How to Make a Microsoft Sam Beatbox

Microsoft Sam is a text-to-speech computer voice that comes bundled in versions of Windows from XP through Windows 7. Some Windows users have discovered that, by inserting certain strings of text into the text-to-speech preview box, they can create what amounts to a synthesized voice beatbox (a beat that a person makes with his voice). You can use a few different text strings in the preview box to help create certain sounds for Microsoft Sam (or Microsoft Anna, for Windows 7 users) to perform.

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu, and type "text to speech" in the search box.

2. Click the option titled, "Change text to speech settings."

3. Clear the text out of the box labeled, "Use the following text to preview the voice."

4. Type a few of the following strings of text to get the corresponding beatbox sound:

   Bme - "B" sound
   Bfe - "Pff" sound
   Tsse - Closed high-hat sound
   Bmmmmm - Bass sound
   Kxxe - Snare sound

   Place a comma after each sound to keep them going in a beat.

5. Click the "Preview Voice" button and enjoy your Microsoft Sam beatbox.