Paul Bailey
4e627aed12
- Created download_piper_voices.py for automated download attempts - Created download_piper_voices.sh as alternative bash script - Created EASY_PIPER_SETUP.md with simple 3-step instructions - Created PIPER_DOWNLOAD_GUIDE.md with visual step-by-step guide - Includes troubleshooting, checklists, and pro tips Makes Piper setup much easier for users with multiple guide options.
131 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
131 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
# Easy Piper TTS Setup (5 Minutes)
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## The Problem
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Piper voice models can't be auto-downloaded due to HuggingFace's complex repository structure. But don't worry - manual download is quick and easy!
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## Quick Setup (3 Steps)
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### Step 1: Download Voice Files
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Visit this page: **https://github.com/rhasspy/piper/releases/tag/v1.2.0**
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Scroll down to "Assets" section and download these files:
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**Recommended Starter Pack (3 voices):**
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1. **en_US-lessac-medium** (Male, American)
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- Download: `en_US-lessac-medium.onnx` (63 MB)
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- Download: `en_US-lessac-medium.onnx.json` (8 KB)
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2. **en_US-amy-medium** (Female, American)
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- Download: `en_US-amy-medium.onnx` (63 MB)
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- Download: `en_US-amy-medium.onnx.json` (8 KB)
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3. **en_GB-alan-medium** (Male, British)
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- Download: `en_GB-alan-medium.onnx` (63 MB)
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- Download: `en_GB-alan-medium.onnx.json` (8 KB)
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**Total download:** ~190 MB for 3 voices
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### Step 2: Place Files
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Move all downloaded files to:
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```
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backend/piper_models/
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```
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Your directory should look like:
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```
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backend/piper_models/
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├── en_US-lessac-medium.onnx
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├── en_US-lessac-medium.onnx.json
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├── en_US-amy-medium.onnx
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├── en_US-amy-medium.onnx.json
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├── en_GB-alan-medium.onnx
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└── en_GB-alan-medium.onnx.json
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```
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### Step 3: Test
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```bash
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cd backend
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python test_piper_direct.py
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```
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You should see: "✓ Synthesis successful"
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## Done! 🎉
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Now you can:
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1. Start the backend: `uvicorn main:app --reload`
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2. Open the UI
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3. Click "Piper TTS" button
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4. Select Piper voices
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5. Generate audiobooks with pitch control!
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## More Voices (Optional)
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Want more variety? Download additional voices from the same page:
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**More American English:**
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- `en_US-libritts-high` (High quality, neutral)
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- `en_US-ryan-high` (Male, high quality)
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**More British English:**
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- `en_GB-alba-medium` (Female)
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- `en_GB-jenny_dioco-medium` (Female)
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**Other Languages:**
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- Browse the releases page for Spanish, French, German, etc.
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## Troubleshooting
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### "Model not found" error
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- Make sure you downloaded BOTH `.onnx` and `.onnx.json` files
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- Check files are in `backend/piper_models/` directory
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- Verify filenames match exactly (case-sensitive)
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### Files won't download
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- Try a different browser
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- Check your internet connection
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- Download one at a time if needed
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### Still having issues?
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- Fall back to Kokoro TTS (works out of the box)
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- Check `backend/PIPER_SETUP.md` for detailed troubleshooting
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## Why Manual Download?
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We tried automatic download but encountered:
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- ❌ Complex HuggingFace URL structure
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- ❌ SSL certificate issues
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- ❌ Unreliable across different systems
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Manual download is:
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- ✅ Fast (5 minutes)
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- ✅ Reliable (always works)
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- ✅ One-time setup
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- ✅ You control what you download
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## Alternative: Use Kokoro TTS
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If this seems like too much work, **Kokoro TTS works perfectly with zero setup**:
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- ✅ No downloads needed
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- ✅ 54 voices, 9 languages
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- ✅ High quality
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- ❌ No pitch control
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Just keep "Kokoro TTS" selected in the UI!
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## Need Help?
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1. Check the files are in the right place
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2. Run `python test_piper_direct.py` to diagnose
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3. Check backend logs for errors
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4. See `PIPER_STATUS.md` for more troubleshooting
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---
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**Remember:** This is a one-time setup. Once downloaded, Piper voices work forever! 🚀
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