The MIDI Speaks to Us: Flame MIDI-Talking-Synth

Personally, I haven't heard about Flame but now; yet I am quite happy I finally did because they have showcased some extremely alluring, interest-raising and special pieces of musical technology at the (I know you know it already) Frankfurt am Main Musikmesse.

Flame is a German company specialized in MIDI Controllers and Electronic Music (generally speaking). What have they done so special? They have took two analog Speakjet module chips (originally produced by US-based Magnevation LLC company for robots' voices in the rather industrial applications) and implemented them into their own-design MIDI gadget.

Now, things won't be such interesting if this turned out to be some "misused" technology case, but the resulting device is a real groundbreaker. The small metal box with rather average looks contains a MIDI sequencer, looping and tremolo function switches, 72 speech elements, 43 sound SFX, 4 pots and 2 rotary switches, 17 rocker switches and finally, 1 slide switch. Pretty much knob-work for a small metal box, isn't it? Now add 2 joysticks, MIDI IN/OUT and audio out connectivity and there you have the complete picture: the Flame MIDI-Talking-Synth is a really complex piece of engineering!

The Speakjet chips have been intended for industrial use rather than musical purposes, the sound-work can't be fully administered (no Notes Off, for example). You can use the synth in either standalone mode, as a MIDI controller as operating its commands actually changes parameters in the MIDI Out path or use its Expander mode and play back preset words via external (third-party) MIDI keyboard or additional sequencer.

Even more, its native 72 speech elements (allophones) can be filtered and tuned thus becoming useful parts in electronic music-composing/arranging. There have been used two Speakjet chips instead of only one due to the richer tonalities such dual array can provide and to the pseudo-stereo effect using two such modulators can create.

The Flame MIDI-Talking-Synth is one hell of an interesting piece of tech to work with (no hands-on yet, unfortunately); if you feel like needing more proof, check this page for sound samples. Pricing and availability due to public release soon.