Surround Sound Feedback for your virtual pinball!

Episode#25 Custom Virtual Pinball Cabinet Build
In this video I will be showing you how to install a Surround Sound Feedback (SSF) system into your virtual pinball cabinet so you can hear and feel sounds coming from the playfield just like a real pinball cabinet! Neat!
I will show you how it works, what parts you need, where to place them, how to wire up your exciters/base shakers/amplifiers, how to set up a 7.1 surround sound in your pc, how to test them, and a bunch of troubleshooting tips to get it all working and tuned up properly. This stuff seems crazy hard but is actually pretty simple once you have a walkthrough like this. Fear not! I got you!
These links will take you to the parts I used/filming gear in this video and help support my channel! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Startech 7.1 External Audio Card amzn.to/3WShz5I
Inline fuse holders amzn.to/3Y5ZkLa
Terminal Blocks amzn.to/3Rq3Dig
USB Extension amzn.to/3HLPZT6
Fork Spade Terminals amzn.to/3jn7qQw
Ground Loop Isolators amzn.to/3HMIZFF
18 Gauge Red/Black wire amzn.to/3HrLITw
Base Shaker amzn.to/3kTcEUF
Exciters amzn.to/3XVclat
SSF Amplifiers amzn.to/3jnlZDQ
Logitech Z407 Speaker Set amzn.to/3l0nfgD
Canon M50 camera amzn.to/3x53c3v
Canon M50 AC adapter amzn.to/3JTaMpe
Canon lense filters/protective covers amzn.to/3HO6fBQ
Rode Wireless Go 2 amzn.to/46eIzl2
Smart Phone tripod with cold shoe mount amzn.to/3RSQUEP
GoPro suction cup mount amzn.to/3DSQHvJ
GoPro head strap and quick clip amzn.to/3RMXxIB
GoPro Media Mod amzn.to/3YESM6r
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GoPro Chest Mount amzn.to/3HFlvAU
GoPro Dual battery charger and battery amzn.to/3DV0xNA
I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
If you would like to make my vpin cabinet, here is a link to the free plans!
sdssautomotive.wordpress.com/...
If you design your own, I'd love to see it! Send pics/video to my DM on Instagram!
Special thanks to Michael Roberts for his amazing guide on how to make a vpin cabinet, check it out here. Thanks for the amazing pictures that really help people understand the assembly process.
mjrnet.org/pinscape/BuildGuide...
Copyright ©2016-2021 Michael J. Roberts.
This book is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. In brief, this means that you're free to use, share, and adapt this work for any purpose, without seeking further permission from the author, as long as you give appropriate credit and pass along the same permissions in your adapted material.
If you would like to keep up with behind the scenes info, pictures, and videos, follow us at / way_of_the_wrench
If you enjoyed the video, learned some cool tech tips, I would appreciate it if you could share out the channel on your social media so I can help more people! Thanks for watching and if you hit the post notification bell, you will know when our next videos are out!
Music for this very special episode by :
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Groovy Chill Synthwave - Solo // Royalty Free Copyright Safe Music
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Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
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• Cyberpunk Synthwave/Re...
Thanks to Teknoaxe for his royalty free music for our intro/outro music. Please check out all of Teknoaxe's sweet music tracks!
www.teknoaxe.com
Intro music is Synthwave D
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Outro music is Sythwave E
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Disclaimer: These videos are intended for entertainment and inspiration. Working in a woodshop, metalshop, or autoshop is dangerous without proper safety and experience. Always seek professional advice and training before using any power tools/machinery. If you have any uncertainty before performing any shop procedure, stop and learn a safe method/technique. Do not attempt anything simply because you saw it in one of my videos. Be smart, use common sense, respect your power tools/machines, and be safe.

[@macdox69]

Your videos were so valuable for helping make my virtual cabinet, thank you. One issue I encountered once everything was set up was some tables made terrible rumbling sounds and shook my cabinet to an alarming amount. Having never used SSF before, I wasn't sure if this was normal and not something I wanted. It took a while to realize the issue was some tables had all there settings in VP sound manager set to table. So all music, speech was sent to the SSF speakers as well. A simple toggle to send to the backglass and save the table and problem fixed. It wasn't a problem with all music, speech, but for some it needed to be changed. Maybe that might help someone else with the same issue.

[@wayofthewrench]

I've had this happen on only 2 out of 150 tables or so. So it's pretty rare. I wonder if you just happened to find a couple in a row. Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

[@SmarK2K]

this video is gold, should be in the bible of virtual pinball building, thank you very much!

[@wayofthewrench]

Wow, thanks! Glad you appreciate the video and my teaching style. If you deem me worthy, I'd really appreciate it if you could share out my channel on your social media so I can help more people. Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

[@Jewer76]

Your excitement when you feel the exciters for the first time absolutely sold it for me :D

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah dude! The very first flipper hit was a real eye opener......so needed on vpins. Thanks for the watch!

[@RussellStewart]

Really good video. Thank you for sharing SSF with everyone. It’s fantastic to see it so popular these days.

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah it is pretty amazing to experience and I'm super glad I installed ssf on my vpin cab. Thanks for the watch!

[@sh987]

Another Canadian (Victoria) and wanted to stop and thank you for your video. I just followed it step-by-step to get SSF going in my cabinet.

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome! I used to live in Victoria! I really miss the Island.....but maybe not the rain. You're very welcome! Hope this video makes it really easy for you. SSF is amazing, you're gonna be blown away! Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

[@joeybeaulieu8123]

This is now going to be my go to SSF tutorial video I will point folks to. So Well Explained. only thing I Would of added, is to explain what different color plug ins on a 7.1 built in sound card would be front sides and back. incase they didnt use the startech route. but other then that, this is the most clear informative and easy to follow video I have ever seen for SSF installs. Hopefully this will encourage many to persue and try it on their cab builds at home, I know quite a few that are scared to try it cause they think its too complicated, and I think this video will set them straight. Thank you.

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome, I was shooting for making a clear and easy to understand ssf video so Im happy to hear you think I nailed it. Good point about telling people what the 7.1 connections are on a motherboard but I think I covered that at 7:25. Thanks for the watch and for your support of the channel! Cheers!

[@Leroys_Stuff]

I’m really impressed with this been fun hanging around can’t wait to see this done looking awesome

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Leroy! Yeah its going pretty good, moving on the addressable leds next! Cheers!

[@johnr8898]

I absolutely love this channel and how thorough you are with explaining your build process. I was super new to the Vpinball world and your videos have certainly taught me a ton!! THANK YOU!

[@wayofthewrench]

Thank you for your kind words! Glad you're loving the content! If you deem me worthy, I'd really appreciate it if you could share my channel on your social media so I can help more people. Thanks in advance and welcome to the channel John!

[@rul644]

I have my doubts if i will add this kind of system sound in my future virtual pinball, but, if i would, obviously i will follow your instructions! It was very very easy to watch and understand😊 The machine i'm going to do will be more easier. Because of my budget. I'm going to use recycled parts of PCS, TVs and so on. Many thanks for the easy explanation, and sorry about my english.😅

[@wayofthewrench]

SSF is required in my opinion, I wouldn't build a cabinet without it.....it is that good! You should totally plan for it. Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

[@larrypeterson2453]

Installed my SSF the other day following your excellent video. I am running Windows 10 and used the same sound card, everything worked perfectly. Getting this up and running without your video would have been a challenge. Thanks for all the great videos!!

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome! Im happy to hear that my video made it easy for ya to get set up. SSF is pretty amazing eh? Thanks for the watch!

[@scottzimmer8336]

Your timing is great. I have mostly the exact hardware for SSF (based on your previous video) and I am nearly ready to make my attempt at installation. Based on this video, my confidence is much higher. Thanks so much for such a great series!

