IIGS Speech Synthesizer

AFAIK the IIgs does not have a chip dedicated to speech. Those programs probably used the Ensoniq chip to produce the speech. 

nick3092 wrote:

AFAIK the IIgs does not have a chip dedicated to speech. Those programs probably used the Ensoniq chip to produce the speech. 

This is correct as far as I know.  No dedicated speech chip in a IIgs, just the Ensoniq and the normal bit banger Apple II sound.

Now, maybe the software is designed for a Mockingboard (with the optional SSI chip), Echo II (TI 5220) or SAM card?  But those are separate plugin cards that will work in any slotted Apple II, not just the IIgs.

As I recall, Smooth Talker was a software synthesizer for Mac, PC, and Apple IIGS.  Published by First Byte.

A web search with those keywords turned up a few useful tidbits:

• An archive of SmoothTalker 2.1 for Mac at Archive.org.  https://archive.org/details/mac_SmoothTalker_2.1
• An eBay auction for SmoothTalker for Apple IIGS https://www.ebay.com/itm/383612871518
• A YouTube video demonstration of SmoothTalker 2.1 for Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SwMkTx7o3c
• A shady-looking download at HexRom with a mail-merge style description, "SmoothTalker (1987)(First Byte) Rom is for apple-ii-gs Emulator. if you enjoy Game so SmoothTalker (1987)(First Byte) would be a good game for you! you can download SmoothTalker (1987)(First Byte) Rom with direct link and free. this game is in English language and the best quality available."
• Another shady-looking download from Freeromsdownload  that promises it's safe, it's so safe, "Download free SmoothTalker (1987)(First Byte) ROM ✓for Apple II GS and have fun with absolutley safe ISO file that was tested by Virustotal.com."
• Yet another shady-looking download from roms-download that suspiciously insists "Download SmoothTalker (1987)(First Byte) ROM✓for Apple II GS and SmoothTalker (1987)(First Byte) ISO Video Game on your PC, Mac, Android or Mac. (USA)"

Wow, don't trust random ROM download sites...especially one that insists Apple IIGS software from 1987 will run safely on your Android.

And here's a video demonstrating "KidTalk" - for the Mac though. Probably similar as on the IIgs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpQ3LeNhHfU

I don't have access to an Apple IIGS or its schematics, but the pictures at APPLE2.ORG identify the Ensoniq chip as the 40-pin IC near the memory expansion connector.  Early ones have the "Ensoniq" name on the IC itself.  Later moddels are identified as "Apple" but they all appear to be labeled "ICS 1261D."

Beyond that, I can't really guess what would cause that "stuttering" symptom.  

Humm, have you checked the system speed in control panel and tried both settings to humor yourself?

We've all been there, glad it works and I didn't bite my tongue and assume you had checked that.

Cheers

Alex