Flame MIDI TALKING SYNTH User manual

USER MANUAL
http://flame.fortschritt-musik.de
1. Introduction
The FLAME MIDI TALKING SYNTH is a small-sized MIDI-controlled sound module based
on the analogue Speakjet ™ chip, produced by the U.S. company Magnevation LLC.
Originally designed for basic artificially generated speech output in American English ton-
gue it was then refined and further developed as an 8-bit sound module with speech-like
sounds and synthetic robot voices as well as beeps, alarms, noise and retro-style sci-fi
sounds.
Due to the structure of the Speakjet ™ (with its complex sound synthesizer, preset sounds
and serial interface) it offers an impressive range of possibilities. It contains 72 speech
elements (allophones), 43 sound effects, and 12 DTM touch tones. The idea was to create
sounds, patterns and sequences in the 8-bit style of the 80s or other retro sounds for
making music instead of just simulating speech. Most allophones can be tuned and used
tonally.
The FLAME MIDI TALKING SYNTH contains two Speakjet ™ chips to produce a richer and
more complex tonal variety as well as generating a pseudo stereo effect.
Since the Speakjet ™ has not originally been laid out for the purpose of making music it is
actually not fully controllable via MIDI input, i.e.: once sounds are triggered they cannot be
directly stopped by Note Off messages from a MIDI keyboard or a sequencer. Thus a MIDI-
controlled audio tremolo has been implemented in the FLAME MIDI TALKING SYNTH vir-
tually allowing MIDI control and enabling an easier integration into a MIDI setup.
The FLAME MIDI TALKING SYNTH lets you play back preset words in its EXPANDER mode
via an external MIDI keyboard or a sequencer. In addition you can use the FLAME MIDI
TALKING SYNTH as a stand-alone MIDI controller since all controls and joysticks send
MIDI control/change data to the MIDI-OUT connector.
2. Technical Design
The internal sound is generated by the two independently controlled Speakjet ™ chips.
Each of them provides a mono audio output (32 kHz PWM output) through a 6.3 mm ste-
reo socket. The right audio channel is assigned to chip A, the left channel to chip B. An
insert Y cable splits both channels into two mono audio outputs, allowing you to position
the channels individually within the stereo sound field with any external mixing device.
The sound level ratio of both chips can be adjusted with the MIX control. An equal sound
level is obtained by turning the MIX control to the centre position. All functions are clearly
visible on the front panel with the start/ stop /MIDI-sync/ tempo functions on the upper
right-hand corner, sound/ tremolo/ scale/ note/ pitch and random functions in the midd-
le. The HOLD-switches are used to freeze the position of the joysticks.
The REC-switches are used to play back the recorded movements of the joysticks. You can
switch between the modes SEQUENCER (SEQ) and EXPANDER (EXP) with the switch in the
middle of the panel.
3. Basic Operation
In SEQ mode sounds can be played manually. While the SEQUENCER is stopped (upper
right switch is set to its lower position ‘STOP’) the TREMOLOS must be switched off
(switches A and B in the TREMOLO section are set to their lower positions) in order not
to interrupt the sound. The HOLD and REC switches should be in their upper positions.
The FLAME MIDI TALKING SYNTH is played by using the joystick TALK. Move the joystick
out of its centre position to trigger any sounds (when the joystick is in the exact centre
position, no sounds are triggered). As the HOLD function is inactive (i.e.: HOLD switch is
in upper position), the joysticks movements are automatically recorded over a period of
two measures. When you activate (i.e.: toggle down) the HOLD switch, the current posi-
tion of the joystick will freeze and any further movements will have no effect.
Toggle down the REC switch to play back the recorded movements (any manual agita-
tion of the joystick has no effect now). The tempo of the play-back depends on the inter-
nal respectively external MIDI tempo. The MIDI tempo is signalled by the SCALE LED,
which flashes at the beginning of each measure serving as a visual control mechanism
for the recording period.
4.1. SEQUENCER MODE
As outlined above in this mode sounds are played manually and are interrupted by the
MIDI clock-controlled TREMOLO.
