DSpeech Portable

DSpeech Portable is a text-to-speech tool that uses the Microsoft API to read text out loud with the voices provided by Windows. It has practical options suited for experienced users interested in complete control over the entire process, such as audio recording settings and conversion to audio tracks. Speech recognition is supported.
In fact, at startup, a wizard offers to set up speech recognition settings. You can pick your microphone type, fix the mic's position by following the instructions displayed, as well as adjust the volume level.

Reads text out loud using the Windows built-in voices

Speech recognition accuracy can be improved by enabling document review. Also, you can choose manual activation mode to turn off Windows Speech Recognition when saying "Stop Listening" (reactivate with Ctrl+Win) or voice activation mode to put Speech recognition to sleep and re-enable it by saying "Start Listening".
DSpeech creates an icon in the systray and provides quick access to the main window. It has a clean and simple look, giving you the possibility to type or paste the text you want to hear read out loud or open a URL to auto-paste all content from the page.

Create audio tracks, even audio books, and configure settings

In addition to picking the preferred voice between Microsoft David (male) and Zira (female), you can control the speech rate, volume and speed, along with the sample rate and bit rate. Furthermore, you can customize the font, insert special or custom tags, ask DSpeech to read the current line only, as well as create audio tracks with the spoken text.
It's possible to configure ASR options (recognition engine, audio input device), switch to a different interface language, prepare the text before converting speech to an audio book (e.g. split, delay), as well as configure accessibility settings, like smart hotkeys, verbosity and TAB key on text box.
Taking into account its clear-cut interface and useful options, DSpeech Portable should come in handy to many users interested in a comprehensive text-to-speech utility.