SampleScience has launched Virtual Vocaid, a free software plugin for Windows and Mac. This innovative tool emulates the Vocaid vocal assistance device originally developed by Texas Instruments. The device was designed to assist individuals with speech impairments and was famously used by renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking.

The Virtual Vocaid plugin accurately replicates the unique synthetic speech of Hawking, making it a valuable tool for a variety of applications. The software can generate all possible combinations of words, letters, and numbers that the original Vocaid device could produce.
Users can manipulate sounds using integrated ADSR amplitude envelopes and four DSP effects. The plugin also features a multi-LFO function, which allows modulation of pitch, pan, or amplitude. This provides a high level of control and customization for users.
The sound library is organized into various categories such as alphabet, bedside, games, numbers, and telephone. This categorization enhances usability and offers comprehensive functionality to users.
The features of Virtual Vocaid include 125 Vocaid speech synthesis sounds, which are categorized into five sections. The plugin also offers distortion, delay, chorus, reverb, amplitude ADSR, multi-LFO, highpass/lowpass filter, amplitude range controls, and three voice modes: polyphonic, monophonic, and legato.
With its array of features and comprehensive sound library, Virtual Vocaid offers a unique opportunity for users to experiment with and utilize synthetic speech in their projects. As it is a free plugin, it is a valuable addition to any digital audio workstation. Users interested in exploring the capabilities of this plugin can download it from the SampleScience website.