The machine supports two voice modes. In API mode, it calls the ElevenLabs API with the story text and receives an MP3 file. In MP3 mode, it uses a pre-recorded MP3 file placed in the channel's voice folder. MP3 mode allows you to use a real human voice -- your own or a hired narrator's -- without any API call.

When to Use MP3 Mode

MP3 mode is ideal when you want maximum voice differentiation -- a truly unique voice that no other channel has. It is also useful when you want to test a particular accent or speech style that ElevenLabs does not currently offer. The tradeoff is that MP3 mode requires pre-recording content, which removes one degree of automation.

Flexible voice setup
Mix ElevenLabs and MP3 Channels in the Same Network
Each channel has independent voice configuration. Some channels on API, some on MP3, all managed by the same machine.
Get Access -- from $47

The Cost Calculation

ElevenLabs charges by character. A 1,000-character story (roughly 2 minutes of narration) costs approximately $0.03 to $0.10 depending on the tier. For 11 channels posting daily, that is roughly $10 to $33 per month. This is the only ongoing cost associated with running the full machine -- and it is optional, since MP3 mode is a free alternative.