We had many request for one of the most expected reviews, so here it is: Asetek La Prima Direct Drive which has an impressive specs for a 12Nm. Review by Mariano B.
A few months ago, we were discussing one of the pillars through which Asetek was entering the world of simracing. They did so with what is currently their intermediate product model. You can read our assessment here.
Today, we bring you the analysis of the younger sibling. It’s the entry-level range with which Asetek aims to establish the foundations in terms of quality and requirements for the mid-range of Direct Drive systems.
Packaging
After what we saw in the Forte, Asetek continues with its standard of quality and attention to packaging.
We once again have the black foam protections where each element has its designated spot, keeping everything separated and preventing any contacts that could lead to scratches or imperfections during storage or transport. It is interesting to notice that the entry level range called “La Prima” doesn’t have color printing or other superfluous expenses on the packaging. Saving where the user cannot be affected and preserving the essential experience.
It’s worth noting that the package weight is practically the same as the Asetek Forte Direct Drive Wheelbase version since, for practical purposes, they share the same base.
Regarding the included components:
- Direct Drive Base (thankfully).
- 180W Power Supply.
- USB cable for PC connection.
- x3 power cables depending on the region where it will be connected (which is appreciated, as it eliminates the need for external adapters):
- Type F connection (Europe).
- Type B connection (North and Central America, Japan, and parts of South America).
- Type G connection (United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, etc.).
- Satellite button for power on and off. It’s worth mentioning that Asetek La Prima Direct Drive does not include the Force Feedback disconnect or power-off button, as the Forte version does.
Hardware and materials
As soon as it’s taken out of the box, the rigidity and sturdiness of the base are immediately noticeable. As mentioned before, this base has a weight of approximately 8.5 kg. This is something to consider during the installation on our cockpits and the amount of available space, as the base has the following dimensions:
- Length: 293mm including the Quick Release (QR).
- Width: 132mm.
- Height 133mm.
The entire exterior of the base is constructed from extruded anodized aluminum, with the exception of the front and rear covers, which are made of plastic and can be removed.
Within the aluminum casing, there is a Mige motor, drawing from technology that has been extensively tested since the early days of the Open Sim Wheel.
Behind this motor, there is all the electronics responsible for controlling it, technology licensed to the Finns at Simucube and perfected by Asetek for application in their products. On this rear cover, we find the USB-C connection, the power connection for the base, and the connection for the satellite power on/off switch. Unlike the Asetek Forte Direct Drive Wheelbase , Asetek La Prima Direct Drive reduces the number of available connections on the rear side.
On the front side, completing the assembly, there’s the La Prima emblem and, as a finishing touch, the Quick Release (QR) system. At first glance, we associate it with the one used by Simucube, but upon closer inspection, we see how Asetek’s engineers have employed a design to eliminate the through bolt that restricted movement, opting for a spring-loaded stop system. The best part is that this system is integrated into the wheel itself, eliminating moving parts on the main axis of the direct drive and its QR.
At the bottom, there are rails with integrated nuts for mounting.
In this Asetek La Prima Direct Drive version, the base does not feature external LEDs like the Asetek Forte Direct Drive Wheelbase or the Asetek Invicta Direct Drive Wheelbase . It’s not something that affects performance, but aesthetically, it could be a positive aspect for some users.
Specifications
Asetek makes a statement of intent with the technical specifications of its entry-level base in the range:
- 12Nm of sustained torque. It’s important to note here that sustained torque does not imply an indefinite period. Asetek defines it as 40 seconds, which is sufficient for any known track where there is a curve that requires applying maximum torque throughout its length.
- Peak slew rate of 4Nm/ms. We were surprised to find this parameter in the manufacturer’s documentation since it is not usually a value specified by brands, and when requested, they are often reluctant to provide it. The translation of this parameter would be how quickly the base can execute changes in torque over time. For example, if we are driving on a smooth track and suddenly hit a significant curb, the speed at which it can apply these torque peaks would be this parameter or the time it takes from 0Nm to 12Nm, which is approximately 3 milliseconds.
- 22-bit encoder, translating to 4 million steps.
Looking at the mentioned specs, we can see that Asetek equips its entry-level base with figures that, in some cases, are difficult to find even in high-end bases. We would comparing with a model like Simucube 2 Sport which could double this on price.
