recorded sound effects played live

[bassguppy]

A "kid's band" i'm in would like to use pre-recorded sound effects (ocean sounds, submarine, robot sounds, etc) for live use. There would be nothing really complex or elaborate mainly the sounds start at the beginning of the song & fade out at the end.

I would be the one to trigger the effects so my thinking would be maybe an MP3 player with a pre-recorded 3-5 minute sound sample that I can fade in and out with a volume pedal. It's nothing where there would be a concern about the timing of the band (song) to go along with the effect.

Do you think this would be the best option or does anyone have a more intelligent alternative?

[Freaky Fender]

You should really look into samplers. The problem with the mp3 player is that if you take it and a speed even a little less than you used on the recording, then the sound triggers too late, or too soon. If you have the cash, I would think about a SP-404. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...-FX?sku=700451

Allows you to also manipulate the signal with reverb, EQ, filters and such.

If that's a little too pricey, Digitech's JamMan is mainly a looper, but can also be used for a sampler. Just get a flashmedia card, load up the samples and assign them numbers. Scroll the knob so the number on the pedal matches up with the sample you want, and hit the pedal.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...dal?sku=156600

Also, look into a Used JamMan, they go for like 150, and usually they're pretty easy to find.


Edit: Oops, missed the bit about not effecting the timing. That could work, but you also run the risk of file compression and not sounding alright. Plus the adapters would be a minor hassle for connecting.