Review: Simagic Alpha Mini v.1

If you haven't seen the brand Simagic pop up when looking at simulated driving hardware for PC, you probably must have lived under a rock the last year. The Alpha Mini is the smallest direct drive the company is offering and as usual, I try to find out what people like about it.
00:00:22 Design
00:02:53 Technology
00:03:23 Performance ACC
00:07:50 Performance BeamNG
00:13:24 Compatibility
00:14:09 Eco-system
00:14:38 Price & availability
00:15:45 Software
00:17:17 Known problems
00:18:23 Conclusion
#simagic #alphamini #review #simracing #simdriving

[@buffysteve]

I have been using my new Alpha mini and gt neo wheel for two days and loving it. I got it in Australia from Simrigs. They are the official supplier here. Free delivery. I had to wait a couple of weeks for the base as they were sold out. It came in on the 6th June and they express posted it to me straight away. I received it the next day. Awsome service. The only problem I had with games was I had to manually delete all previous ffb files in ACC relating to my old Logitech G29. After that it was great. I think the main difference is the tyres feel like rubber on the road now. Thanks for the review.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Good service of the reseller. And aside from feeling the types, I bet alot more detail for the rest too. Absolutely love the amount of detail they manage to squeeze out of that motor. Enjoy the ride 💙

[@Thorkell_Joms]

This is the v1 version. I heard Alpha Mini v3 improved some flaws (overheating) and evolved the product, but it has not 13nm peaks anymore like other reviewers commented and is still commented. Many users that bought the Alpha Mini v3 found the 10nm underwhelming for the price range and I would really like to know more because I'm on the edge about Moza R12 and the Alpha Mini v3. I really appreciate the review and good information but my fear is that this v1 version is not sold anymore and the v3 is a different experience for the buyer. UPDATE: SIMAGIC posted at Reddit adressing this concern: "Fact: There has been NO reduction in the peak torque output of any Alpha wheelbase. Fact: The Alpha Mini, for example, still packs the same punch, delivering 10 Nm of peak torque. We've even seen reports of it exceeding this figure, but we prefer to be conservative in how we present our lineup to ensure consistent performance across all units."

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

This has been interesting information. I adapted the thumb and titles. Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I did not realize there was such a difference. I just now quickly read into this and the difference seems to be mainly the housing, formfactor a bit different and another less heavy PSU. There is also the performance part. I wonder if they changed the motor but didn't find any information about this or if this is simply software changes. If you would encounter some extra information, I would love to hear. Again thank you! Unfortunately I can't help you with the predicament you are in... it seems I have reviewed either of them atm 🤭 Source changes: www.reddit.com/r/Simagic/comments/1crd241/update_alpha_mini_v1_vs_v3/#:~:text=The%20v1%20is%20longer%20heavier,upstructed%20by%20the%20body%20itself.

[@Thorkell_Joms]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource I would like to know if the difference is so noticeable, but we can just take some users posts on Reddit or comments that compared the v1 and v3. Or compared the Alpha Mini v3 with the Moza R9 strength or R12. Some like more the Simagic (really good servo motor) and some notice a Nm downgrade. That reddit post was shared on “Simagic Official owners and fan Group” facebook group and Simagic Official replied: “Alright time for us to come in here. Our v3 isn't a downgrade at all, and we'd like to clarify our official listings have never listed Mini as a 13nm. We have made improvements and development changes to the motor over time, in v1 the symmetrical aspect of the motor was from left to right, it's now up and down. We have also changed the power supply, opting for a newer, high efficiency gallium nitride solution that has longer life. None of these changes impact the driving feel, but they do reduce the damage rate during production and further improve the service life. So... is that clear enough?” facebook.com/groups/Simagicofficial/permalink/1568923663670738/ Very political answer that the product is more polished, but the Alpha Mini has an incredible reputation by many famous reviewers (some collaborations with Simagic) and the conclusion of all of the reviews is that the Alpha Mini (v1) is the best mid-tier DD base because has 13nm peak and competes with Moza R12 and Asetek La Prima on strength. They profit with this amazing marketing, but we don’t know if that is actually true now and it’s obvious no company will admit it. I don’t hate a downgrade, I hate the lack of information to purchase a product that was said at many reviews with collaborations that is so good as 13nm bases. If Simagic comments on the 10 o 13nm peak people will buy happily the Alpha if they want more Nm.

