MIDI-to-Speech Converter?

[Andrew Schrock]

On Wed, 22 Apr 1998 Dr_Forrester at webtv.net wrote:
>  The recent thread of low-budget sampling, voice altering and speech
> synthesis posts got me thinking about the feasibility of making a
> MIDI-controlled speech synthesizer, like Kraftwerk (and more recently,
> Komputer) use. I remember, in the late '80's, Groove Electronics in the
> U.K. made such a device, but I think they've been out of business for a
> while. The limited amount of interest would probably keep the big
> manufacturers from making one, so I guess it's up to some enterprising
> DIYer. Anyone have any ideas?

This probably isn't *exactly* what you're thinking of, but other than the
midi control you're describing a vocoder exactly. (what kraftwerk used)
(Not to be confused with a talkbox, which is a tube with a speaker on the
end which forces air into your mouth, and as you speak your mouth modifies
the sound and is picked up via a mic) A few companies do make professional 
vocoders, although frankly I can't think of model #'s off the top of my
head. Check www.hyperreal.com/music/machines... 

Maybe I'm missing the point, but what would the function of midi control
be? You just speak into it to activate it... If you want
speech-on-demand-via-midi you probably should look into a sampler and do
the vocoding with software. 

Paia makes what has been called a "usable" one... 8 bands maybe? I've
heard it's hackable into more. It's cheap: $110, but it isn't as good as
the pricier ones. (which run up to 1k$ and probably over... for the
hobbyist the paia one is probably ideal) 

For more info: http://www.paia.com/vocoder.htm. 

Andrew

PS: I referred to a sampling chip as "20 second ISO"... I meant "ISD". My
mistake.