Balabolka Console (balcon)

Run Balabolka Console (balcon) from a command prompt to turn supplied text into spoken output through text-to-speech. Published by Ilya Morozov, this Windows command-line utility handles speech tasks without a graphical user interface, so commands replace desktop controls. It lets scripts or other applications invoke speech processing as part of a larger workflow instead of requiring the full graphical Balabolka program.

Balcon supports Microsoft Speech API 4 and Microsoft Speech API 5, allowing it to work with speech engines exposed through those interfaces. Its compact design provides a focused console tool with flexible operation, straightforward command-line use, and low system requirements. Developers, administrators, and other technical users can incorporate it into scripted or application-based text-to-speech operations.

The utility does not require installation, which suits situations where a conventional desktop application setup is undesirable. It is intended for people who prefer a command-line text-to-speech utility over Balabolka’s full graphical environment. The current version is 1.90.0, and the software is freeware.