Genelec, Simucube and Driven DynamiX create one of Europe's Most Advanced Racing Simulators
Developed by Texas-based Driven DynamiX, equipped with precision racing hardware from Simucube, and with true-to-life audio powered by Genelec, the DDX simulator represents the combined expertise of these three companies and their shared commitment to engineering-led, authentic design.
Engineering and research company Driven DynamiX, set out to build a racing simulator capable of blurring the line between simulation and reality for use in professional driver training and team development across multiple motorsport disciplines. The project gained momentum in 2024, when the Driven DynamiX team met Johannes Suomalainen of Simucube, a Finnish manufacturer of high-performance simulator racing hardware, at an industry event in Germany. “We specialise in top-of-the-line hardware for sim racing setups,” says Suomalainen, Partner at Simucube. “I got talking with the Driven DynamiX team over our shared passion, and they told me about a super exciting project they were working on. Two months later, I was on the plane to Texas to test it out for myself.”
After this initial visit to Driven DynamiX’s Austin headquarters, “I immediately started thinking how incredible it would be to have a DDX simulator in the lobby of our office in Tampere,” Suomalainen explains. “I’d never experienced anything quite like it before. Seeing what Driven DynamiX had built, I knew it would be the perfect way for visitors to experience our hardware in a simulator built to such an incredibly high standard. I really wanted everyone who came through our showroom – from visitors and partners to our own team – to experience that for themselves.” Over the following months, discussions between Suomalainen and the Driven DynamiX team eventually led to the installation of a Driven DynamiX simulator at Simucube’s headquarters.
To enhance both the showroom experience and the realism of Driven DynamiX’s racing simulator, Suomalainen began considering the potential of a custom-designed audio system. “I’ve admired Genelec for as long as I can remember,” reveals Suomalainen. “They’ve always represented the same values as us at Simucube. No shortcuts, just honest engineering. I sent an email to Mirko Ekberg, Genelec’s Pro Audio Sales Manager, explaining our project. I wasn’t really expecting a reply, but soon enough, he was asking to visit. Driven DynamiX were just as thrilled to have them on board.”
Following this visit in April, Genelec decided it would design a custom Dolby Atmos system around the incoming DDX simulator. Less than four weeks later, the system was installed in the new showroom. “The Genelec loudspeaker configuration consists of three 8331 3-way point source monitors from the famed ‘The Ones’ series across the front of the simulator, four 8330 Smart Active 2-way monitors covering the sides and rear, and three supporting 7360 subwoofers,” explains Suomalainen. The loudspeakers are mounted on floor stands around the simulator, avoiding the need for permanent fixtures while allowing each unit to be positioned precisely around the driver. Together, they reproduce audio recordings that reflect what a driver would hear on the track.
Although not yet installed, Simucube also has a pair of Genelec 8320 Smart Active Monitors at its headquarters. These will soon be integrated into the Dolby Atmos system as height channels, further enhancing the immersive audio experience.
The simulator runs on Driven DynamiX’s cutting-edge DDX Precision motion platform and combines Simucube’s high-quality hardware – the flagship Simucube 3 Ultimate wheelbase and Simucube ActivePedals – with a BavarianSimTec Delta Pro SC steering wheel and three 65-inch LG OLED C5 screens. “This simulator is the result of a shared passion for engineering excellence,” Suomalainen states. “It would only ever be as strong as its weakest link. The motion platform is world-class, the driving hardware is of the highest quality, so the sound had to live up to these expectations too. For me, world-class sound simply means Genelec.”
Beyond their shared commitment to audio quality and engineering, the Simucube team was also proud to collaborate with another Finnish company. “Like us, Genelec prides itself on performance, longevity, and sourcing and manufacturing its products locally. It also made the collaboration incredibly efficient and straightforward,” says Suomalainen. The close collaboration helped avoid technical challenges, allowing the entire system to be installed and configured in one day.
“This project allows us to demonstrate the true capabilities of our racing hardware,” Suomalainen concludes. Now, when guests visit Simucube’s headquarters, they encounter a highly precise racing simulator designed to reproduce the experience of being on the track with exceptional accuracy.
