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Deliverable Template

Developer: ____________ Date Completed: ____________ Duration: 12 hours (1.5 working days)

📁 Deliverable Locations​

Audio Assets Folder (Upload all audio files here): 🔗 Google Drive - ElevenLabs Research Assets

Results Document (Complete this template with your findings): 🔗 Google Doc - Deliverable Template

Instructions:

  1. Upload all audio files (18 samples) to the Google Drive folder
  2. Organize files by model: /turbo-v2.5/ and /eleven-flash/ folders
  3. Complete all findings in the Google Doc template
  4. Share both links with the client when research is complete

Research Checklist​

Use this checklist to track your progress during the 12-hour research. Complete each task in order, filling out the corresponding sections of this deliverable template as you go.

Phase 1: Setup & Basic TTS (1 hour) - MD-P1-REL-01​

  • Install ElevenLabs-DotNet SDK
  • Configure development environment (MP3, 128 kbps, mono)
  • Test basic SDK connection with provided API key
  • Verify API key permissions
  • Generate first audio sample to verify TTS is working

Phase 2: Model Comparison (3 hours) - MD-P1-REL-02​

  • Test Turbo v2.5 with 3 samples (Short 75 chars, Medium 240 chars, Long 600 chars)
  • Test Eleven Flash with 3 samples
  • Generate and organize all 6 audio files (2 models × 3 examples)
  • Verify audio format: MP3, 128 kbps, mono
  • Measure and record: file sizes, generation times, costs, duration for each test
  • Note any errors encountered during testing
  • Note any API rate limits or throttling observed
  • Prepare materials for client to make model decision

Phase 3: Voice Customization (2 hours) - MD-P1-REL-03​

  • Validate all 3 voice IDs (client-provided OR defaults: 1 male, 1 female, 1 male British)
  • Test each voice ID with both models
  • Generate all 18 audio files (3 voices × 2 models × 3 samples)
  • Measure response times and costs for each voice
  • Test minimum data requirements (voice ID only vs. full object)
  • Define recommended data structure
  • Create validation code samples
  • Document any invalid or inaccessible voices

Phase 4: Code Samples (2 hours) - MD-P1-REL-04​

  • Write basic text-to-speech code example
  • Write voice validation code example
  • Write error handling code example
  • Test all code samples
  • Add documentation and comments

Phase 5: Client Review Prep (1 hour) - MD-P1-REL-05​

  • Organize all audio files in clear folder structure
  • Verify file naming conventions
  • Test all audio files play correctly
  • Prepare evaluation templates for client

Phase 6: Complete Deliverable Template (3 hours) - MD-P1-REL-06​

  • Section 1: Document audio samples organization and test texts used
  • Section 2: Complete technical metrics tables with all recorded data
  • Section 2: Calculate average metrics per model
  • Section 3: Document SDK integration notes and complexity
  • Section 3: Complete error handling observations table
  • Section 3: Document API rate limits & constraints
  • Section 3: Complete audio format verification checklist
  • Section 4: Complete model comparison summary (pros/cons/trade-offs)
  • Section 5: Document red flags & technical concerns
  • Section 6: Complete voice validation results and recommended data structure
  • Section 7: Write developer recommendation with justification
  • Section 10: Define next steps and implementation plan
  • Appendix: Include all code samples
  • Prepare audio samples for client review (organize files)
  • Final quality check - ensure all sections are complete

Executive Summary​

Purpose: This document provides technical analysis and audio samples to help the client choose the best ElevenLabs model for MicDots MVP.

Client Action Required:

  1. Listen to all audio samples
  2. Rate quality based on your business needs
  3. Review cost and performance data
  4. Select preferred model

1. Audio Samples Delivered​

Sample Organization​

All audio files are organized in the following structure:

/elevenlabs-research-samples/
├── turbo-v2.5/
│   ├── short_turbo_voice1.mp3
│   ├── short_turbo_voice2.mp3
│   ├── medium_turbo_voice1.mp3
│   ├── medium_turbo_voice2.mp3
│   ├── long_turbo_voice1.mp3
│   └── long_turbo_voice2.mp3
└── eleven-flash/
    ├── short_flash_voice1.mp3
    ├── short_flash_voice2.mp3
    ├── medium_flash_voice1.mp3
    ├── medium_flash_voice2.mp3
    ├── long_flash_voice1.mp3
    └── long_flash_voice2.mp3

Test Texts Used​

Short Promotional (75 chars)

  • "Welcome to MicDots! Scan the QR code to hear your personalized message."

