Why I Prefer Soundtraxx Tsunami 2 Over Any Other Sound Decoder

This is just an impromptu video describing just a couple of reasons why I personally use Soundtraxx Tsunami2 over their other decoders and any other manufacturer's decoders. This is just my opinion as a sound decoder is only good for what you want it to do and there are a lot of modelers out there who either don't know what's actually out there or don't care and just want simple. I do not expect everyone to agree but do your homework on everything out there before saying what's the best out there.
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[@TheTrainFreak]

I was notified that the original video(s) have been removed by the uploader but nevertheless, this is still some good information for when your looking for the best decoder for you.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Jason I consider you a expert on sound decoders , I normally don’t install sound decoders in used locomotives ,when I buy new they come with built in sound decoders, but normally I turn the sound off most times , you are great addition to this model train community, have a great Day , James

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks James for your support!

[@BoxcarJerry]

That's pretty cool man. Thanks for sharing this with us and letting us see the difference. One of these days you're going to have to show us how that boxcar set up works. I didn't know that they did this. Pretty cool

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Jerry! I have a few videos on the rolling stock.

[@BoxcarJerry]

@@TheTrainFreak maybe link them in this one. I'll look for them

[@TheTrainFreak]

@@BoxcarJerry kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6DcZ5iYjaeSp8U & kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV7No4ejjalpsKc

[@thomasaustin316]

Soundtraxx is now my preferred decoder; the programming and realistic operations as described here…are really great features…

[@TheTrainFreak]

I couldn't agree anymore and now they are implementing Bluetooth with their Blunami for those who can't afford a DCC system or who wants to run on dead rail.

[@norliasmith]

I like Soundtraxx because of the hyperlight features.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Another good reason!

[@Mr6017]

Can’t beat t2 Jason glad you got me away from the dark side and introduced me to tsunami2 😂

[@TheTrainFreak]

Absolutely Marcus!

[@williambryant5946]

That is freaking awesome how you've got that set up! Very cool!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks William!

[@derekalexander4030]

Thanks for showing the effects on that decoder. They are some really nice features.

[@TheTrainFreak]

No problem!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Derek, can you please send me an email? It is located in my about page if looking on a computer. Mobile app doesn't show my email. I would greatly appreciate it! 😃

[@derekalexander4030]

@@TheTrainFreak hi Jason, I’m in a iPad, don’t have your email. Is this reference Rick’s email?

[@TheTrainFreak]

Yes, just making sure it's you and not a scammer trying to take your prize.

[@derekalexander4030]

@@TheTrainFreak yeah, it’s me. I’m not very technical, working off an old iPad. I subscribe to you, Rick, Heath, John, and Ray and comment in the livestreams too. I try to support you guys the best I can. On your last video of replying to the expert on decoders, I responded with the republican, Democrat comment, if that helps you verify it’s me.

[@dieseldemon8562]

I’ve been out of the hobby for several years, but I’m glad to see tsunami has nailed the sound of the 567. I started my career working on GP9s with the 567B, and I miss the alarm bell warning crew of engine startup, and the whir of the geartrain as you release the layshaft and the engine idles down. The 645 and 710 turbo engines didn’t make the music the 567 did, but they did have their own unique voice. Some guys liked the GE EVO 12 cylinder, but I was always an EMD fan. Nothing compares to the sound the 4,500 hp @ 905 rpm our 70Ace’s made. On a side note, the 710 was originally governed to 950 rpm, and produced 4,300-4,500 hp, depending on the injectors and software. For fuel conservation, the governed engine speed was lowered to 905 rpm while still allowing for 4,300-4,500 hp. For reference, the GE was governed to 1,050 rpm and produced 4,400-4,500 hp. In a nutshell, EMD spanked GE with an engine architecture that hasn’t changed much at all since 1950. Oh, and this is using unit injection vs GE’s common rail injection.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing that info!

[@SchuylkillRiverValley]

Great demo Jason, thanks.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks John!

