You mount a bass shaker on an Atlas seat by bolting it to the predefined bass shaker mounting pattern in the shell. SIMGASM built this pattern into every Atlas seat, so you do not need to drill or use cable ties. You fit the shaker to the pattern, route the cable along the seat bracket to your amplifier and then tune the effects in software such as SimHub.
In this guide you learn why the seat is the best spot for a shaker, how to install one cleanly and how to stop rattles before they start.
Why mount a bass shaker on the seat?
A bass shaker only works well when its vibration reaches your body directly.
What a bass shaker does
A bass shaker is a tactile transducer. Think of it as a speaker without a cone. Instead of moving air, it shakes the surface it is bolted to. Your sim sends signals for things like engine revs, gear shifts, kerbs and wheel slip. The shaker turns those signals into vibration you feel through your hips and back.
Because your body touches the seat more than any other part of the rig, the seat is where tactile feedback feels most natural. Many drivers on Reddit say the same: under the seat for road texture, behind the back for gear shifts.
SIMGASM | Atlas Sim Racing Seat Gran Turismo - Carbon
Why the Atlas makes it easier
Many drivers avoid shakers on a seat, because they do not want to drill a fibreglass or composite shell. The Atlas seat solves that. Its shell has a predefined bass shaker mounting pattern for a cleaner tactile installation. An extra mounting point on the shell takes compatible accessories, such as a cup holder or headset holder.
What do you need for the installation?
Gather everything before you start, so the seat stays out of the rig for as short a time as possible.
Hardware and tools
You need the bass shaker itself, the bolts that suit the shaker and the mounting pattern, an amplifier and speaker cable. The shaker and its hardware are not included with the seat. You also need the tools for your bolts and a few cable clips. If you are still choosing a seat, keep in mind that the Atlas uses side mounting with a separate seat bracket set.
SIMGASM | Seat bracket set - Black
A solid cockpit underneath
A shaker sends energy into the whole rig. On a stiff aluminium profile chassis, that energy stays clean. On a flexible frame it turns into buzz and rattles. That is why the SIMGASM cockpits grow in main profile size per tier, from 40 x 40 mm on the Hobby up to 40 x 160 mm on the Pro. For a seat with shakers and a strong direct drive wheelbase, a deeper profile keeps the vibration where you want it.
How do you mount the shaker step by step?
These steps keep the job tidy and quiet.
Step 1: take the seat out
Remove the seat from its brackets and place it face down on a soft blanket. Now you see the mounting pattern on the shell clearly. Take out the cushions first if they are in the way.
Step 2: bolt the shaker to the pattern
Line up the shaker with the predefined pattern and fasten it firmly. Tighten the bolts evenly, in a cross pattern, so the shaker sits flat. A shaker that sits at an angle loses energy and makes noise.
Step 3: route the cable
Run the speaker cable along the seat bracket and the profile of your cockpit. Clip it every 20 to 30 cm, so it never touches a moving part or your legs. Keep the amplifier away from your power supply cables to avoid hum.
Step 4: refit the seat and check the bolts
Put the seat back on the brackets and reset your height and angle. After the first two or three sessions, check every bolt again. Vibration loosens bolts over time, so this small check saves you a lot of noise later.
SIMGASM | Sport Aluminum Sim Racing Cockpit - Red
How do you tune the effects?
Good tuning matters more than the number of shakers you own.
Start with a few clear effects
Begin with gear shifts, kerbs and engine revs. Keep the gain low and raise it step by step. Too much vibration hides the small details, such as wheel lock or the start of wheel spin. Our SimHub bass shaker tuning deep dive lists frequencies and effects that work well, and the bass shakers and tactile guide explains the basics.
Shaker or haptic insert?
A haptic seat insert sits inside the seat instead of on the shell. It gives a more local feeling, but it changes your padding. Compare both options in our article on whether a haptic seat insert is worth it.
Designed with real installations in mind
The mounting pattern is not an afterthought.
SIMGASM founder Johan Akkerman taught himself 3D design and turns years of product testing into parts that go from 3D model to physical prototype and a stress tested production product. He has raced since 2008 and won the 2019 Project CARS 2 world team championship, so he knows how much tactile feedback adds to a race. SIMGASM B.V. develops this hardware from its base in Wijk bij Duurstede in the Netherlands.
Questions about bass shakers on the Atlas
Here are short answers to common questions.
Do I need to drill the Atlas shell?
No. The Atlas shell has a predefined bass shaker mounting pattern, so you bolt the shaker on without drilling.
Is a bass shaker included with the seat?
No. The bass shaker and its hardware are sold separately from the seat.
How many shakers do I need?
One shaker on the seat already adds a lot. A second one under the pedal deck gives extra detail for braking and ABS.
Does a bass shaker work with the Atlas Formula too?
Yes. The mounting pattern is part of the Atlas shell design, so both the GT and Formula configurations are prepared for it.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
