The Strange World Of Model Train Synthesizers

The latest video from Benn Jordan takes a look at the strange world of model train synthesizers.

Back in the day , building model train layouts was a big deal with obsessive nerd types. And, if you were especially hardcore about it, you might have a monster layout, complete with a sound generating synthesizer that could create ambient train sounds.

Jordan takes a look at the history and capabilities of these strange devices, and even demonstrates ways of using them ‘musically’.

Check it out and let us know if you’ve got any experience with model train synthesizers!

8 thoughts on “The Strange World Of Model Train Synthesizers

  1. “Back in the early 21st century , building modular synthesizer layouts was a big deal with obsessive nerd types. And, if you were especially hardcore about it, you might have a monster layout, complete with a sound generating synthesizer that could create fart and bleep sounds.”

  2. Ha, look at all the expensive gear he needs to make the sounds tolerably horrible (I mean this in a sound effect sense; the way these train sound units were intended). But yeah, this is not musical at all, as the descriptions warns us.

    Looks like Jordan wants some of Hainbach’s audience, but failed to see a sampler was needed with a sound source like this. :’)

  3. I agree with those above who mentioned Hainbach and Sam from LMNC; I’d love to see what they would do with this stuff. But Benn did a great job on this video, and I really enjoy his content. His wide range of interests mirrors my own.

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