[@wayofthewrench]

Perfect! I hope your install is a clean and easy one bud! Ask if you have any questions.

[@nealrobinson7886]

I’ve been thinking so much about how I need to learn how to do this for my build process!! This video is awesome!!

[@wayofthewrench]

You need to add SSF to your vpin or you need to start your vpin? SSF is a huge game changer! Lot's to learn but waaaay worth it. Cheers!

[@falviousuk]

One of the best, easily explained video I have seen on this subject. Will check out your other videos

[@wayofthewrench]

Thank you very much! I try very hard to make the best videos I can so it's always nice to hear back from people. If you deem me worthy, I'd really appreciate it if you could share my channel on your social media so I can help more people. Thanks for the watch!

[@illrod3k]

Very thorough tutorial, awesome job… thanks for sharing

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome! Glad you liked the video! Thanks for the watch! Cheers!

[@TomWoodsAmp]

Hi fellow Canuck! I built seven machines years ago. Now trying to get back into the world and do a new build for myself. Your videos are fantastic and amazing guides. I was recently trying to wrap my head around 7.1 and SSF versus the old school of two 2.1 systems I used to do. This video really helped! Great work, much appreciated

[@wayofthewrench]

Hey! Where are you in the Great White North? Glad my video helped ya get going with SSF, it's a game changer for sure. Cheers!

[@TomWoodsAmp]

@@wayofthewrench Southern Ontario - Elora Cheers!

[@wayofthewrench]

Nice, I'm in Vancouver B.C. cheers!

[@jerry_lopez]

Great video on SSF. Already ordered same parts. Can’t wait to see the future paint and vinyl video and find out what you do with the pocket holes. Love to see a video when it’s all finished on lessons learned, what would you do different, etc.

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Jerry! Yeah the bodywork is coming soon....not looking forward to the sanding. That's a great idea! I'll make a video at the end of the budget build sharing my lessons learned and what I would do differently. Thanks for the idea! Cheers Jerry!

[@djcasl]

Thank you for the Exciter tip, wil definitely be using those on my own build

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah ya gotta do it, it's a huge upgrade....HUGE!

[@brandonconstant7226]

Great video, very clean setup! One thing you should also consider when choosing an amplifier is that the advertised RMS ratings are assuming a 24 volt input (at least with the cheaper Amazon ones). Sometimes the listings will have a comparison table for 12v, 19v, etc.

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah that's good info. These amps Rock though, they are way louder than needed..even at 12 v in. Thanks for the watch!

[@scorpio6819]

I had these Transducer in my cab , but I wasn't satisfied, so I upgraded to Daytonaudio HDN-8 sounds and feels great 😊 I have watched all your videos great work btw 👍

[@wayofthewrench]

Oh yeah? That sucks, well hopefully I got some good ones that lasts cause right now these ones rock! Thanks for all your watch time, much appreciated! Cheers!

[@seanmal99]

Really amazing series. Thank you! Can't wait to see the next video

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome! Stoked to hear ya guys are liking them. Editing some new videos right now!

[@seanmal99]

@@wayofthewrench Really looking forward to hear if SSF is sufficient for you and if you are planning on adding more toys like shakers, solenoids, etc. I am working on a build and trying to decide if I need to plan on things like LEDWiz and a sainsmart board to power Lighting and other toys. Sounds like you are not going that route yet? But it would be great to see the series progress and you add more things over time.

[@wayofthewrench]

Honestly, I think ssf is enough but I will most likely add some solenoids/contactors to show people how to do it. I also am putting in dof controlled leds using a teensy and octo board. I also already have an ledwiz board and some rgb buttons for a future upgrade video too. I also want to add some mechanical toys like a shaker motor. Lots still to do! Cheers!

[@HomeArcadeInABox]

Really good video. You explained SSF better than I have ever seen. Great work here.

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Bruh! Hoping this will make it easier for people to get into the hobby and enjoy one of the cooler aspects of vpins....ssf! Cheers!

[@HomeArcadeInABox]

@@wayofthewrench Most definitely. Goal accomplished. Explained even better than Major Frenchy and that is saying something.

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks bud! Major Frenchy Messaged me a while ago, he is watching my series to build a vpin cabinet from scratch now. Cool huh?

[@dmoehling]

Another Amazing quality build video! SSF is great, though as you mentioned, not supported on all tables. Worth adding to your cabinet without a doubt!

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks dude! Yeah ssf is pretty awesome and it's hard to play non ssf tables for sure. Luckily a lot of these vpx tables have it. I'll get DOFLinks set up later and get some more ssf goodness going. Thanks for the watch!

[@cybermad64]

Your wiring is sooooo clean. :O

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Marc! When I do the final tear down/paint/assemble I will tidy it up even further using split loom tubing. Thanks for the watch!

[@DJ_Blaker]

Once I finish building my games room, this will be my next big build fooooor sure!! Sound and vibration makes a huge difference I bet! Much more realistic feeling!

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah you gotta build one of these, you won't be disappointed. SSF for the win!

[@johnk12345100]

Thank you! I had horrific SSF feedback when. I turned up my 2 amps. Put those ground loop isolators on, and it sounds great. NO feedback at all!

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome, glad I could help you figure out the issue! Thanks for the watch!

[@yenski132able]

Thanks so much for your video, a simple solution for my new cabinet :)

[@wayofthewrench]

You're very welcome. Doesn't SSF rock! You get it installed yet? You have to install Pinvol after....it's another game changer!. Thanks for the watch!

[@happydonkeypinball]

Es increíble como explicas de bien cada cosa que haces, hablamos idiomas distintos y con los subtitulos automáticos te puedo seguir perfectamente, gracias y saludos

[@wayofthewrench]

That's awesome! I'm glad that people all around the world can learn from my content! Maybe you can help me be famous in your part of the world, I'd really appreciate it if you could share out my channel on your social media so I can help more people. Thanks for the watch and your support for the channel. Cheers!

[@philmckracken1354]

Sweet, thanks for the links to the parts you used. :) keep em' flippin'.

[@wayofthewrench]

You bet! Let me know if I missed something from the video. Cheers!

[@philmckracken1354]

@@wayofthewrench All of my parts arrived today so I'll be working on this set up this weekend :) I'll let you know how it goes.

[@wayofthewrench]

Sweet, I'm excited for you.....it's pretty awesome once you hear/feel it!

[@Diego10-80]

You are the best!! Regards from Madrid!!!

[@wayofthewrench]

Cheers Diego! Thanks for the praise!

[@bellonwheels726]

Thank you for another great video. I can give a big Amen to your suggestion of the Logitech Z407. As a professional audio engineer, I am quite picky about sound. Based on your earlier advice, I installed this in my cabinet and am very impressed. For the dollar it is one of the best sounding systems I've encountered. Once again you have NOT steered me wrong! Thank you.

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah it's an amazing system and was blown away by the quality and clear loud music that came out of it! Im not a professional audio engineer but I play guitar and mess around with car audio installs so I like to think my ear for good clean audio is pretty good. How's your build going?

[@bellonwheels726]

@@wayofthewrench Finished except for glass and cab exterior, which needs pocket hole fills, sanding and painting. Taking a break over the holidays and will pick back up in 2023. Also, I haven't installed any LED FX and I'm not sure I ever will - but leaving the option open for future expansion.

[@wayofthewrench]

Cool, you're where I am then. I'm doing LED Fx though so you can see if you want to from my videos coming soon. So far they are pretty cool!

[@rtkiiiprod]

Thanks for this...i want to add this to my setup for sure.

