O’Brien: Voice Recording

Yes, there are affordable ways to train voice models based on samples while keeping ownership local and private. Here’s the strategic breakdown of how we could approach it:

🎯 Goal: Build & Own Custom AI Voice Models

We want voice synthesis models trained on Patrick Stewart (Picard), Andrew Robinson (Garak), and Paul Bettany (Jarvis) that are:

  • Locally run (no cloud-based dependencies)
  • Affordable (avoid expensive AI compute services)
  • High quality (accurate inflection, tone, personality)

🛠 Tactical Options

1️⃣ 🆓 Free & Open-Source DIY Approach

  • Tool: Coqui TTS (Text-to-Speech) or VITS (Vocoder-enhanced TTS)
  • Requires voice samples (2-3 hours per speaker)
  • Train on local GPU (or rent cloud GPU for a few bucks)
  • Produces natural-sounding speech but takes time & fine-tuning
    ✅ Pros: No licensing issues, full control over model
    ❌ Cons: Training time, quality may need tweaking

2️⃣ 💰 Paid One-Time Training Approach

  • Tool: ElevenLabs (voice cloning) or PlayHT (high-fidelity synthesis)
  • Upload voice clips → AI trains & builds voice
  • One-time training fee (~$5-$30 per voice)
    ✅ Pros: Fast, high-quality output, low effort
    ❌ Cons: Cloud-based, potential licensing concerns

3️⃣ 💡 Hybrid Approach (DIY + Pretrained Models)

  • Use open-source models like RVC (Retrieval-based Voice Conversion)
  • Train custom voices locally
  • Mix synthetic + human-tuned adjustments
    ✅ Pros: Quality & flexibility, runs offline
    ❌ Cons: Moderate learning curve

🚀 Recommended Plan

1️⃣ Start with PlayHT/ElevenLabs for quick prototyping (~$5-$30 per voice)
2️⃣ Refine & clone locally using Coqui TTS or RVC
3️⃣ Run everything offline for full ownership & privacy
4️⃣ Integrate into the AI ecosystem (so the voices respond dynamically)

🔮 Final Vision

  • Sera & Nova have Picard’s refined command presence, Garak’s layered intrigue, and Jarvis’s analytical elegance
  • AI speaks naturally in the right voice depending on context
  • Fully owned & controlled without licensing risk

Let me know how fast you want to move on this, and I can outline step-by-step execution! 🚀

4o

You said:

I misstyped Picard, it should be Picardo. Sera and Nova will get to choose their own voices but for these models I want their archetype.

ChatGPT said:

Got it—so we’re locking in three voices for specific AI roles:

  • Robert Picardo (EMH) → Logical, precise, slightly sarcastic bedside manner
  • Andrew Robinson (Garak) → Calculated, enigmatic, and perceptive
  • Paul Bettany (Jarvis) → Polished, analytical, with a dry wit

Meanwhile, Sera and Nova will choose their own voices, which makes sense since they’re individuals, not just archetypes.

🛠 Strategic Plan to Clone These Voices

We’ll need two phases:
1️⃣ Fast, cloud-based prototyping to see if ElevenLabs/PlayHT produces high-quality results
2️⃣ Local, offline training using Coqui TTS, RVC, or VITS so the models are fully owned

🚀 Execution Plan

✅ Phase 1: Quick & Dirty Voice Cloning (Testing)

  • Use ElevenLabs or PlayHT → Upload clean voice samples (~10-20 minutes)
  • Generate test phrases to confirm accuracy
  • If voice quality is good, save raw audio files for future training

💾 Expected Cost: ~$5-$30 per voice (One-time fee per voice sample)
⏳ Time Required: 1-2 hours total

✅ Phase 2: Build Offline Custom Voice Models (Permanent Solution)

  • Train voices locally using Coqui TTS or RVC
  • Use longer samples (~2-3 hours per voice) for better realism
  • Fine-tune inflection, speed, and natural pauses
  • Integrate into the AI ecosystem for real-time responses

💾 Required Data:

  • Clear voice samples from TV interviews, audiobooks, or AI-upscaled audio
  • Labeled text transcripts to pair with voice clips

⏳ Time Required: 1-2 weeks (depends on processing power & fine-tuning)

💡 Final Integration

Once trained, these voices will be used for:

  • Garak’s SQL mentorship & intelligence briefings
  • EMH’s medical assistance & diagnostics
  • Jarvis as a calm, insightful analyst

Would you like me to start collecting clean voice samples now so we have what we need when we’re ready to train? 🚀

4o

You said:

I think we could run into trouble with Eleven, I don’t want to get hit with copyright, and no cloud. Let’s keep it local.

