Thread: Electronics123 audio boards

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I was wondering if anyone has used the audio boards sold by Electronics123?

Audio and Sound Effects

They're inexpensive but the sampling rate is also pretty low. The USB model does 12K sampling but runs on button cell batteries which is less than optimal.

I need some of my props to make sound on demand this year and I'm looking for an inexpensive yet decent way to do it.

Thanks!

As for the vendor, I used them to buy a Kit74 (Parallel Port Relay Board) and they were really easy to deal with and had fast shipping. I have not used that product though.
You may want to look into the VMusinc2 (FTDI Vmusic2 USB Interface For Microcontrollers w/ MP3). And if you are using the EFX Controllers, you know that they have the improved AP-16 coming out soon. I have an AP-8 and can't wait to get the 16.

I've used several of these .....they're OK..good enough for a "scream" or sudden startle sound....you will need to purchase the wire harnesses to attach to the circuit board (also sold by them), as there are jumper pins on the board to trigger playback of the audio. They are static-sensitive, though, which means, if you use a relay / solenoid valve in the project, you will need to use a capacitor across the relay / solenoid's coil contacts to prevent feedback or false trigger/repeating.

It'll just be for a scream or yell when a pneumatic prop deploys. I bought some of those motion activated sound boxes off eBay last year and replaced the motion sensor with a switch (and added an audio out jack) but the sound was too poor. Those also have a significant "pop" sound when playback ends. I'm not employing any programmable or computer based prop controllers. I just use motion sensors with time delay relays.

Craig, can you share which audio boards you've used from them? It seems to me that the USB board would be best due to the sampling rate and recording method but you never know.

Thanks!

I've only used these: Voice Recording Module 2 x 20sec sections

I didn't even see the USB one...nice...they've added plenty more selections since I've ordered from them last....

How have you found the sound quality on that board? I'm concerned because you have to record via the microphone and the sample rate is only 3.2K.

Quality is sort of like a cheap voice recorder sold at Walmart.....if your input level is low enough, and you amplify the output, it should be fine for what you're doing....I wouldn't use it to record a Haunted Attraction foyer spiel, though...also, the playback response time is a bit lagged...ie, when you hit playback, there is a few milliseconds before the actual sound outputs...that can be a PITA if you need to synchronize it to mechanical movement...just a heads-up...

As far as the batteries on the USB model goes, you could use 3 AA, C, or D cell batteries & get the same voltage.

That site has a lot of products that are useful for Halloween. Light Organs, Time relays etc.

Re the sound board, the USB unit has a higher sampling rate and they also have some ISD based cards (although I'd rather get the Cowlacious units as they are specifically designed for Haunters)

It's easy to mod the board for a 3xAA box input though.

Nice site though - useful find. Thanks very much.

I ordered two of the USB boards today. I'll post a review after I get them next week. Thanks for all the feedback!