Atlas O vs MTH PS3 sound quality

Everything is the same as when MTH offered the models - we are using the same factory, buying the boards from MTH, which is using the same PCB factory they have always used. 

Do you have a current MTH loco with PS3 to compare?  If there is a change from the past to now, it should also show up in their current production.

Paul,

Thanks for the reply.  That's what I had assumed, which is why I wondered at the change.

Actually, now that you ask that, I realized I do have a current release MTH AC4400CW and it too sounds more tinny and less full and bass-filled compared to earlier PS3 engines.  I don't have an earlier AC4400CW to compare it to, though.

As specific comparisons, I have an Atlas BNSF SD70ACe and an MTH BNSF SD70ACe from 2014, as well as an Atlas NS SD70ACe and an MTH NS SD70ACe from 2018, and finally an Atlas P42DC and an MTH P42DC from 2013.  In each case, there's a marked difference in bass and distortion at higher volumes between the two, with the older PS3 engines winning out.

I realize sound quality is impacted by the sound file, board drivers, speakers, sound enclosure, and more.  It does seem like something must have changed in the production on MTH's end lately.  I should add that the Atlas models sound ok on their own - it's not like they're terrible by any means, but are noticeably different when compared to the older models.

The PS/3 boards are exactly the same, the sound quality changes have to be due to the speaker and speaker enclosure.

It would be a hassle, but.....

you could put the sound set in for an engine that you like (ie SD70ACe) and see if the sound is the same. I have a feeling it's the sound set that you're hearing the difference on.

I have a few engines from the past that drive me nuts. The AC6000, for example, was loud and didn't match others in the consist. I always had to adjust volumes to even them up.

Older MTH diesels used a different speaker. The newer ones have a better speaker IMO (identified by a rubber surround).

So, it should sound better, all being equal.

Both have the same sound set except for the horn.  Here’s a video comparison.  #1145 is Atlas and #1111 is MTH.  I find the exact same results with the BNSF pair and the P42 pair.  Also, both engines are at max volume in the videos.

I think the bass is the big difference.  The older ones have far more bass for some reason.  If I didn’t know I would say they have a higher speaker wattage, but I know (I think) that’s not the case.

And here’s the MTH

Well? I don't have an Atlas version yet. One is coming soon to me.

Maybe the factory is using a different speaker?

Do you see a rubber surround in the speaker?

I'd like to see the Atlas speaker now. If it's the same as the MTH, I'd be left to say something changed in the soundset.

A different speaker would seem like the easiest answer.

I wonder if you could swap in a speaker from an older MTH engine into the Atlas engine; just to try it to see if there is any difference in the sound or check the speaker enclosure and mounting between the older MTH and new Atlas models?

I have on some MTH model engines moved the speaker from the powered unit to the trailing dummy unit enclosing the speaker in a stiff cardboard tube as a larger speaker chamber; mounted inside the length of the body which has significantly increased and improved the overall sound and bass sounds.  Just a simple plug between the units.

I recently picked up an MTH by Atlas SD70ACe in MRL "Essential Workers" paint. Sounds were identical to my other Proto-3 SD70ACe diesels.

One bonus is the Atlas releases come with couplers, though I will likely replace them with Kadee 743's.

I will bring this thread to the attention of the MTH people.

The first thing to do is load the same sound file into the two engines to eleminate that as a factor.  The other thing is to look at the speaker installation and see if they have sealed the tank opening to enhance the sound and bass.

I was able to confirm that all of the components being used in the Atlas locomotives are identical to what is being used in MTH locomotives.

I have a number of the new Atlas Premier (nee MTH Premier) PS3 SD70 and ES44 engines.  And many more of older MTH PS3 engines for comparison.  When the first Atlas Premier arrived, I felt there was a noticeable improvement in the PS3 sound sets.  Maybe just my ears, but Atlas sounded clearer and lacked the occasional buzz I hear in the older MTH engines.  I'm assuming it is because Atlas has, at least that I perceive, a better standard for quality output from the common factory.  The two D-Day SD70 engines come to mind.   That perception also is influenced by outstanding Atlas Warranty Service which performed a two-week turnaround on an out of the box Premier board problem and even called me to explain what the problem was, the repair solution and the return shipping details.  To me, Atlas PS3 sound sets are more pleasing.

Once it a while I turn my engines over and look at the speaker through the grill. One little piece of metal shaving, pulled up onto the cone by the magnet, will cause distortion or buzz to the sound. If you see anything attached, simply use magnetized pointed tweezers to remove it, through the grill.

I use one of these, pulls anything magnetic right out.

This is a 2" x 1" x 1/2" Neodymium magnet used in wind generators.  It will lift 100 pounds if flat on a steel surface.  You do have to be careful with these as they tend to want to grab anything magnetic!  It will grab screws from a few inches away.

@Catonsville Central Railway posted:

And here’s the MTH

To me the Atlas unit sounds like a Nathan K5LA 5 chime.  Not sure what the MTH unit sounds like????

Lou N

PS3 and PS2 have always sounded tinny and thin to me. I often run engine sounds off because it gets fatiguing on my ears. My Atlas PS3 SD70 sounds like typical PS3.

@Stinky1 posted:

PS3 and PS2 have always sounded tinny and thin to me. I often run engine sounds off because it gets fatiguing on my ears. My Atlas PS3 SD70 sounds like typical PS3.

Better speakers and enclosures would do wonders for the bass and give more realistic sound.  The PS/3 board should be able to generate good sound, it's the speakers and the sound file that limit what you get.

This comment is not a pile on but another issue I have seen with the new Atlas engines in reference to the PS3. There is a difference in the DCS signal strength/pickup as weaker in the new Atlas engines.  The new Atlas engines have response issues on the layout where the older PS3 MTH versions don't.

I don't blame Atlas as they are just buying parts. It could be as simple as a change in component manufactures that have different tolerances. It also could be the engine has not as good of grounding and has nothing to do with the boards. I had a new MTH "shinny" Big Boy that had issues and fixing/adding grounds to the wheels resolved its issues so it would run/respond the same as the older versions of the Big Boy MTH had released. I have not had time to really look at the new SD70ace's to see why they act differently. On smaller layouts I'm not sure you will see this issue, but on large layouts where you are pushing signal strength, it will show up.

Thanks for the posts all.  I think I will do some troubleshooting process of elimination.  I'll first inspect the sound enclosure and compare between the old and new models, then I will try swapping the sound file, and finally I will swap speakers.  I'll report back as I have the time to try this.