The voice behind Siri, Apple’s ubiquitous virtual assistant, has become synonymous with modern technology. For millions, she was the first point of contact with artificial intelligence, answering questions, setting alarms, and offering a helping hand with a calm, synthesized voice. But the woman behind that voice, the original Siri voice actress, remained largely anonymous for years. This article delves into the fascinating story of Susan Bennett, the first American Siri voice, and explores the surprising truth about her compensation.
The Mystery Voice: Unveiling Susan Bennett
For years, Apple remained tight-lipped about the identity of the original Siri voice. Speculation ran rampant, with many believing it to be a professional voice actor contracted specifically for the role. However, in 2013, Susan Bennett stepped forward, publicly revealing herself as the woman who brought Siri to life.
Bennett’s revelation came after tech website The Verge published an article detailing the mystery surrounding Siri’s voice. Several voice-over artists recognized Bennett’s distinct tone, prompting her to finally break her silence. CNN also conducted an investigation, concluding that it was indeed Bennett’s voice after analyzing audio samples.
How Susan Bennett Became Siri
The journey to becoming the voice of Siri was an unexpected one for Susan Bennett. A professional voice-over artist for over 40 years, Bennett had lent her voice to a variety of projects, including commercials, GPS systems, and automated telephone systems.
In 2005, Bennett was contacted by GM Voices, a company that specializes in creating voice prompts for various applications. They hired her to record phrases and sentences for a database that would later be used in speech synthesis software.
Little did she know, these recordings would form the foundation for what would eventually become Siri. Bennett recalls the sessions being monotonous, requiring her to read nonsensical phrases and sentences for hours on end. She recorded for several hours a day, four to five days a week, throughout the month of July 2005.
The Rigors of Voice Recording
The process of recording for speech synthesis is far more complex than simply reading a script. Bennett had to maintain a consistent tone and pace, ensuring that each syllable was pronounced clearly and distinctly. The recordings were then broken down into individual phonemes, the smallest units of sound in a language, which could then be recombined to create new words and phrases.
The sheer volume of recordings required was staggering. Bennett estimates that she recorded thousands of sentences and phrases, covering a wide range of linguistic patterns. This meticulous process was crucial for creating a voice that sounded natural and fluid, despite being digitally synthesized.
The Compensation Conundrum: What Was Siri’s Voice Worth?
The question of how much Susan Bennett was paid for her work as the original Siri voice is a complex one. The exact figures remain confidential due to non-disclosure agreements. However, we can piece together an understanding of her compensation based on industry standards and publicly available information.
Bennett’s initial contract with GM Voices was a standard voice-over contract. She was paid an hourly rate for her time spent recording. While the precise rate is unknown, experienced voice-over artists can command hourly rates ranging from $100 to $400 or more, depending on their experience and the nature of the project.
Therefore, based on the estimated recording time and typical rates, it’s reasonable to assume that Bennett was paid several thousand dollars for her initial recording sessions in 2005. This was a one-time payment for the use of her voice in the speech synthesis database.
No Royalties, No Residuals: The Catch In The Contract
The key factor that impacted Bennett’s overall compensation is the nature of the contract she signed. Like many voice-over contracts for speech synthesis, it likely did not include provisions for royalties or residuals. This means that Bennett did not receive any additional payments when Apple licensed the voice technology and used it to create Siri.
This is a common practice in the voice-over industry. When a voice is recorded for a database, the company that owns the database has the right to use that voice in a variety of applications without paying the voice actor additional fees.
The absence of royalties or residuals is a crucial point. While Bennett received a fair payment for her time spent recording, she did not directly benefit from the immense success of Siri. This is a stark contrast to actors who receive residuals for their work in television and film, where they continue to earn money each time their performances are replayed.
The Value Of Recognition: Beyond Monetary Compensation
While Susan Bennett didn’t become wealthy from her work as Siri, the recognition she received after revealing her identity has had its own value. It opened up new opportunities for her in the voice-over industry, allowing her to leverage her association with Siri to attract new clients and projects.
Bennett has also become a sought-after speaker, sharing her story at conferences and events around the world. She has used her platform to advocate for the rights of voice actors and to raise awareness about the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry.
The fame that came with being the voice of Siri has undoubtedly boosted her career. She has gained international recognition and has been featured in numerous articles and interviews. While monetary compensation is important, the increased visibility and career opportunities have also been valuable rewards for her work.
The Evolving Landscape Of Voice Acting And AI
The story of Susan Bennett highlights the evolving landscape of voice acting in the age of artificial intelligence. As AI technology continues to advance, the demand for voice actors is likely to change.
On one hand, AI-powered voice synthesis is becoming increasingly sophisticated, capable of generating realistic and expressive voices without the need for human actors. This could potentially reduce the demand for traditional voice-over work.
On the other hand, the rise of AI is also creating new opportunities for voice actors. As companies seek to personalize their AI assistants and virtual agents, they may turn to voice actors to create unique and engaging voices.
The Future Of Voice Synthesis
The future of voice synthesis is likely to involve a hybrid approach, combining the power of AI with the artistry of human voice actors. AI can be used to generate the basic framework of a voice, while human actors can provide the nuance and emotion that makes the voice truly compelling.
This collaborative approach could lead to new and exciting possibilities for voice acting, allowing actors to work alongside AI to create voices that are both realistic and expressive. It also raises important questions about the ethical implications of AI-generated voices, including issues of consent, ownership, and intellectual property.
Protecting Voice Actors In The Age Of AI
As AI technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to protect the rights and interests of voice actors. This includes ensuring that voice actors are fairly compensated for their work and that they have control over how their voices are used.
