Dcc Sound Decoders

I am confused. Are these decoders digital sound for the prototypical loco or just synthesized sound for any. I find it odd that 10 whistles are available when not many prototypes had more than two ever fitted.
 
They have multiple whistles as different locos, eras and lines had different whistles. Just as US diesels have different horns depending on era, line or loco.
Having the whistles on one decoder gives the user a bit more choice to match their loco as new sounds cannot be loaded onto the ECO series of decoders.
 
I think I see, So these are not loco specific sounds?
 
beavercreek said:
Although the decoder is not loco specific you have the choice of various 'weights' of loco, chuff patterns etc etc.
Here is a screen shot of the sound options:
http://www.soundtraxx.com/dsd/econami/econami_sound.php?s=steam

View attachment 215524
Click to expand...
Listening to all the available Sounds some would appear (to my ears) to be pretty good for European or UK use. Certainly the Chuffs if the Steam Dynamo and Bell can be controlled would all appear to be fine. Sadly the Bell is just too American in the way it rings. Far removed from the ones used on the HSB.

As for Whistles a vary different but not completely hopeless story. Certainly the US Chime is gpfar removed from UK or European Sounds US Import Locomotives excluded. None of the Chimes even sound remitely like an A4 with that haunting background sound. But if you like US Locomotives what a fabulous selection. However for UK and Europe I think the following would be suitable:-
- Baldwin Single Chime
- Peanut (a bit feeble but probably OK for a small loco)
- NW Flat top, pretty close to a Stanier Hooter
- Air Horn, if you ever saw Polish Steam this would remind you of an OL49 2-6-2 at speed.

This is not a criticism of the Chips, just my take on their use for us on this side of the Pond if you are not into Midelling the US Scene. Some would of course be quite happy with these and my LGB German Harz Battery Converted 0-4-0t happily trundles round the Garden with its Aristo US Sound System.
JonD
 
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