[@richchampion7792]

That is awesome…. Had no idea you could do all that!!!

[@TheTrainFreak]

It can do more but those are the reasons I went with them. Thanks for watching!

[@kylestevens6925]

Awesome video Jason, maybe one of these days you’ll have to show us how you install your decoders weather that be in a loco or a freight car. I can’t speck on how out manufacturers decoders are other than MTH cause I’ve never dealt with ESU or any other that’s out there. Great video and thanks for sharing!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Kyle, I do have a Playlist with a few videos.

[@hessxpress3016]

i was a diehard soundtraxx for ease of use and features BUT im all about the realistic sounds and echo of a horn/whistle. i switched to TCS for that reason alone. soundtrax prime movers and diesel horns sound way to computer generated and or altered with terrible reverb/echo. i still use them but for sound quality i switched.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Just curious, did you ever adjust the reverb and 7band equalizer or left it all at default?

[@jonnyspeed]

@@TheTrainFreak I agree with him, the original recordings of Horns and Whistles from TCS and ESU have are superior. The problem I have with ST is that their horns sound like they were recorded in a phone booth. Adding electronic reverb and echo isn't my preference. ST DDE is nice, but TCS WowSounds also do load based compensation. To each their own. If ST had Horns and whistles on par with the others I would consider them.

[@HumancityJunction]

I would love a complete comparison of decoders top end models. I generally get whatever decoders come with the locomotive and do not really think much about it. At this point, the feature that I look for in a decoder is that it has a brake function. I was surprised that the decoder brand I was using did not have that feature.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Heath! I actually forgot to press F12 to switch to train braking before pressing F11.

[@matthewlastrapes8104]

sounds really good I have a sd40-2 that I need to put a decoder in I think I will go with that kind of decoder

[@TheTrainFreak]

You'll need the EMD version, not EMD-2. Depending on the locomotive will depend on which form factor is best and which speakers to use.

[@mannyfernandez2921]

Nice video Jason!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Manny!

[@bernardc2553]

Great Points Jason @ sometime I wish S.T. would offer a bulk pac in hopes of greater discounts ie ; 5 Diesels & Steam or mix & match be nice if KD did the same like wheel sets 100 couplers pacs sure be nice.. I've currently got 5 S. T . To install on some old Brass & Genesis Turbines hope to keep the Smoke "in" ...lol

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Bernard! That would be up to the hobbyshops. I would I could afford to do something like that but I don't get the same discounts that the bigger stores do. Maybe one day!

[@bernardc2553]

@@TheTrainFreaksomeday 🤞

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Very informative Jason!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks for watching!

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

@@TheTrainFreak you are welcome! Have a great rest of your weekend. Jenny

[@randallellison6421]

I personally love both ESU and Soundtraxx Tsunami2, they're both fantastic decoders, but I really like the acceleration and deceleration curves on the Soundtraxx decoders, it's very realistic! I'm also really wanting to dig into the Digital Dynamic Exhaust feature on the Tsunami2 as well! Thanks for sharing Jason!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Randall. All 3 (including TCS WowSound) are very close. It's not like one is a Lamborghini and the other is a Pinto....lol.

[@OtterCreek]

Great insight. I too am partial to Tsunami 2 decoders. I had one WOW sound which has similar features but it blew up on me. I'm not sure if it was the decoder or the install. I plan on giving WOW sound one more chance before I give up though.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Dennis! I don't have any WowSound but I have played with equipment that has it. They do sound very well and is my 2nd choice. I did contact TCS about becoming a distributor/installer and I was told NO since I work out of my house and not a shop.

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

sounds great Jason. Remember tho some of us have to buy what we can afford at the time AND what will fit in the loco

[@TheTrainFreak]

Absolutely Joe! That's why all my locos haven't either had their original decoders changes or the DC ones with them installed.