[@wayofthewrench]

You're very welcome! Yes, you need to add ssf for sure. It's amazing. Thanks for the watch!

[@andrewseroka2173]

Love this video, thank you for spending the time to put this together

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Andrew! Glad you enjoyed the video. You building a vpin? Cheers!

[@andrewseroka2173]

@@wayofthewrench yes for sure, it’s a long process and information such as your video is invaluable to join the dots

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah, it's a big complicated project for sure but also probably the coolest thing I have ever made. I'm just glad the videos are helping people out. Enjoy your build Andrew!

[@andrewseroka2173]

Don’t think this was covered, what power supply/supplies are required to power the two amplifiers to drive the two bass and four exciters.? Thank you

[@Spawn-wt6ul]

Love your vids about vpin bro, thank you.

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Bruh! You should check out my diy car vids and my welding videos that are sponsored by the Canadian Welding Association....there just as good! Thanks for the watch!

[@linoj]

Been watching and loving all your videos. Came back to this one because i'm getting ready to order parts for my cab. FYI there's a typo in your notes, first item says "Startech 7.1 External Video Card" but i'm sure you meant "audio"! :)

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome, glad you enjoying the content! Yes, you're right....it should be audio card. Thanks for the heads up! Cheers Jonathan!

[@rogeriorafaldini2899]

Sua explicação é sensacional. Parabéns!!! Tenho uma máquina montada e penso em fazer isso.

[@wayofthewrench]

Don't think about it....do it! You won't regret it! Salut!

[@Urko2005]

Great video.

[@wayofthewrench]

Glad you enjoyed it dude!

[@bonicb11b3]

Option 4 for 7.1 is to use line out from the tv or even relocate the tv speakers to the backbox. Choose hdmi for backbox and use mobo 5.1 for ssf in vpx sound settings.

[@wayofthewrench]

Nice! That's a good tip! Cheers!

[@markvane3396]

This was my question. So I have to by only 2 amplifiers? Right? Thanks

[@Shaner014]

Yes!!! New pinball vid day!!

[@wayofthewrench]

Yup....its on like Donkey Kong! What did ya think? Thanks for the watch!

[@Shaner014]

@@wayofthewrench content is SO mint bud! Love these, and watch them no less than 3 times each to pick out all the details lol. Cheers!

[@wayofthewrench]

Hey they says 7 times is the magic number for memory retention! Lol. Cheers!

[@cpace123]

You can convert existing drivers(speakers) into bass shakers. I will take a little learning on what speakers will be best. Also do a little thrifting and you can find some good receivers on the low cost, with plenty of power.

[@wayofthewrench]

Hrmm....never thought about doing that. Thanks for the tip! Cheers!

[@cpace123]

Did you see the 3D with no glasses at CES? Man that would be such an upgrade for a pinball table. Of course it was CES so who knows if we will ever get it.

[@wayofthewrench]

No I'll have to check that out. I know that vpx has some kinda 3d setting that uses glasses and the future pinball uses bam and a xbox 360 kinect for 3d. I haven't tried either yet but it's on my list.

[@kdstyles1979]

I have really enjoyed watching your builds. I doubt strongly I will ever do as much as you are doing, but I am getting great ideas for my next build. My first build was an android base pinball machine based on the Sharpin pinball machine. of course I cant do multi display on an android so my backglass is just a reel of animated backglasses on a cheap android box matching the zen pinball games I have downloaded and the DMD is the sharpin software they provide to screen capture the DMD on the main display. it broadcasts to a tablet i has setup as the DMD screen. its choppy and grainy but gets the job done for a cheap build. I am trying to keep both as budget friendly as possible to avoid just purchasing one out right.

[@wayofthewrench]

Glad you're enjoying the channel Kory! Cool! That sounds neat, I wonder if my raspberry pi setup that I used on my arcade would work like you said. I might make a Custom design mini pinball after this cause my wife won't let me bring it in the house plus mine is not really portable. Thanks for the watch!

[@panossales]

thank you so much! I still wanted to ask you, have you connected the logitech z407 to the computer with usb? or in the sound card with 3.5 jack? I also wanted to ask you why you used 2x 2.1 amplifiers and not 1x 7.1? Thank you very much for your time and help@@wayofthewrench

[@Vidal2021]

Regardless of the driver I could never get the Startech to do 7.1. I could only get 5.1 so I returned it and found a used Asus pro MB with 7.1 on board for my 4790k. Worked perfectly the 1st go.

[@wayofthewrench]

I wonder if you had a bad one or if it was something weird during the setup. You wouldn't be the first guy to say that the Startech didn't work though. Glad you got ssf to work! Thanks for the watch!

[@txag007]

THE NEXT VIDEO IN THE SERIES!!! LET'S GO!!!!!!!

[@wayofthewrench]

Let's do this! How'd you like it? Thanks for the watch!

[@txag007]

@@wayofthewrench Your whole series has been excellent! You have given me the confidence to tackle my own build in 2023. Thank you for the very thorough walkthrough and explinations!

[@wayofthewrench]

You're welcome...You start yet? Cheers!

[@thepacketnarc7634]

Most of these issues boil down to exclusive access to the device. If you go into control panel again, or hit windows key and type ‘change system sounds’…and go to the audio device, in this case the star tech device, then click on it and click properties, go to the advanced tab, At the bottom there’s a setting in a checkbox called ‘allow exclusive access to this device’…. Uncheck that. What that setting does is that when any audio app access that device , it will ‘lock’ other devices from accessing it. So, for instance if windows sends desktop sounds and then at some point the VPX app tries to send audio, it sometimes can cause issues when windows doesn’t release the device like it should. Disabling exclusive access fixes this issue for 90% of issues where ‘my audio just went away’

[@wayofthewrench]

That's a great tip to know about. If I ever have any issues, I'll look into that. Thanks for the tip and the watch!

[@eighties8]

Thanks for another awesome video and explanation. Do you have a link for the specific size spade connectors you are using for the buttons and speaker connections?

[@wayofthewrench]

You're welcome dude! I usually just buy bulk boxes of these at Lordco or Napa but you can get 16-22 gauge female spade connectors just about anywhere. Heres an example www.homedepot.ca/product/gardner-bender-fully-insulated-disconnect-terminal-female-22-16-awg-0-25-inch-tab-red-15-clam/1000843286 Cheers!

[@CuddaBrown]

booyah!!! Sweet build my man..

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks! Yeah it's turning out nice. Wait till you see the dof controlled leds! Thanks for the watch!

[@CuddaBrown]

@@wayofthewrench ahhhhh man.. don't hurt nobody

[@wayofthewrench]

....no promises.

[@CuddaBrown]

@@wayofthewrench i can dig it...

[@wayofthewrench]

Did you get a chance to see the dof lights in action yet? Video's up dude!

[@ralfp6196]

Great und informative video. Are the exciters and bass shakers as effective as solenoids regarding to force feedback?

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Ralf! I would say they are better because they are crazy loud/lots of feeling and every table sounds/feels different. If you had contactors/solenoids, they would all have the same sound. One drawback though is the exciters can cause more false nudges if they are turned up, where contactors not as much. Thanks for the watch!

[@MandoMike]

Excellent Video as always, great setup and explanation. I had to take a look at my motherboard and noticed I have 6 audio ports and a fiber optical out, which might give me the options for even digital amps? If that's a thing lol. I'll know once I get into windows and maybe there is a 9.1 surround option (if VPX, FP and FX3 utilizes?) which could use 6 exciters and 2 bass shakers? Research time! LoL See you in the next one!

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks dude! 9.1 ssf???? That's crazy....Not sure if it would be worth it though as the spacing of exciters would be pretty minimal and hard to feel the difference.....maybe I'm wrong though. Thanks for the watch!

