Preview of Kato's upcoming analog sound system...

[Chulvis]

Looks interesting for those that want sound but do not have or want DCC.

[spookshow]

Probably sounds a lot better than a typical N scale sound decoder, but I'd still rather have the sound coming directly from the locomotive in question (as opposed to a disembodied speaker).

Cheers,
-Mark

[NorsemanJack]

Count me in!  I'm building my current layout to be dual mode (i.e. DC or DCC) and I doubt I'll ever install decoders in more than a handful of engines.  I'm glad to see that Kato still sees a future in non-DCC equipment.

[tehachapifan]

Very cool! If there was a way to install remote speakers that could individually trigger when the train moves past them so the sound at least sort of follows the train, I would really be interested.

[bobdobbs]

They will sell as many as they make, very cool, MRC had a less technical version of this, not tied into throttle position!

[Flagler]

If your layout is only 6 ft long X 3 ft wide, I guess

[sdodge]

As a user of Kato power packs on my small DC layout I will probably have to spring for 1 or 2. I do not remember any similar systems having the sound tied to the throttle.

Just a note...I would use DCC if I had a larger layout with multiple trains running but with only one train running at a time on my shortline I really can't justify the switch.

[NorsemanJack]

I'm thinking wireless headphones.  Also, since bass is very non-directional, hooking one up to a powered sub-woofer could be really cool.  I've got an old home theatre AVR sitting in the goodwill stack that I just might need to pull back. 

[sirenwerks]

Very cool! If there was a way to install remote speakers that could individually trigger when the train moves past them so the sound at least sort of follows the train, I would really be interested.

That would be Soundtraxx, right?  Unless you throw the word "affordable" into the sentence.

[Chris333]

Depending on the price I could go for one of these. My layout is only 2x4 

[mmagliaro]

 I think this is cool and will be very popular, and I applaud Kato for building it.

Notice that the chuff sound is timed to the engine's actual speed, not the throttle position, which  implies that
it must be using some sort of back EMF to know how fast the motor is actually turning.  That will fall apart
if you have multiple engines in a lash-up.  Notice they don't demo it in the video for two engines at the same time.

I still think this is preferable to tying the sound to the throttle position.

The sound won't be synchronized to steam pistons, but I don't think people really notice or care most of the time.

[lock4244]

Am I the only one that doesn't get the giggles for sound? It seems very annoying and I nothing more irritating while watching youtube vid's of layouts full of random horn blowing.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I like to make my own sounds...

[Chris333]

I really would not plan to use the horn/whistle and all other sound effects. I just want locomotive sounds that change with the speed.

[up1950s]

Best product of 2013 so far IMO . Kudos to Kato . I suspect the ASB to be reasonable , not unlike printers , but like the printers ink will the specific to loco sound modules cost an Emperors ransom ? Needles to say I am in in in .

[sdodge]

Best product of 2013 so far IMO . Kudos to Kato . I suspect the ASB to be reasonable , not unlike printers , but like the printers ink will the specific to loco sound modules cost an Emperors ransom ? Needles to say I am in in in .

Indeed, I wonder how far they will go with diesel sounds? One generic sound or EMD, GE, Alco etc?