Early 8-Bit Sound Digitizers
The 8-Bit Guy・2 minutes read
In the 1980s, groundbreaking technologies like the Sound Sampler and Covox Voice Master allowed for sampling real-world sounds into computers, offering unique applications like voice-controlled blackjack and voice recognition capabilities, though some programs were considered more gimmicky than practical. These innovations connected to various computer models, including the Commodore 64 and Apple IIc, providing tools for music composition, speech-related programs, and unique features tailored to each device's capabilities and limitations.
Insights
- In the 1980s, innovative hardware and software like the Sound Sampler and Covox Voice Master revolutionized computer audio capabilities, enabling real-world sound sampling and voice recognition.
- Despite the fascinating features of the Covox Voice Master software, including voice-controlled games and music composition tools, technical limitations like delay issues and accuracy problems hindered its effectiveness, highlighting the challenges of early voice recognition technology.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What were some popular sound sampling products in the 1980s?
Commodore sound samples and Covox Voice Master
Related videos
Summary
00:00
1980s Computer Sound Sampling Revolutionized Gaming
- In the 1980s, games with recorded speech amazed many, despite computers lacking audio inputs until the 1990s.
- Products from the mid-1980s like Commodore sound samples and Covox Voice Master allowed sampling real-world sounds into computers.
- The Sound Sampler, released in 1985, included a manual, cassette software, and a cartridge with input volume controls and RCA jacks.
- The Sound Sampler connected to the Commodore 64's cartridge port and monitor port for audio mixing.
- The Covox Voice Master, available for various computers, had a Commodore 64 version with a distinct cable end.
- The Covox Voice Master package included manuals, dot-matrix printed labels, and a microphone headset.
- The Covox Voice Master software, from November 1987, featured calibration tools and voice recognition capabilities.
- The software allowed voice-controlled blackjack and a voice-harp program for humming or whistling into the microphone.
- The voice-harp program had a delay issue and was deemed more of a gimmick than a useful tool.
- The composer software aimed to translate hummed tunes into musical scores but struggled with tempo and accuracy, rendering its musical capabilities ineffective.
15:09
Speech software for Covox hardware and Apple IIc.
- The software includes speech-related programs that do not require Covox hardware, such as a talking clock program and a talking calculator program that works in English or Spanish.
- The Covox hardware connects to both the digital I/O pins of the joystick and the analog inputs of the paddles, excluding only the joystick button on pin 6.
- The Apple Iic version of the software plugs into the special joystick port on the Apple IIc, with a customized version for this device and similar features to the Commodore version.
- The Apple IIc version also includes a speech recognition program that runs in 80 columns mode and offers clock and calculator programs.
- The software may also run on a Laser 128, detecting the device and functioning properly, although the sampling quality and length are limited due to computer RAM constraints.
