I want to start making music with Vocaloid! A clear guide to the types of Vocaloids and their features.
The popularity of Vocaloid, especially among younger generations, shows no signs of slowing down.
With the growth of a culture centered around Vocaloid tracks—where people express themselves through videos of singing, dancing, and performing—a new world is emerging that shifts from “music you listen to and enjoy” to “music you participate in and enjoy.”
For aspiring Vocaloid producers just starting out, let’s take a fresh look at what you need and what you should do.
You need a production environment to create music.
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Reference:I want to start composing music with home recording and DTM (desktop music).
There are many ways to record guitars, play synthesizers, use software instruments, and create the sounds that make up a musical piece.
The production setup varies depending on your style, but a personal computer (hereafter PC) is always necessary to bring together the Vocaloid and the music into one.
It might feel intimidating at first, but since many current PCs are affordable and sufficiently powerful, you generally don’t need to prepare a new, dedicated machine unless your PC is quite old.
If you’re not looking to compose for a large ensemble right away, a laptop or tablet PC—which is compact and easy to carry—should be more than sufficient.
For work-related reasons,A larger screen size is more convenient whenever possible.So please be careful when considering it.
What you need to be aware of is that Vocaloid and the major DAWs can only be used on Windows or Macintosh.
It’s possible to use Yamaha’s VOCALOID on iPhone or iPad, but due to concerns about future expandability, I can’t actively recommend it.
It cannot be used on Android, so please be careful not to make any mistakes.
The heart of production: the audio interface
If you're thinking of starting music production, then for production purposesaudio interfaceshould be introduced.
Most PCs come with an audio interface built in, but it’s not well-suited for music production because it’s inconvenient for tasks like connecting instruments.
Strictly speaking, this is the very part that ought to be explored in depth, but doing so would result in an overwhelming amount of information, so I’ll limit myself to sharing some useful URLs as references.
Reference:Audio Interface Selection for DTM Beginners 2016: Ken Fujimoto’s “DTM Station”
Audio interfaces often come bundled with a DAW.
Interfaces bundled with their own products by DAW makers are especially good in both cost performance and reliability, so when you feel like “There are so many options, I can’t decide!!,” go with one of those.Steinbergand/or; such as; or (used to list examples)PresonusYou can feel at ease by choosing this product.
And the Vocaloid software
If you want to produce Vocaloid songs, this is the most important thing.
Although the types of Vocaloids are introduced in this article as well, I’d like to delve a bit deeper into some aspects.
Reference:I want to become a Vocaloid producer. How a beginner like me can become a Vocaloid P.
The exceptionally well-known “Hatsune Miku”
There’s no doubt that Hatsune Miku reigns at the very top among virtual singers.
Thanks to her popularity, she has gone beyond the realm of Vocaloid, and the name Hatsune Miku is now recognized worldwide.
youtube.
com/watch?v=PqJNc9KVIZE
The current latest version is VOCALOID3, which is a voicebank from one generation earlier.
The release of the latest version, V4X, has been announced for summer 2016, so if you’re considering purchasing it, be sure to check the information on the official website.
I think many people have listened to Hatsune Miku’s singing voice, but in terms of performance it feels neither particularly good nor bad.
Because it’s relatively easy for you to produce a clear tone, your voice can be said to match well with pop and ballads.
And above all, because it attracts a lot of attention, it’s the best choice for anyone who just wants people to listen no matter what!
Megurine Luka, which can create a sophisticated vibe
Megurine Luka, who appeared slightly after Hatsune Miku, also the sameCRYPTON Inc.I am from .
It is the first domestically produced Vocaloid to support English.
It currently supports the latest V4X and is truly an honor student, featuring a more mellow, mature voice than Hatsune Miku and capable of handling genres like Latin and jazz.
youtube.
com/watch?v=7lh2_ZntdT8
Megurine Luka can demonstrate tremendous ability when delicate adjustments and careful finishing are meticulously applied.
That much more mastery is required to bring out one’s full ability.
IA, a versatile all-rounder with broad coverage
IA, a later-released voicebank that debuted in the V3 generation, overcomes the weakness of Hatsune Miku’s relatively low vocal presence—something that had been a drawback for Miku—precisely because it came later.
It particularly shines in the midrange, and if you can master it, it can handle a wide variety of genres.
In IA’s songs, the works by Jin, also known as Shizen no Teki-P, are famous.
youtube.
com/watch?v=O9g1OyshIX4
Although this IA is used in well-known works, its level of recognition is not as high as Hatsune Miku's.
In terms of performance, it’s a relatively straightforward, easy-to-handle voice on par with Hatsune Miku, so it’s a sound source you’ll want to include as an option when choosing based on preference.
Ability No.
1? The hidden talent: “Iroha Nekomura” (Nekomura Iroha)
Iroha Nekomura, who debuted in the V2 generation and has now evolved to V4.
Many people may not even know the name.
This Iroha Nekomura possessed the kind of ability that, even back in the V2 era, could surpass the V3 generation.
youtube.
com/watch?v=rrcDbzD1ilc
It’s extremely high-performance and conveys the creators’ determination to come very close to human singing.
If you're someone who wants to push the limits of Vocaloid, this is a sound source you should check out.
Was there any character that made you want to create music together?
There are various reasons for your choices, such as the genre you want to create and your preferences for voices.
Please try to find a partner you can be with for a long time.
Anyway, just try making it first.
The most important thing whenever you start something is the desire to do it.
And anyway, what matters is to finish at least one song.
For starters, a copy of a nursery rhyme or anything else will do.
Anything is fine, even the Do-Re-Mi song.
You can’t move forward unless you experience the joy and fun of completing something.
Reference:People who can compose music and people who cannot
There are many Vocaloid producers who have grown in that way.
The moment you feel like giving it a try is the perfect time—go ahead and dive into the world of “music you participate in and enjoy.”