I just ran across this. Sounds real neat. I was going to put it in the DCC Forum but you don't need DCC to use sound. > SurroundTraxx is a state-of-the-art sound system designed > especially for multi-train control. > > SurroundTraxx begins with a multiplicity of audio speakers > that are strategically placed in hidden locations around > the layout. Then using the latest Digital Signal Processing > (DSP) technology and advanced block detection techniques, > SurroundTraxx faithfully reproduces the sounds made by > each train on the layout and directs the sound to the > speaker closest to the trains' location. As a train moves > along its route, SurroundTraxx makes continuous adjustments > to the sound level of each speaker so that the sound appears > to follow along. SurroundTraxx does not simply switch the > sound from speaker to speaker but uses an intelligent cross > fade algorithm that factors in train speed, direction and > distance between speakers. Additionally, SurroundTraxx will > add ambient effects to simulate operation in varying terrain > such as the reverb that occurs when the train plunges into > a deep canyon. While it is aimed primarily at those modelers > working with equipment where on-board sound isn't practical, > it's sub-woofer mode can also be used to enhance on-board > sound as well. > > Each SurroundTraxx system is capable of simultaneously > reproducing sounds up to six locomotives and directing > those sounds into an equal number of speakers. If a > situation occurs where two or more locomotives are in > the same location such as on a passing siding, the sounds > for each locomotive will be gradually mixed together > as they approach each other and then separated as they > leave. > > SurroundTraxx is scalable and can exchange audio signals > and block detection information with up to 2 additional > systems for a total capacity of 18 simultaneous locomotive > sounds mixed over 18 speakers. If more speakers are needed, > additional SurroundTraxx systems can be added though they > will not be able to exchange data with the first three > systems and must be operated in parallel as an independent > system(s). > > SurroundTraxx is a sound system for not just the locomotives, > but also the entire model railroad. Each speaker can be > programmed with any of a number of environmental effects > that can run continuously, randomly or change with the time > of day. For example, SurroundTraxx can create effects for > running water, thunderstorms, roosters crowing at sunrise, > or rush hour traffic with an occasional accident. Other > environmental effects can be trigged by an approaching train > such as a grade crossing signal or the clickety-clack of the > wheels. > > SurroundTraxx is designed for use with any DCC system based > on the NMRA standards. While SurroundTraxx uses Digitrax's > patented transponding block detectors for train identification > and detection, it also provides the necessary infrastructure to > allow the use of this technology with non-Digitrax DCC systems. > > Each SurroundTraxx system requires 1-1/2 Digitrax BDL-16 and > RX-4 combos to be installed into the layout. Each train must > also be equipped with at least one transponder or transponding > decoder. (Note: The NMRA and Lenz are also working on a > two-way train identification technology- when they become > available, we plan to support their detectors as well) > > SurroundTraxx is affordable and will be priced under a million > dollars! The product is however, still under development and > it would be pre-mature to announce a release date at this time. > > > Steven Dominguez > Chief Engineer > SoundTraxx