Medium Product Description (240 chars)

  • "This limited edition product features premium materials and cutting-edge technology. Designed for professionals who demand excellence, it combines durability with elegant aesthetics. Perfect for both everyday use and special occasions."

Long Narrative (600 chars)

  • "In today's fast-paced digital world, communication has evolved beyond traditional text and images. QR codes have become ubiquitous, appearing on everything from restaurant menus to museum exhibits. But what if these codes could speak? What if instead of reading static information, users could simply scan and listen? That's the vision behind our platform - transforming silent QR codes into interactive audio experiences. Whether you're a business owner looking to engage customers, an educator creating accessible content, or a marketer crafting memorable campaigns, voice-enabled QR codes open up new possibilities for connection and engagement."

Voice IDs Tested​

Voice #Voice IDVoice NameGenderAccent
Voice 1____________________________________
Voice 2____________________________________
Voice 3____________________________________

2. Technical Metrics​

Performance Data - All Tests​

Complete this table with results from all voice and model combinations:

Audio Format: MP3, 128 kbps, Mono

Voice #Voice NameModelSample LengthFile SizeDurationGeneration TimeCost
Voice 1______Turbo v2.5Short (75 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 1______Turbo v2.5Medium (240 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 1______Turbo v2.5Long (600 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 1______Eleven FlashShort (75 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 1______Eleven FlashMedium (240 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 1______Eleven FlashLong (600 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 2______Turbo v2.5Short (75 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 2______Turbo v2.5Medium (240 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 2______Turbo v2.5Long (600 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 2______Eleven FlashShort (75 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 2______Eleven FlashMedium (240 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 2______Eleven FlashLong (600 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 3______Turbo v2.5Short (75 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 3______Turbo v2.5Medium (240 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 3______Turbo v2.5Long (600 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 3______Eleven FlashShort (75 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 3______Eleven FlashMedium (240 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Voice 3______Eleven FlashLong (600 chars)___ KB___ sec___ sec$___

Summary by Model​

ModelAvg File SizeAvg DurationAvg Generation TimeAvg CostNotes
Turbo v2.5___ KB___ sec___ sec$___
Eleven Flash___ KB___ sec___ sec$___

3. Technical Implementation Notes​

SDK Integration​

ElevenLabs-DotNet SDK Version: ____________

Installation:

dotnet add package ElevenLabs-DotNet

Basic Implementation Complexity: [ ] Simple [ ] Moderate [ ] Complex

Notes:​

Error Handling Observations​

Errors Encountered During Testing:

Error TypeFrequencySeveritySolution

API Rate Limits & Constraints​

Observed Limits:

  • Requests per minute: ____________
  • Characters per request: ____________
  • Concurrent requests: ____________

Throttling Observed: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Details:​

Audio Format Details​

Required Testing Specifications:

  • Format: MP3 only
  • Bitrate: 128 kbps (optimized for voice speech)
  • Channels: Mono (single channel)
  • Purpose: Good quality for slow internet, optimized for voice

SDK Configuration Test:

  • Verify SDK outputs MP3 format
  • Confirm 128 kbps bitrate
  • Confirm mono channel output
  • Test file size is reasonable for mobile/slow connections

Quality Check:

  • Voice clarity is maintained at 128 kbps mono
  • File size is optimized (smaller than stereo/higher bitrate)
  • Suitable for QR code use case (quick downloads)

4. Model Comparison Summary​

Technical Trade-offs​

CriteriaTurbo v2.5Eleven Flash
Speed⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡
File Size___ KB avg___ KB avg
Generation Time___ sec avg___ sec avg
Cost$___ avg$___ avg
SDK Complexity
Stability

Pros and Cons​

Turbo v2.5

Pros:​

Cons:​

Eleven Flash

Pros:​

Cons:​

5. Red Flags & Technical Concerns​

Reliability Issues​

  • No issues observed
  • Minor issues (describe below)
  • Major concerns (describe below)

Details:​

Deprecation Warnings​

  • No deprecation warnings
  • Deprecation notices found

Details:​

API Limitations​

Limitations that may impact MicDots:​

Performance Concerns​

Concerns for production use:​

Voice ID Validation​

What is Voice Validation?

