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. is the exclusive manufacturer of Emic 2. For questions and technical support, contact  support@parallax.com.

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:

• Technical Manual (from Parallax)
• Schematic
• Bill-of-Materials

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