Sounds can also be played without sequencer running. The sequencer is controlled by
the internal or external MIDI clock and sends MIDI TIMING data (start/ stop/ clock) when
running.
4.1.1. TALK / SOUND
joystick TALK
This is the control that triggers the sound. No sound is triggered in the centre position
unless the corresponding switch HOLD or REC are in the lower position and generate
frozen or recorded joystick data.
64 sounds can be played. They are arranged in 8 lists each containing 16 sound ele-
ments. Each sound bank contains different lists. Above the centre position the sounds
of the lists are played individually. Below the centre position the sounds of the lists are
played in sequence depending on the joystick’s position.
This way short sequences can be played in loops, which consist of up to 16 elements.
Some of the 12 sound banks contain fewer elements so that it is easier to find the same
sounds.
The sounds you play depend on their note values (position of the joystick, scale, SCALE-
switch). Moving the joystick vertically alters the pitch within a range of 3 octaves. Moving
the joystick horizontally changes the formants of the sound (male-female) giving it the
typical robot-like sound effect. Use the HOLD and REC switches to freeze and play-back
the sounds you play.
Once the sequencer has been started (internally or externally), you can interrupt the
audio signal with the TREMOLO by toggling up one or both TREMOLO switches. The
LEDs indicate the rhythm (flashing = audio on). This can be set individually for each
Speakjet ™ chips. The 8/16 switch enables you to switch the quantization between qua-
vers and semi quavers. The next switch to the right sets up the phase. Both settings
apply for A and B.
It is not possible to trigger sounds in the SEQ mode via external MIDI note.
In the EXP mode the synthesizer works just like a drum expander module. Words and
sounds are triggered only by received MIDI notes. No sequencer/ tremolo/ random or
scale functions are available in this mode.
HOLD switch (Talk)
This switch freezes the current position of the joystick.
Only those sounds are played back.
PPlleeaasseennoottee::No sounds are played while the joystick is in centre position.
REC switch (Talk)
With this switch the joystick movement is continually recorded over the period of two
measures. When the switch is toggled down, the recorded movements are played back.
Manual playing is not possible then.
PPlleeaasseennootteethat the tempo depends on the MIDI tempo. The LED flashes for every bar
signalling the recording window (when sequencer is stopped). Recording as well as
playing back lasts two bars and is then continually repeated. When the sequencer is
started the MIDI clock LEDs give a visual control.
LOOP switch
In the lower position (LOOP on) any chosen sound is repeated continually. In the upper
position (LOOP off) the sound elements are only played once. This applies for Speakjet
A and B.

SPEED control
Playback velocity of the allophones: left = slow, right = fast.
SPEED and TEMPO should not be mixed up. The TEMPO control regulates the playback
tempo of the internal sequencer with effect on the tremolo while the SPEED control
changes the duration of the generated talk/ synth sounds (not MIDI synchronized).
MIX control
MIX control controls the volume for Speakjet A and B. In the centre position they have
the same volume.
PPlleeaasseennoottee::this control is digital. Delays are possible as the data has to be processed
in the internal Speakjet buffer (FIFO). This can affect different SPEED settings.
4.1.5. MIDI SEQUENCER
To use the internal sequencer the left switch above the TEMPO control must be set to
INT (internal MIDI clock). Now the sequencer can be started and stopped with the
START/ STOP switch. In this modus the device works as a MIDI master and externally
connected devices can run synchronously via the MIDI clock. The tempo is controlled by
the TEMPO control. The control range extends from tempo 20 to 220. In the centre posi-
tion the approximate tempo is 115. Please note that not all tempi can be set by the con-
trol due to the limited resolution.
To use the sequencer as a slave the SYNC switch must be set to EXT (external MIDI
clock). Now the sequencer can be controlled by a external sequencer via the MIDI clock
(START/ STOP/ CLOCK). Please note: The device does not understand CONTINUE. The
TEMPO control has no effect on the tempo played. It continues to send as a MIDI con-
troller and can be used for other tasks as well.
