GRID by Sim-Lab MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel
It is well known in the sim racing world that GRID Engineering and Sim-Lab have joined forces. GRID by Sim-Lab is in possession of the official Porsche license under which various beautiful products are marketed. They not only produce Porsche sim racing gear, but also various other products such as the Brows, the DDU5 Display and the MPX Sim Racing steering wheel. As we have a good relationship with GRID Engineering and Sim-Lab we have heard that they won’t slow down just yet and that there is much more in the pipeline for the future.
As mentioned in our GRID by Sim-Lab Porsche 911 RSR steering wheel review, we visited Sim-Lab last February. Here we were told that, in addition to the Porsche 911 RSR steering wheel, we would also be allowed to review the MPX Sim Racing steering wheel. Here too we had to be patient with the delivery because existing orders obviously have priority. However now our patience has been rewarded and we are now in possession of the GRID by Sim-Lab MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel. It goes without saying that we are very happy with the products that we are allowed to review and we are very eager to get to work.
Packaging & Contents
We receive a large brown box from UPS, containing another beautiful product box. The product box has a nice full color image of the MPX Sim Racing steering wheel. All GRID by Sim-Lab product boxes have the same style that makes us very excited. When we open the product box we see a flyer with a silhouette of the steering wheel and a QR code that refers to the online manual. In addition, we find no less than five sticker sheets to label the buttons and rotary encoders. Underneath these sheets we find a filling of high-quality black foam with the device that GRID calls the Power Injection Box (PIB) at the top right. In the recess at the bottom we find a USB cable and a data cable with Lumberg connector. We also find a bag containing some GRID by Sim-Lab stickers, Allen keys, additional magnets for the shifters and tweezers to stick the stickers on the buttons and rotary encoders. Last but not least, there are enough bolts for mounting the PIB to your simrig and for mounting a Quick Release or adapter.
The MPX Steering Wheel
GRID Engineering calls the steering wheel the MPX, where MP stands for Multi-Purpose. The steering wheel is therefore suitable for multiple purposes, such as driving in GT3, F1 and LMP cars. The steering wheel can be used with PC-compatible wheelbases and can be controlled via SimHub or Sim-Lab’s proprietary software called Race Director. The MPX weighs about 1700 grams and has a width of 295 mm. The housing is made of high quality black anodized aluminum, which is precision machined with CNC milling machines. The housing is finished with a 5 mm thick carbon front plate, which provides a stylish look. Thanks to this construction, the steering wheel is very rigid and sturdy. The steering wheel grips are made of molded polyurethane with an anti-static compound, which should make the steering wheel grippy and comfortable to use.
The steering wheel comes with an attached module called the Power Injection Box (PIB), as mentioned above. The PIB can be mounted on your simrig and is connected to your PC and power socket via the included USB cable and power adapter. You can connect the steering wheel to the PIB using the data cable. The PIB provides both the power supply and the data connection for the steering wheel. The PIB is also useful if you have multiple GRID by Sim-Lab steering wheels and is not compatible with other brands of steering wheels.
Front Side
The front of the steering wheel is fitted with two 7-way switches, one of which is located in each top corner. Eight APEM pushbuttons, four on each side, are integrated. In addition, there are four customizable RGB LEDs per push button. The steering wheel features nine ELMA custom encoders with push-button functionality, five of which are located in the center and two on each side of the steering wheel. The five encoders in the middle are each equipped with eleven RGB LEDs. There are a total of 87 RGB LEDs on the steering wheel, which are individually adjustable and telemetry controllable.
Back Side
The back of the steering wheel is fitted with two angled Otto P9 push buttons, one located in each top corner. The steering wheel has an aluminum rear adapter with a 6x70mm bolt pattern. This makes it possible to mount the most common quick releases, such as those from Fanatec, Asetek, Simucube and Simagic on this wheel. Next to the adapter are the shifter modules, along with the analog modules below them. The paddles of both the shifter modules and analog modules are adjustable in width and depth, meaning further towards or away from you. The analog modules can be configured in three ways, namely double clutch, analog inputs and button inputs. A 6-pin Lumberg connector is placed under the adapter, which provides the connection to the Power Injection Box (PIB).
Assembly
To use the MPX steering wheel on the Fanatec DD2 wheelbase, we attach a Fanatec Podium Hub to the steering wheel. Thanks to the supplied bolts and Allen keys, we can easily and quickly assemble the Podium Hub. We then place the supplied PIB next to the wheelbase on our simrig to provide the power and data connection to the steering wheel. After we have placed the MPX on our DD2 wheelbase we connect the data cable between the steering wheel and the PIB. By simply pressing the on/off button on the PIB, the steering wheel turns on and is automatically recognized by Windows.
