Summary of Vocaloid and Voice Library Types (Including CeVIO and UTAU)
Starting with the 2007 debut of Hatsune Miku, the number of Vocaloid characters and voice libraries has grown alongside the expansion of the scene.
I’m sure each of you has your own favorite Vocaloid character.
In this article, we’ll give a quick overview of the many Vocaloid characters and the different types out there.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to start making Vocaloid tracks but isn’t sure which voicebank to use!
Strictly speaking, “Vocaloid” refers only to certain libraries like Hatsune Miku and Kagamine Rin/Len, but here we’re using the term “Vocaloid” as a catch-all for other singing synthesis technologies and voice libraries as well.
Thanks for your understanding in advance!
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Summary of Vocaloid and Voice Library Types [Including CeVIO and UTAU] (11–20)
Star Realm
Hoshikai is a sound source produced based on the singing voice of virtual singer Isekai Jōcho.
In 2022, it drew attention as a release in the musical “isotope” series following Kafu.
Its tone is characterized by a slightly childlike quality with a breathy component, blending cuteness with a sense of fragility.
You can hear its capabilities in songs like “Let’s Go to Another Planet” by Iyowa and “Tokoshizume” by Inabakumori.
Hoshikai’s voice feels as if it carries an entire worldview on its own.
Meika Hime & Mikoto
Hanehana twins Hime and Mikoto, whose pink and light-blue hair stands out against their horns.
Their voicebanks were released by Gynoid—the company behind v flower—in 2019.
Both Hime and Mikoto were created using voice data from voice actress Kotori Koiwai.
Hime’s voice leans more toward cuteness, while Mikoto’s has a cooler, edgier feel.
When you have both, it’s hard to decide which to use.
For comparison, Rerulili’s demo song “Special Girl,” introduced here, might be a good reference.
a cold; catching a cold
Kazehiki is a voicebank for UATU created by Kurukuru Suuji-san.
As the name suggests, it was made using recordings done while they had a cold.
That gives it a distinctive—and appealing—husky quality.
Many listeners will likely be drawn to its noisy, raspy singing voice.
As you can see on the official page, there are several different library variants under the same “Kazehiki” name—some gentler, some more delicate.
It’s hard to choose which Kazehiki to have sing, isn’t it?
Yamine Renri
Yuzuri serves as the CV for the UTAU voicebank Yamine Renri.
Judging by the official illustration and the character’s appearance, you might expect a cute voice, but in reality it gives quite a mature impression.
Of course it fits cute songs, but it also handles cool, elegant tracks with ease.
Take Police Piccadilly’s “Nerve Impulse,” for example—one listen and you’re instantly captivated.
It’s a voicebank that really expands your imagination—and your creativity—about how to have it sing.
ONE
ONE is a voice library produced by 1st PLACE, which also manages musicians.
Announced in 2015 as the little sister of the voice library IA, it features a lively vocal quality that is appealing and versatile enough to fit any music genre thanks to its lack of idiosyncrasies.
With parameter adjustments, it can even produce a quite mature voice.
Incidentally, the illustration was drawn by Aka Akasaka, known as the author of the manga “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.”
VY1
When you think of Vocaloid, you might picture characters with defined appearances like Hatsune Miku or Kagamine Rin, but VY1, which debuted in 2010, doesn’t have that.
That was Yamaha’s intention: it was created under the concept of “usable as a single instrument” and “leaving the character aspect to the user.” In Luna’s “Perfect Peace,” it delivers a fresh yet solid singing voice, while in EZFG’s “Cyber Thunder Cider,” it takes on a cutting-edge tone.
It’s a remarkably versatile voice library that sings exactly as the user envisions.
Vocaloid and Voice Library Types Overview [Including CeVIO and UTAU] (21–30)
Defoko
Defoko, also known as Uta Utane, is the default voicebank beloved in UTAU.
As a presence that supports users’ creativity, she has contributed to the production of many songs.
Since UTAU’s release in 2008, she has long been cherished by Vocaloid producers and listeners alike.
She has the same voice as the so-called “Yukkuri,” because the library itself was made using AquesTalk, the Japanese speech synthesis engine behind Yukkuri.
Give a listen to that addictive singing voice in tracks like Inamuri’s “Urami Koushin,” and you might get hooked!