Assembly
The Asetek bases allow for up to three mounting options (official mounting). This flexibility enables adaptation to the modularity of aluminum cockpits or the various options that users may have:
- Lateral Assembly
- Bottom Assembly
- Front Assembly
We have opted for this last method as the base integrates perfectly along with the emergency buttons on the 8mm laser-cut steel structure. Additionally, it leaves much more space for the legs. However, any of the proposed methods is entirely valid, and there will be no issues with rigidity. In any case, any of the previously mentioned mounting systems involve an additional cost unless we want to mount it using just the integrated nuts on the rails of the direct drive enclosure.
The manual includes plans with all the mounting patterns where we can verify which one best suits our needs.
As we mentioned in our analysis of the Forte base, things have changed since then. For the front mount, it’s as simple as removing the cover, screwing the front of the motor to the steel structure, and then putting the cover back on with the new screws provided.
Previously, this mount required extracting the motor a few millimeters from its aluminum enclosure to compensate for the thickness of the front structure. Asetek quickly corrected this to prevent users from manipulating the internal assembly.
Software
For both Asetek La Prima Direct Drive and Asetek Forte Direct Drive Wheelbase (and we understand that it also applies to Invicta, as well as the entire range of Asetek products), the integration of all this hardware with the PC (and only the PC, as there is no news yet of licensed versions for Xbox or PlayStation) is done through the Racehub software.
Up until today, little has changed, except for the integration of new products that have been released (currently in version 2.5.0 as of the date of writing these lines).
The software is quite comprehensive, allowing you to configure all aspects of the base and wheel. We’ve found a user-friendly and clear environment for both configuring peripherals and updating them. Depending on the manufacturers, this task can be more or less tedious (resets, manual disconnections, wheel removals, etc.). Not the case here. Click and you’re ready to go.
It is expected, according to the recent QA by CEO André Eriksen, that they will include many more customization features in what they call the big update, version 3.0. We will see what it has in store for us in Q1 2024.
Testing
We conducted the tests using the Asetek Formula La Prima (which we’ll discuss later) and through the following software:
- iRacing
- Assetto Corsa
- Automobilista 2
- Beamng Drive
- Forza Motorsport
The first thing to highlight is that having the QR with integrated electronics eliminates the need for cables, whether with Asetek ecosystem wheels or external ones. No more cables around the direct drive axis that can get tangled and pose a risk.
Using the configurations provided by Asetek for each game (which you can find on their website), the first thing we noticed is that the base transmits very pure sensations. There is no damping (unless you want to add it yourself in post-processing), but at the same time, there is no harshness derived from an unrefined controller. Smoothness and detail. Lots of detail.
The previously mentioned slew rate is definitely noticeable y nearly impossible to get on wheelbases from this range. As we already mentioned many times, it is an expensive specification and hard to reach and many manufacturers skip this information.
We have been using a base with a similar torque on a daily basis, and the differences are apparent. It is easy to feel everything in titles like Assetto Corsa Ultimate , and when I say everything, is track, surfaces, car reactions, bumps or whetever with incredible definition on this range. Other simulators as iRacing, due to a very different FFB implementation every car feels less pronounced but we can find common points as the new 3D kerbs on Okayama, which are really worth to travel through.
In terms of temperatures, we haven’t noticed significant increases, although it’s not something we should be concerned about since these motors come from an industrial environment where they often work in demanding conditions 24/7.
In terms of integration into games, we haven’t encountered any issues, except in Forza Motorsport . Since it doesn’t have direct support and relies on Direct Input, the force feedback was inverted. Simply modifying it in the game options resolved the issue. It’s worth noting that the base has a Legacy mode to adjust the number of wheel buttons to a maximum of 32, as some games do not allow more inputs (cough cough AMS2).
Final thoughts
Pending testing with a slightly heavier round wheel to see how the base performs and how it handles drift disciplines, our impressions are that it is an outstanding base.
From the sensations it conveys from the very beginning, the “limited need” to start tweaking parameters as soon as you connect it to the PC, to the potential future modularity that the manufacturer may offer for upgrades without having to buy a new base (as we’re already seeing with wheels and pedals), we’re starting to believe that there are companies out there that prioritize the customer.
With this entry-level base, selling at lower prices than some of its competitors and offering specifications almost at a high-end level in some cases, along with the proximity to the consumer in terms of listening to feedback and learning, it represents a paradigm shift in the 10-15Nm range.
A safe bet that you can upgrade too to Asetek Forte Direct Drive Wheelbase with the upcoming kit next year.
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