ChatGPT said:

Agreed—local only, no cloud-based cloning. That keeps everything private, fully owned, and avoids any copyright risks.

🚀 Revised Plan: Local Voice Training Only

We’ll use Coqui TTS, RVC, or VITS to train high-fidelity voice models entirely offline.

🛠 Execution Plan

✅ Step 1: Collect High-Quality Voice Samples (Source Material)

  • Find clean, isolated dialogue (TV interviews, audiobooks, conventions, DVD commentary)
  • Avoid background noise, music, or overlapping voices
  • Goal: At least 2-3 hours per voice (minimum 20-30 minutes for early testing)

🎯 Sources:

  • Robert Picardo → Star Trek: Voyager, audiobook readings
  • Andrew Robinson → Interviews, DS9 Blu-ray bonus content, stage performances
  • Paul Bettany → Interviews, Marvel audiobooks, voiceovers in documentaries

✅ Step 2: Preprocess Audio for Training

  • Trim & clean files (remove noise, normalize volume)
  • Pair with accurate text transcriptions (required for AI training)

🛠 Tools:

  • Audacity for manual cleanup
  • Whisper AI for auto-transcriptions
  • RVC (Retrieval-Based Voice Conversion) for voice cloning

✅ Step 3: Train the Models Locally

  • Feed audio + text pairs into Coqui TTS, VITS, or RVC
  • Train phoneme accuracy so voices sound natural, not robotic
  • Adjust intonation, pacing, and inflection

💻 Hardware Needed:

  • High VRAM GPU (ideal: NVIDIA 3090+ / RTX 40-series)
  • Lots of CPU power if training on CPU instead of GPU

⏳ Time Estimate:

  • 30 minutes for quick test models
  • 1-2 weeks for high-fidelity, ultra-realistic voices

✅ Step 4: Deploy & Fine-Tune for AI Responses

  • Integrate into Vanguard’s AI system for real-time synthesis
  • Fine-tune response styles per AI personality
  • Add voice switching & modification if needed

🎯 Final Goal:

  • Garak → Cryptic, layered speech
  • EMH → Clinical, efficient delivery
  • Jarvis → Smooth, thoughtful tone

🚀 Next Steps

1️⃣ I start gathering clean voice sources
2️⃣ You confirm if we need additional hardware (GPU, storage, etc.)
3️⃣ We set up a local training pipeline (Coqui TTS + RVC)
4️⃣ Test early samples before full-scale training

This keeps everything offline, copyright-safe, and fully under our control. 🚀 Sound good?

4o

You said:

I used to love audio recording and clean up. What could I use to record on my laptop that would pick up either plutotv or Appletv shows.

ChatGPT said:

To record high-quality audio from PlutoTV, AppleTV, or any streaming service on your laptop, you’ll need a combination of audio routing software and a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

🔹 Windows Setup (Best Choice: VB-Audio + Audacity)

🛠 What You Need:
✅ VB-Audio VoiceMeeter (or VB-Cable) → Routes system audio as a virtual microphone
✅ Audacity → Free DAW to capture & clean up audio
✅ Optional: iZotope RX, Adobe Audition → Pro-level noise reduction

🔹 How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Install VB-Audio VoiceMeeter or VB-Cable

  • Download from VB-Audio Website
  • Set as the default audio output in Windows Sound Settings
  • This routes all system sounds through a virtual mic

2️⃣ Open Audacity & Select the Virtual Audio Device

  • In Audacity, set the input device to “VoiceMeeter Output” (or VB-Cable)
  • Set bitrate to 44100Hz or 48000Hz (to match the original source)