Voice validation verifies that voice IDs provided by the client are valid and usable with the ElevenLabs API. This includes:

  • Checking if the voice ID exists in ElevenLabs
  • Confirming the voice is accessible with the client's API key
  • Testing that the voice can successfully generate audio
  • Measuring response times and error scenarios

How to validate voice IDs using SDK:

using ElevenLabs;
using ElevenLabs.Voices;

var api = new ElevenLabsClient("your-api-key-here");

// Validate a specific voice ID
string voiceId = "21m00Tcm4TlvDq8ikWAM"; // Rachel

try
{
    var voice = await api.VoicesEndpoint.GetVoiceAsync(voiceId);

    Console.WriteLine($"✓ Voice ID Valid: {voice.VoiceId}");
    Console.WriteLine($"  Name: {voice.Name}");
    Console.WriteLine($"  Category: {voice.Category}");

    // Extract metadata from labels
    var gender = voice.Labels.ContainsKey("gender") ? voice.Labels["gender"] : "unknown";
    var accent = voice.Labels.ContainsKey("accent") ? voice.Labels["accent"] : "unknown";
    var age = voice.Labels.ContainsKey("age") ? voice.Labels["age"] : "unknown";

    Console.WriteLine($"  Gender: {gender}, Accent: {accent}, Age: {age}");

    // Test audio generation
    var testAudio = await api.TextToSpeechEndpoint.TextToSpeechAsync(
        text: "This is a test.",
        voiceId: voiceId,
        outputFormat: OutputFormat.MP3_44100_128
    );

    Console.WriteLine($"✓ Audio generation successful: {testAudio.ClipData.Length} bytes");
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"✗ Voice validation failed: {ex.Message}");
}

Validation Results:

Voice IDValid?Can Generate Audio?Response TimeError MessagesNotes
____________[ ] Yes [ ] No[ ] Yes [ ] No___ ms
____________[ ] Yes [ ] No[ ] Yes [ ] No___ ms
____________[ ] Yes [ ] No[ ] Yes [ ] No___ ms

Minimum Required Data​

Testing Results:

Test ScenarioVoice ID Only+ Language+ MetadataResult
Generate audio[ ] Works[ ] Works[ ] Works
Voice qualitySame?Same?Same?
Error handling[ ] OK[ ] OK[ ] OK

Conclusion:

Minimum data needed to store for each voice:

  • Voice ID (required)
  • Voice Name (optional)
  • Language (required/optional)
  • Gender (optional)
  • Accent (optional)
  • Description (optional)
{
  "voiceId": "string",
  "name": "string",
  "language": "en",
  "gender": "male|female",
  "accent": "string",
  "description": "string"
}

Justification:​

7. Developer Recommendation​

Our Best Approach​

Based on the technical research and testing completed, here is our recommended approach for implementing ElevenLabs in the MicDots MVP:

Model: [ ] Turbo v2.5 [ ] Eleven Flash

Justification:​

Primary Voice for MVP:

  • Voice ID: ____________
  • Voice Name: ____________
  • Reason (optional - can use default): ____________

Secondary Voice (Optional):

  • Voice ID: ____________
  • Voice Name: ____________
  • Reason (optional - can use default): ____________

Technical Implementation Approach​

SDK Configuration:

using ElevenLabs;
using ElevenLabs.TextToSpeech;

// Initialize SDK client
var api = new ElevenLabsClient("your-api-key-here");

// Recommended configuration for MicDots MVP
var model = Model.ElevenTurboV2_5;  // OR Model.ElevenFlashV2_5
var voiceId = "21m00Tcm4TlvDq8ikWAM"; // Replace with selected voice ID

// Voice settings
var voiceSettings = new VoiceSettings(
    stability: 0.5f,        // 0-1, higher = more consistent
    similarityBoost: 0.75f  // 0-1, higher = more similar to original voice
);

// Generate speech
var audio = await api.TextToSpeechEndpoint.TextToSpeechAsync(
    text: "Your text here",
    voiceId: voiceId,
    model: model,
    voiceSettings: voiceSettings,
    outputFormat: OutputFormat.MP3_44100_128  // MP3, 44.1kHz, 128 kbps, mono
);

// Save audio to file
await File.WriteAllBytesAsync("output.mp3", audio.ClipData.ToArray());

Key Implementation Points:

  1. Use MP3 format at 128 kbps, mono channel (OutputFormat.MP3_44100_128)
  2. Initialize ElevenLabsClient once and reuse for all requests (singleton pattern)
  3. Store voice IDs and model selection in configuration/database for easy changes
  4. Implement retry logic for network failures (see error handling examples)
  5. Monitor API usage and costs using SDK response metadata

Cost Implications​

Based on testing:

  • Average cost per generation: $______
  • Recommended model provides best balance of: ____________

Risk Assessment​

Low Risk:​

Medium Risk:​

Mitigation:​

Why This Approach​

Developer perspective on why this is the best path forward:

  1. Performance: ____________
  2. Cost-effectiveness: ____________
  3. Quality: ____________
  4. Implementation simplicity: ____________
  5. Scalability: ____________

Note to Client: This is our technical recommendation based on testing. Please review the audio samples and data below to make your final decision. Your business priorities (quality vs. cost vs. speed) should guide the final choice.

