Kokoro-TTS Bug: Requires Voices-v1.0.bin On Windows

by Elias Adebayo 52 views

Hey everyone,

I've run into a snag with Kokoro-TTS on Windows, and I wanted to share the details so we can figure this out together. It seems like the application throws an error if the voices-v1.0.bin file is missing. Let's dive into the specifics!

What's the Issue? (Bug Description)

The core problem is that Kokoro-TTS on Windows seems to be dependent on the voices-v1.0.bin file. If this file isn't present, the application fails to run. This is a problem because, ideally, the application should be able to function, maybe with a fallback mechanism, or at least provide a clearer error message and guide users on how to resolve it. This reliance on a single file can be a major obstacle for users, especially those who are new to the application or who might not be familiar with the specific file structure. Imagine trying to use a tool and being immediately blocked by a missing file – it's frustrating! We need to address this so that Kokoro-TTS is more user-friendly and robust. This could involve bundling the file with the application, providing better instructions on how to obtain it, or even exploring alternative ways to manage voice data. The goal is to make the experience smoother and more accessible for everyone.

Steps to Make the Bug Appear (Steps to Reproduce)

Okay, so here’s how you can recreate the issue on your end:

  1. First, navigate to your user directory. For example, in my case, it's C:\Users\User. This is where we'll be making some changes to simulate the bug. You need to go to your user directory to replicate this issue effectively.
  2. Now, here's the crucial step: Instead of having the voices-v1.0.bin file, we're going to replace it with two separate files: voices.json and kokoro-v1.0.onnx. This is to mimic a scenario where the application might not have the correct voice data file. This replacement is key to triggering the error and seeing the problem firsthand. Think of it like swapping out a car part – we're changing the components to see what breaks.
  3. Next, we're going to use a command to run Kokoro-TTS. In my case, I used the command c:/temp/ebook.epub --split-output c:/temp/chapters/ --format mp3 --lang it --voice im_nicola. Feel free to adapt this command to your specific needs and setup, but make sure you're using a valid command that Kokoro-TTS should be able to process. This command is essentially the trigger that tells the application to start working and, in this case, to fail.
  4. Finally, after running the command, you should see the error message pop up, confirming that the bug has been reproduced. This is the moment of truth – if you see the error, you've successfully recreated the issue! This means we're one step closer to understanding and fixing the problem. Now we can start thinking about solutions.

P.S. I also noticed that the Italian voice has a bit of an English accent. Something to keep in mind!

What Should Happen? (Expected Behavior)

Ideally, the application should run smoothly without any hiccups, even if the voices-v1.0.bin file isn't present. Maybe it could use a fallback voice, or at least give a helpful message guiding the user on what to do. A robust application should handle missing files gracefully, either by providing an alternative solution or by clearly explaining the issue and how to resolve it. This is what we expect from a user-friendly tool: it shouldn't just break down when something is missing. Imagine if your car just stopped running every time a minor part was missing – that would be a nightmare! Similarly, Kokoro-TTS should be able to handle missing voice files without completely failing. It could, for example, switch to a default voice or offer a way to download the missing file. The goal is to keep the user experience as smooth and intuitive as possible. This requires careful planning and implementation, but the payoff is a more reliable and enjoyable application for everyone.

What Actually Happens? (Actual Behavior)

Instead of running smoothly, I get this error message: Error loading Kokoro model: Voices file not found at voices-v1.0.bin. It also suggests downloading the file using wget https://github.com/thewh1teagle/kokoro-onnx/releases/download/model-files-v1.0/voices-v1.0.bin. While the suggestion to download the file is helpful, the fact that the application completely fails without it is the main concern. This error message clearly indicates the problem: the application cannot find the required voices file. This is a critical issue because it prevents users from using the application at all. The suggestion to download the file is a good start, but we need to think about how to make this process even smoother. For example, the application could automatically check for the file and prompt the user to download it if it's missing. Or, even better, the file could be included with the application itself. The goal is to eliminate any roadblocks that might prevent users from getting up and running quickly and easily. This kind of attention to detail is what makes a great user experience.

My Setup (Environment)

Here's a little about my system:

  • OS: Windows 11
  • Python version: 3.12
  • Voice model version: kokoro-v1.0.onnx, voices.json, voices-v1.0.bin
  • Input format: EPUB

Knowing my setup can help in pinpointing the issue. It's like having all the ingredients for a recipe – knowing what we're working with is crucial for finding the solution. The operating system, Python version, and voice model version are all important pieces of the puzzle. For example, the issue might be specific to Windows 11 or a particular version of Python. Or, it could be related to the way the voice models are being loaded or used. By providing this information, we can narrow down the possibilities and focus our efforts on the most likely causes. Think of it as detective work – we're gathering clues to solve the mystery! The more information we have, the better equipped we are to find the root cause of the problem and come up with an effective solution. So, let's use this information wisely and work together to get Kokoro-TTS running smoothly on all systems.

I hope this helps in squashing this bug! Let me know if you need more info or have any ideas.