One way to protect voice actors is to establish clear legal frameworks that address the ownership and usage of AI-generated voices. These frameworks should ensure that voice actors have the right to consent to the use of their voices in AI systems and that they receive fair compensation for any commercial use of their voices.
The Legacy Of The Original Siri Voice
Susan Bennett’s voice will forever be associated with the early days of Siri, a time when virtual assistants were still a novelty. Her calm and helpful tone helped to make Siri a beloved and trusted companion for millions of users.
While she may not have received the financial rewards that many would expect, her contribution to the world of technology is undeniable. She helped to shape the way we interact with machines and paved the way for the next generation of AI-powered voices.
Bennett’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of the individuals who bring technology to life. It also highlights the need for fair and equitable compensation in the evolving landscape of voice acting and artificial intelligence. Her voice was the initial personality of a revolutionary technology and, as such, holds a unique place in the history of technology. While the specific amount she received may remain a secret, her impact on the world is clear.
What Were Susan Bennett’s Primary Responsibilities As The Voice Of Siri?
Susan Bennett’s main responsibility was to provide a vast library of sound recordings. These recordings weren’t simply reading scripts; instead, they involved pronouncing a multitude of words and phrases in various inflections and tones. This allowed the software engineers to dissect the speech into individual phonemes and reassemble them to create Siri’s responses, making her voice sound natural and versatile when answering user queries.
The process was painstakingly thorough, requiring her to record for hours each day over a month. This meant not only having precise enunciation but also maintaining consistency in tone, pace, and overall vocal quality. The goal was to create a comprehensive database of sounds that could be manipulated and utilized by the AI system to generate the voice of Siri.
How Did Susan Bennett Initially Become Involved In Voicing Siri?
Susan Bennett’s involvement with the voice of Siri began quite indirectly. She was already a well-established voice actress with a successful career in commercial voice-overs, narration, and IVR systems. Through her agent, she was booked for a voice recording project with a company called ScanSoft (later acquired by Nuance Communications) in 2005. The project wasn’t explicitly described as being for a virtual assistant, but rather a general speech database.
The recordings she made for ScanSoft ultimately formed the basis of Siri’s voice. Apple acquired the technology, and unbeknownst to Bennett, her voice was selected to be the default female voice for their revolutionary virtual assistant. It wasn’t until Siri’s launch that her friends and colleagues recognized her voice, leading her to eventually confirm her role.
What Was Susan Bennett’s Initial Reaction To Discovering She Was The Voice Of Siri?
Susan Bennett’s initial reaction to discovering she was the voice of Siri was a mixture of disbelief and intrigue. She hadn’t been informed beforehand that her voice recordings would be used for this particular application. Upon hearing Siri for the first time, it took her a moment to recognize it, as the voice was synthesized and manipulated.
However, the more she listened, the more apparent it became that it was indeed her voice. Initially, she kept it a secret, unsure of the implications and potential legal issues. It was only after a few months, when the speculation became rampant and friends and family constantly pointed it out, that she decided to publicly acknowledge her role.
How Much Was Susan Bennett Paid For Her Work On The Project That Ultimately Became The Siri Voice?
Susan Bennett’s payment for the voice recordings that became the foundation of Siri was based on a standard union contract for voice-over work at the time. She was paid a fixed hourly rate for the hours she spent in the recording studio with ScanSoft. Specific amounts varied depending on usage and contract terms, however, generally, for each session, the hourly rate would have been around a few hundred dollars.
Over the month she recorded, she accumulated a reasonable fee, but it wasn’t an extraordinary sum, especially considering the immense value her voice ultimately held. The contract didn’t include royalties or any ongoing compensation based on the commercial success of the product that used her voice. She was simply paid for the time she spent recording the speech database.
Did Susan Bennett Receive Any Royalties Or Ongoing Compensation After Siri’s Success?
Unfortunately, Susan Bennett did not receive any royalties or ongoing compensation after Siri’s immense success. Her contract with ScanSoft was a standard “buyout” agreement, meaning she was paid a flat fee for her time and the rights to her voice recordings were transferred entirely to the company. This is typical in many voice-over projects, especially for databases intended for software applications.
Although her voice became iconic and synonymous with the virtual assistant, her initial contract did not account for the potential for such widespread use or commercial success. This highlights the limitations of traditional voice-over contracts in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and digital assistants, where voices can become immensely valuable.
How Did Revealing Her Identity As The Original Siri Voice Impact Susan Bennett’s Career?
Revealing her identity as the original Siri voice had a mixed impact on Susan Bennett’s career. On one hand, it brought her international recognition and a surge of media attention. She was invited to speak at conferences, appear on television shows, and share her story, which significantly raised her profile within the voice-over industry and beyond.
On the other hand, it also created some challenges. Some clients were hesitant to hire her, fearing that her voice would be too easily recognized as Siri and potentially distract from their brand. However, the exposure and opportunities that came with her notoriety largely outweighed any potential drawbacks, leading to new and exciting projects.
What Are Some Lessons Learned From Susan Bennett’s Experience As The Voice Of Siri?
One of the key lessons from Susan Bennett’s experience is the need for greater transparency and fairness in voice-over contracts, particularly in the age of AI and digital assistants. Traditional buyout agreements may not adequately compensate voice actors for the potential widespread and long-term use of their voice, or for the commercial success their voice contributes to.
Furthermore, her story highlights the importance of understanding the evolving legal and ethical considerations surrounding AI and voice technology. As AI becomes more sophisticated and voice becomes a valuable asset, it’s crucial to ensure that voice actors are fairly compensated and that their rights are protected. The industry needs to adapt to recognize the unique value that human voices bring to these technologies.