Forum Discussion
Text to speech software recommendations?
Hi,
I'm looking for recommendations on good (free/cheap) text to speech software with a couple of different voice options and the abilitly to save as audio files such as .MP3 or .WAV that I can import to Articulate Storyline.
Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
Elena
- ManuelAicartCommunity Member
Most of the free voices around sound robotic. After many searches all I can say is that if you want something decent you'll have to pay for it (assuming you're looking for voices for commercial use). If it's for personal use, use Ivona voices (www.ivona.com).
The best voices I've found so far are:
Ivona (www.ivona.com)
iSpeech (www.ispeech.org)
Acapela Virtual Speaker (www.acapela-group.com/virtual-speaker-6-speech-solutions.html)
- ElenaPullaraCommunity Member
Thank you Manuel! That's really helpful.
All the best,
Elena
- KennethgGoeiemaCommunity Member
Hi Manuel, when using this companies. what are the prices for commercial use?4
thn
Kenneth
- OwenHoltSuper Hero
Believe it or not, you can use google translate to generate audio files from text for free.
1) Type or paste the text into the translation window. (Note: you don't need to actually translate the text to another language.)
2) Click the listen button in the window where the "to be translated" text sits.
3) Look in your browser window cookies folder for the mp3 file google just created to play back your text.
4) Move and rename the file so you can find it later.
This works for me as long as I am outside of my company's firewall (which blocks the audio cookie).
The dowside is, you can't select your voice. The upside is it is quick, easy, and free.
If you need more info, I have a screenr I recorded some time ago: https://player.vimeo.com/video/204928666
- IvanaVayleux-efCommunity Member
Hi Owen, Thanks for this! How I can find my window cookies folder ? I'm using google chrome. Thanks !
- OwenHoltSuper Hero
I haven't tested with Chrome or used this for some time, but I assume it works the same. Leslie gave you a good link for instructions on finding your chrome cookies. Thanks Leslie!
- ManuelAicartCommunity Member
Owen,
Thanks for the info. Can you use Google translate voices for redistribution, commercial purposes?
Kennethg,
Computer generated decent voices will cost you around 1.500 euros/5 hours, 2.500 euros/10 hours, or 3.500 euros/20 hours, but it depends on the type of project and amount of words you need. You may want to contact the companies directly. If you opt for voice-overs, you may want to post an ad on www.voices.com or www.freelancer.com. As far as I know, a good price would start at 0.08 dollar/word, as opposed to an average of 0.05 dollar/word for computer-generated non-robotic voices.
- KarenLoftusCommunity Member
Owen, I'd never thought to use Google Translate by saving the MP3 "tested" translation. It's a great option to have bookmarked when I need it.
- PaulS-3b1b41f4-Community Member
I just discovered that PowerPoint 2010 has a built-in TTS female voice. It is under, Options - More Commands - All Commands - Speak. Tried a fairly difficult paragraph and it sounded better than the two expensive TTS programs I compared it to. Hmmm.....
Thanks for sharing Paul
That may come in handy for someone.
- OwenHoltSuper Hero
I've used the MS Speak functionality before but could not find an easy way to save the audio file.
@Paul S, did you find a way to save the audio?
- PaulS-3b1b41f4-Community Member
Owen,
I use Audacity to record and save the audio.