[@Max__apex]

This is a claim that has no basis. The Mini v3 has the same power. This is a lie and this guy has no evidence. He is spreading total crap

[@marvingvk]

I am waiting for my v3 and also got a bit disappointed while reading about the lack of nm on the v3. But I think that many KZbinr reviewing the v1 also hyped the feeling and quality of the ffb and not just its strength. I still believe that the v3 will be excellent and I am looking forward to it. And on the other hand everybody will be happy when their wheelbase works for many years instead of a breakdown. I believe they improved their product with the v3. Everything else wouldn’t make much sense.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@Thorkell_Joms understood. But in a way they admit it is not as powerful any more in their post. The question is ofcourse in what degree and does it affect other things. Basically the question you have. I will not be able to help with that. I dont mind investing in hardware to help out our community but it would be nice if the community helps out small content creators too with using their affiliate links. People tend to think all reviewers just get free stuff while it is just only the lucky few. I will be on the lookout for a v3 and will sell a few other pieces of hardware if I find one at the right price but I am afraid that by the time I find one, you will have already made your decission or a v4 will have been introduced. Thanks again for taking the time for giving the feedback. I, and people watching this review, can all benefit from it.

[@steirerblut_]

I've had my Alpha Mini together with their GT Neo and p1000 pedals for a month now. While I spent double compared to my old Fanatec CSL DD Setup all the shady stuff going on at Fanatec had me kind a worried. Main reason was that their local distributor is only 10km from my place and that he took the time to explain everything and give proper buying decision. Their software seems to be much better maintained and their support got back to me within a day. However, while their products are quite a bit more upmarket compared to Fanatecs products it does not feel like a worlds difference to me. But I'm also the guy who uses only 40% of FFB strength and who drives with lighter springs on their pedals. But 1380 Euro for all parts is still a lot of money of course.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I can absolutely relate to that. While the upgrade from Lets say gear driven to direct drive is phenomenal, the difference between the direct drives are a lot less (in comparison with price). Nonetheless, the service is also very important and while I still think that a lot of the Fanatec-is-bad news is exaggerated, their SAV is as disorganised as it can be, that is a fact.

[@asSIMuNation]

Simagic does both PC and Playstation really well, but requires a dedicated device called a SIGMA for the latter. For PC, it is has 360hz FFB for Iracing. The only other brand that has that is Simucube and that costs significantly more. For Playstation, sigma emulates a true DD FFB... And if you think about it, given it's wide range of high quality ecosystem, no other brand can offer this today.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Sure. A dedicated Device is always a plus but would be nice to have implemented compatibility from Simagic itself. An emulation, no matter how Well it is written is still an emulation based on other hardware that is compatible. But I should test it to really be able to comment on it, that is sure. Thanks for the informative feedback friend

[@asSIMuNation]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource of course. The impediment is not tech but licensing from Sony. So it's on Sony really.

[@marcianzero_yt]

The money has started to grow on your back as it seems. :) another good review. I need to stop the little man from telling me I need an upgrade.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Unfortunately I sold my T818 and some other things to buy this so wont be able to compare it with that one. Got lucky second hand though. Good price. Perhaps if you see a to good deal to pass up, you can 😏

[@philippehnert1578]

Thx for this review! Are the details of Simagic better than cammus c5 or are both at the same level? And If you give 10 of 10 Points for the better wheelbase how many points have the other one? Thx for answer!