8. Client Decision Section​

Quality Assessment (Client to Complete)​

Instructions for Client: Listen to each audio sample and rate quality on a scale of 1-5:

  • 5 - Excellent: Ready to use, professional quality
  • 4 - Good: High quality, minor imperfections
  • 3 - Normal: Acceptable quality, usable
  • 2 - Bad: Poor quality, noticeable issues
  • 1 - Not ready to use: Unacceptable quality

Turbo v2.5 - Voice 1​

SampleQuality Rating (1-5)Notes
Short[ ]
Medium[ ]
Long[ ]

Turbo v2.5 - Voice 2​

SampleQuality Rating (1-5)Notes
Short[ ]
Medium[ ]
Long[ ]

Turbo v2.5 - Voice 3​

SampleQuality Rating (1-5)Notes
Short[ ]
Medium[ ]
Long[ ]

Eleven Flash - Voice 1​

SampleQuality Rating (1-5)Notes
Short[ ]
Medium[ ]
Long[ ]

Eleven Flash - Voice 2​

SampleQuality Rating (1-5)Notes
Short[ ]
Medium[ ]
Long[ ]

Eleven Flash - Voice 3​

SampleQuality Rating (1-5)Notes
Short[ ]
Medium[ ]
Long[ ]

Client Evaluation Criteria​

When rating quality, consider:

  • Clarity: Can you understand every word clearly?
  • Natural Flow: Does it sound like a real person speaking naturally?
  • Pronunciation: Are words pronounced correctly?
  • Tone: Does the voice match your brand and target audience?
  • Consistency: Is quality consistent across different text lengths?
  • Emotional Impact: Does the voice engage your audience?

9. Final Client Decision​

Selected Model​

Model Chosen: [ ] Turbo v2.5 [ ] Eleven Flash

Reason for Selection:​

Selected Voices​

Primary Voice (Voice ID): ____________ Reason: ____________

Secondary Voice (Voice ID): ____________ Reason: ____________

Additional Voices: ____________

Budget Confirmation​

Estimated Monthly Cost (based on selected model): $____________

Client Approved: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Notes:​

10. Next Steps​

Implementation Plan​

Timeline: ____________

Developer Tasks:

  1. Integrate selected model into MicDots backend
  2. Implement voice gallery system with client's selected voices
  3. Set up error handling and retry logic
  4. Configure audio format settings
  5. Implement cost monitoring and alerts

Dependencies:​

Blockers:​

Appendix​

Code Samples​

Basic Text-to-Speech Implementation:

using ElevenLabs;
using ElevenLabs.TextToSpeech;

public class TextToSpeechService
{
    private readonly ElevenLabsClient _api;
    private readonly Model _model;
    private readonly string _voiceId;

    public TextToSpeechService(string apiKey, Model model, string voiceId)
    {
        _api = new ElevenLabsClient(apiKey);
        _model = model;
        _voiceId = voiceId;
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GenerateSpeechAsync(string text)
    {
        var voiceSettings = new VoiceSettings(
            stability: 0.5f,
            similarityBoost: 0.75f
        );

        var audio = await _api.TextToSpeechEndpoint.TextToSpeechAsync(
            text: text,
            voiceId: _voiceId,
            model: _model,
            voiceSettings: voiceSettings,
            outputFormat: OutputFormat.MP3_44100_128
        );

        return audio.ClipData.ToArray();
    }

    public async Task<string> GenerateAndSaveAsync(string text, string outputPath)
    {
        var audioData = await GenerateSpeechAsync(text);
        await File.WriteAllBytesAsync(outputPath, audioData);
        return outputPath;
    }
}

// Usage example
var ttsService = new TextToSpeechService(
    apiKey: "your-api-key",
    model: Model.ElevenTurboV2_5,
    voiceId: "21m00Tcm4TlvDq8ikWAM"
);

string audioFile = await ttsService.GenerateAndSaveAsync(
    text: "Welcome to MicDots!",
    outputPath: "welcome.mp3"
);

Console.WriteLine($"Audio saved to: {audioFile}");

