Fanatec Fumble

Ok, so I ordered my Fanatec CSR pack yesterday, it hasn't left the warehouse yet and I'm already regretting it.

I'm reading a lot of horror stories about the compatibility of the CSR and various different headsets. This is something which I neglected to research before ordering the wheel and am now worried that my (not so cheap) Astro A40s will not be compatible with the CSR. I really don't want to have to put my A40s down just because of a cheap audio chip in the Fanatec. Does anyone know if this is an issue which has since been rectified by Fanatec or alternatively, are there any workarounds to circumvent the problem?

I would really appreciate any insight into this as it's pretty much a deal-breaker for me

How does the Astros plug into the 360? If its through the controller then there is a plug on the CSR for it. I know Magictap plugin his headset and we can hear his shifting but I believe his sound quality is ok. I personally use a wireless MS headset as I hated using the wired one with the previous MS wheel.

Yeah, I use the MS wireless headset so I'm not much help. You might try 911wheel.de in the comments section to get a definitive answer, a lot of the regulars there are pretty good on the tech stuff.

I'm leaving Fanatec well alone for the moment. I want an Elite inversion kit but there are none for sale anywhere and due to the nightmare CSW launch and the disastrous new website I think the less traffic they get the faster they'll get their act together. Seems they really need to hire a new business manager, I've never seen a company less able to sell its own product.

Thanks for the help gents.

I apologise as I didn't really make my question clear. I know that my headset is indeed compatible with the CSR but the horror stories I'm hearing about are to do with various headsets simply not working very well, if at all. Whether it be feedback, echo or an inability to chat, it seems there are very few headsets that work well with the wheel.

@STATIC - I hear what you're saying, I'm very cautious about my purchase from Fanatec and I'm bracing myself for the possibility of problems. If only we had a choice of top end wheels for the 360

I hope it works out for you Coblet. Every time Ive gotten close to pulling the trigger on a fanatec I end up reading one of those stories of people with issue after issue like Gregbie and end up talking myself out of it.

I feel l should say in Fanatec's defence that their products are well-engineered, beautifully made, exquisitely packaged and (in my experience) work astonishingly well.

The CSR wheel is an amazing piece of kit and you can feel your money at work as you fang through corners on the limit of grip. A Fanatec rig will reveal whole swathes of code you didn't even realise were in Forza, and it will bring the game to life in a way you weren't aware was possible.

That said, their supply chain has way too many missing links. Their web presence is sub-par (they are working very hard to fix this right now, though) and the availability of their products simply isn't up to scratch. Launching the Clubsport Wheel with maybe a quarter of the required product hasn't helped, but I for one hope that the company finds its feet quickly because they have an absolutely cranking product and though they probably don't qualify as a start-up any more, the company is in its infancy and without question make the best product available to date.

The only trepidation anyone should feel regarding Fanatec should be in terms of how long it will take for their product to be delivered.

Would you guys still reccomend a fanatic csr or csr elite wheel for me? I was looking at the 458 replica wheel by thrustmaster but it has no force feedback so I scrapped that, and was hoping to get a fanatic after I get my new electric guitar and amp ($600), so might be a while, but would you still reccomend it?

GRT 458Italia wrote:I was looking at the 458 replica wheel by thrustmaster but it has no force feedback so I scrapped that

You made the right call, it would be cheaper to buy a Kinect and play Forza holding a dinner plate.. and probably as accurate
You're in Brisbane, Pagnian is on the Gold Coast. If they have one in stock you should have it in 24 hours.
As I said, I recommend the product, provided you can actually get hold of it.

STATIC TREMOR wrote:I feel l should say in Fanatec's defence that their products are well-engineered, beautifully made, exquisitely packaged and (in my experience) work astonishingly well.

The CSR wheel is an amazing piece of kit and you can feel your money at work as you fang through corners on the limit of grip. A Fanatec rig will reveal whole swathes of code you didn't even realise were in Forza, and it will bring the game to life in a way you weren't aware was possible.

Nicely said. I feel a little better about buying the damn thing now

The long delivery times are not something I've come across yet, are they known for this?

STATIC TREMOR wrote:

GRT 458Italia wrote:I was looking at the 458 replica wheel by thrustmaster but it has no force feedback so I scrapped that

You made the right call, it would be cheaper to buy a Kinect and play Forza holding a dinner plate.. and probably as accurate
You're in Brisbane, Pagnian is on the Gold Coast. If they have one in stock you should have it in 24 hours.
As I said, I recommend the product, provided you can actually get hold of it.

ok cool thanks, now i just gotta get the money... that's the worse thing and i'm not getting a job at maccas, hungry jacks etc cos i can't stand that 'food' it's disgusting and thats the only places teenagers can get work where i live :s

S2M Coblet wrote:The long delivery times are not something I've come across yet, are they known for this?

Not sure. My experience wasn't too positive. I bought from Pagnian Imports, the only Australian importer. They promise next-day shipping, but the item took 7 days to arrive. Express Post would have been 24hours. They offer "free shipping" but the wheel costs AU$650 which is kind of hilarious when our dollar is worth more than the $US and the wheel is $350 there.. seems a lot to charge for putting on Australian power plug on.