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I have not played with the C5 for a long time but I have been using the C12 a lot which is when it comes to details about the same as C5. The Simagic manages to let you feel just a bit more. Both let you feel the details but the Simagic really can make you feel more. I would say that if there is a bump in the track of 1cm and 1.5cm, Simagic will be able to make you feel a difference where it would feel similar in the C5. Its in the small details that you really feel the difference. Its hard to grade these wheelbases as there are a lot of variables in it. I am a driver, not a racer. I would rather buy a C5 with some sort of haptics like an HF8 which would cost me less than a full Simagic setup. But then there is the eco-system aspect, the quality aspect (shifters of C5 are a bit less), the software... allez... its just too hard to grade them. Its like I say at the end. Do you want a Porsche or is the Volkswagen enough for you. Both are good cars, one is just a bit better but also costs a lot more.

[@philippehnert1578]

​@@SimulatedDrivingResource Thx for fast answer. I think it helps. The c5 is a very good option for me!

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

The C5 is a wheelbase suitable for a lot of people. We have seen a race the last years for affordable direct drives which is a main variable for a lot of people. Cammus with the C5 is at this moment really the cheapest which offers already a very pleasurable experience.

[@asSIMuNation]

Comment on the emulation and the risk of being blocked. It's a risk that is overblown and perpetuated to instill fear. Third party dongles have existed for years... Also if Sony does decide to block it.. It will brick the source device it emulates. Not going to happen. As for the FFB experience not being as good...yes and no. It depends on what is being emulated. If you emulate a gear driven wheel (Logitech G 27) on a direct drive wheel. It's not going to feel good. But if you emulate a DD wheel on a DD wheel with an even better motor, the feeling will be awesome. This is what SIGMA does for Simagic. But at the end of the day the FFB for console is still limited also by platform and PC is still better. Hope this helps

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Everyone has the right to their opinion as long as it is kept civil and when preferably also with some content, you wont be blocked. As I said before, its hard for me to comment on it as I still need to test it before I can really give my opinion.

[@jeffwertz2953]

Received mine last week. The case design has changed somewhat. It's now notched in along the bottom sides to mirror the top.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Hmmm... but still no power button on the base I presume 🤭

[@jeffwertz2953]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource Nope, still on the cord.

[@michaellucas5859]

How is the strength? I head it was reduced in the latest version.

[@jeffwertz2953]

@@michaellucas5859 I never used the older firmware to compare it to, but feels plenty strong to me coming from a CSL DD 8 Nm.

[@msflight9409]

Hi, great review! On the site it says tax included. Did you have to pay/foresee extra import cost for Belgium from the douane?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

I bought it second hand so dont know. However, in the past when I bought from China, i paid shipping up front and then after I received a message from the carrier when it arrived in BE to pay x € for import tax. I would ask in advance before you buy via them if there is the extra cost unless someone of the viewers here can answer.

[@msflight9409]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource Thx. Those import taxes could sometimes be unreasonable high. I will avoid and try to buy the set via a local retailer. Grt

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely. Normally prices from local retailers "should" be around the same price. You will however know precisely what the price is. 👍

[@Team_Reaper.]

nice i have my eyes on simagic alpha mini with gts wheels and p1000 pedals but it's costly for me that why im gonna buy csl dd 8nm with loadcell pedals

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Not only for you my friend. Its very nice material but for my personal use, it would not be worth it. The difference is there, I wont argue different...but well... its not given away.

[@Team_Reaper.]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource thx for the reply

[@Team_Reaper.]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource what's your opinion about buying csl dd 8nm in 2024 ( im not interested in moza products )

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@Team_Reaper. there has been a lot of negative news concerning Fanatec. Some is warranted but most is blown out of proportion. I believe that the CSL DD 8 is a more than decent piece of material with a very large eco-system and decent software for a very reasonable price and. I would still recommend it for a lot of cases.

[@Team_Reaper.]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource yep im def buying it

[@PJDobbs]

Quack quack time!

