Sound Question?

[Dan]

Quick question regarding MSTS sounds:

When you configure a Consist with multiple engines/locomotives, how do you configure the outside sounds of the engines so they don't become distorted?

The reason I'm asking is probably self-evident, but last night I configured the three freeware Norfolk & Southern Dash 9s together and while it looks cool with a lot of cars, I've noticed that the sounds of all three engines running together is extremely distorted outside the cab. While I was hoping it would sound good (with all three), apparently running the same sound file three times simultaneously through the sound board is to much for it to handle.

This is strange, as other configurations (Santa Fe Chief) do not present this problem.

While I'm at it, is there any limitation in MSTS to the number of cars that can be configured with a Consist?

Any suggestions as to the problem and/or solution would be great!

Thanks

Dan

_{…it’s great being a kid again – without the glue!} ;D

[bhk]

Dan,
I'll try and answer these, in reverse.

Theoretically, the number of cars in a consist is unlimited....you can keep adding them ad infinitum.
However, in practice, whether you can run it/them once in Train sim proper is totally dependant upon the PC setup, the number of consists run in an Activity and the resolution of the skins applied to the consist components.

Some PC's just bow at the knees and wave the white flag of surrender.

Sounds.....
Again, this is delving into the realms of "what works for one won't necessarily work for another".
The first thing to bear in mind is that for all default locomotives, and most free-ware locomotives, when connected in series, only the lead locomotive gives sound output responding to the throttle. All subsequent locos in the lash-up will only emit idle sounds.....irrespective of the throttle setting.

There are exceptions.....Dekosoft locos, for example, actually state what is the lead loco and what must be the trailing loco(s) so that, as a group, the sound they emit actually sounds like two or more units responding to throttle changes.

Having said that, if you are using the Curphy sound-pack for those NS locos, then the way in which he has arranged the "musical score" might be pushing the envelope a bit.

What I have done - gradually, over the course of the time I've had MSTS - is to replace all default sounds (on locos and 'stock) with that orchestrated by Maple Leaf Tracks. I've also done the same to some of the free-ware and pay-ware offerings, including 3DTrainStuff equipment.

So my free-ware NS locos, recently added (since downloading Pocahontas) now alias to MLT sounds.

I hope that this has helped and not confused.

Bruce.

[Dan]

It makes perfect sense, Bruce!

I configured the three NS engine consist with 80-90 cars (just now counted them) and based on what you said - no wonder the sounds were distorted. I didn't realize that the cars were taking up that much memory, but similar to flight sim - the more detail - the more sounds take a hit when it's on the line.

I deleted 20 some cars and the sound improved - not totally, so I'll have to delete some more, but it did make a difference. I was using the sounds that came with the package and also tried a second version he came out with - same effect. I don't have any of Maple Leafs trains or route packs yet, so I'll have to get a Dash 9 or a route that has one it - Cascades Crossing looks nice!

Thanks for the explanation and the information! ;D

Dan

_{…it’s great being a kid again – without the glue!} ;D

[bhk]

dans said:

......I don't have any of Maple Leafs trains or route packs yet, so I'll have to get a Dash 9 or a route that has one it - Cascades Crossing looks nice! ...

Dan, if you are going to buy an MLT package, you have picked a good one but bear in mind that, even with the patch, because of the detail in parts of the route, it can make a PC sweat a bit, depending on the specs, of course.

Every MLT package is great, even the earlier releases.

Bruce