. In order to help other members, I decided to add a new section to post #1 on this topic. Please read it.

[Nikka488]

Here are two shots of my couch. I'm actually surprised how shallow it is. Any thoughts or suggestions on how to go about bracing the transducers in it?

I have to measure it, but the depth from the spring to the frame is about 3 - 3.5 inches. Is it safe for the Transducers to touch the springs? Or should I mount them between the frame and floor? (which is about 4-4.5 inches)

Thank you

[Kali157]

Okay this is the $hittiest drawing, but it was on the quick. I would make the parallel reinforcements (the blue) if the couch frame isn't that thick. I think you can make this out of framing 2x4s. Just place screws along the length it is in contact with the couch frame... maybe even add wood glue (like titebond III).

I would use angle brackets to connect the crossbeams (red) to the frame. As someone said, I would use bolts with a thread locker, not screws.

I would also attach the bottom (relative to pic) reinforcement (blue) to the outer frame of the couch, ie the frame the back legs are attached to, not the beam that supports the backrest. In most couches, the backrest frame isn't as solid as the outer frame.

Oh and try to put the transducer right under the butt of the seated person.

Finally, I would reinforce the entire outer, bottom frame with angle brackets. And by the looks of your couch legs, you will probably need some rubber feet.

Anyway, this is what I would do. Hope it helps a bit.

[Nikka488]

Originally Posted by Kali157

Okay this is the $hittiest drawing, but it was on the quick. I would make the parallel reinforcements (the blue) if the couch frame isn't that thick. I think you can make this out of framing 2x4s. Just place screws along the length it is in contact with the couch frame... maybe even add wood glue (like titebond III).

I would use angle brackets to connect the crossbeams (red) to the frame. As someone said, I would use bolts with a thread locker, not screws.

I would also attach the bottom (relative to pic) reinforcement (blue) to the outer frame of the couch, ie the frame the back legs are attached to, not the beam that supports the backrest. In most couches, the backrest frame isn't as solid as the outer frame.

Oh and try to put the transducer right under the butt of the seated person.

Finally, I would reinforce the entire outer, bottom frame with angle brackets. And by the looks of your couch legs, you will probably need some rubber feet.

Anyway, this is what I would do. Hope it helps a bit.

Thank you so much. That helps big time. My only concern is depth. I think I'll have to put the transducers under the persons butt, but between the wood and the floor because if they are between the wood and the springs, sitting on the couch would make the springs rest on the transducers.

I wish the parts were here already.... They are scheduled to arrive Wednesday.