PlainTalk Speech Recognition requires 16-bit sound input in order to work properly. The recently produced versions of the Macintosh LC 5200 and Performa 5200CD and 5215CD computers support 16-bit internal sound as well as 16-bit CD sound. Early production models of Macintosh 5200 series computers support 8-bit internal sound and 16-bit CD sound. However, you can still use the Text-to-Speech feature if your computer only supports 8-bit input.
NOTE: PlainTalk 1.4.1 Speech Recognition is supported on the Macintosh 5200CD family, Macintosh 6200CD family, Macintosh 5300CD, and Macintosh 6300CD computers.
You can use the model number information below to determine whether your computer supports 8-bit or 16 bit sound. Please note that product specifications are subject to change. Check with an Apple reseller for the most current information about product specifications and configurations.
| Order Number | Product Name | Sound |
| M3947LL/A | Power Macintosh 5200 LC 8/500/CD | 8-bit |
| M3917LL/A | Power Macintosh 5200 LC 8/500/CD/VI/TV | 8-bit |
| M3947LL/B | Power Macintosh 5200 LC 8/500/4XCD | 8-bit |
| M3940LL/A | Macintosh Performa 5200CD 8/500 | 8-bit |
| M3941LL/A | Macintosh Performa 5200CD 8/500/TV/VI | 8-bit |
| M4110LL/A | Macintosh Performa 5200CD 8/790/14.4 | 16-bit |
| M4107LL/A | Macintosh Performa 5215CD 8/1000/14.4 | 16-bit |
If you don't know your model number, you can also use this procedure below to determine if your computer supports 16-bit sound input:
1. Choose Control Panels from your Apple menu.
2. Open the Sound control panel.
3. Choose "Sound Out" from the "Alert Sounds" pull down menu. If the 16-bit sound input radio button is dimmed, you have only 8-bit input, and English Speech Recognition will not work.
If 16-bit is not dimmed, make sure there is a dot in the radio button next to it.
4. Use the close box in the upper left corner to close the Sound control panel.
For help with installing the PlainTalk 1.4.1 Speech software, see article 18263: "PlainTalk 1.4.1: Can't Install Recognition on 8-bit Mac".
Notes:
1. The following computers are in the Macintosh 5200CD family: Macintosh 5200/75 LC, Performa 5200, Performa 5210, Performa 5215, and Performa 5220.
2. The following computers are in the Macintosh 6200CD family: Performa 6200, Performa 6214, Performa 6216, Performa 6218, Performa 6220, and Performa 6230.
3. Part numbers mentioned in this article are accurate as of this writing. Before ordering, verify that they are still correct as they are subject to change.