[@MandoMike]

@@wayofthewrench Yea I don't even though if 9.1 SSF is even a thing, sounds like it would be a continuous flow of sound from both sides of the cabinet front to rear. there's what a 4 foot space between front and rear exciters? Maybe adding a middle one would be that much more immersive for ball travel and mid bumpers say for Addam's Family where the bumpers are mid table? Hmmm...

[@wayofthewrench]

Hrmmm....maybe.......maybe. Lol

[@terrysmith3767]

Excellent videos, they are a massive help! Stupid question that I must have missed in video. Are you connecting the Bass Shaker's to the sub port of the start tech? And are they connected to a separate power amp?

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Terry! Glad you're liking the series! I have each base shaker connected to a 2.1 amplifier. They are not hooked up to the back box sub. Thanks for the watch!

[@molarmedic]

I would have moved the front bass shaker to the back a bit more. That way you could put a tray for quarters if you wanted to use the coin slots. Where you have it now, there isn't much room for quarter tray.

[@wayofthewrench]

I don't plan on putting real money in this cab, I'm probably closer to putting micro switches on the coin rejects for coin buttons. It would be really easy to make a custom coin box to still make it work. Thanks for the watch!

[@jeffpara9113]

Nice video! Curious though how this compares to regular DOF with solenoid/contactor outputs. Very familiar with that setup and my cabinet currently has 8 solenoids and 2 contactors for the outputs. being as they are mounted in the typical bumper/kicker/flipper locations the sounds are real and come from the area that is more or less where they are on the tables. This is a good concept IF its the same or better than physical hardware sounds, I just don't see it (or hear it). I built my cabinet back in the vp8/9 days, and constantly upgrading. This seems like a good idea, I just don't want to "downgrade" from the real sounds I have with physical components.

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks! The first time you hear and feel the ball rolling down a wire form, you'll be hooked. SSF is amazing and for $150, you don't need to be worried....it is worth it. Plus you can have both running if you want or pick which sounds are run during the game. I highly recommend you install ssf, you can thank me later. Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

[@tonysapienza384]

Wow, let me say that anyone who hasn't added SSF yet should definitely consider it. A major upgrade! I'm trying to figure out how to balance the feedback on flippers and bumpers and the backbox volume. Back box volume is way to loud but that's the only way I can figure out how to get right level of flipper feedback. I think I just need to toy around with it more. Only problem, I may have blown my amps. Everything was working fine and I left and came back to tweak some more and now the exciters and base shakers do not work at all and my amps won't turn on. I need to check to see if the fuse I attached to the power blew. Any other thoughts? It was working fine and now nothing...

[@wayofthewrench]

Yup, ssf is a game changer! Sounds like you need to watch my pinvol and xpadder video so you can adjust all of that. You may have blown a fuse or lost power or had a window update that messed up your audio setup. Hope that helps. Thanks for the watch and your support for the channel! Cheers!

[@tonysapienza384]

Thank you for the reply! I owe you more thank yous than I can count and this is another. It was indeed a fuse. I wonder why it blew? But I never would have thought to put one on this line except I've watched all your videos and each of them dozens of times. I'm almost done with my cab and it's great -- that's in huge part to your truly excellent videos. Thank you for all that you share! And yes, I did watch both the pinvol and xpadder videos and used them to set up my system. I can control my global volume and my table volume but the exciter controls don't work anymore (they did when I first set everything up). I need to watch your video again and try to set it up again because that would help. About to put vibration mat on now but interestingly, the only table that seems to have a tilt problem is AC-DC. But I'm also not totally happy with the sound level or feedback level and if I increase it a bit I may start having more problems so time to lift up my panel and start covering with matting :). The only bad thing about this project is that I'm running out of things to do with it. So much fun building it. I already built a full size retropie arcade so I'm ready for the next project -- will be looking to see what you might come up with. Many thanks again for your expert guidance. Really enjoy the channel.

[@tonysapienza384]

Going to press my luck and see if I could ask you one last question: I blew a fuse again after turning up the volume on front exciters/bass shaker. I got the sound where I want it but I thought it felt better with just a bit more power from the amp and that blew the fuse. I saw the Bojack fuses in a 5 amp as well as the 1 amp that I'm using from your video. If I use a 5 amp is that safe or is it too high and could that damage the amplifier? I thought maybe a 5 amp fuse might allow me to turn up the amplifier a bit more without blowing the fuse. Appreciate your advice!

[@TheNefariousFox]

One thing to note, When you select "full range" Windows is a jerk and doesn't play the subwoofer when those speakers fire. To make matters worse, if you tell Windows that you don't want them to be full range, there is a non-zero chance that the subwoofer will still not fire, and you'll have to find a way to use the driver software to force the sub to always fire. This is not always a problem, and some game software circumvents it, but you should definitely check to make sure it's firing properly.

[@wayofthewrench]

Good info, I'll look into this! I did check whether my sub for the backbox works and it does though. Thanks for the info and the watch! Cheers!

[@rsb3609]

Hi,maybe I missed this in your pinball video series,but did you install any solenoids,for you flippers?,thanks for the series;and the end result is amazing.

[@wayofthewrench]

Nope, I haven't installed solenoids. I went with SSF first and I am super happy with how it is. I might make a video on adding solenoids later just to help people out that want to do that. Thanks for the watch and your support for the channel! Cheers!

[@Chinu306]

Great Video again! I also try do install my SSF but I have a problem because I bought 100W exciter cause they were cheaper than the dayton 25w and had good recom. - but now i have the problem finding the right amp. Does it really destroy my exc. or the amplifier if my amp is not powerful enough or does the the exciter just has limited power? I thought that its a bigger problem if the amp is bigger than the exciter 🤔🤔 Thank you for all your great videos.

[@wayofthewrench]

If your amp is under powered the exciters will clip and shorten their life. Might be better to put in the lower watt exciters or find a bigger amp. Hope that helps. Thanks for the watch!

[@justimagine2403]

Yes I love this too but I got to the point where I have to upgrade A LOT to get to that next level. I just realized the sound card issue. Ugh.

[@wayofthewrench]

You'll figure it out. Best $150 you'll ever spend! Thanks for the watch!

[@CatherineSews]

So cool! Grabbing my root beer now!

[@wayofthewrench]

Mmmmmm....root beer! Cheers!

[@fernandojconti]

Very nice and instructive video. Did you finally put any kind of silicone or other product between the exciter and wood? Did you notice any difference?

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks! No I haven't but there us no concern over vibrations with this set up.....its hella vibrating and needed to be turned down. Thanks for the watch!

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks! No I haven't but there us no concern over vibrations with this set up.....its hella vibrating and needed to be turned down. Thanks for the watch!

[@bmeist7873]

Fantastic video, thanks! I was just wondering why you daisy chain the 12V power on the amps VS connecting each Amp to the 12V terminal block. Is that just to optimize and simplify wiring?

[@wayofthewrench]

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and my teaching style! If you deem me worthy, I'd really appreciate it if you could share out my channel on your social media so I can help more people. Yes, I daisy chain the power and ground to save room and make a cleaner look. If I remember correctly, I used 16 gauge wire so there were no issues with voltage drops. Thanks for the watch and welcome to the channel!

[@GHILLIESARCADEANDMORE]

Cool

[@wayofthewrench]

Cheers dude!

