How does Zebra talk?

[bobland]

I'm most interested in this aspect of Zebra. I don't own it but if I can understand how to make it talk I'll buy it. I noticed that the "Who Are You" patch appears to be a MSEG but I don't know what that is. Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Burt

[xh3rv]

That one is really just the sound of the modules as programmed (impressively) by Howard Scarr. Formants do the vowels and the FM module does sibilance. The MSEGs are a mod source - so, just like an envelope or LFO, it's just modulating the filter parameters as it plays through. (With Zebra's formant filters, the second assignable modulation slot affects the vowel parameter, that's what the MSEG is turning.)

Might be pretty tough to do a whole knock-knock joke this way, but I bet it's possible ... I would probably just go to an Apple store and record Siri. Still there's plenty of choirs etc. that are as good as anything for synthesis-based vocal sounds.

This might also be interesting: http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=334273

[dalor]

If you're after retro computer speak sound, I highly recommend:
http://soniccharge.com/bitspeek

[bobland]

Thanks for the replies and links. I think all of this would be a lot easier with Melodyne.

[mcnoone]

Assigning an EQ in the fx section, and experiment adjusting that using some odd settings can help too.
Better, try assigning all parameters of that eq to an xy pad and automate it.
That will make the vowel formant tones change in strange ways.