Now we can move on to setting up the steering wheel in SimHub or the Race Director software. With this software we can configure the desired settings and adjust the steering wheel to our personal preferences.
Software
In the latest version of SimHub it is easy to add the MPX steering wheel with just a few clicks. After we added the steering wheel in SimHub, everything works almost immediately. To be able to use and possibly adjust the LEDs, a standard LED profile is available in SimHub. GRID also has a custom LED profile available on the product page of the MPX steering wheel which is suitable for racing games such as Assetto Corsa (Competizione) and iRacing. We choose to download the modified LED profile, which is fine for us as Assetto Corsa Competizione drivers.
The Race Director software is designed exclusively for GRID by Sim-Lab products and can be used as an alternative to SimHub. In addition, the Race Director software offers an intuitive interface (see image below) that allows us to set up the analog modules as dual clutch, analog inputs or button inputs. Updating the steering wheel’s firmware is also easy to do through this software, but unfortunately we can’t test that because there is no update available yet.
With both SimHub and the Race Director software, we have full control over our steering wheel adjustments and settings, allowing us to create a personalized MPX steering wheel. In both applications we can customize the colors of the buttons and encoders and use different LED profiles. In addition, we can assign telemetry settings to the buttons and LEDs, such as displaying flags, spotter notifications, pit limiter warnings, and so on.
The Use
Since MPX Steering wheel is a Multi-Purpose sim racing steering wheel with a GT style appearance, we will of course test it in GT cars. Our preference is Assetto Corsa Competizione, where we will drive the wheel in a Porsche 911 (992) GT3 R. After we have started Assetto Corsa Competizione, all we have to do is assign the buttons and encoders to the correct in-game functions, and we’re ready to race!
The Steering Wheel
When starting our first virtual drive in Assetto Corsa Competizione, we immediately experience a pleasant feeling with the MPX steering wheel. The polyurethane handles do not only offer comfort, but also provide an excellent grip. The steering wheel feels solid thanks to the all-aluminum housing and carbon front plate, we don’t notice any flex or play while driving. We clearly experience the details of the force feedback, even when we scale back the force of the Fanatec DD2 wheelbase to below 10 Nm. In our opinion, this makes the MPX steering wheel suitable for all types of wheelbases. The steering wheel is excellent to use both with and without gloves. Because the handles feel a bit softer than we are used to, we prefer to drive with our gloves on. After a few weeks of use, the softer handles generally do not get dirty or sticky quickly.
Rear controls
One of the first things you notice about the GRID by Sim-Lab MPX is the solid build quality of the modules on the back. The MPX is equipped with two Otto P9 push buttons, one of which is located in each top corner. The push buttons are mounted at an angle, which allows us to easily operate them with our index finger(s) while racing and without having to let go of the wheel. We find these buttons very useful, for example, to activate specific functions, such as DRS, or to quickly switch through menus.
The paddle shifters are conveniently located at the level of our middle fingers. They have a pleasantly short travel, which makes it possible to switch gears quickly. While they are generally easy to operate, we find the shifter modules to feel quite numb due to the lack of feedback. We also had this conclusion with the Porsche 911 RSR steering wheel, which uses the same shifter modules. Fortunately, GRID listened carefully to the community. As a solution, they have added extra magnets that you can place on top of, or use to replace, the existing magnets in the shifter modules. This allows you to configure the shifter modules according to your own wishes. In our case, by adding two extra magnets on top of the existing magnets we get the desired feedback and increased feeling during shifting.
In addition to the shifter modules, the MPX steering wheel also offers fine analog modules. The paddles of the analog modules logically have a greater travel and are also very pleasant to use. The spring used in the analog modules offers a pleasant resistance, so that we can operate it comfortably during racing. In addition, the non-contact hall effect sensors ensure that we do not feel any friction when using the paddles. We can adjust the settings of these modules via the steering wheel itself or via the Race Director. As we described earlier, we can use the paddles in three ways: dual-clutch, analog input and button input. As avid sim racers, we prefer the dual-clutch setting.
Both the shifter modules and the analog modules are equipped with adjustable paddles. By loosening one bolt, we can adjust the modules in depth, to move them either closer to us or further away from us. By loosening the two bolts on the paddles themselves, we can adjust them in width, to move them either further inward or out. With these options for adjusting the paddles, the steering wheel is suitable for both large and small hands.