[@deraildarrell]

Great explanation, Jason 👌 A well known store in SoCal actually will take the ESU decoders out and install Tsunami 2 in locomotives 😎 Darrell

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Darrell! A lot of hobbyshops that know they don't have to buy an extra programmer and have to go download sound files replace them do that.

[@RonMontagueSWRR]

I always found soundtraxx decoders to be more user-friendly. I used all of the mobile, tsunami, tsunami 2, and econami. They are compatible with each other. Great video review.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Ron!

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

Great video and explanation of your point. I do not know decoders. I listen to the European guys fight ESU vs Lenz, but it is all int he programming. I know many Braw, Roco, and Märklin models have models with decoders in which such effects can or are done, but I could not say to that extent or excellence.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Absolutely! It's all based in the programming and the features they offer.

[@mysticrailroad]

nice demonstration Jason :)

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks John!

[@WigWagWorkshop]

I’m so confused by the different types of decoders, are these the same has ESU LokSound? Can you recommend a article that explains the differences? It seems there are different levels and options to look for. Excellent video Jason, appreciate you sharing bud.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Steven! I'm not sure there is any one article out there because each one has it's own pro and cons. Question comes down to, what exactly are you looking for to what you can afford?

[@theplumber33]

Great explanation! Appreciate it!✌️

[@TheTrainFreak]

My pleasure!

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

That's some really cool features

[@TheTrainFreak]

Very much agree! Thanks Joe!

[@stevechilders2425]

I would tend to agree that, at least in my opinion, the T2 is the best for sound files and effects. Sound itself goes beyond the decoder and sound files. Speakers also come into play. All said and done, I am not at the T2 point since right now I am devoting my resources into the layout......but the time will come, I am sure. Great vid Jason.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Steve! Totally understandable about the cost.

[@daylightdave9405]

Yea the Tsunami 2's are really nice.. all my Sound Decoders are from Sountraxx so I can't compare to anything else.. I'm totally happy w/ them . Have a good week.. DD 😜

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Dave!

[@hoscalereadingrailroadhobb6314]

Hello, I have a question. Is Tsunami 2 sound decoders like ESU Loksound were you press a function button on your controller after track power is applied to startup the prime mover, or does the prime mover startup right after track power is applied?

[@TheTrainFreak]

By the OEM default, Engine Autostart is enabled. On my personal locomotives, I disable that feature which is found in CV114 along with other settings to where I have to use RPM+ (F5 by default) to turn the locomotive on. I also enable engine interlock within the same CV that makes it where rhe locomotive cant move until it is started up. Hope that helps.

[@hoscalereadingrailroadhobb6314]

@TheTrainFreak I want to get the Reading GP7 that Athearn has related with Tusnami 2 sound. My family members worked for the Reading, which is why I'm building a Reading fleet.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Athearn makes great stuff and even though it has Tsunami2, it's not the OEM decoders. Athearns defaults are different but it can be programmed to your specifications either way. Have you seen Blunami yet? It's Tsunami2 but with added Bluetooth that can be controlled by either your smart phone, tablet, or DCC system. That's what I am starting to convert all my locomotives to. Much easier to program and consisting.

[@hoscalereadingrailroadhobb6314]

@@TheTrainFreak I might try Blunami.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Soon as I get my next one in, I'll do a video on it.

[@Lefthandedhammer]

Just wondering does this carry over to n scale? I've heard the guys at the club talking about how great esu is, and I'm wondering if this is the case.

[@TheTrainFreak]

It can. N scale of course won't have as rich of a sound as N because of the smaller speakers and smaller amplifier but the N scale versions of the Tsunami2 does have all the same features.

[@Lefthandedhammer]

@@TheTrainFreak Ive ran ESU in both my N scale trains stuff and a friend's HO stuff and its super good, so this will be interesting to experiment with.

[@TheTrainFreak]

I have a couple of Scaletrains locos with ESU in them. The only brand I don't have of the top 3 IMO is TCS WowSound, however I have played with a friend's locomotive, The Flying Crow, and those are very nice. All 3 is very comparable and it all boils down to which features do you want?

