One of the biggest advantages of the Fanatec ecosystem is the seamless and straightforward connectivity between different products. Pedals, handbrakes like the ClubSport Handbrake V2, and shifters such as the ClubSport Shifter SQ V1.5 can easily be added to your sim racing setup. Depending on whether you are playing on PC or console, there are several ways to connect your hardware.
Connect Fanatec pedals to a wheel base with the included RJ12 cable. On PC, supported load-cell pedal sets can connect directly by USB, so they can be used as standalone devices (with other brands of sim hardware). If you have a Fanatec Base, it is recommended to connect your pedals directly to the Base on all platforms. On PlayStation or XBOX, it is required to connect the pedals through the wheel base, because the console will only accept one USB cable input.
The throttle controls acceleration, and the brake controls braking. A clutch pedal controls clutch engagement in games and vehicles that support it. Pedal sensors convert pedal movement into game inputs. On the load-cell sets listed below, the brake’s load cell measures the force you apply, giving you a more consistent braking reference, because you are training your muscle memory for force rather than position.
The most straightforward - and arguably the most elegant - way to connect your Fanatec hardware is through your wheel base. All Fanatec pedal sets, shifters, and handbrakes are equipped with an RJ12 socket and come with an RJ12 cable included. RJ12, a common telecommunications standard for signal transmission, allows for direct, hassle-free connections to the wheel base without the need for additional adapters.
Once connected, the wheel base functions as a central hub, collecting input signals from each device. It then transmits all data to your PC or console through a single USB connection. This not only simplifies cable management but also ensures full compatibility and optimal performance across your setup.
Note that you can use any RJ12-RJ12 (6p6c straight) cables that have the right connectors on both sides. They should however be of high quality and similar length to those that Fanatec provides with the product.
Connecting all your gear via an RJ12 cable has several advantages. Aside from it being the neatest solution, it is also the go-to for console players. This way, all your accessories can directly be used on PlayStation 4 and 5, provided you have a PS-compatible wheel base like the ClubSport DD+ or Gran Turismo® DD Pro.
The same applies to XBOX Series consoles when you have a compatible steering wheel for your Fanatec base like the CSL Steering Wheel GT3, the CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2 or a wheel with the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for XBOX.
Both consoles require a single USB connection from your wheel base to ensure all your gear functions properly. Connecting your wheel base and, for example, your pedals or shifter to separate USB ports will not work.
Fanatec gear can also be connected to PC via USB. Load cell pedals like the CSL Pedals LC, ClubSport Pedals V3, and CSL Elite Pedals V2 can directly be connected via the integrated USB socket. The ClubSport USB Adapter will further allow you to connect your Fanatec shifter or handbrake if you do not use a Fanatec wheel base.
This comparison covers the pedal sets discussed here. PlayStation use requires a PlayStation-compatible wheel base. XBOX use requires a Fanatec wheel base with an XBOX-compatible steering wheel or hub.
| Pedal set | RJ12 to Fanatec wheel base | Direct USB | PC | PlayStation | XBOX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSL Pedals | Yes | No | Via base | Via base | Via base |
| CSL Pedals LC | Yes | Yes | Via base or USB | Via base | Via base |
| CSL Elite Pedals V2 | Yes | Yes | Via base or USB | Via base | Via base |
| ClubSport Pedals V3 | Yes | Yes | Via base or USB | Via base | Via base |
Third-party pedals cannot connect directly to a Fanatec wheel base. On PC, you can configure compatible USB pedals separately from the wheel base.
Choose CSL Pedals LC if you want a load-cell brake. CSL Elite Pedals V2 offer a load-cell brake with adjustable brake feel. ClubSport Pedals V3 add pedal vibration motors. Each set connects to the Fanatec wheel base by RJ12. XBOX compatibility comes from the XBOX-compatible steering wheel or hub. It is not possible to connect pedals to an XBOX via a separate USB connection.
Do I need a clutch pedal?
No. A clutch is useful when you drive vehicles that require manual clutch input. Check your game’s control settings.
Can I use pedals from another brand?
On PC, you can configure compatible USB pedals separately. They cannot connect to a Fanatec wheel base by RJ12. On console, you must use Fanatec pedals connected to the Fanatec wheel base.
How should I position the pedals?
Secure them so they do not move under braking. Bolting them to a surface or sim cockpit is the best way to achieve this. Position them where you can press the brake through its usable range.
If you’d like to find out more about compatibility with PCs and consoles, as well as possible product combinations, please visit our Fanatec product pages or learn more via our introduction to the Fanatec ecosystem.
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