[@lkamons2]

Your videos are excellent BTW. 2 more quick questions. Do you think that the Dayton Audio BST-1 High Power Pro Tactile Bass Shaker 50 Watts RMS, 4 Ohms Impedance - Turn Any Surface into a Speaker System - Generates Subwoofer Lows could be installed under the bottom of the cabinet rather than in the cabinet? I am thinking of adding SSF to my mini VPIN 27" play field and don't really have the room to mount on the inside of the cabinet. Also, the exciters you specify are 8 ohm and the bass shakers are 4 ohm. Does that make a difference? Thanks again for your support of this great hobby!

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks very much! I try very hard to make the very best videos I can so it's always nice to hear from subscribers. Yes you totally can mount them on the outside and they will feel/sound the same but they will be exposed and vulnerable to getting damaged if the cabinet is moved. I haven't noticed any issues with the different ohms, they are very powerful and needed to be turned down. Thanks for the watch and Happy New Year's!

[@abeagley492]

Really finding your videos very helpful in my build. Using the same components so was wondering on the 12V supply, how many amps you are allowing for the 2 x amps and fan control board? Is it 1 fan control board for 4 fans? I am guessing 5amps on a single 2.1 amplifier gives you maximum sound output so would we be needing 10amps for those alone or is that overkill? Was looking at using an arcade PSU but that is only providing 12V DC at 4amp so might not be enough? Much appreciated.

[@wayofthewrench]

Awesome, glad you're liking the content! I would suggest looking up the maximum amperage your components use and total them up. Then buy a power supply that can provide more than that. I just used an old atx power supply and it worked fine. If you have an old one, just test it out. If it works great, if not...buy a dedicated 12v ps. Cheers!

[@patricklawrence8003]

Another super informative video! Thank you so much! Where did you get your anti-vibration material? I checked on Amazon, but I didn't see anything similar in my search.

[@wayofthewrench]

You're welcome! Here a link to the stuff I used, heads up though...the amount I used wasn't enough. When I do the tear down and paint, I will put this mat under the entire shelf on the underside to remove more vibrations from going to the kl25z board. www.amazon.ca/Deadening-Automotive-Deadener-Insulation-dampening/dp/B082Q2J2T4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2GHJQZXOMZ5EQ&keywords=anti+vibration+film+audio+car&qid=1671388101&sprefix=anti+vibration+film+audio+car+%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-2

[@patricklawrence8003]

@@wayofthewrench, this is gonna bum you out, brother... Costs the same price in the US Amazon store, but double the square feet. My offer over chat still stands. ;-) Regardless, thanks so much for the link. Added to my vpin purchase list.

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah that's the story of my life.....everything is way cheaper in the states. Now that Covid is over, I need to start shipping my stuff to Blaine again. Cheers!

[@patricklawrence8003]

@@wayofthewrench I'm planning a trip to Victoria in July and will probably go by way of Vancouver. LMK if you want to stock up on stuff and I shall happily deliver (coming from Seattle).

[@wayofthewrench]

Oh sweet, I love Victoria! If your in town on a Thursday night or Sunday, you should stop at Slice of Life in Vancouver. They have 9 pinball tables and you can play for 4 hours for $10 CAN.....that's like 50 cents American! Hrrmmm, might take you up on your offer for smuggling in pinball goods to Canada! I should get you to bring up a real pinball machine, they are stupid expensive here. LOL Cheers!

[@sam27753]

Suggestion for your next project: RPI2DMD . If you not know, this will the perfect complement for your Gameroom ;-) Thank you my Vpin is almost finished, a old Arcadecab waits for ressurection with a Raspberry Pi and Parts for the Rpi2dmd are ordered *lol*

[@wayofthewrench]

I'll have to look into that. Could make an interesting video. My arcade cabinet has a 28" lg ultrawide monitor for its marquee and I'm really happy with it.

[@sam27753]

@@wayofthewrench Your Top Marquee Monitor, i saw that ;-) also a thing I would add to my arcade Cab. But the RPI2DMD is a clock / weather station / Arcade & Pinball Animation "Player" Awesome project #eyecandy

[@wayofthewrench]

Oh cool. yeah there's lots of that IOT now a days on the net. Too many cool things and not enough money/time. Cheers!

[@michaelspeelman7456]

Thank so much for the video, appreciate it! Followed along and installed speakers and sub for the backbox, 4 exciters, 2 bass shakers, 2 x 2.1 channel amps and the STARTECH 7.1 sound card. Funny thing is I setup up mine the same as yours, backbox in the front (2.1), Rear in surround (5.1) and front in the back, but the sounds that were happening at the front of the table were coming out the back exciters/bass shaker and the sounds happening at the back of the table were coming out the front exciters/bass shaker. I have no idea why, the setup is the same as yours both in hardware and software setup etc. So I simply swapped the connections around, front in surround (5.1) and back in back etc. Now the exciters/bass shakers fire correctly in relation to the table. Any idea why this might be happening? Maybe the STARTECH sound card could be wired up incorrectly? Also I see in VPX there is now also a "7.1 Surround Sound Feedback Enhanced" option. Do we still use the standard option "7.1 Surround (Front is rear, back is side, backbox is front) etc? Thanks again.

[@wayofthewrench]

Hrmmm not sure why, maybe surround is not side? Or maybe the 2.1 amps got mixed up? Glad you figured it out though. I'm still using 7.1 in vpx and not enhanced 7.1. Thanks for the watch!

[@panossales]

thank you very much for your video and your help. I wanted to ask you if you consider the 2x Dayton Audio BST-1 Bass Shaker necessary? I was thinking in order to reduce the cost, I used only 4 small Dayton Audio's DAEX58FP. or is it just one bass shaker instead of two.

[@wayofthewrench]

You could always try it without the base shaker and see how it sounds and then if you feel it's lacking, you could buy 1 and try that before buying a second. Without any base shaker(s), you will be missing out on the lower frequencies. I enjoy mine and am glad I bought them. Hope that helps. Thanks for the watch!

[@brycew4737]

Great video (as always). It looks like the amps you are using output 35W @4 Ohms to the sub when powered with 12v. The BST-1's are rated at 50W. Any concerns there? Wondering if I need to spring for a 24v power supply.

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks dude! My ssf sounds/feels amazing so I don't think it's an issue. Thanks for the watch!

[@douglasdeoliveirasouza1025]

Congratulations for the work, your videos are certainly the most complete that have ever been made about pinball assembly. Here in Brazil, for example, there is almost nothing about the subject. because you didn't use solenoids, are the exitators and shaker system already enough to bring a nice experience? The second is, where the boxes that you placed from longiteck are connected, I didn't see it in the video, there are three cables if I'm not mistaken .Enfin congratulations for the excellent work!

[@douglasdeoliveirasouza1025]

I looked at the video one more time and I saw that behind the subwoofer box, there are inputs for the small boxes, hehehe.

[@wayofthewrench]

You're very welcome! Glad you like the series. If you deem me worthy, I'd really appreciate it if you could share my channel on your social media so I can help more people. Yes, in my opinion the exciters and base shakers are really spectacular and the solenoids are not needed. I highly recommend ssf for your build! Thanks for the watch!

[@douglasdeoliveirasouza1025]

Yes, I recommend your channel in Brazilian communities!

[@wayofthewrench]

Appreciate the support! Cheers!

[@douglasdeoliveirasouza1025]

@@wayofthewrench My friend, here it is now 01:40 and the heat is around 30 degrees. I imagine it must be very cold there.

[@TheCoolDave]

This is a NOTE on Windows updates on Windows 10. *IF* your computer is going to be connected to the internet, DO NOT DISABLE WINDOWS UPDATES and run updates time to time and fix the issues if it happens. If your computer is going to be off the internet, then disable away. I know they are PIA but, Security updates are there for a reason to protect your PC and stop hackers from getting into your PC. Personally, I would treat this as an appliance, no internet to the device, if you need to install something, connect a USB drive. Then disable Widows updates. I would suggest, every 6-12 months, enable Windows updates, run Windows updates, just so your fully up to date. I've worked in IT for 30 years now, trust me, I know.