Front controls
The build quality at the front is also good with the MPX steering wheel. Every detail, from the pushbuttons to the aluminum knobs on the rotary encoders, exudes premium quality. The 7-way switches are conveniently located in the top corners, making them easy to access with our thumbs while keeping our hands firmly gripped on the wheel. They have smooth and responsive controls, so we can deliver our input quickly and accurately. To operate the 7-way switch like a rotary encoder, we have to use our thumb and index finger while releasing our hand(s) from the steering wheel.
The used APEM push buttons on the steering wheel have a clear clicky feedback with every operation, which ensures a responsive experience while racing. The rotary encoders next to the grips have a distinctly tactile click when turning, allowing us to easily and accurately make adjustments while driving. They run smoothly and respond easily to our input. Both the push buttons and the rotary encoders are strategically positioned on the steering wheel so that we can operate them effortlessly without having to take our hands off the wheel. The same principle applies to the five rotary encoders in the heart of the steering wheel, with the exception that we do have to release our hand from the steering wheel to operate them.
A nice extra feature of both the push buttons and the five rotary encoders in the heart of the steering wheel is that they are telemetry controlled. This means that in software such as SimHub or the Race Director software we can set the LEDs of these inputs to display individual telemetry data. For example, think of flag situations, a spotter and more. This gives us even more insight and immersion during our races.
With the steering wheel we also receive a nice sticker sheet with which we can personalize the push buttons and rotary encoders. What we particularly like is that the text on the stickers has been cut out transparently, so that the function of the push button or encoder lights up beautifully. This adds a fun and personalized touch to our MPX steering wheel.
Video: Driving with the GRID by Sim-Lab MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel
The video below is a short driving impression of the GRID by Sim-Lab MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel. In this video we drive with the MPX steering wheel mounted on our Fanatec DD2 wheelbase with the Porsche 911 GT3 Dash Display behind it. As a racing game we use Assetto Corsa Competizione.
Conclusion
During our tests with the MPX steering wheel in Assetto Corsa Competizione, we were immediately impressed. The MPX Steering Wheel from GRID by Sim-Lab offers extensive customization options and functionalities, allowing you to create a personalized steering wheel.
The steering wheel offers a pleasant feel thanks to the comfortable polyurethane grips and the solid aluminum housing with a carbon front plate. The MPX can be used with or without gloves, although we prefer driving it with gloves due to the softer grips. There is no flex or slack when driving. The steering wheel is suitable for different wheelbases, even for wheelbases below 10 Nm, because the details of the force feedback also come through well with these low-torque wheelbases.
At the back of the steering wheel, you immediately notice the solid build quality and intuitive operation of the modules. The Otto P9 pushbuttons in the top corners are easily accessible and respond reliably. The gearshift paddles are conveniently placed at the level of the middle fingers and offer fast gear changes thanks to their short travel. While the shifter modules feel a little numb at first, it is possible to add additional magnets to get the desired feedback and improved feel during shifting. The analog modules have a pleasant travel and pleasant resistance. The non-contact hall-effect sensors ensure smooth operation without friction. Both the paddle shifters and the analog modules are adjustable in width and depth, making the steering wheel suitable for different hand sizes.
At the front of the steering wheel, the build quality is also excellent. The APEM pushbuttons and aluminum knobs on the rotary encoders exude high quality. Conveniently positioned in the top corners, the 7-way switches provide smooth and responsive operation. The push buttons provide clear feedback, while the rotary encoders allow for easy and precise adjustments while driving. All buttons and rotary encoders on the steering wheel are well placed for effortless operation without taking your hands off the grips. The five rotary encoders at the heart of the steering wheel work in a similar way. The only difference is that you have to take your hand off the steering wheel to operate them.
With the included sticker sheet you can personalize the push buttons and rotary encoders, with the functions beautifully highlighted thanks to the transparent text on the stickers. This adds a fun and personalized touch to the MPX steering wheel.
With both SimHub and the Race Director software, you have full control over steering wheel adjustments and settings, including color adjustments of buttons, encoders and different LED profiles. In addition, you can assign telemetry settings to the LEDs on the pushbuttons and rotary encoders, allowing you to display important information such as flags, spotter messages and pit limiter warnings.
All in all, the MPX Steering Wheel from GRID by Sim-Lab offers excellent build quality, comfortable grip, extensive customization options and responsive controls. Whether you are a serious sim racer or just looking for a high-quality steering wheel for your racing simulations, the MPX steering wheel is definitely recommended in our opinion.
If you are interested in the GRID by Sim-Lab MPX Sim Racing Steering Wheel, you can order it through the GRID by Sim-Lab webshop. For € 1199.99 you get a high-end steering wheel of very good quality.
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