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

An expensive quack this one 🤭

[@PJDobbs]

@SimulatedDrivingResource I believe I have one of their wheels. It's either sim motion or sim magic. It fits the moza. No buttons, though. Can't use it in vr.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@PJDobbs yeah the qr is the same I think. Not cheap though their wheels 😕

[@PJDobbs]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource It was a generic one. Just the wheel. Under $100.00. I think around$70.00

[@Dave062YT]

Looks great [apart from the lack of power switch which is bizarre] but in 2024 ,for me,you need pc and console capability so Fanatec and Logitech are the only options imo .Those gimmicks for cross platform play dont look too good in the few tests I've seen.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Absolutely. I forgot to mention there is like some of breaker switch on the power cable itself but indeed strange of the power button. Yeah I agree... i should really test them but yeah is also difficult to test since ffb on console is also implemented different. But between us, for me it is still no match for the G Pro 😎

[@St0rm1388]

How did you manage to put your hand on a V1?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

Where I get all my hardware. Second hand market.

[@gustering]

whats the difference between v1, v2 and v3? tks

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

The PSU has less output and different plug. The design has been altered (it got shorter and all attachment points are cut out instead of just 2). More of the internal Electronic components are moved to the sides. Simagic claims there is No difference in driving sensation.

[@gustering]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource sry I didn't understood, are you talking about v1, v2 or v3? tks

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

V1 -> V3

[@TheDoctor46vr]

Why are you driving with the lines on? Come on you know where Monza goes, don't you?

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

James May navigational skills are even better than mine but yes, Monza is one of the more easy to remember for my emmenthal brain so I could put them off.

[@TheDoctor46vr]

@@SimulatedDrivingResource yeah because in all honesty when I see someone with the lines on what that tells me is, this person is a rookie and doesn't know how to drive. And when you have a page like this, you're giving mixed signals. It makes me think, does this guy know what he's talking about or does he not know what he's talking about? Even if it's a track I don't know eventually after a few laps I start to get the hang of it. I like you, we've had good back in forths in the past but I really don't think driving with the lines on is going to be helping this channel. It's sending the wrong message, it's a visual contradiction.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

You are....100%..... right. It doesn't look professional and I hadn't even thought of it that way. Next versus video with the Alpha Mini, I'll keep them off. Not sure what the effect will be though... trying to talk and make sense in English, pay attention to what you feel exactly and pay attention to the circuit is harder than it looks. Thank you for the feedback, it is always a pleasure to read constructive criticism like this.

[@TheDoctor46vr]

​@@SimulatedDrivingResource you're welcome, thanks for receiving it well. I understand it is more of a challenge to hit your braking markers and apex's when you are talking. The only other issue I had was at the end you said you didn't want to say it was the best even though that's what you think. I think just give your honest opinion based on your experience that's what I want to hear. And you said the best wheel base is what we think simulated driving should feel like. I would agree if the people know what they are talking about, but not everybody does. We all know Simucube is the best and it looks like the best bang for your buck is Simagic. I think if you said Simagic Alpha mini is the best wheel base bang for your buck, you are confirming what's already been confirmed, which solidifies the legitimacy of the review in my opinion. Because that is the general consensus. Thanks for making a review on this wheel base, it's good to see it's still the king.

[@SimulatedDrivingResource]

@@TheDoctor46vr Sure, on a technical point of view, it is very likely the best I have driven so far.... likely because I didn't to a vs yet. The detail is amazing, as is the return to center and so many other things. That is said in part 1 of the conclusion, the technical reviewer. Part 2 is me saying that while technically it may be the best, it's not the best bang for everyone. If you have a person driving ETS, wants really a big wheel with a lot of buttons and a big ass butt shaker under his chair. Do you really recommend a Simagic Alpha Mini?? Allez, I see your point, but I think that how I said it makes the most sense to me and makes the message I want to transfer clear.