Hi guys,
Is there someone using this sound system who could give me an opinion about it ?
Thanks,
SD
Here is a straight up opinion on this product…avoid, avoid, avoid. If you can swing it, you will be much better off with A QSI revolution, Digitrax SFX, Soundtraxx anything or LokSound decoder. MRC decoders are of the lowest quality and their track record is just horrible.
David B
I have one. It’s so-so. The sounds are basically generic. The step speed for the diesel sound isn’t near to prototype. But if you want basic sound for the layout go for it. I hooked mine up to a 5.1 surround sound sspeaker system, after I disconnected the woofer.
Only good thing I have read about MRC decoders is what MRC pays to have printed in there adds! I had 2 Athearn Big Boys with MRC Decoders, key word is HAD. My engines with QSI decoders have had no issues, well sometimes my BLI Class J needs to be reprogram to default, 2 times in two years. MRC in the Big Boys, ever 20 minutes.
My LHS stopped selling the MRC decoders unless you agree it not there problem when it shots craps.
QSI or Digitrax is all I have for now.
Cuda Ken, MRC Decoder Free For A Year Now! Thank God!!!
I think there’s a crossing of wires here. The original poster isn’t asking about a decoder that goes into a locomotive. The MRC Synchro-sound system has connects to either a power pack or a DCC system and a speaker or speakers on the layout. I’ve had mine for several years now and it still works.
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your post.
You mention that “The step speed for the diesel sound isn’t near to prototype”. Does this mean that the synchronized diesel rumble is not an interesting feature ? I would also hook up the system to 4 quality speakers from an old 70`s system. I tought the diesel rumble and other diesel sounds like horn, bell, dynamic brake, etc…would be fairly realistic.
What do you think ?
I have never heard the system and would buy it online. I am totally dependant on the feedback I will receive.
Be happy,
Michel D.
The horns and bells and such are all right, but the motor speed never seems to be right for whatever loco I have running, and on DCC the Synchro-Sound has to be programmed to the same address as the loco that’s being run to work. There are many times that I wish I could just turn to the motor sound off, but that’s not possible. One thing I like is that I can select which horn and bell sounds I want to use.
Jeff, you got the job as proof reader, pay is nothing but you got a title!![:D]
I just saw a add from last month magazine about the Synchro Sound system . More details on it would be great.
MRC Decoders still &^%$'s but I do like other MRC iteams.
Cuda Ken, miss reading post again.
I used the Synchro Sound system for a couple of years. I wanted so much to have that diesel noise, bells, and whistle at my finger tips. It was OK…for a while. Then my sound addiction led me to DCC and LokSound decoders. I’ve been broke ever since! [^]
But, oh the sound and motor control! I need another fix! Quick, order me another decoder!!! [:-,]
I owned three of them. All went into trashcan. They are either bricks, all go or forget all CV’s programmed after a minor interruption normally encountered and they are too hissy and loud. I did my best but a 600 dollar expense on junker decoder equippted engines and 14 months wrestling with it… just aint worth it anymore.
I suppose Ive been badly spoiled by the QSI, but I will continue to buy Athearn/Roundhouse… just DCC ready and install a QSI later.
The marketing is nice and pretty, and the engines look well enough and have no real issues. In fact Im just happy that they were RTR and not KIT built as they used to be long ago. Some were real good pullers. One 4-4-0 dragged my 6 pound camcorder dead pull on the rail once. (That was the only time it did it… another story entirely so let’s not go there.)
The final straw was the DT400 throttle. No matter how little you spin the throttle or how low or high you input the CV’s of all kinds that engine will sit there until it jerks into motion at 7 smph. My proto heavy 2-10-2 glides into motion on one throttle click and one smph on dirty track.
… sooo… MRC probably will improve in future and are robust first DCC engines suitable for kids. They will quickly learn anyhow.
I have the Steam version and it works pretty well. A relatively easy and inexpensive way to get synchro sound for your DC locomotives.
Ignore all of the coments about MRC decoders, they are completely different products than the one you are asking about …
Marty
Totally MY BAD.
I am so feeling stupid. =(
Good catch. There is a short in my brain whenever the letters MRC comes across. LOL.
I have one for the engine facility, I like the sounds of the idle and the water separators. I dont have the throttle hooked up and I seem to like it so far.
Works okay for ambient background sounds, ie: using the bell or air hoses in yard.
The horn is kinda okay - but it’s like all sound systems in DC or DCC locomotives - the thrill is gone after a period of time.
When I tried out the MRC stand-alone sound system, I was disappointed in the effects (the quality of the sound, as it were). While that can be in the “ear of the beholder”, what really turned me off to it was the fact that it won’t let you play more than two or three sounds at a time. For example, I was ringing the bell and moving the loco, then I tried to blow the horn. IIRC, the bell shut off when the horn was activated. This seems rather basic, as when one is going through a grade crossing, you’re supposed to ring the bell and blow the horn at the same time.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
Hi group,
Thanks for your feedback, it is appreciated. MRR is fun with you guys.
Most of you seem to have had a relatively fair experience with this basic system.
If I interpret your comments correctly, some features are good, others not but in the end, you have a sound system that provides a number of basic RR sounds that are interesting and that may lead to DCC. (and ruin me ! …)
I will go ahead with this project and hope I will enjoy MRC RR noise(s).
SD40-2(W)
Hi guys,
As mentionned in my last post and based on your generous feedback, I wanted to go ahead and buy the MRC SYNCHRO SOUND SYSTEM for DIESEL (MRC part # 1023). I contacted my MR dealer and he advised me that # 1023 has been discountinued.
I then decided to go for MRC item # AA555 which is SYMPHONY 74. Did I make a good replacement purchase or should I cancel this and go with another system ?
Note that I am not ready for DCC. Scenery is my next challenge, not electronics.
What do you think ?
Michel Drouin,
Trois-Rivières, Qc.
Hi I was thinking about getting this item myself,Dose it havea continous Diesel Horn sound as you.Hold down the Hirn Button just like a real one.Or dose it do a long horn.Sond then stops after a few seconds.[?]
Santa Fe,
I could not answer your question since I am totally ignorant about these sound systems.
I feel there are many of our friends here who know much about this subject and could help us with our basic but pertinent questions.
Note that “MRC Synchro Sound system - Diesel” (MRC item # 1023) is now discountinued. As written in my last post, I decided to go for MRC Symphony 74 (item # AA555). Was that a good choice or should I cancel my order, I dont know. Someone will come to the rescue I hope.
Help[angel] please…
You all have a good one,
SD40-2(W)