Many Fanatec owners end up with a “mixed” setup: a Fanatec wheelbase, third-party pedals, a separate shifter, maybe a handbrake and a button box. That’s normal in sim racing—but new games don’t always map multiple USB devices automatically.
Forza Horizon 6 specifically notes that multi-USB setups are supported, but you may need to build a custom wheel profile. It also warns against USB hubs and recommends dedicated USB ports.
This guide shows you how to make multi-USB work reliably with a Fanatec wheelbase in FH6.
Step 1: update firmware and drivers
Do this even if your wheel worked perfectly in older games. FH6’s support docs explicitly recommend the latest wheel firmware and drivers for both PC and Xbox users.
- Update your Fanatec wheelbase firmware via PC.
- Update third-party pedal firmware/software if applicable.
- Restart your PC after driver updates.
Step 2: plug devices into dedicated USB ports
For stability:
- Use motherboard USB 3.0 ports directly.
- Avoid daisy-chaining devices through hubs.
- Try to keep your wheelbase and pedals on separate USB controllers if possible (some motherboards label them by color or grouping).
Step 3: create a custom wheel profile in FH6
If FH6 detects your wheel but ignores your pedals or shifter, you’re seeing the classic “one device only” mapping issue. The fix is to create a custom wheel profile and bind every axis/button:
- Go to wheel settings and create a new custom profile.
- Bind steering, throttle, brake, clutch (if used) and handbrake.
- Bind gear up/down or H-pattern gears if you use them.
- Save the profile and restart the game if bindings don’t stick.
Tip: keep deadzones at or near zero unless you have hardware drift. FH6’s advanced tuning guide explains how deadzones can create “dead feel” around center.
Step 4: reduce cable problems with a serviceable cockpit build
Multi-device setups often fail due to small cable issues: strain on a connector, a cable rubbing, or a plug half-seated after moving the rig. A cockpit that lets you route and secure cables cleanly reduces this dramatically.
If clean cable routing is a priority, build around SIMGASM Sport simulator or SIMGASM Pro simulator. Both are designed to keep the rig tidy as you add more devices. Add small quality-of-life upgrades like keyboard swivel mount and mouse tray so you don’t pull cables while climbing in and out.
Step 5: don’t let the cockpit create electrical noise problems
High-torque wheelbases and multiple devices can be sensitive to poor cable routing. Practical tips:
- Separate power cables from USB/data cables where possible.
- Leave service loops (a little slack) so cables don’t tug when you adjust the seat.
- Avoid running USB cables parallel to power bricks for long distances.
SIMGASM cockpit recommendations for multi-device FH6 setups
- Cockpit: SIMGASM Club simulator is a great “do anything” base. Choose SIMGASM Sport simulator if you want the cleanest, most expandable build.
- Mounting: wheel mount base set plus front wheel mount keeps the wheel stable and makes cable routing predictable.
- Monitors: a freestanding solution like Apex freestanding triple monitor stand keeps screens stable even when you add more devices.
Continue reading
- FH6 supported wheels and devices
- FH6 on Steam: inverted pedals and axis mapping fixes
- FH6 wheel setup guide
- Fanatec cable management
- Fanatec tuning menu explained
More Fanatec guides
- Fanatec sim racing setup hub: rigs, mounts and game settings
- Forza Horizon 6 Fanatec wheel settings: baselines that feel natural
- Fanatec CSL DD rig compatibility: mounts, stiffness and SIMGASM tier picks
- Fanatec button modules and control zones: build a clean cockpit workflow
- Fanatec upgrade path: go from CSL DD to ClubSport or Podium without rebuilding