Voice banking allows you to create a synthesized version of your current speaking voice. Sometimes this is called a "synthetic" or "digital" voice. This voice can be then be used as the basis for communication in various text-to-speech apps and programs.
The voice banking process does not precisely duplicate your natural voice. However, yo
Voice banking allows you to create a synthesized version of your current speaking voice. Sometimes this is called a "synthetic" or "digital" voice. This voice can be then be used as the basis for communication in various text-to-speech apps and programs.
The voice banking process does not precisely duplicate your natural voice. However, your banked voice should sound recognizably like you, and be acceptable for communication purposes.
Scroll down to read about some companies that offer voice banking services in North America and Europe, and what is involved in this process. Click on the name of a company to link to that company's website.
Message banking gives you a way to capture and save your natural voice and and speech. You can record comments, questions, greetings, your bad (and good!) jokes, your laugh, your witty retorts, and anything else of personal value in your natural, authentic voice. These recordings can be used for communication purposes in various apps and
Message banking gives you a way to capture and save your natural voice and and speech. You can record comments, questions, greetings, your bad (and good!) jokes, your laugh, your witty retorts, and anything else of personal value in your natural, authentic voice. These recordings can be used for communication purposes in various apps and programs. When replayed, they will sound exactly as they did when they were recorded.
Scroll down to read about recording options and how they work. Click on the name of a product to link to that company's website.
The term "message banking" is in wide use; some approaches were developed at Boston Children's Hospital.
The voice banking process involves creating a set of recorded phrases provided by a voice banking service, which are then processed into a synthesized voice. The voice banking services listed below are available in the US and Europe, and have different multilingual options. Voice banking recording is always free; purchase costs vary quit
The voice banking process involves creating a set of recorded phrases provided by a voice banking service, which are then processed into a synthesized voice. The voice banking services listed below are available in the US and Europe, and have different multilingual options. Voice banking recording is always free; purchase costs vary quite a bit and range from $0 to $1000. Unfortunately, these expenses are not covered by medical insurance; however, if you live in North America and have an ALS diagnosis, Team Gleason will sponsor the cost.
Banked messages are recorded in digital format. Depending on the user's preference, messages can be recorded separately and uploaded into the selected communication application, or they can be recorded directly into the app. Message banking costs range from nothing to a few hundred dollars, depending on how the individual wants to accompl
Banked messages are recorded in digital format. Depending on the user's preference, messages can be recorded separately and uploaded into the selected communication application, or they can be recorded directly into the app. Message banking costs range from nothing to a few hundred dollars, depending on how the individual wants to accomplish this activity. As with voice banking, these expenses are not covered by medical insurance, but those with ALS in North America can get financial support from Team Gleason.
Some of the companies providing voice banking services in the US and Europe (there are others as well):
- Phrases can be recorded using the company's iOS or Android app, or on their website using a Macintosh computer.
- A minimum of 50 phrases is needed to create a voice; up to 450+ additional phrases can be added to imp
Some of the companies providing voice banking services in the US and Europe (there are others as well):
- Phrases can be recorded using the company's iOS or Android app, or on their website using a Macintosh computer.
- A minimum of 50 phrases is needed to create a voice; up to 450+ additional phrases can be added to improve voice quality.
- Cost: $299 USD.
- Phrases are recorded online, on the company website using a Macintosh or Windows computer with a headset microphone.
- A minimum of 50 phrases is needed to create a voice; up to 250 additional phrases can be added to improve voice quality.
- Cost: $99/yr or $1000 USD flat fee.
- Phrases are recorded online or offline using a Macintosh or Windows computer with a headset microphone.
- The recording space must be pristine and free of any echos or other auditory disturbance.
- A minimum of 400 phrases is required for voice creation; up to 3155 phrases can be submitted.
- Cost: $100 USD.
- Phrases are recorded online, on the company website using a Macintosh or Windows computer with a headset microphone.
- A minimum of 150 phrases is required for voice creation; up to 300 phrases can be submitted.
- Cost: $190 USD for standard voice; $270 for "voice repair"
*use limited to iOS / Android devices
Personal Voice:
- Phrases are recorded using an iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 and later, or Mac Sonoma or later. Device specs may be found here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/104993
- The program provides 150 phrases to be recorded for voice creation.
- Cost: free
*use limited to iOS / Apple devices
The following options are useful for individuals who want to record messages separately and then upload them to a communication app. Click here to see a chart indicating which apps allow you to record and store messages directly in the app.
Digital recorder:
Highly-rated manufacturers include Zoom, Tascam, and Sony. The simpler "low-end"
The following options are useful for individuals who want to record messages separately and then upload them to a communication app. Click here to see a chart indicating which apps allow you to record and store messages directly in the app.
Digital recorder:
Highly-rated manufacturers include Zoom, Tascam, and Sony. The simpler "low-end" models are generally sufficient for this purpose. Costs vary; for example, the Zoom H1n retails for about $100.
Voice recorder apps:
Cell phone / tablet recording apps that can accommodate the necessary settings (see below) can be used to create banked messages. Costs range from free to a few dollars.
- iOS options include AudioRecorderWAV,M4A and Audioshare.
- Android options include RiversideFM and Voice Recorder & Audio Editor by JLabs.
- Windows options include Any Sound Recorder (not tested by us).
Computer:
- Audacity is a free, open-source audio software program compatible with Windows and Mac platforms.
- Online recording programs such as VoiceCoach.ai may be used, although most have limitations, such as the inability to save multiple messages.
MyMessageBanking.com is a website sponsored by Tobii Dynavox and Boston Children's Hospital that serves as a temporary repository for recorded messages. When uploaded to the website, your messages will be automatically transcribed to create a visual label for each message. You can edit the transcriptions and create categories to organize the banked messages for efficient use.
Message banking recording settings:
- .WAV format
- 44.1 kHz /44100 Hz sample rate
- 16 bit (bit depth)
Banked voices are played through text-to-speech apps or programs. The user can type directly into a program to create a spoken message, or can select a stored message to be spoken aloud. The banked voice will be used to convey all messages, except in cases where the program contains both a banked voice and banked messages in the user's na
Banked voices are played through text-to-speech apps or programs. The user can type directly into a program to create a spoken message, or can select a stored message to be spoken aloud. The banked voice will be used to convey all messages, except in cases where the program contains both a banked voice and banked messages in the user's natural voice, and then it will toggle between the two.
The next section contains a chart of some of the currently popular apps and programs that utilize banked voices.
Just like banked voices, banked messages are also played through text-to-speech apps or programs. Banked messages are usually accessed directly where they are stored in the program. Messages are selected with a single tap, and the message is played in its entirety. Some programs that accommodate both banked voices and messages will recogn
Just like banked voices, banked messages are also played through text-to-speech apps or programs. Banked messages are usually accessed directly where they are stored in the program. Messages are selected with a single tap, and the message is played in its entirety. Some programs that accommodate both banked voices and messages will recognize messages typed into the keyboard as identical to an uploaded banked message, and will play the message as it was recorded in the user's natural voice.
The next section contains a chart of some of the currently popular apps and programs that utilize banked messages.
Amy is a speech pathologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals manage communication changes, including loss of voice and speech. She is passionate
about making voice and message banking services
easily and widely available to those who desire them.
Preserveyourvoice.com is based in Philadelphia, PA.
Contact Amy directly at Amy@Preserveyourvoice.com.
You can also call or text to 215.867.9166