Prerequisites
- An OpenAI account with API access (platform.openai.com)
- Access to the Realtime API (may require a usage tier upgrade)
Step 1: Create an API key
Go to API keys
Log in to platform.openai.com and navigate to API keys.
Create a new key
Click Create new secret key.
- Name:
vocalis-production(or similar) - Permissions: Ensure it has access to the Realtime API models
Step 2: Verify Realtime API access
The Realtime API is required for Vocalis to function. To verify you have access:- Check your OpenAI usage tier. The Realtime API may require Tier 1 or above.
- Ensure your account has billing set up with sufficient credits.
Step 3: Connect to Vocalis
Open Vocalis settings
Log in to vocalis.witting.ai and go to Settings → Integrations.
Select a default model
Choose the default model for your Actors. Vocalis supports OpenAI Realtime models — select the latest available option.
Voice options
When configuring an Actor, you can select from the available OpenAI voices. Each voice has a different tone and character:| Voice | Description |
|---|---|
alloy | Neutral, balanced |
echo | Warm, conversational |
fable | Expressive, storytelling |
onyx | Deep, authoritative |
nova | Friendly, upbeat |
shimmer | Clear, professional |
Usage and costs
Realtime API usage is billed by OpenAI based on audio duration. Monitor your usage at platform.openai.com/usage. Typical interview costs depend on call duration:- A 15-minute phone screen uses approximately 15 minutes of audio input + output
- Set OpenAI usage limits to avoid unexpected charges
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| ”Invalid API key” | Regenerate the key and re-enter it. Ensure no whitespace was copied. |
| ”Model not available” | Check your OpenAI usage tier. The Realtime API may require a tier upgrade. |
| Voice sounds robotic | Ensure you’re using a Realtime API model, not a standard completion model. |