Tutorial: Nobsound + Douk Audio BS-1 50W

This tutorial explains a simple DashForge tactile setup using a Nobsound USB amplifier and one or two Douk Audio BS-1 50W bass shakers mounted on a sim rig, seat, pedal plate, or frame.

Use this when you want DashForge to generate low-frequency vibration from telemetry without routing game audio through external tools.

Hardware Used

Item	Purpose
Nobsound USB amplifier	Audio output device driven by DashForge
Douk Audio BS-1 50W bass shaker	Converts low-frequency audio into vibration
Speaker wire	Connects the shaker to the amplifier output
USB cable	Connects the Nobsound to the Mac
Optional second Douk Audio BS-1	Left/right, seat/pedal, or front/rear separation

Wiring Diagram

Wiring

1. Connect the Nobsound amplifier to the Mac by USB.
2. Connect the Douk Audio BS-1 to one speaker output on the Nobsound.
3. If using two BS-1 shakers, connect one shaker to the left channel and one to the right channel.
4. Keep amplifier volume low for the first test.
5. Mount the BS-1 firmly to the seat, pedal plate, or rig frame.

Recommended first layout:

Shaker	Nobsound output	DashForge position
Single BS-1	Left or Right	Seat Center
Two BS-1 shakers	Left + Right	Seat Left + Seat Right
Seat + pedals	Left + Right	Seat Center + Brake Pedal or Pedals

macOS Audio Check

1. Open macOS System Settings > Sound.
2. Confirm that the Nobsound appears as an output device.
3. Do not make it your main system output unless you want all Mac audio routed to the shaker amplifier.
4. In DashForge, select the Nobsound directly as the Bass Shakers output.

If the device disconnects after changing settings, unplug/replug USB, then click the refresh button in DashForge's Bass Shakers panel.

DashForge Setup

1. Open Settings > Hardware.
2. Open Bass Shakers.
3. Enable Engine.
4. Set Input Source to Telemetry.
5. Set Default Output to the Nobsound device.
6. Add one shaker.
7. Set its position to Seat Center.
8. Set output mode:
   • L for the left speaker output
   • R for the right speaker output
   • L+R Mono when one shaker should receive the same signal on both channels
9. Start with Gain around 40-60%.
10. Keep the physical amplifier volume low until you confirm the BS-1 is not clipping or heating up.

Recommended starting mix:

Effect	Start
Engine RPM	40%
Road	35%
Suspension	35%
Slip	25%
Brake Lock	15%
Gear Shift	45%

Two-Shaker Setup

For two shakers on a Nobsound stereo output:

DashForge shaker	Output mode	Position
Seat Left	L	Seat Left
Seat Right	R	Seat Right

This lets DashForge send different vibration emphasis depending on position. Rear/seat placements feel more road, engine, suspension, and rear slip. Pedal placements emphasize brake lock and pedal events.

For a single Douk Audio BS-1, L+R Mono is usually the easiest output mode: DashForge sends the same tactile signal to both stereo channels, and you can use whichever speaker output is wired to the shaker.

Tuning Order

1. Turn Master down first.
2. Tune Engine RPM alone.
3. Add Road until the car feels alive at speed.
4. Add Suspension for bumps and impacts.
5. Add Gear Shift for short thumps.
6. Add Slip and Brake Lock lightly.
7. Increase amplifier volume only after DashForge levels feel controlled.

Good Starting Values

Setting	Suggested value
Master	50-70%
Update	60-120 Hz
RPM Range	28-92 Hz
Idle Cutoff	800-1000 RPM
Per-shaker Gain	40-70%

Lower the maximum RPM frequency if the shaker sounds buzzy instead of tactile. Raise the idle cutoff if the shaker keeps rumbling while parked.

The Douk Audio BS-1 is rated for 50W, but tactile output depends heavily on the mounting point. A rigid metal or thick wood mount usually feels stronger and cleaner than a soft or flexible surface.

Test Checklist

• With DashForge idle, the shaker should be silent.
• During replay or live telemetry, engine vibration should follow RPM.
• Gear shift should feel like a short pulse, not a constant buzz.
• Brake lock and slip should be noticeable but not always active.
• Stopping UDP or replay should clear the signal.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
No vibration	Check Nobsound output selection, USB connection, amplifier volume, and shaker wiring.
Constant vibration at idle	Raise Idle Cutoff, lower Engine RPM mix, or lower Master.
Shaker disconnects	Replug USB, refresh outputs, avoid changing system sample rate while DashForge is running.
Sound is too harsh	Lower RPM max frequency and reduce Engine/Road mix.
Left/right feels swapped	Swap output mode in DashForge or swap speaker wires.

Safety Notes For The Douk Audio BS-1

• Start with low DashForge Master and low amplifier volume.
• Avoid long full-power sine-like vibration while parked.
• If the BS-1 or amplifier gets hot, reduce gain and physical volume.
• Secure the shaker firmly before driving; loose mounting can sound louder but feel weaker.
• Stop DashForge output before changing speaker wiring.

Related Pages

• Bass Shakers
• Game Control and Hardware Overview