[@wayofthewrench]

I hear ya CoolDave and once this machine is all setup I will probably disconnect it from the internet and use a usb stick to transfer new files over but for these pinball machines these Windows updates REALLY screws up these things and makes all the programs and settings revert to a non functioning state where all kinds things stop working.

[@TheCoolDave]

@@wayofthewrench For sure, they can be pain on some appliances (I have built a DVR based on Windows and it breaks time to time). I know some people might want dynamic content or streaming tables that they can get but, people open a big security hole by disabling Windows updates. I know they suck but, they don't put them out just to piss off people :) A lot of motherboards have Wi-FI built in and I know people have a feature, they want to use it. You can tame Widows updates a little, you can delay updates for like 30 days, or do what I do, disable like you do but, every 2-3 months I spend an hour going through updates. I do this on my DVR PC. It's not the best advice showing people how to disable Windows updates without the note only to do it if there will be no internet. Not trying to be jerk but, just saying that.

[@wayofthewrench]

Fair point, I should have noted in the video I plan on not using internet. Thanks for the good advice!

[@bdesruis]

Great work. Is your Logitech Z407 plugged on the Startech device with a 3.5 jack from the back of the subwoofer ? Is your Logitech used as a bluetooth device at the same time ?

[@wayofthewrench]

Yes it is and it has Bluetooth but I only turn it on if I want my own music playing from my phone. Thanks for the watch!

[@MrPhilip201]

Great Video as always! So what I saw is people putting solenoids in or this SSF-system. Can you put in both at the same time or is one 'better' than the other?

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks dude! You can have just ssf, or just contactors/solenoids, or you can have both.....it's up to you. Personally, my ssf system sounds and feels amazing so my opinion is that if you don't have a lot of money, just do ssf. If you want the absolute best and money is no concern, do both. You will then use ssf just for the ball rolling and ramps/rails sounds and then the flippers, pop bumpers, etc will be all mechanical toys. I may do some videos showing how to do this as well in the future. Thanks for the watch!

[@MrPhilip201]

@@wayofthewrench Thanks for the reply! So far I have not started my projet. Well, I have already made a 3D modell of it. But that is very interesting. Yerah, would be awesome to see how you can set the different audio signals like ball rolling and mechanical stuff to different devices.

[@wayofthewrench]

Cool! You design a full size cabinet?

[@MrPhilip201]

@@wayofthewrench Yes I have. My first machine was a bartop arcade. Maybe my previous message is in your spam folder.

[@wayofthewrench]

Cool...any projects on the go now?

[@kaledev]

Any thoughts on how SSF compares on its own vs. with solenoids? I see some people that claim both are preferable together, and others claim having both is overkill. Great videos!

[@wayofthewrench]

Ya know I haven't done it yet but I LOVE my SSF and I really can't see how it would be way better with solenoids. I like how the SSF flippers can sound different on different tables. If you had solenoids, they would all sound the same. I might make another cab and try out solenoids in the future for people. Thanks for the watch!

[@johnlaspisa2711]

Just finished my setup, it is awesome! Thank you so much for the video. I have two small issues though. First, I'm only getting the sides and front coming out of the external sound card. The backbox sound is still coming from the soundcard on the motherboard. Not a big deal, it's still working....but just wondering why. Second, I have a windows volume control knob on the side of my cabinet. It has no affect on the exciters at all. It's only affecting the backbox speakers. Any input on these situations would be greatly appreciated.

[@wayofthewrench]

Is the backbox speakers plugged into the external sound card? In the correct port? As for volume changes, Pinvol is a program that lets you adjust the global volume and table volume for backbox music and exciters separately. Might wanna try that.

[@johnlaspisa2711]

@@wayofthewrench when I plug the backbox speakers into the external, I get no sound. So, I plugged it in to the card on the motherboard just to see what would happen, and I was getting sound from it...

[@wayofthewrench]

Did you run the 7.1 wizard setup after you plugged it in the external sound card? Which port did you plug it into? Are you using the Startech one I used in the video?

[@johnlaspisa2711]

@@wayofthewrench don't know exactly what I did but it is working correctly now. Additionally, the volume control knob is now working!

[@wayofthewrench]

Sometimes the pc needs to start up with cables connected to detect them and switch things over so maybe with it plugged back into the Startech, it did that. Glad you got it working! Cheers!

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

This must be one of those stay at work 2 hours nightly after closing, kicking the other mechanics out kinda hobby 🤣. Or are ya the boss? Nice work.. Definitely saving the vids when I build one. i'm curious what the cab material is made from? The holes are nicely done

[@wayofthewrench]

Close.....I'm an tech ed teacher and this is my shop at the school. Once the students leave, I can build/film and I only get an hour or two every other day or so to work cause life is crazy busy when your trying to be a good Dad, teacher, and now youtuber. Ya you gotta build one of these! The cabinet is made of 3/4" cabinet grade plywood. There is a parts video where I talk about the wood selection if you're interested, just look at the playlist. Thanks for the watch!

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

@Way of the Wrench nice, so very authentic. I have an '84 bally I'm restoring, so that's spot on to real material.

[@wayofthewrench]

Cool, I want to restore a real pinball cabinet later......they are soooo expensive around here these days. Cheers!

[@jasonkendelhardt93]

@@wayofthewrench See, this is where you get the school to let you make the cabinet AS THE CLASS, it covers damn near every shop type skill, then you raffle it off at the end of the build for the money to make the next one!

[@wayofthewrench]

That would be pretty cool to do with the students....maybe in the future!

[@botkinracing]

Question on using these amps and the Logitech speakers. My amps constantly try to connect to the Logitechs since the controller and amps are bluetooth. The haptics work fine, then 10 seconds later the haptics turn off because the amps are looking to connect to the logitech via Bluetooth, then it goes back to working. Constant cycle and I’ve literally returned and tried multiple models of these amps and they all do the same thing. How are you getting them to not use Bluetooth? Thanks for an awesome video, came in handy with my gut of my ALP.

[@wayofthewrench]

Ya know I never hooked anything up for bluetooth and it has never tried to hook anything up either so not sure if I can help you. However, if you don't want Bluetooth working, go to Start, Settings, Devices, Bluetooth and other devices, and click on the device you don't want, and remove it. Then those amps might keep trying but the Logitech won't try to connect because it's not there. Let me know if this works. Cheers!

[@botkinracing]

@@wayofthewrench thanks for the response but unless I’m missing something you can’t turn the bluetooth off on the Logitechs as the remote for volume is wireless. I have Bluetooth turned off everywhere but I can hear the Logitechs try to connect to the amps every 20sec, so not sure how yours aren’t doing the same since you can’t turn bluetooth off on the amps either. I’m just going to have to try other amps and speakers as it’s driving me insane.

[@wayofthewrench]

So once you get Pinvol setup, you won't need the wireless volume control. You will be able to turn volume up/down, mute, night mode ( way quieter volume), etc with just button presses on your cab. So that would be a solution. The other thing you could do is do some research and find the component on your amps that allows bluetooth transmission and cut the power trace or clip the chip leg to permanently disable the bluetooth. Lots of stuff to solve this. I would also suggest that you should be able to flick a switch or hold a button down on your logitech wireless volume button to turn off bluetooth function. If I remember correctly, a led changes colour when bluetooth is on. Mine is never on. Lots of ways to skin a cat....or so the saying goes.

[@Teckno77]

Dude you with no beard lol you look way too clean cut 😁😉👍

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah it's an easy way to look 15 years younger for sure. I shave up for Movember every year and try to collect some fundraising for cancer research.

