Fanatec has been a major player in sim racing for years, so their hardware is widely supported across both PC and console titles. They are one of the few manufacturers licensed by both Xbox and PlayStation, making them a go-to choice for console users.
Fanatec also offers a modular and cross-compatible ecosystem of products. While the build quality differs depending on the price tier, the diversity of options makes it a great brand for those who enjoy collecting or swapping gear for different titles.
About Fanatec Wheelbases
Fanatec’s conventions can be a bit confusing, as every wheelbase has “DD” (for Direct Drive) in the name. But generally, their products fall into three categories:
- CSL: entry-level wheelbases with 5-8 Nm peak torque
- ClubSport: mid-range segment. Includes ClubSport DD with 12 Nm peak torque and ClubSport DD+ with 15 Nm peak torque
- Podium: high-end wheelbases with 20-25 Nm peak torque
Some models are listed under alternative names. For instance, the Gran Turismo DD Extreme is a version of the ClubSport DD+, but targeted at the PlayStation market.
Setting Up Your Fanatec Wheelbase in Le Mans Ultimate
Configure FFB in Le Mans Ultimate before changing settings in the Fanatec software. These settings are located in Settings > Controls > Wheel & Pedals menu after you load a race session.
Recommended Calibrate settings:
| Settings | Value |
| Use the Steering Wheel Maximum Rotation from Driver | On |
| Use the Steering Wheel Maximum Rotation from the Driver | On |
Recommended Force Feedback settings:
| Settings | Value |
| Force Feedback Effects | On |
| Invert Force Feedback | Off |
| Force Feedback Strength | 85-90% (to avoid clipping on low-torque wheelbases) |
| Force Feedback Smoothing | 0 |
| Minimum Steering Torque | 0% |
| Collision Strength | 100% |
| Steering Torque Sensitivity | 100-150% (higher value if you want more feedback at lower speeds) |
| Use Constant Steering Force Effect | Off |
Fanatec Software Settings for Le Mans Ultimate
After you have finished setting up Le Mans Ultimate, proceed to FanaLab. FanaLab is Fanatec’s PC application, designed to give users control over their compatible hardware.
On the right-hand side of the main page, you will see a list of supported games installed on your PC. To enable communication between the software and these games, navigate to the Game Profile tab and click the two green buttons next to each title. Some games must be running in the background for the software to recognise them.
At the bottom of the home screen, detected Fanatec devices will be displayed. If a device is not showing up correctly, use the dropdown menu to select it manually.
The second tab opens the Tuning Menu, where you can manage up to five independent presets. These presets can store different tuning profiles, each tailored for a specific game or car.
The third tab focuses on Dynamic Force Feedback (D-FFB). This section allows you to enhance the force feedback experience by layering additional effects on top of what’s provided by the game.
You can configure:
- Speed threshold (e.g. 150 km/h) – the speed at which the effect begins
- Effect range (e.g. 30° of steering input) – the steering angle where damping applies
- Damper strength – adjustable from 0 to 100
FanaLab also allows for vibration tuning based on telemetry data. You can assign vibration effects to the steering wheel, throttle, or brake pedals – ideal for simulating ABS or lockups.
Recommended FanaLab settings in the Tuning Menu
| Settings | Value |
| Sensitivity | 900 |
| FFB Strength | 100% |
| FFB Scale | Peak |
| Natural Damper | Off |
| Natural Friction | Off |
| Natural Inertia | Off |
| FFB Interpolation Filter | Off |
| Force Effect Intensity | 100 |
| Game Force Effect Strength | 100% |
| Game Spring Effect Strength | Off |
| Game Damper Effect Strength | Off |
Turn off Dynamic Force Feedback in FanaLab. Vibration tuning depends on your personal preference and does not change the quality of FFB.
Once you have finished setting everything up, head back to the Game Profile tab to save your configurations. Go out and run laps. If something feels off, return to editing and change the settings.
Additional Tips
These settings give a strong, detailed and responsive FFB in Le Mans Ultimate. If you want to tone it down a bit, reduce Collision Strength in-game to 50% and add a few clicks to Force Feedback Smoothing. These changes will reduce the impact of curbs on FFB and smooth the FFB overall.
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