Voice Validation Implementation:

using ElevenLabs;
using ElevenLabs.Voices;

public class VoiceValidationService
{
    private readonly ElevenLabsClient _api;

    public VoiceValidationService(string apiKey)
    {
        _api = new ElevenLabsClient(apiKey);
    }

    public async Task<VoiceValidationResult> ValidateVoiceAsync(string voiceId)
    {
        try
        {
            // Fetch voice details
            var voice = await _api.VoicesEndpoint.GetVoiceAsync(voiceId);

            // Extract metadata
            var gender = voice.Labels.ContainsKey("gender") ? voice.Labels["gender"] : "unknown";
            var accent = voice.Labels.ContainsKey("accent") ? voice.Labels["accent"] : "unknown";
            var age = voice.Labels.ContainsKey("age") ? voice.Labels["age"] : "unknown";

            // Test audio generation
            var testAudio = await _api.TextToSpeechEndpoint.TextToSpeechAsync(
                text: "This is a validation test.",
                voiceId: voiceId,
                outputFormat: OutputFormat.MP3_44100_128
            );

            return new VoiceValidationResult
            {
                IsValid = true,
                VoiceId = voice.VoiceId,
                Name = voice.Name,
                Gender = gender,
                Accent = accent,
                Age = age,
                CanGenerateAudio = true,
                ErrorMessage = null
            };
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            return new VoiceValidationResult
            {
                IsValid = false,
                VoiceId = voiceId,
                CanGenerateAudio = false,
                ErrorMessage = ex.Message
            };
        }
    }

    public async Task<List<Voice>> GetAllAvailableVoicesAsync()
    {
        var voices = await _api.VoicesEndpoint.GetAllVoicesAsync();
        return voices;
    }
}

public class VoiceValidationResult
{
    public bool IsValid { get; set; }
    public string VoiceId { get; set; }
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public string Gender { get; set; }
    public string Accent { get; set; }
    public string Age { get; set; }
    public bool CanGenerateAudio { get; set; }
    public string ErrorMessage { get; set; }
}

// Usage example
var validationService = new VoiceValidationService("your-api-key");

var result = await validationService.ValidateVoiceAsync("21m00Tcm4TlvDq8ikWAM");

if (result.IsValid)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"✓ Voice validated: {result.Name}");
    Console.WriteLine($"  Gender: {result.Gender}, Accent: {result.Accent}");
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine($"✗ Validation failed: {result.ErrorMessage}");
}

Error Handling and Retry Logic:

using ElevenLabs;
using ElevenLabs.TextToSpeech;
using Polly;
using Polly.Retry;

public class ResilientTextToSpeechService
{
    private readonly ElevenLabsClient _api;
    private readonly AsyncRetryPolicy _retryPolicy;

    public ResilientTextToSpeechService(string apiKey)
    {
        _api = new ElevenLabsClient(apiKey);

        // Configure retry policy: 3 retries with exponential backoff
        _retryPolicy = Policy
            .Handle<HttpRequestException>()
            .Or<TaskCanceledException>()
            .WaitAndRetryAsync(
                retryCount: 3,
                sleepDurationProvider: attempt => TimeSpan.FromSeconds(Math.Pow(2, attempt)),
                onRetry: (exception, timeSpan, retryCount, context) =>
                {
                    Console.WriteLine($"Retry {retryCount} after {timeSpan.TotalSeconds}s due to: {exception.Message}");
                }
            );
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GenerateSpeechWithRetryAsync(
        string text,
        string voiceId,
        Model model)
    {
        return await _retryPolicy.ExecuteAsync(async () =>
        {
            var audio = await _api.TextToSpeechEndpoint.TextToSpeechAsync(
                text: text,
                voiceId: voiceId,
                model: model,
                outputFormat: OutputFormat.MP3_44100_128
            );

            return audio.ClipData.ToArray();
        });
    }
}

// Usage example with error handling
var resilientService = new ResilientTextToSpeechService("your-api-key");

try
{
    var audioData = await resilientService.GenerateSpeechWithRetryAsync(
        text: "Welcome to MicDots!",
        voiceId: "21m00Tcm4TlvDq8ikWAM",
        model: Model.ElevenTurboV2_5
    );

    await File.WriteAllBytesAsync("output.mp3", audioData);
    Console.WriteLine("✓ Audio generated successfully with retry protection");
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"✗ Failed after all retries: {ex.Message}");
}

References​

Testing Environment​

  • SDK Version: ____________
  • .NET Version: ____________
  • Testing Date: ____________
  • Account Tier: ____________
  • API Key Permissions: ____________