Ploytec PL2 Logos Prototype Board

Published on Nov 3, 2019 mCKENIC

"My first play with the Ploytec PL2 Logos Text-To-Speech USB MIDI Synthesizer.
This thing is EXACTLY as much fun as I had hoped it would be!"

Ploytec PL2 Logos Prototype Board on Kickstarter

Ploytec has launched the PL2 Logos prototype board on Kickstarter here. You can find two previous videos below this post in the archives here.

"At Superbooth19 in Berlin we showed a sample of the PL2 Logos prototype board. This PCB makes it a lot easier to translate English text to the allophones needed for Ploytec PL2 based speech synthesis (which is CTS256-AL2 / SP0256-AL2 emulation).

On the board, a PL2 synthesizer is already integrated, so there's no need for a separate PL2 (though it's always good to have some of those).

The included USB keyboard allows entering text, and to store / recall text from memory using function keys. Each function key can hold up to 39 letters in up to six rows.

Via the integrated USB MIDI it's possible to capture and playback the MIDI notes triggering the words. On top, you can record the many MIDI notes representing allophones, to a DAW.

Please note: The knob will be most likely missing on the final board, as it never had any functionality and is not necessary for operation.

Risks and challenges

As the technology is basically working, the task to be done is bug fixing, creating firmware update functionality, changing the PCB to potentially fit into an existing case (not included!) and getting a bunch of PCBs manufactured."

Ploytec - Markus @SUPERBOOTH19

Published on May 12, 2019 Superbooth Official

"Markus demonstrates a prototype of the 'PL2 Logos'.
Basing on the latest version of the SP0256-AL2 voice synthesis on the PL2, the PL2 Logos additionally emulates the companion chip CTS256A-AL2 from 1986. Any text can be translated directly into allophones and transmitted via MIDI.
Ploytec's PL2 Synthesizer talks and sings!"

Saturday 11.05.2019 - 3PM @ Superbooth Berlin, Ploytec PL2 synth emulates SP0256-AL2 and CTS256-AL2

Published on May 1, 2019 Ploytec

"At the Gesprächskonzert in the Superbooth19 Auditorium in Berlin's FEZ, Markus from Ploytec demonstrates a prototype unit of the PL2 Logos, emulating the General Instruments CTS256-AL2, the 'text to speech' companion chip for the SP0256-AL2 speech synthesizer from the eighties."

Also see:
πλ² Ploytec PL2 - PL02.56 (SP0256-AL2 tribute) Firmware explained

The General Instruments CTS256-AL2 emulation is new.