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Key Details of Balabolka
- Easy-to-use TTS app
- Last updated on
- There have been 2 updates
- Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)
Editors’ Review
Text-to-speech (TTS) and voice synthesis technology have come a long way since the days of choppy monotones and "computer speech." Today's TTS tools can be customized in so many ways that they can be hard to distinguish from natural speech in some applications. "Balabolka" means "chatterer" in Russian, and that's where Ilya Morozov's freeware TTS tool takes its name. Balabolka is based on Microsoft's Speech API (SAPI) but with changes designed to improve the clarity and articulation of the artificial speech generated by speech platforms such as the nearly ubiquitous Microsoft Anna (by the way, she's included with Balabolka). The program uses VBScript syntax for spelling and error correction, so it's compatible with most spell-checkers. Balabolka works with high-quality aftermarket TTS voices, too. Recent updates include improved German language support and Windows 8 readiness.
Balabolka is compatible with many text formats like DOCX, PDF, and EPUB. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile choice for reading different types of documents. Users can customize the voice in which the text is read. This includes changes to the speed and pitch, thanks to the Microsoft Speech API (SAPI). This feature allows for a more personalized listening experience.
The software can also pull text directly from documents and convert it into audio. This function is especially useful for those who need to listen to documents while doing other tasks. Additionally, Balabolka offers tools to enhance pronunciation. Users can add special lists that help the software pronounce words more clearly and accurately.
Balabolka works well with Windows systems and does not require advanced technical skills to set up. The interface is straightforward, which makes it easy for first-time users to navigate. There is an 'Audio Output' button that demonstrates the sound quality of the TTS engine. This feature is helpful for users to hear what the voice will sound like and make any necessary adjustments.
Furthermore, Balabolka can save the spoken text in audio file formats. It can also include synchronized text as lyrics. This is useful for creating audiobooks or listening guides that require following along with the text.
Balabolka installs and sets up normally, though of course you'll need to have sound enabled as well as speakers or headphones to hear Balabolka's TTS output. If you're not sure, a good place to start is Balabolka's Audio Output button, which appears on the SAPI5 and Microsoft Speech Platform tabs. Clicking this button opens a small tool for choosing which audio output device to use with Balabolka, if you have more than one. Balabolka has a number of options, including the ability to customize the program's fonts, colors, and skins, and a main Settings sheet with no less than 12 tabs. There's even a Tools menu with a File Splitter, Batch File Converter, Magnifier, and other useful extras. We could toggle open a Panel of Dictionaries for reference, quickly bookmark sections, and extract, save, and convert clips from Balabolka's toolbar. If it seems like too much, just open the comprehensive Help file.
Bottom Line
We think most users won't have any trouble simply opening and playing a document in Balabolka, though. That's what we did, and it was totally easy. Varying the pitch and rate produced some amusing effects, too. An online search will turn up plenty of TTS voices to add to Balabolka, many of them free. We're impressed with Balabolka's ability to make top-quality TTS available to every user.
What’s new in version 2.11.0.583
- This version may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
Used Balabolka for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.
