Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to replicate the human voice and create “Text-To-Speech” (TTS) audio. This innovative technology which is offered by Prime Group to its LSPs clients has opened tremendous possibilities, but is it really as powerful as advertised? In this article, we look at the pros and cons of using text-to-speech audio, so you can make an informed decision on whether it´s right for your business.
Introduction: What is Text-To-Speech, TTS, Audio?
Text-to-speech audio is a relatively new technology that is being used more and more in a variety of settings. At Prime Group we offer TTS in over 50 languages. Its use has pros and cons that should be considered when deciding if it is the right fit for a particular purpose.
Some of the main advantages of text-to-speech audio include:
• Increased accessibility
Text-to-speech audio can be a great way to make content more accessible for those with disabilities or who are otherwise unable to read standard text.
• Convenience
In many cases, text-to-speech audio can be faster and more convenient than reading text, especially if the user is driving or doing another activity where they cannot look at a screen.
• Fun factor
For some people, listening to content via text-to-speech audio can be simply more enjoyable than reading it. This is often true for children or others with shorter attention spans.
On the other hand, there are also some potential disadvantages to using text-to-speech audio, namely:
• Reduced comprehension
In some cases, listeners may not comprehend as much of the content when listening to it via text-to-speech audio as opposed to reading it themselves. This is particularly true if the listener is multitasking or not paying close attention.
• Limited functionality
Not all types of content are well suited for text-to speech audio conversion – particularly complex diagrams or graphics which lose their meaning.
Based on our experience at Prime Group, ever since TTS was a valid option just a few years ago, let’s elaborate further on the pros and cons for you.
Benefits of TTS Audio – Higher Efficiency, Cost Savings, Improved Accessibility
When it comes to audio production, there are several different technologies available to choose from. One popular option is text-to-speech (TTS) audio, which can offer a number of advantages over other methods.
One big benefit of TTS audio is that it can be much more efficient than other methods. This is because the process of converting text to speech is generally faster than recording and editing traditional audio. This can save a lot of time in the production process, which can be a big advantage for busy content creators.
Another benefit of TTS audio is that it can be more cost-effective than other methods. This is because you don’t need to hire professional voice actors or pay for expensive recording equipment. If you’re on a tight budget, TTS audio can be a great way to get high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
Finally, TTS audio can also be more accessible than other methods. This is because it can be used by people with different types of disabilities or who speak different languages. TTS technology has come a long way in recent years and is becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it more widely available to users around the world.
Drawbacks of TTS Audio – Lower Quality and Lack of Human Touch
When it comes to text-to-speech (TTS) audio, there are a few drawbacks to consider. One is that the quality of TTS audio is generally lower than that of recorded human speech. This is because TTS systems rely on synthesized speech, which can sound robotic and unnatural. Also, TTS audio lacks the human touch that can add warmth and personality to a message.
Comparing Alternatives to TTS Audio – Live Recordings, Voice Actors and AI Solutions
When it comes to TTS audio, there are three main alternatives: live recordings, voice actors and AI solutions. Each option has its own set of pros and cons that need to be considered before making a decision.
Live Recordings:
Pros:
– Can capture natural inflections and nuances that can make the audio more believable and realistic.
– Gives the listener a more personal experience.
– Can be edited and manipulated to some extent in post-production.
Cons:
– Requires expensive equipment and trained personnel.
– Is susceptible to errors and re-dos are often necessary.
– The audio quality may not be as consistent as with other options.
Voice Actor:
Pros:
– Are professionals who are skilled at delivering lines with the right emotion and inflection.
– Can provide a more polished performance than a live recording.
Cons:
– Can be expensive to hire professional voice actors.
– The process of recording can be time consuming.
AI Solutions:
Pros:
– Can create life like voices that are indistinguishable from human speech.
– Are much cheaper than hiring professional voice actors.
Cons:
– It might have glitches in some languages.
– Can’t pronounce foreign or brand names.
– It might sound boring and not credible.
Techniques for Enhancing Your TTS Audio
At Prime Group we know that there are many ways to enhance your text-to-speech audio. Some methods are simple and only require a few minutes of your time, while others are more complex and may take a bit longer to implement. Below are some techniques we can use to improve the quality of the TTS audio you order:
• We use high-quality voices
Using high-quality voices will help to ensure that your audio sounds clear and natural. At Prime Group we have many different TTS voices available, so we will experiment with a few to find the ones that work best for you.
• Fine-tune the settings is a must
Most TTS programs allow us to adjust various settings such as pitch, rate, and volume. Playing around with these settings can help us make your audio sound more natural and realistic.
• Prime Group process TTS in a true studio
The editions of TTS audio take place in a quiet soundproof studio without any background noise. We use the best audio tools to ensure the right compression and pristine sound.
• Our editors use headphones
Wearing professional headphones while processing TTS will help to minimize unwanted background noise and produce clear audio.
• We edit your recording
If you’re not happy with the way your recording turned out, because of bad pronunciation of unclear sound don’t hesitate to ask us to edit it until you’re satisfied with the results. This may take some trial and error, but the tweak it’s worth it if it means getting better quality audio.
Examples of Brands That Use Text to Speech Audio Effectively
There are many examples of brands that use text to speech audio effectively. One example is Amazon Echo, which uses text to speech to provide information about the weather, traffic, and other topics. Another example is Google Home, which uses text to speech to answer questions and provide information about the news, weather, and more. Lastly, Apple’s Siri uses text to speech to provide information about the user’s schedule, stocks, reminders, and more.