[@Lefthandedhammer]

For me and sound decoders the thing I want more then special functions is a capacitor. I run a layout with more focus on switching then main line runs. Not a pure switching layout but more leaning towards it. I have an atlas S2 with sound, I forgot if its esu or what, but I cuts out all the time so now I personally want more capacitors especially for the switchers and other low speed 4 axles

[@TheTrainFreak]

ESU to my understanding comes with them and Soundtraxx, you would have to purchase a capacitor separately but it's less than $1. Soundtraxx YT channel has how to videos on them but personally, I try not to work on N as I have more than enough HO and larger to do installs on.

[@dennisbailey6067]

Some features on other Decoders are at best,a novelty.T2 has a lot of adjustability,with both sounds and operation.Also two types of adjustable brakes.Then there is the DDE.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Dennis! There are a ton of features and I don't even use them all...lol.

[@tomschmidt3165]

Right on. I’ve used both Tsunami2 and a couple of LOKSOUND decoders. Tsunamis are way more user friendly and have terrific support. LOKSOUND in my experience has no support except for trying to find someone that has posted something on KZbin. I’ve replaced my LOKSOUND decoders with Tsunami 2’s.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Tom!

[@darenhamill9881]

Hi

[@72zodiac]

Soundtraxx is the only one I like, the other decoders can't suit me

[@TheTrainFreak]

Ditto!

[@cp368productions2]

My locomotive with a QSI 2000 does the notching up when load is increased, LokSound V5 has the brake sounds and flange squeal.

[@TheTrainFreak]

LokSound has flange squeal and brake in a boxcar? You should do a video on the QSI one. I've used them in the past.

[@dennisbailey6067]

The original QSI was better than some newer ones.More features like,3 levels of shutdown.Verbal feedback,using a magnet to adjust volume,deselect loco and more.Plus they can be adjusted with a DC controller.I still have some.

[@3rdTrickGang]

Good video ! I've been a fan of these decoders myself the wireless controller got me because I still have a pretty old-school DCC system and no good way to program decoders so makes my life a lot easier. Only thing that sucks is how expensive they are I have an older Atlas yellow box RS-1 converted about five months ago to the Blunami, and it was running fine the whole time no issues until it just stopped running a few weeks ago. Couldn't get it to do anything tried a bunch of things and then took it apart and was messing with it and went to test it again and got the puff of smoke out of the decoder😮. I definitely would not hesitate to put another one in but as expensive as they are I need to figure out why it's shorted out because I have another locomotive with the same Decoder and it's been running on the same track and haven't had any issues. Just don't know if that locomotive has an issue or if it was a fluke thing. Especially on an older locomotive, at $139 DCC can be expensive. That's why I always keep some old DC locomotives around for back up 😂 Best Wishes!

[@TheTrainFreak]

First off, thanks for watching! That sucks about the blue smoke. If you check out my website in the description send me an email on my about page, I could possibly help you on getting that decoder / locomotive fixed. I have some Atlas Yellow Box locomotives I haven't attempted the install yet but will do one of these days. If you're building a large layout to have multiple operators, the extra cost in the Blunami offsets the cost on buying extra throttles.

[@3rdTrickGang]

@@TheTrainFreak thanks man yeah I'll definitely reach out to you. I've talked to a few other people and the common conclusion is because it's an older locomotive I think it might actually be getting shorts from the motor itself, Not 100% sure on that but it's definitely getting a short from somewhere. I think I'm going to install a surge protector on the main bus line, and I've heard a few people talking about TVS diodes, Installing them directly onto the decoder and then they protect everything from shorts. I have several locomotives set up with DCC and I've only had issues with one of them so I'm pretty sure it's a localized issue with that one locomotive. But otherwise the conversion of the old locomotives is very simple but now I'm learning about all the other little things that are involved with it lol.

