Adafruit Audio FX Sound Board + 2x2W Amp - WAV/OGG Trigger -16MB

This is so simple to use, you load audio into it like you would on a USB stick. Connect the minimum number of pins needed to operate and it works! I have this working with a reed switch that passes random magnets. I have the reed switch connected to ground which is connected to pin 1. Works great.

When it comes to sound modules and the ease of loading effects and hook up makes Adafruit the go too module for most applications

Within seconds of adding 5v power the amp chip got so hot I burnt my hand

The media could not be loaded.  This little board has been going strong for over a year. I wired a AA battery pack to it, a power switch, volume up/down buttons, and two arcade buttons that play 8 tracks of audio. The pc software and instructions were straight forward and even converting the audio was easy and the conversion software is safe. I can’t wait to make another playfield wall art display and I will use the Adafruit in my next one. It is simply amazing. I think I fit about 12 minutes of music on it.

I used this to add sound and lighting effects to a Star Trek phaser rifle (Type III from First Contact). I'm a prop builder and a novice when it comes to circuitry. I opted to give this product a try for a quick and easy install rather than trying to customize an Arduino micro-controller. Boy am I glad I did! This board has an integrated amp and is pre-programmed with various switching and audio playback capabilities. My specific application was simply a phaser sound when the trigger was pulled. I also wanted a synchronized muzzle flash which this board was also able to accommodate!Installation:BATTERY: I highly recommend a rechargeable lithium Ion battery pack, sizing dependent on your application and space requirements. Adafruit products have you covered here as well. You can also go with a AA or AAA battery holder, three-pack is ideal to provide 3.5v to the board. The battery is wired into the VIN and GRND pinouts.SPEAKER: A stereo audio pinout adapter is included and makes connecting a speaker super easy. Solder the adapter and screw the speaker leads in.SWITCH: The board comes with a series of audio switch pinouts. Wire a momentary switch to one of these pinouts and ground. The pinout number used will correspond to the audio file naming so be sure to make note of which pinouts you're using and what sound you want each of the switches to trigger.AUDIO FILES: This is where this audio fx board really shines. There is NO CODING involved here. The functionality is pre-programmed into the board. You can find a tutorial for the audio playback on Adafruit's site. In short, you'll name the file (.wav or .ogg) and load it to the board (USB from board to PC). That's it!SYNCHRONIZED LIGHTING: For my application, I wanted a muzzle flash to light up when the audio file was played. There is an ACT pin, or 'Activity pin' that allows just that. It grounds your component when the board is active, i.e. playing a sound. I soldered an LED to the ACT pin as the ground and then to my main parallel circuit + and viola! Muzzle flash!I love these little boards and plan to use these as my go to for costumes and props going forward. I've dabbled in Arduino and have no desire, at least not currently, to delve deeper into that world. If you need sound for a project, and possibly lighting, give this board a shot! For a few bucks more than Adafruit's site, I love the ability to grab one of these quickly with Prime Shipping. I'm impatient and there's nothing I hate more than a delayed project waiting for parts.