I'm looking for a trigger to use for narration in our indoor show this season. I'm trying to find something that can import sounds and does not require a computer for use in rehearsals or at the shows. Any suggestions?

In order of price:

-An iPod. This is by far the cheapest solution, and I'm sure that even if you don't have one, you'll have access to one.
-The Roland SP-404 is the industry standard as far as samples go.
-You could also loom into the Roland SPDS which is more of a pad-based instrument, allowing you to integrate i into a rack/keyboard setup.
-The Yamaha DTX-Multi-12 is the newest addition to the generally accepted family of devices people are using for this.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the help. We've used an iPod in the past but were looking for a step up on the techno ladder. My main concern in looking for affordable triggers is finding one that allows importing of sounds/loops. I've found a few good deals, just not sure if its exactly what I'm looking for. I've found a good deal on an AKAI MPD16, has anyone worked with this one before?

If eliminating a computer from your setup is your goal, that Akai unit won't solve your problem, as that requires a computer or sequencer or some sort. You'd be better off getting an SPDS that you might find for around $350 if you look in the right place.

I use the SPD-S with ease...go with it.

If you already have a computer and don't want to spend any money you can use this free program: [url=http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/soundboard/index.html] http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/soundboard/index.html[/url]