[@normanrowe2831]

RANT RANT RANT. Oh wait that’s Tom’s channel. A very impressive demonstration of a fine set of decoders. Not being knowledgeable of the boxcar set-up, I’m assuming it has it’s own decoder. You should at least get some free merch from Tsunami for that plug. Well done Jason. Now go have some fun.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Norman! Yes the boxcar has it's own decoder that enables and disables with the wave of a magnetic wand.

[@steve87thpsap]

Okay so I understand you want some realistic sounds, but not exactly sure the sounds you are looking for. After watching the video I decided to look on the ESU web site. With the exception of the wand on off, which I am sure you put in a magnetic switch, ESU does have a FX decoder that can be teamed with any of its other sound decoders to reproduce sounds. Granted you may have to download sound files but there are demos on the web. One demo a guy up loaded police dispatch. Hey I know your are certified in Soundtracks but I think other decoders can do this too. Just like you you have to read read the manuals to figure them out. Heck I was looking at the sound projects and the ESU even has the crane sounds. Cost maybe more as you need to get the decoder setup that may be a difference too. But the FX can do sound, lights, and actually control servos if you want. I really think it comes down to what you want and how familiar you are with what you are using. It does also have the dynamic load too, idle, dump air and even the sounds of opening the doors and compartments. I’m not saying anything about which is better, but it is kind of the Mac PC debate. What do You want it to do and how do You want to do it.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Steve! Not sure where you're coming at on the sounds I'm looking for because when I install the decoders, I do my research on which prime mover, horn, bell, air compressor, etc. that is in the prototype and I already have those sound files already on the Tsunami2 decoders just like the FEC unit I did your install in. I'm not saying you can't get those sounds with other brands but it seems like you have to buy extra equipment to be able to get it. Now if you want your locos to have police sirens, by all means go ESU. The video I was mentioned in was a comparison of ESU Loksound V5 vs Soundtraxx which ended up being an Econami and it was based on sound volume. That's like comparing a Ford Focus against a Chevrolet Corvette on performance. I just explained why I went Soundtraxx years ago and yes I might be certified but I also tried to work with TCS and I was told NO because I work out of my house and not a shop.

[@steve87thpsap]

@@TheTrainFreak okay yeah, that’s kind of what was saying. It becomes that which you are comfortable. Like watching the Blunomia demo was really cool and is heading closer to not having programs and such and making it easier to use. Too bad the guy in the other video didn’t really do a compare. It would be nice to see the four majors Wow, Tsunami, ESU and BLI. I know Digitrax is there but they seem to not go into the heavy CV stuff like the others. And yes of course all the manufacturers have thief things. Mostly if it works I. The end that’s what counts. Just wish the Engine Manufacturers would just use full version decoders. Or just not put in any at all and truly make them plug and play.

[@TheTrainFreak]

@@steve87thpsap problem with BLI, it's proprietary to their equipment. I would be glad to do a full comparison. Maybe I should buy them for my Alco RS3 since I have several of those. A true comparison needs to be the same brand and model of a locomotive.

[@timwrich5128]

How about instead of making a chest puff beef video about why you need to make a video about why you prefer certain sound why not just make a video about why you prefer a certain sound without throwing down half name drops and peacocking why your choice is better than some other KZbinrs choice

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks for stopping by and watching my video. Have a great day!

[@thomasgrassi8817]

Jason I like Tsunami 2 also but I can not for the life of me get one to install in any engine I try not blaming Soundtrax I only did one install of a decoder that an engine is working to this day. Every DC engine I try to convert fails for some reason. I am by no means and engine guy but wiring is a simple thing for me. Did you see my last email Thanks

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Thomas! Some of the older locomotives, the motor isn't compatible and has to be replaced with a more energy efficient one. I've ran into that many times.

[@blakeseaton2471]

Tsunami 2 sounds just loop over and over. Listen to notch 8 it is not a continuous sound. Listen to a diesel idle not realistic. It goes 1-2 -3 -4. Then starts over. Like Digitrax sound files you can edit. beginning, loop, and end. About 2 or 3 seconds of "looped" sounds. The only decoder on the market is RailPro without looped sounds. No sound decoder sounds prototypical because of that. TSC WOW comes close with its 30 minute of sound on a SD card. But they burn up quickly. Just my two cents.