I emailed them to ask about an inversion kit but since they have none they didn't bother to reply. I asked a supplier in New Zealand, no stock. I asked endor, they said we don't know when we can sell you one because we are setting up a new website. 911wheel is just a list of excuses why they can't supply a CSW to most people who tried to buy one, seems pointless even asking about pedal kits. It's pretty sketchy all round, really, but that doesn't apply to the product. Just every single other facet of the business.. again, just my experience.

Sound quality is lovely and I have used three headsets, all worked. I blew two up trying different things trying to get voice and sound streamed!! Even though. My Turtle beaches pick up all sounds only because I have dropped them so much.

The wheel it's self is awesome. Just takes a little getting used to and some playing with the settings to find how you like it.

also, for keeping abreast of thiings fanatec:

http://www.911wheel.de/

http://f-wheel.com/

Ok cool, I better start saving

CQR Magictap wrote:My Turtle beaches pick up all sounds only because I have dropped them so much.

That may be the case with your own headset but I had a slightly different experience with my Turtle Beach DPX21's

My headset was pristine when I got my Fanatec CSR but I immediately had problems - mainly with interference that unfortunately was relayed to anyone in my party or lobby. I queried this with Fanatec who admitted there was an issue with static build up in the wheel that affected wired mics that were connected direct to the wheel. I tried everything I could to rectify the issue but ended up resorting to selling my Turtle Beach's and using my old Microsoft wireless mic

I plan on giving these a go when they're eventually released as they are 100% wireless:-


Current release date estimates point at August.........although they were due for Christmas 2011, then Feb 2012, etc, etc

I did a lot of reading before buying my Turtle Beaches and it was either those or a set of Tritons, and most of the reviews I read were very disapproving of the Tritons. Glad I got my TBs, best headset by a mile.

S2M Deuce wrote:I hope it works out for you Coblet. Every time Ive gotten close to pulling the trigger on a fanatec I end up reading one of those stories of people with issue after issue like Gregbie and end up talking myself out of it.

Thanks Deuce I have to admit I was in the same boat as you, I kept on coming across horror stories about faults and shocking customer support, it wasn't filling me with much confidence... and then I don't really know what happened... I just ignored all the warnings and bought it

I am now starting to get worried that I've been too frivolous. I'm not exactly IT savvy or technically minded and it seems inevitable that I'll have to employ such skills in order to optimise and maintain the damn thing.

I'm still reserving some optimism in the hope that my concerns are unwarranted but there is always that niggling feeling that what I'll be investing in is hassle, not fun.

I sincerely hope that Fanatec prove me wrong.

It certainly seems that any wired headset will cause problems with the CSR wheel. This poses a problem for me due to the fact I absolutely refuse to shell out for a new wireless set when I paid so much for my wired Astro's.

The only (ridiculous) workaround I can find would be to buy the wireless microsoft headset at £20 and literally use it just as a microphone. I would still be able to use my Astro's for the game and chat audio whilst (again, ridiculously) hanging the wireless set around my neck... Sheesh

S2M Coblet wrote:I'm not exactly IT savvy or technically minded and it seems inevitable that I'll have to employ such skills in order to optimise and maintain the damn thing.

There's not a huge amount to do with the wheel Cob - other than getting it set-up the way that feels best for you. When it comes to setting up the wheel just imagine you're fiddling with your deadzones.........we all know how much you enjoy doing that

As for maintenance, the only thing I've had to do in months of use is clean it..........I hope you clean already?!?

Crisis Nine wrote:I did a lot of reading before buying my Turtle Beaches and it was either those or a set of Tritons, and most of the reviews I read were very disapproving of the Tritons. Glad I got my TBs, best headset by a mile.

I did the same research when I bought my TB DPX21's and came to the same conclusion. The TB's were by far the best headset I've ever used whn playing on the pad......however, when used in conjunction with my CSR wheel they were next to useless. This was no fault of the headset but they were still unusable

As much as the Microsoft wireless mic does a decent job I do miss the days of using a proper stereo headset......and the upcoming Tritton's seem to be the only viable option, fingers crossed they turn out to be at least half-decent!

Just about to sell my Suzuki Bandit 1200 so after I have been to dellorto's I might join the club cob that way we can be slow together.

S2M Coblet wrote:

I'm still reserving some optimism in the hope that my concerns are unwarranted but there is always that niggling feeling that what I'll be investing in is hassle, not fun.

I know exactly what you mean, but sometimes you have to ignore that other stuff like you did and take those horror stories with a grain of salt. Because for every horror story there's someone saying how much they love it..........................................................Damn, now I'm talking myself in to it!

I love my CSRE and can't play forza without it now, however I am on my second one and I think I may have to be going to my 3rd one soon, as it's not making a nice noise sometimes.

S2M Ranger wrote:Just about to sell my Suzuki Bandit 1200 so after I have been to dellorto's I might join the club cob that way we can be slow together.

Misery likes company Ranger, take the plunge buddy

S2M Deuce wrote:Damn, now I'm talking myself in to it!

Do it!! Do it!! Do it!! Do it!! Do it!!