Recording Locomotive Sounds

Quantum Upgrade Chip

Sound Recording of Locomotive Sounds for Use in Quantum Sound Systems

Revised 31 January 2005
Fred Severson

Full article available at QSI Solutions web site.

The Quantum System use up to 32 separate channels to produce model railroad sounds. Each sound, such as bell, horn, chuff, motor sounds, etc are reproduced separate from the others in the Quantum Sound system and then summed together before being feed into the system audio amplifier.

Because each sound is separate, they need to be recorded independently. Sounds that occur together during recording are seldom of any use to QSI sound technicians. For instance, most audiotapes and videos usually have all sounds occurring together such as chuff, whistle and bell on at the same time. In addition, the sounds are usually moving, such as run bys, so the frequency is shifted from the Doppler effect and again cannot be used.

Special care must be taken when recording any railroad sounds. The following provides recording tips and procedures to ensure the best possible results to be used by our sound technicians.

Full article available at QSI Solutions web site.

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