[@TheTrainFreak]

I am not sure about the loop files. I would have to consult with George over at Soundtraxx to see if they could confirm what you are saying. I would assume every sound recording would eventually loop no matter the brand of decoder otherwise they would of had to upload a recording that was several hours long.

[@KerleyExpress]

I'm lost for words i have a lot to say i have the T2 in my new engine and i know there is a lot of sounds that can be added to it. the problem is i don't know how to add them and i don't want to start pushing buttons and screw things up i don't know how i'm going to learn to do it. i can't believe that engine push those cars and the csx car to lol

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Dwight! If it's an Athearn Genesis, Athearn has Soundtraxx program their decoders to Athearns specs. You should still be able to access all settings by downloading Soundtraxx Tsunami2 Deisel User Guide.

[@KerleyExpress]

@@TheTrainFreak yes its the Athearn Genesis its a SD70ace

[@dennisbailey6067]

​@@KerleyExpress You cannot break it by selecting different prime movers,horns and bells.The Prime mover will be CV123?? Simply change the value in Ops mode,when you press Enter or Plus,the loco sound will stop,restart with new sound.

[@TheTrainFreak]

That is correct.

[@KerleyExpress]

@@dennisbailey6067 thank you

[@hongheng9201]

Hi friends I super like video friends 👍👍👍👍

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks!

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Well, I prefer Edamame while waiting for my Sushi.

[@normanrowe2831]

What a coincidence I was thinking the same thing.

[@TheTrainFreak]

LOL!

[@richardsaunders2942]

Paragon 4 has DDE

[@TheTrainFreak]

Now is Paragon 4 limited only to Broadway Limited locomotives or is that also universal decoder than can be put into any manufacturer's locomotives that follows NMRA standards? Thanks!

[@Ausmerica]

I must agree, that Tsunami2 and the old Tsunami are much better than the other 2 brands I used. Lot more options, more realistic operations. I can't comment on the new ESU, as I have not used it personally. Closest to the Tsunami 2 I used is the TCS Wow sound decoder, but it's a pain to program and set the auto notching. I'm converting in time all my American locomotives to Tsunami 2, they sound much better too. I'd like to swap the ESU decoders from my Australian fleet, but there is 2 things that restrict me from doing this. 1st biggest issue is, Tsunami 2 range (8 pin versions and the PSB) are slightly to thick to fit inside the shells, as the space is extremely limited. and 2, they don't have the Guard/conductor feature to replace the Bell. UK Tsunami decoders did have this feature, but the Australian outline is mainly US motive power, so we don't get it.

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks Arty! Have you sent in a request to Soundtraxx about your issues?

[@Ausmerica]

@@TheTrainFreak I mentioned it to them about this many times over the years.

[@agunkbarata5325]

Superr

[@TheTrainFreak]

Thanks for watching!

[@martensiersma3304]

I have a BLI es6000 that notched up under load. Other that It's a piece of junk.

[@TheTrainFreak]

I have a BLI Cab Forward I haven't converted to Tsunami2 yet because of figuring out how to keep the smoke unit going but I agree on BLI decoders and MTH ones.

[@scotabot7826]

ALSO, Soundtraxx is a product made right here in the USA, as well as being a high quality manufacture of decoders!!! Everyone doesn't have to agree with each other. Buy what you like. They are both great decoders, but I like to support American products if they warrant my money!! There is room for all!!! TCS make awesome decoders as well!!

[@TheTrainFreak]

Very much agreed. I've been to the Soundtraxx Factory in Durango, CO and met everyone there back in 2017. It's sad that a lot of people think Tsunami2 is the same quality as Tsunami which is their reasons for going to another brand. Tsunami2 and even Econami blows Tsunami out the water and that's because of advanced technology.