mcp-tts 0.3.0
MCP Text-to-Speech Server for Cursor IDE (and others) with cross-platform audio playback
License: MIT
Requires Python: >=3.11
Keywords: cursor, ide, mcp, text-to-speech, tts

# MCP Text-to-Speech for Cursor IDE

Add text-to-speech capabilities to Cursor IDE. Let your AI assistant speak responses, summaries, and explanations out loud.

## 🚀 Quick Start

**Prerequisites:** [Cursor IDE](https://cursor.sh) and either an [OpenAI API key](https://platform.openai.com/api-keys) or an [ElevenLabs API key](https://elevenlabs.io)

**Setup:** Add one of these to your Cursor MCP settings (`~/.cursor/mcp.json`):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp_tts_server": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "mcp-tts", "mcp-tts-server-stdio"],
      "env": {
        "OPENAI_API_KEY": "your-openai-api-key-here",
        "ELEVENLABS_API_KEY": "your-elevenlabs-api-key-here",
        "MCP_TTS_PROVIDER": "openai",
        "MCP_TTS_VOICE": "ballad",
        "MCP_TTS_VOICE_PRESET": "default",
        "MCP_TTS_CUSTOM_INSTRUCTIONS": "",
        "MCP_TTS_SPEED": "1.0",
        "MCP_TTS_VOLUME": "0.8",
        "MCP_TTS_DEVICE_NAME": "",
        "MCP_TTS_DEVICE_INDEX": "",
        "PYTHONIOENCODING": "utf-8"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

OpenAI (voices/presets/speed apply):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp_tts_server": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "mcp-tts", "mcp-tts-server-stdio"],
      "env": {
        "MCP_TTS_PROVIDER": "openai",
        "OPENAI_API_KEY": "sk-...",
        "MCP_TTS_VOICE": "alloy",
        "MCP_TTS_VOICE_PRESET": "professional",
        "MCP_TTS_CUSTOM_INSTRUCTIONS": "",
        "MCP_TTS_SPEED": "1.0",
        "MCP_TTS_VOLUME": "0.9",
        "PYTHONIOENCODING": "utf-8"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

ElevenLabs (use voice_id or exact name; presets/speed are ignored):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp_tts_server": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "mcp-tts", "mcp-tts-server-stdio"],
      "env": {
        "MCP_TTS_PROVIDER": "elevenlabs",
        "ELEVENLABS_API_KEY": "eleven-...",
        "MCP_TTS_VOICE": "Adam",
        "MCP_TTS_VOLUME": "0.8",
        "PYTHONIOENCODING": "utf-8"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

**That's it!** Restart Cursor and try asking: *"Can you read me a summary using text-to-speech?"*

## ⚙️ Configuration Options

You can control the TTS system using these environment variables in your MCP config:

| Variable | Description | Example Values | Default |
|----------|-------------|----------------|---------|
| `OPENAI_API_KEY` | Your OpenAI API key (required if using OpenAI) | `sk-proj-abc123...` | - |
| `ELEVENLABS_API_KEY` | Your ElevenLabs API key (required if using ElevenLabs) | `eleven-xxx...` | - |
| `MCP_TTS_PROVIDER` | TTS provider to use | `openai`, `elevenlabs` | `openai` |
| `MCP_TTS_VOICE` | Voice selection | OpenAI: `alloy`, `echo`, ... • ElevenLabs: `voice_id` or exact name (case-insensitive) | `ballad` |
| `MCP_TTS_VOICE_PRESET` | Voice style preset | `default`, `professional`, `calm`, `nyc_cabbie`, `chill_surfer`, `cheerleader`, `emo_teenager`, `eternal_optimist`, `dramatic` | `default` |
| `MCP_TTS_CUSTOM_INSTRUCTIONS` | Custom voice instructions (overrides preset) | `"Speak like a pirate"` | - |
| `MCP_TTS_SPEED` | Speech speed | OpenAI: `0.25` to `4.0` • ElevenLabs: ignored | `1.0` |
| `MCP_TTS_VOLUME` | Playback volume | `0.0` to `1.0` | `0.8` |
| `MCP_TTS_DEVICE_NAME` | Audio device name (partial match) | `"Speakers"`, `"Headphones"` | - |
| `MCP_TTS_DEVICE_INDEX` | Audio device index | `0`, `1`, `2`, etc. | - |

Tips:
- Open the local Config page to pick an ElevenLabs voice from your account (with previews), or call their API and paste a `voice_id`.
- OpenAI accepts built-in voice names and presets; ElevenLabs uses `voice_id` or exact voice name. Presets/instructions/speed are ignored by ElevenLabs.

### Voice Presets

You can use these built-in voice style presets:
- `default` - Clear, friendly, and conversational
- `professional` - Authoritative business voice
- `calm` - Composed, reassuring with quiet authority
- `nyc_cabbie` - Fast-talking New Yorker with edge
- `chill_surfer` - Laid-back, mellow, effortlessly cool
- `cheerleader` - High-energy, enthusiastic, motivational
- `emo_teenager` - Sarcastic, disinterested, melancholic
- `eternal_optimist` - Positive, solution-oriented
- `dramatic` - Low, hushed, suspenseful with theatrical flair

## 🎵 Usage Examples

- *"Use text-to-speech to explain this code"*
- *"Read me the changes you just made"*  
- *"List my audio devices"*
- *"Switch to a professional voice style"*

## 📚 Full Documentation

For advanced configuration, voice presets, troubleshooting, and development setup, see [SETUP_GUIDE.md](SETUP_GUIDE.md).

---

**Status:** ✅ Working with Cursor IDE • 🎵 7 TTS tools available • 🔊 Cross-platform audio • 🧩 Providers: OpenAI, ElevenLabs

## 🛠️ Available Tools

This MCP server provides the following tools in Cursor:

- **text_to_speech** — Convert text to speech and play it through your speakers using the current configuration.
- **list_audio_devices** — List all available audio output devices on your system.
- **test_audio_device** — Play a test tone on a selected audio device to verify it works.
- **stop_speech** — Stop any current speech playback immediately.
- **get_tts_status** — Show the current TTS server status, provider, volume, and device info.
- **get_current_config** — Display the current voice, preset, device, and all active TTS settings.
- **set_volume** — Change the playback volume for speech output.