Artic SynPhonix SP-21X
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Search for SynPhonix speech cards and software. Check the model, revision, and whether the SSI-263 is installed.
Search eBay for SynPhonix SP-21XAn electronic voice for the PC
Artic Technologies’ SynPhonix SP-21X is an internal speech card for an IBM PC compatible. This example is marked “SP-21X Revision 3” and carries a 1987 copyright on the circuit board. Its SSI-263 speech synthesizer belongs in the U2 socket, which is empty in the photograph. The board therefore illustrates the supporting hardware around the voice chip, rather than a complete, populated speech card.
The SSI-263 at its heart
The SSI-263 generates speech from phoneme commands and programmable settings for timing, pitch, articulation, and amplitude. Software supplies the sound sequence that makes those phonemes into words. The card’s EPROM and interface circuitry support the system, while its speaker and amplifier turn the synthesizer’s output into an audible voice.
Speech as a way into the computer
SynPhonix hardware formed part of Artic’s approach to computer access. Contemporary descriptions of the related SynPhonix 210 discuss text-to-speech, adjustable speech characteristics, and Artic Vision screen-reading software. They also describe PortTalk, which let programs send output to the speech system as though it were a printer. In that setting, an electronic voice was a practical way to read and navigate a computer, not merely a novelty.
A closer look at this board
A large on-board loudspeaker dominates the card. Two adjustment controls and a multipin connector sit on the rear bracket; jumpers labelled MAP and IRQ provide configuration points. The photograph also shows an ST TS27C64A EPROM and several logic devices. The board copyright identifies the design, not necessarily the manufacturing date of this particular example.
A family of talking interfaces
The SynPhonix name covered several computer interfaces and revisions. This SP-21X belongs alongside the earlier SynPhonix 200 and the museum’s SynPhonix 216 exhibit, while retaining its own board identification. Exact software requirements and connector assignments should be taken from documentation for the relevant model and revision.
Sources and further reading
Speech hardware
Other SynPhonix products from Artic
SynPhonix 200
Artic Technologies’ IBM PC speech card used SSI 263 phoneme synthesis and supported spoken screen access with Artic Vision.
Explore the SynPhonix 200 →SynPhonix 216
Artic Technologies’ later internal speech synthesizer served desktop-computer access in the Windows 95 era; its speech chip remains unconfirmed.
Explore the SynPhonix 216 →