PPlleeaasseennoottee::When the sequencer is running with the external clock you can switch to
INT during normal operation and leave it running with the current tempo setting “out
of time” (right switch must be on START). If you want to switch back to EXT it runs in
sync with the external MIDI clock as it continues to register the external clock.
Rhythmic variations can be tried this way during normal operation.
The red LED signals the first beat of a bar, the yellow one the quarter note.
The MIDI sequencer (INT and EXT) always sends the MIDI clock data via MIDI OUT. It
does not send NOTE ON/ OFF data.
AAtttteennttiioonn::Should problems with the timing arise with the external synchronisation, it
should be checked if the device receives more than just MIDI clock data. Additional data
such as ProgramChange, controlChange, SysEX- or note data should be avoided or fil-
tered out!
4.2. EXPANDER MODE
In this mode the device works like a sound expander, like a drum module in fact. This
means that certain sounds and whole words are assigned to different keys and only
those can be played on the keyboard. The assigned words and sounds are listed in the
attachment. The device is set on MIDI channel 10 and the setting cannot be changed.
The sounds also can be changed with the SPEED control and with the joystick NOTE.
Joystick HOLD can be used as well. Turn the SOUND switch to select patches. Any other
functions are inactive. Only the sending of MIDI control data is the same as in the SEQ
mode.
PPlleeaasseennoottee::Speakjets A and B generate the same sounds in this mode.
AAtttteennttiioonn::The MIX control should be in the centre position before switching from SEQ to
EXP mode to hear both Speakjets.
The position of the TREMOLO switch has no effect on the audio output in this modus. It
is always switched on.
The red scale LED signals received MIDI notes.
4.3. MIDI CONTROLLER
All controls send MIDI control-change data during runtime. Each control sends on both
MIDI channels 1 and 2 using the same control change number. See the appendix for furt-
her information on which numbers are assigned to which control.
PPlleeaasseennoottee::In SEQ mode data-sending is linked to the tick of the internal or external MIDI
clock and therefore depends on the given tempo.
In the EXP mode data is sent faster as there is no MIDI clock. Also two identical data values
are never sent in succession in order to reduce the data flow — only when the data value
of a controller changes new data is sent.
Warranty
Beginning from the date of purchase a 2-year warranty is guaranteed for this device in case of any manufacturing errors or other functional deficiencies during runtime.
The warranty does not apply in case of
- damage caused by misuse
- mechanical damage arising from careless treatment (dropping, vigorous shaking, mishandling, etc)
- damage caused by liquids penetrating the device
- heat damage caused by overexposure to sunlight or heating
- electric damage caused by improper connecting (wrong power supply/ jacks/ MIDI connections/ voltage problems)
If you have any complaints please contact your dealer or send an e-mail to [email protected]ortschritt-musik.de
4.1.4. RANDOM
A number of random algorithms are implemented in the device that can be triggered by
different positions of the RANDOM switch for each Speakjet (A and B). There is no ran-
dom effect in the centre position as different algorithms work in the right and in the left
position. Starting from the centre position various effects can be triggered.
Moving to the left affects first pitch, then speed, then volume. It is most intense in the
very left position. Any random variations start from the positions of the NOTE/ SPEED/
MIX controls.
The changes are not always linear and do not cover the whole range of all values, so
experimenting can have interesting results.
SOUND turn-switch
12 patches are available. You can switch between them at runtime. There are two sound
banks for each patch for each Speakjet which are triggered with the SOUND TALK/
SYNTH switch.
SSOOUUNNDDSSTTAALLKK::lists with allophones that can be played tonally.
SSOOUUNNDDSSSSYYNNTTHH::lists with effect sounds that cannot be played tonally.
See appendix for an overview of all patches.
4.1.2. NOTE / SCALE
joystick NOTE
Horizontal movements affect the sound by changing the formants (male/ female), verti-
cal movements alter the pitch (depending on the setting of the SCALE filter). When
SCALE is switched off, all semitones can be played within a range of 3 octaves. When
SCALE is switched on, the notes of a set scale are played.