[@Teckno77]

@@wayofthewrench Respect 👍

[@wayofthewrench]

Cheers!

[@pandarachandran4972]

Thanks for all your great videos. I have a question about the bass shaker. I have exactly the same shaker in my cabinet but I use a Leepy 2.1 amplifier and I do not get any sounds out of the shaker. I cant even feel its vibrating.... Is it easy to hear and feel if the sharker works? I have checked everything serveral times, but cant figure out what is wrong. Only think I can think of, is if the do not match together frequenze wise, therefor im thinking of changeing to the same amp as you use.

[@wayofthewrench]

You're very welcome! Check that you dont have the frequency or volume turned off or too low. Check polarity of wires, check connections. Check voltage in and out. Check windows volume settings as sometimes a new volume is created and it might be off. Good luck!

[@wayofthewrench]

Also if you have another amp or another base shaker, you can swap parts to prove out a bad part.

[@pandarachandran4972]

@@wayofthewrench I have tried all above also change amp, but to same type Leepy. Is it easy to hear fell if the shaker is working? I think I need to try out the amp you got... I already wasted a lot of money on getting real pinball parts, but they are way too loud... so I removed them again :)

[@dbbarret]

@@pandarachandran4972 just setting my SSF up today. Yes, you can feel it. The one in front should shake when “adding a coin”

[@wayofthewrench]

Yup, you can feel it like you're saying. Cheers!

[@rsb3609]

Are you using the 18 gauge wire just for speakers,or also for other components?.Thanks.

[@wayofthewrench]

I used 18 gauge for speakers and power wires and 20 or 22 gauge ( it's in the parts video) for everything else. Thanks for the watch!

[@davidandambergarber6074]

So I currently have a 5.1 sound setup. I found used Logitech 5.1 computer speaker system at goodwill for $15 plus I bought a computer sound system that plugs into the pcie 4 port. I'm curious if upgrading to your setup is worth it. Here are my questions. When the ball hits the bumpers do you get bass feedback? Same with the flippers? Thank you for the video.

[@wayofthewrench]

I HIGHLY recommend upgrading to my setup! It really feels like real mechanical pinball parts are moving and banging underneath the monitor. It feels amazing! Hard to show this on video but it is well worth the ssf upgrade! Once you do the ssf upgrade, message me back and you tell me how much better it is! Thanks for the watch!

[@minitrucker68]

I don’t think I would use silicone to secure the speakers but maybe an aerosol adhesive as I feel the silicone may make a flexible pad between the shaker and cab? Maybe not just my thought as the spray is a very thin layer

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah I hear yeah, maybe some 3M spray adhesive or construction caulking like Tough as nails. Either way, these exciters hit hard so even a little thin layer of silicone would probably work. I only have my amps turned up halfway and they are crazy loud. Thanks for the watch!

[@bonicb11b3]

@@wayofthewrench be interested to see if the silicone makes any difference

[@wayofthewrench]

I doubt it, these exciters pound though. Even if the silicone dulled them a bit, they are currently turned down to less than half power. Cheers!

[@user-wb7zy1zm8u]

Great video and nice build. Maybe I missed the answer/solution but just wondering why your center/subwoofer did not work on the speaker test. Did you get it resolved?

[@wayofthewrench]

Thanks Terry! Yes it didn't seem to test right but I have checked and my 7.1 surround system is working perfectly. I'm pretty impressed with my audio parts I installed. Thanks for the watch!

[@user-wb7zy1zm8u]

@@wayofthewrench Good to hear your 7.1 system is working a-okay. i have the exact opposite problem, my sub tests okay but does not work in VPX or FP. I'm using 2 powered amps for front and back and a powered sub. Trying to connect things up through the Realtek audio manager but no luck so far. I'll keep banging away at it though. Thanks again for the video and oh yea...nice shop/garage setup...

[@wayofthewrench]

That sucks, maybe recheck everything. Have you tried the vpx 7.1 enhanced setting? Thanks, I'm lucky to have such a nice well equiped shop. Cheers!

[@user-wb7zy1zm8u]

@@wayofthewrench Success, have the 5.1 front, side and sub speakers working! Had to disconnect the jack for the main speakers (backbox) from the amp in the cabinet and connect it to the powered Logitech sub. Then I plugged the jack for the rear speakers (playfield) into a front port on the computer case in the cabinet and use Realtek audio manager to retask the port to side speakers. A bit convoluted but it seems to work and it's nice to have the sub adding some thump to the system. Thanks for your video that provided me with me to a successful result.

[@wayofthewrench]

Glad you got it figured out!

[@mrmattman68]

So I have a question.....I noticed you are using a logitech 2.1 speaker system but choose sub in the sound settings but the sub doesn't plug into the sub port on the startech unit correct? and it didn't produce a sound when prompted from the windows setting window. since the base is controlled from the logitech speaker system shouldn't it be set to no sub so the full sound range is sent to the logitech speakers? I am looking at the klipsh 2.1 setup but am trying to understand how the sub is handled since its an intergrated speaker system (meaning the crossover is built into the sub).

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah I noticed that when I set up the 7.1 too but when I checked the Logitech 2.1 still has base from the subwoofer. It seems like the .1 for all channels are reserved for the base frequencies for each channel. Thanks for the watch!

[@lkamons2]

I am a little confused. 7.1 is 7 speakers and 1 sub woofer. in the front you have 2 exciters and 1 little sub woofer, in the back you have 2 exciters and 1 little sub woofer and on the back box you have 2 speakers and the 1 big sub woofer. Isn't that a total of 9? Do you see my confusion? From an amp perspective you plugged in the front and the back exciters and the little sub woofers. Where did you plug in the back box speakers and big sub woofer. THANKS

[@wayofthewrench]

It's not actually 7.1 as the ROM music comes from the 2.1 Logitech speakers and the 4 exciters and 2 base shakers are only for the playfield ssf. The 2.1 amps simply separate the bass frequencies to go to the bass shakers. The 7.1 Startech is simply the input channels for all of these, not true 7.1. Hopefully that helps. Cheers!

[@Gre_X_by]

Hi, just wondering what's about games like PinballFx or any other if the sound connections are actually "upside down" front is the back, back is the front etc. The sound/music from any other game is played by the exciters on the front instead of the main speakers?

[@wayofthewrench]

Not sure as I haven't played with Fx3 yet but eventually I will do a video on Fx3 and all the stuff that goes with it. I'm sure there are settings to change to make it work, perhaps in doflinks? Thanks for the watch!

[@martyjohnston700]

Would a 'Ground Loop Isolator ', not be needed for the Amplifier, if the Earth (Not the Negative -) of all power supplies were linked.

[@wayofthewrench]

They might not be needed but you can always try it without and if you're having noise/feedback....put one in. They are really quite cheap so I just installed them in case. Thanks for the watch!

[@rickeymh]

You can eliminate those audio isolators if you can isolate the USB VBUS 5V to your 7.1 sound card.

[@wayofthewrench]

Could be, I never even checked if I needed them. It just worked so I left them in. Thanks for the watch!

[@rickeymh]

@@wayofthewrench I use these on my retro-ball cabinets, as I use the same PSU for the PC and audio amplifier. The common supply creates common mode noise which is that annoying 60Hz hum. Those audio isolators are actually transformers and compromise the lower-end bass. I would entertain your hunch and remove them to see if this might improve your sound quality. BTW- I have similar haptics setup on my experimental cabinet which I built 8 years ago. Unfortunately, VPX did not support 7.1 back then.

