In this insight, we look at ‘voice changers’, technology that lets users change and disguise their voices in real time and in playback.
What Do They Do & How?
Voice changing software (and hardware) alter the sound of a person’s voice in real-time or during playback. Voice changers can be implemented through software applications installed on computers, smartphones, or dedicated devices. Some voice chat programs or messaging apps may also include built-in voice modulation features. The latest voice changers use AI to help change and disguise voices.
Voice changers generally work by applying various effects, such as pitch shifting, modulation, distortion, echo, and other audio manipulations. There are free and paid-for Pro versions (often available on the same platform).
What Are They Used For?
Voice changers can be used for various purposes, including entertainment, anonymity, and practical applications. Here are a few common use cases:
– Entertainment
Voice changers are often employed in the entertainment industry for creating unique character voices in movies, TV shows, and video games. They enable actors and voice artists to transform their voices to match specific roles or enhance their performance.
– Gaming
In the gaming community, voice changers are popular for online multiplayer games. Players can modify their voices to match the characters they are portraying, adding an extra layer of immersion and fun to the gaming experience.
– Anonymity
Voice changers can be used to conceal one’s identity during online communication. By altering their voice, individuals can protect their privacy and maintain anonymity during voice chats, online gaming, or other virtual interactions.
– Pranks and humour
Voice changers are often used for practical jokes or comedic purposes. They allow users to mimic famous personalities, create funny sound effects, or generate exaggerated voices for amusement.
– Accessibility
Voice changers can also serve as assistive technology, helping individuals with speech impairments or conditions such as laryngitis to communicate more effectively. By modifying their voice, they can overcome communication barriers and make their speech more understandable.
What’s The Difference Between Voice Generators and Voice Changers?
AI voice changers modify an existing voice, while AI voice generators synthesise new voices from scratch. Voice changers alter and manipulate the characteristics of an input voice, whereas voice generators create entirely new voices using artificial intelligence techniques. That said, some AI voice sites offer both voice changers and voice generators.
Examples of AI Voice Changers
AI voice changers employ artificial intelligence techniques to modify and transform voices. Here are a few examples of AI-based voice changers:
Voice.ai
A free, real-time voice changer where users can choose from 1000s of different voices in its ‘Voice Universe’ UGC voice library, or use the AI Voice changer to change their voice in real-time across different apps, e.g. Zoom, Discord, Minecraft, GTA5, Fortnite, Valorant, League of Legends, Among Us, Skype, WhatsApp, Teamspeak and more. Voice.ai does, however, have a low Trustpilot rating which appears to be based around several issues including the quality of results, privacy, subscriptions and more.
Lyrebird
Canada-based Lyrebird (AI research division of Descript) is an AI voice synthesis platform that can mimic and imitate human voices. It allows users to generate speech in different voices by training the AI model on a small voice sample. The resulting synthesised voice can be used to alter the speaker’s voice or create entirely new voices.
Modulate.ai
Modulate.ai is an AI-driven voice modulation platform that enables real-time voice changing in video games and virtual reality. It uses machine learning algorithms to transform the user’s voice into various character voices, enhancing the gaming experience and adding immersion.
Replica Studios
Replica Studios offers an AI-powered voice synthesis platform that allows users to generate voices for characters, voice-overs, and other applications. The platform utilises AI models to create realistic and customisable voice effects, enabling voice actors to modify their voices to match specific requirements.
Resemble AI
Resemble AI provides an AI-based voice cloning and voiceover platform. It uses deep learning techniques to analyse and recreate a person’s voice based on a few minutes of recorded audio. This technology enables voice actors, content creators, and companies to generate personalised voices for different applications. Resemble AI’s voice changer allows users to use speech-to-speech to apply their voice’s cadence to an AI voice of their choice.
Respeecher
Although it is known as a voice cloning platform, it can transform input voices into a range of output voices.
VoiceMod
This real-time voice changer provides 10+ (and soon many more) different voices and a large number of voice effects for users. It focuses on users in the entertainment industry – games, movie character voices, streaming, and more.
Risks
However, as with any technological advancement, there are risks associated with the use of AI tools. The accessibility of AI voice changers and related technologies means that some individuals may employ them for malicious purposes, such as impersonation, fraud, or spreading disinformation. This calls for responsible use and ethical considerations in utilising these tools.
The rise of AI voice changers has brought about unprecedented opportunities for businesses and individuals. These tools have unlocked creative potential, saved time and costs, and opened doors to new experiences across industries. However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks and ensure responsible use of AI tools to mitigate any potential misuse. By harnessing the power of AI voice changers in a responsible manner, businesses can explore new horizons and leverage the transformative capabilities of this technology, from marketing to training & onboarding for example.
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
The advent of AI voice changers has ushered in a new era of opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. These innovative technologies have not only opened up new avenues for creativity and entertainment but have also resulted in significant cost and time savings. With free voice changers, voice cloning tools, and other advanced AI tools becoming accessible to everyone, businesses can harness their potential across different industries.
One of the key advantages of AI voice changers is their adaptability. They offer a wide range of uses, allowing businesses to leverage them for various purposes. In the entertainment industry, voice changers enable actors and voice artists to transform their voices, creating unique character voices for movies, TV shows, and video games. Gamers can immerse themselves in virtual worlds by modifying their voices to match their characters. Voice changers also offer a layer of anonymity for online communications, ensuring privacy and security.
Moreover, AI voice generators have revolutionised voice synthesis, enabling businesses to generate artificial voices that sound natural and human-like. This has opened up avenues for virtual assistants, audiobooks, voiceovers, and other applications where synthesised speech is needed. The ability to create personalised voices using AI models has provided content creators, voice actors, and companies with powerful tools to enhance their projects and engage audiences effectively.
By Mike Knight