SCALE switch
OONN//OOFFFF- activates/ deactivates the key filter
DDUURR//MMOOLLLL- toggles between major key (DUR) and harmonic minor key (MOLL)
TTUURRNNIINNGGSSWWIITTCCHH- chooses the key
4.1.3. TREMOLO
TREMOLO only works when the sequencer is started with internal/ external MIDI clock/
tempo. It can be switched on for each Speakjet individually.
When both are switched on the phase can be shifted with the PHASE switch.
The 8/16 switch determines the beat. Visual control is provided by two LEDs.

LIST OF MIDI CONTROLLER NUMBERS
MIX: control change 7 (volume)
RANDOM: control change 1 (modulation)
SPEED: control change 71 (harmonic)
TEMPO: control change 72 (release time)
JOY TALK x: control change 91 (effect depht)
JOY TALK y: control change 92 (effect depht)
JOY NOTE x: control change 93 (effect depht)
JOY NOTE y: control change 94 (effect depht)
Please note:
Transmitted MIDI channels are fixed on 1 + 2
All value ranges are between 0..127
APPENDIX
SOUNDS SEQUENCER MODE
No Talk-A Talk-B Synth-A Synth-B
1 Babble01 Babble01 Robot01 Robot01
2 Babble02 Babble02 Beeps01 Beeps01
3 Babble03 Babble03 Biological01 Biological01
4 Babble04 Babble04 Alarms01 Alarms01
5 Babble05 Babble05 TouchTone01 TouchTone01
6 Babble06 Babble06 Alarms01 TouchTone01
7 Babble07 Babble07 TouchTone01 Biological02
8 Babble08 Babble08 Noise02 Noise02
9 Babble09 Babble09 Noise01 Noise01
10 Babble10 Babble10 Noise01 Noise02
11 Babble06 Babble08 Robot01 TouchTone01
12 Babble03 Babble04 Beeps01 Alarms01
SOUNDS EXPANDER MODE
PATCHES
Patch Sounds
1 Words: short words + numerics / times
2 Words: short words + technics / astronautics
3 Words: short words + music / pop culture
4 Words: short words + nature / people
5 Words: short words + phrases
6 Phoneme + Allophone
Patch Sounds
7 Sound Effects
8 Words: short words + numerics / times
9 Words: short words + technics / astronautics
10 Words: short words + music / pop culture
11 Words: short words + nature / people
12 Words: short words + phrases
Note Words
0-35 sounds one
36 I
37 I’am
38 you
39 you are
40 it`s
41 too
42 now
43 not
44 don`t
45 because
46 and
47 or
48 zero
49 one
50 two
51 three
52 four
53 five
54 six
55 seven
56 eight
57 nine
58 ten
59 eleven
60 twelve
61 hundert
62 million
63 time
64 second
65 minute
66 hour
67 day
68 week
69 months
70 year
71 age
72-127 sounds one
Patch 1+8
numerics / times
Note Words
0-35 sounds two
36 I
37 I’am
38 you
39 you are
40 it`s
41 too
42 now
43 not
44 don`t
45 because
46 and
47 or
48 plastic
49 electronic
50 laser
51 wire
52 computer
53 radio
54 transmission
55 robot
56 gasoline
57 car
58 machine
59 system
60 atom
61 neutrons
62 orbit
63 satelit
64 rocket
65 beam
66 fly
67 moon
68 universe
69 galaxy
70 black hole
71 lift off
72-127 sounds two
Patch 2+9
technics / astronautics
Note Words
0-35 sounds three
36 I
37 I’am
38 you
39 you are
40 it`s
41 too
42 now
43 not
44 don`t
45 because
