Sound in N-Scale

[peteski]

Something that I find helpful is to turn off or way down everything but the prime mover.
Traction motors, engine fan, sanding valve, air compressor etc. to me just turn the sound file into an annoying mush of noise.
I also do pushbutton on the fly volume control with ESU and usually run my engines at about 20% or maybe 40-60% at a show where there’s more room and high ambient noise.

Jim

Everything, but the prime mower!?  I suspect that you also left the bell and horn turned on.  To me those are the best sound effects on sound decoders.  That, plus chuffs in steam locos.

Either way, this just proves how subjective sound is. Everybody's different.

[Jim Starbuck]

Everything, but the prime mower!?  I suspect that you also left the bell and horn turned on.  To me those are the best sound effects on sound decoders.  That, plus chuffs in steam locos.

Either way, this just proves how subjective sound is. Everybody's different.

Sorry, I wasn’t very clear on that.  I meant a lot of sounds that are grouped by default with the prime mover and activated by F8. (Again ESU) The bell and horn are left on F1&2. On a few of my switchers I will map the engine fan to a separate function button as well just to add some variety but only when I want it.
I’ve had people recognize an Alco but never heard anyone say “ooooh, nice traction motors!”.

[trainforfun]

Do you mean like this?  Sound was recorded 'live' over the cellphone mic, but you will miss most of it if you are watching the vid on tiny speakers.

(Yes, this is ESU/Loksound.)

Edit - since this vid was taken I've re-tuned the locos for smoother slow-speed performance, and also now run things with the Protothrottle, which really adds a whole 'nother dimension to the experience.


Ed

Love it !!!!!

[trainforfun]

I switched to sound a while back with virtually all my own custom (ESU and Zimo) installs and will never go back to no sound. I absolutely love it!

Here's a couple of my sound installs in kitbashed N scale switchers. If you think these sound good with only 8x12 speakers, you should hear my road units....

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I echo what John C. said. An adequately sized and completely sealed speaker enclosure is an absolute must for quality sound. I rate this as every bit as important as the quality of the decoder and the sound file.

I also agree that sound doesn't scale well as far as with distance and obstacles, so locos on the other side of the room, in a tunnel or in a hidden staging area might be too audible and a whole bunch of locos running all at once can get to be a little much at times. This said, I often run two trains, both with 2 or 3 sound units running, and still enjoy it considerably.

Beautifull !!!!!