[@gronith]

I was going to make a vpin controller with an arcade stick board in a platsic conduit box. I am thinking of placing a bone conduction speaker inside for some ssf. Do you think this is possible. The speaker would be bluetooth. Cant find a 3.5mm jack one. I think this may work? Or am I out to lunch and should just put 2 exciters in it?

[@wayofthewrench]

Hard to say Grant. I'm very happy with my ssf setup. So much so I probably won't be adding solenoids. Thanks for the watch!

[@Krondorf.]

So with the negative wire, you can have 12v AND 5v devices etc going to the same ground block? Or each voltage needs it's own negative block?

[@wayofthewrench]

All negatives go to one ground common terminal block. The positives should have their own terminal blocks for each voltage. Thanks for the watch!

[@pacooka]

If i have only one base shaker (front exciters) , where should I disable the second one? I don't want to lose any base the goes to the back base shaker

[@wayofthewrench]

If you have a 2.1 amp, just turn the sub frequency knob all the way down and that should lower the cut off frequency to where the exciters will pick it up. You might be able to alter the 7.1 audio in windows or the sound cards app as well. Not 100% sure as I use both front and rear and with my amps, they work great. Thanks for the watch!

[@PerduesArcade]

What type of screws did you use to tighten everything down on the inside, like your exciters and stuff?

[@wayofthewrench]

Just regular Robertson wood screws long enough to hold without breaking through the cabinet. Cheers!

[@echodun]

Can you tell me the type of DC Power Supply you ended up purchasing for the speakers? A link would be helpful.

[@wayofthewrench]

Sure! I used an old atx power supply from an old computer, O think it was a 500 Watt one but the power supply video would show you for sure. Thanks for the watch!

[@martynstrange5174]

Regarding the Z407 Bluetooth speakers, do you have them connected via bluetooth or hard wired? Im assuming they are hard wired to the startech but you have the option of using bluetooth if you want to? It's the only bit I was slightly confused with. Thanks!

[@wayofthewrench]

I have it plugged into the Startech sound card and have Bluetooth for when I want music playing from my phone. Thanks for the watch!

[@johnlaspisa2711]

Question: If I have a 4 ohm amp, I should buy 4 ohm exciters right? I'm thinking about getting two 4 ohm amps to run two 4 ohm exciters each. Thanks.

[@wayofthewrench]

Yeah generally you want to match the impedance but I also look at the rms rating of the speakers/exciters and make sure the amp can provide the same or even a little more so the amp is not under powered. Thanks for the watch!

[@crennyw]

It would be useful to see a diagram of how this is set up - both with the Startek and with using mother board 7.1. I always watch your videos about 3 times to get things to sink into my head! The two small speakers that came with the logitec base speaker - do they plug into the base speaker ports, or do you route those to the amplifiers?

[@wayofthewrench]

There is a section in the video where I show a picture of the colors of the ports and say what plugs go into each, it's quick. There is also a quick mention of which ssf amp goes to what port on the Startech. Yes the 2 small speakers plug into the base speaker and a 3.5 mm aux from the base goes to the front plug on the Startech. Rear ssf amp goes to the sides and front ssf amp goes to the rear. Hope that helps. Thanks for the watch!

[@crennyw]

I have the exciters and the surround sound working, at least my back shakers and wow are they awesome. The front amp I am not sure it working. I've ordered a replacement and just have it turned off as nothing is happening with it but the blue light is on. The cabinet is already awesome and so the front exciters will add to the awesomeness but not absolutely necessary. It could be Windows 11 or the Startech. The front shakers WERE working initially. They were causing tilt until I turned them down. Then they quit and haven't been back. Troubleshooting. @@wayofthewrench Thanks for your contributions to the community, invaluable!

[@wayofthewrench]

You could swap amps to see if the problem travels to the good working exciters. Then you know it is an amp issue. Also recheck wiring, volume knobs, Startech ports used, etc. sometimes it can be a simple issue. Good luck.

[@crennyw]

I had crossed wiring from one of the speakers to the amp. I replaced the amp and all is working now. I haven't tested but i think I blew that amp. Thanks!@@wayofthewrench

[@wayofthewrench]

Cool, glad you figured it out. It's usually something easy like that. Cheers!

[@frezelfrez8333]

So did you just set all the setting on the amps to 50% and leave it there? and do adjust all your music and exciters from pinvol on a per table basis?

[@wayofthewrench]

I adjusted my amp gains until they were causing false nudges and then backed off a little from there. Then I used Pinvol to do the fine tweaks. Hope that helps. Thanks for the watch!

[@boogonl]

First of all the videos are amazing, THANK you for that !! !! I have one problem that I am not able to tackle so far. I have it all working but windows 11 keeps setting the sound settings back from 7.1 to stereo after startup or reboot. anybody an idea how to solve this ? seems to be a "common" problem but i was not able to find the solution so far.. I run the lastest drivervs from startech. NO errrors, all works fine but.... after a reboot window sets the 7.1 back to stereo.. any help would be appreciated ! thanks !

[@wayofthewrench]

Hrmm not sure but for your own knowledge, I don't run any startech drivers, just the auto windows ones for an audio usb device. I have never lost my 7.1 ssf setup. Maybe try without the drivers?

[@boogonl]

@@wayofthewrench Yes tried that as well but than also windows keep setting the 7.1 setting back to stereo after a reboot. Tried all possible options but windows keeps setting 7.1 back to stereo settings after a reboot. I have read about it as much as i could but it seems to be a "common" problem and really nobody has the solution...

[@wayofthewrench]

Hrrmm that's a weird one and I can see how frustrating that could be. I'll keep my eyes posted for anything that I find about this. Cheers!

[@Ryan-hw7ow]

Would silicone or something not as flexible be better for the mounting method? Does it even matter?

[@wayofthewrench]

I would buy the exciters that screw on and unless you have a plastic rattling sound, don't put anything else on. My system sounds awesome and very loud, it is so good, I had to turn it down about 50%. Thanks for the watch!

[@rsb3609]

Could we use normal speakers with the membrane taken,for the sides of the cab;to emulate the pinball rolling sounds?.

[@wayofthewrench]

No, I wouldn't. Those speakers are meant to push sound waves, not vibrate the surface. You'll have sound quality issues (muffled). Exciters are not that expensive and well worth it. I think everything was $150 for my ssf. Thanks for the watch!

[@rsb3609]

@@wayofthewrench Yeah they sound great....but not in my budget,will definitely add some later on.Thanks for the videos and all the editing required to make it look seam less.

[@wayofthewrench]

You could skip the base shakers for now and just run the 4 exciters and go from there....add the base shakers later if ya wanted to.

[@darrentownsend3341]

Wait. Who is this imposter? Where is the man with the mustache?

[@wayofthewrench]

Lol....my wife hates that moustache guy, every November that weirdo shows up. At least this year he raised $4050 towards cancer research! Thanks for the watch!

[@darrentownsend3341]

Totally missed this reply. That’s awesome! One question: Where did you get the black adapter piece to connect the power terminals? I have these amps and they didn’t come with anything like that.

[@bonicb11b3]

@@wayofthewrench a real man with a moustache wouldn't pre drill his plywood 😉 nice work with the fund raising

[@wayofthewrench]

You got ripped off then, they were supposed to be there. You might be able to jury rig something so it still connects and stays on safely. Cheers!

[@wayofthewrench]

A real Man with a moustache does nothing but pre drilling his plywood.........

[@robe4314]

Would you say SSF is sufficient and negates the need for solenoids or do you prefer both?

[@wayofthewrench]

A well tuned and with good parts, a ssf system is amazing and I would say you don't need it. Plus if you still wanted solenoids, you will want ssf anyways for ball rolling sounds ,etc. Thanks for the watch!