IDM Mailing Archive

On Wed, 21 Apr 1999, Stuart McDonald wrote:

quoted 5 lines Hi,

> Hi, > > Does anyone know where I could find a copy of DrSbaitso (digital voice > emulator for Sound Blaster... ancient, very ancient), or, (preferably) > a more sophisticated voice emulator?

Umm...that's what web search engines are for.

quoted 4 lines On a fairly unrelated note, who thinks that it's about time Stephen

> > On a fairly unrelated note, who thinks that it's about time Stephen > Hawking upgraded his voicebox? >

I liked his voice before the trach tube -- I've heard recordings, and they sound like Tuvan throat singing -- he'd make a kind of raspy drone, and then the words would be modulated on the overtone series. It was an amazing sound that I wish I had a DAT full of. And I don't think he really gives a shit about the sound quality of his voice synth -- he's more concerned with actually getting the words into the computer, which for him is a very tortuous process.

On Tue, Apr 20, 1999 at 10:58:40PM -0500, ChairCrusher wrote:

quoted 14 lines On a fairly unrelated note, who thinks that it's about time Stephen

> > > > > On a fairly unrelated note, who thinks that it's about time Stephen > > Hawking upgraded his voicebox? > > > I liked his voice before the trach tube -- I've heard recordings, and > they sound like Tuvan throat singing -- he'd make a kind of raspy drone, > and then the words would be modulated on the overtone series. It was an > amazing sound that I wish I had a DAT full of. > > And I don't think he really gives a shit about the sound quality of > his voice synth -- he's more concerned with actually getting the words > into the computer, which for him is a very tortuous process. >

I think Dawkins has deliberately kept the same text-to-speech system because that is his "voice" as far as the public is concerned. Does the PBO on Skam grow? I got it three weeks ago and was whelmed. I enjoyed Kreidler in Manchester on Sunday, although I know there are opinions at variance with mine. Much better than Fridge a couple of weeks before who, despite a good start, ended up tedious. adam

quoted 2 lines I think Dawkins has deliberately kept the same text-to-speech system

> I think Dawkins has deliberately kept the same text-to-speech system > because that is his "voice" as far as the public is concerned.

yeah, but what an opportunity - other people don't get to change theirs - i wouldn't mind trading mine in for james earl jones or maybe mariella frostrup. or stephen hawking - that would be pretty good too.

quoted 1 line Does the PBO on Skam grow? I got it three weeks ago and was whelmed.

> Does the PBO on Skam grow? I got it three weeks ago and was whelmed.

it sounds pretty good while you're in another room, especially if you're washing the dishes. so i've found a use for it - and i was /just/ about to smash it to pieces.. just don't take too much notice of it, because it's lacking in any substance whatsoever. torture young children with it.

quoted 2 lines I enjoyed Kreidler in Manchester on Sunday, although I know there are

> I enjoyed Kreidler in Manchester on Sunday, although I know there are > opinions at variance with mine.

i thought it was good in /bits/! but when they started to go into that utopian new age organically-grown sauerkraut, the bile started to build up. alfie were my favourites, but i would say that wouldn't i? <waves>

ChairCrusher wrote:

quoted 3 lines And I don't think he really gives a shit about the sound quality of

> And I don't think he really gives a shit about the sound quality of > his voice synth -- he's more concerned with actually getting the words > into the computer, which for him is a very tortuous process.

I had the privilege [sp?] of seeing him speak at a lecture at my (then) university a year ago. His aide said that the reasons he hasn't updated his voice synth technology is because a) people now recognize it as "his" voice, and b) because the interface is now next to nature to him and learning a new one would be extremely difficult for him. BTW, Stuart, i have Dr. Sbaitso if you need it. Email me privately... - Aoi