Emic 2 Text-to-Speech Module
The Emic 2 Text-to-Speech Module is a multi-language voice synthesizer that converts a stream of digital text into natural sounding speech. Using the universally recognized DECtalk text-to-speech synthesizer engine, Emic 2 provides speech synthesis capabilities for any embedded system via a simple command-based interface.
Parallax, Inc. was the exclusive manufacturer of Emic 2. The module has been discontinued as of April 28, 2023.
Portions of this design are distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution-3.0 United States license.
Module Highlights:
- High-quality speech synthesis for English and Spanish languages
- Nine pre-defined voice styles comprising male, female, and child
- Dynamic control of speech and voice characteristics, including pitch, speaking rate, and word emphasis
- On-board audio power amplifier and 1/8” (3.5mm) audio jack
- Asynchronous 9600 baud serial interface
- Single row, 6-pin, 0.1” header for easy connection to a host system
Documentation:
Additional Resources:
- Assembly Drawing
- Slides: Talking, Singing, and Game Boy Printing
- Pictures: Manufacturing the Emic 2 Text-to-Speech Module (Flickr)
- Podcast: First Spin Episode #33
- DECtalk 5.01-E1 User Guide
Example Projects:
- Arduino
- Arduino by Nick Lamprianidis (Codebender)
- BASIC Stamp
- Propeller
- IRC-to-Emic 2 (Propeller) by Roy Eltham
- Emic 2 + SID chip emulation (Propeller) by Whisker
- Emic 2-to-Elmo (Microchip PIC12F675) with schematic and pictures
- Multi-Emic QuickStart Module (Propeller) with schematic, assembly drawing, PCB layout, and pictures
Audio Samples:
These audio samples were recorded directly from the 1/8" audio jack of the Emic 2 module into the line-in jack of a PC.
- English introduction (Built-in demonstration #0)
- English example of all nine voices
- Spanish introduction (Built-in demonstration #2)
- Singing "Daisy Bell" (Built-in demonstration #1)
- Singing "The Star-Spangled Banner"
Videos:
- Emic 2 Demonstrations (YouTube)
- Emic 2-to-Elmo (YouTube)
- Four Emic 2s Sing a Round of Row, Row, Row Your Boat (YouTube)
- Tymkrs Hack the Emic 2 (YouTube)
- Hack A Week: Intro to the Emic 2 by Dino Segovis
- Hack A Week: Sound-to-Motion Circuit by Dino Segovis
- Hack A Week: Talking Robot by Dino Segovis
- Hack A Week: Zero and Betty Talk! by Dino Segovis