46 and
47 or
48 guitar
49 synthesizer
50 drums
51 sticks
52 bass
53 strings
54 play
55 stop
56 music
57 rock`n`roll
58 punkmusic
59 tekkno
60 dancemusic
61 concert
62 t-shirt
63 fans
64 show
65 comic
66 manga
67 drugs
68 sex
69 mystery
70 power
71 error
72-127 sounds three
Patch 3+10
music / pop culture
Note Words
0-35 sounds four
36 I
37 I’am
38 you
39 you are
40 it`s
41 too
42 now
43 not
44 don`t
45 because
46 and
47 or
48 dream
49 sunshine
50 flower
51 water
52 rain
53 ocean
54 clouds
55 sky
56 world
57 wonderfull
58 girl
59 woman
60 lady
61 boy
62 man
63 gay
64 sister
65 brother
66 muther
67 futher
68 lips
69 eyes
70 hair
71 body
72-127 sounds four
Patch 4+11
nature / people
Note Words
0-35 sounds five
36 I
37 I’am
38 you
39 you are
40 it`s
41 too
42 now
43 not
44 don`t
45 because
46 and
47 or
48 O.K.
49 yes
50 no
51 down
52 up
53 left
54 right
55 turn
56 on
57 off
58 under
59 in
60 here
61 wrong
62 nice
63 cool
64 giant
65 free
66 old
67 talk about
68 please
69 hurry
70 attention
71 thank you
72-127 sounds five
Patch 5+12
phrases

Patch 7
Sound Effects
Note Sound
0-36 Robot 01
37-45 Robot 02-10
46-55 Alarm 01-10
56-65 Beeps 01-10
66-75 Biological 01-10
76-85 DTMF 0-9
86 DTMF *
87 DTMF #
88 Sonar Ping
89 Pistol Shot
90-127 Wow
Note Sound Sample Words
0-36 IY See, Even, Feed
37 IH Sit, Fix, Pin
38 EY Hair, Gate, Beige
39 EH Met, Check, Red
40 AY Hat, Fast, Fan
41 AX Cotten
42 UX Luck, Up, Uncle
43 OH Hot, Clock, Fox
44 AW Father, Fall
45 OW Comb, Over, Hold
46 UH Book, Could
47 UW Food, June
48 MM Milk, Famous
49 NE Nip, Danger, Thin
50 NO No, Snow, On
51 NGE Think, Ping
52 NGO Hung, Song
53 LE Lake, Alarm
54 LO Clock, Plus, Hello
55 WW Wool, Sweat
56 RR Ray, Brain, Over
57 IYRR Clear, Hear, Year
58 EYRR Hair, Stair, Repair
59 AXRR Fir, Bird, Burn
60 AWRR Part, Farm, Yarn
61 OWRR Corn, Four, Your
62 EYIY Gate, Ate, Ray
63 OHIY Mice, Fight, White
64 OWIY Boy, Toy, Voice
65 OHIH Sky, Five, I
66 IYEH Yes, Yarn, Million
67 EHLL Saddle Spell
68 IYUW Cute, Few
69 AXUW Brown, Thousand
70 IHWW Two, New, Zoo
71 AYWW Our, Ouch, Owl
Note Sound Sample Words
72 OWWW Go, Hello, Snow
73 JH Dodge, Jet, Savage
74 VV Vest, Even
75 ZZ Zoo, Zap
76 ZH Azure, Treasure
77 DH There, That, This
78 BE Bear, Bird, Beed
79 BO Bone, Book Brown
80 EB Cab, Crib, Web
81 OB Bob, Sub, Tub
82 DE Deep, Date, Divide
83 DO Do, Dust, Dog
84 ED C ould, Bird
85 OD Bud, Food
86 GE Get, Gate, Guest
87 GO Got, Glue, Goo
88 EG Peg, Wig
89 OG Dog, Peg
90 CH Church, Feature
91 HE Help, Hand, Hair
92 HO Hoe, Hot, Hug
93 WH Who, Whale, White
94 FF Food, Effort, Off
95 SE See, Vest, Plus
96 SO So, Sweat
97 SH Ship, Fiction, Leash
98 TH Thin, month
99 TT Part, Little, Sit
100 TU To, Talk, Ten
101 TS Parts, Costs, Robots
102 KE Can't, Clown, Key
103 KO Comb, Quick, Fox
104 EK Speak, Task
105 OK Book, Took, October
106 PE People, Computer
107-128 PO Paw, Copy
Patch 6
Phoneme + Allophone