Software Automatic Mouth

Technology

The Apple version uses an included expansion card which contains an 8-bit DAC, although hackers created a modified version of S.A.M. which can instead use the computer's one-bit audio output (with the addition of much distortion) if the card is not present. The Atari version makes use of the embedded POKEY audio chip. Speech playback on the Atari normally disables interrupt requests and shuts down the ANTIC chip during vocal output. The audible output is extremely distorted speech when graphic and text display is turned on. The Commodore 64 makes use of the 64's embedded SID audio chip's 4-bit volume DAC, reducing its quality significantly vs the Apple and Atari versions. When producing speech, the Commodore 64 version blanks the screen as the program accesses memory, although a "light" mode can be activated that leaves the screen active, producing a "gravelly" voice. Active sprites also cause a deterioration in the quality of voice output.

Phonetic Mode

Software Automatic Mouth has phonetic mode.

Legacy

S.A.M. was used as the basis for the original MacInTalk speech synthesis software.

The technology was recreated for the voice of the character of "SAM" in the software Chipspeech.

References

References

1. [http://www.folklore.org/StoryView.py?project=Macintosh&story=Intro_Demo.txt It Sure Is Great To Get Out Of That Bag!], Author: Andy Hertzfeld, Date: January 1984, Folklore.org
2. "PokerSAM".
3. (2 June 1984). "SAM speaks out".
4. [https://twitter.com/chipspeech/status/885160064402763776 link]