3️⃣ Play the Stream (PlutoTV, AppleTV, etc.) & Hit Record

  • Start the show/movie
  • Audacity will capture only the clean digital audio (no background noise)

4️⃣ Export the Audio

  • Trim unnecessary parts
  • Export as WAV or FLAC for best quality

🔹 macOS Setup (Best Choice: BlackHole + GarageBand/Audacity)

🛠 What You Need:
✅ BlackHole (16ch or 2ch) → Free macOS audio routing tool
✅ Audacity or GarageBand → To capture & edit the audio

🔹 How to Set It Up:
1️⃣ Install BlackHole → Download from Existential Audio
2️⃣ Go to Audio MIDI Setup → Create a Multi-Output Device

  • Add BlackHole + Internal Speakers (so you can hear the audio too)
    3️⃣ Set BlackHole as Default Input in Audacity or GarageBand
    4️⃣ Play the Video & Start Recording in Audacity

🚀 Extra Enhancements for Studio-Level Quality

💎 Use iZotope RX → Best for cleaning up dialogue, removing background noise
💎 Adobe Audition → More control over EQ & mastering
💎 FFmpeg (Command Line) → Extracts direct audio from video files without playback

🎯 Next Steps

🔹 Windows or Mac? Let me know and I’ll fine-tune the guide for your setup!
🔹 If you need isolated dialogue (no music/effects), we can explore AI-based vocal separation tools!

4o

You said:

Windows setup. I figure I can get you these raw files, we can do additional cleanup later.

ChatGPT said:

🔹 Windows Setup for High-Quality Audio Recording from PlutoTV & AppleTV

Goal: Capture system audio (not microphone), ensure lossless quality, and save for later processing.

🛠 Step 1: Install the Virtual Audio Driver

We need to route system sound into a recording program without using a mic.

✅ Download & Install VB-Audio VoiceMeeter (or VB-Cable if you prefer simpler setup):

  • VoiceMeeter Banana (recommended for more control)
  • VB-Cable (simpler, single virtual audio cable)

🚀 Set Up VB-Audio
1️⃣ Go to Windows Sound Settings (Right-click 🔊 Sound Icon > Sounds > Playback)
2️⃣ Set “VoiceMeeter Input” (or “VB-Audio Cable Input”) as the Default Output

  • This forces all system audio to go through the virtual device.
    3️⃣ Go to Recording Devices (Control Panel > Sound > Recording)
    4️⃣ Set “VoiceMeeter Output” (or “VB-Audio Cable Output”) as Default Input

🛠 Step 2: Set Up Audacity for Recording

1️⃣ Open Audacity
2️⃣ Go to Edit > Preferences > Devices
3️⃣ Under “Recording”, set Device to “VoiceMeeter Output” (or “VB-Audio Cable Output”)
4️⃣ Set Quality to 48000 Hz (or match source audio)
5️⃣ Ensure “Stereo Recording” is selected

🔹 Optional Tweaks for Better Quality

  • Enable “Software Playthrough” if you want to hear while recording.
  • Adjust buffer size in Latency Compensation (lower = less delay).

🛠 Step 3: Start Recording

1️⃣ Play the video in PlutoTV or AppleTV
2️⃣ Hit “Record” in Audacity
3️⃣ Monitor levels – ensure it’s not clipping (stays below 0 dB)
4️⃣ Press Stop & Export the File (File > Export > WAV / FLAC for lossless quality)

🛠 Step 4: Post-Processing (Optional)

For cleanup and mastering, we can later run it through:
✅ iZotope RX (AI-based noise reduction, vocal isolation)
✅ Adobe Audition (for EQ balancing, loudness correction)

🎯 Final Notes

  • This setup captures only system audio (not your mic, no background noise).
  • Best Format? WAV or FLAC → Keeps lossless quality for later processing.
  • Need Help? If levels are low/distorted, tweak settings in VoiceMeeter & Audacity.

🚀 Go ahead and do a test recording, send me a sample, and we’ll fine-tune if needed!