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] (1–10)
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Based on the singing voice of the virtual singer KAF, KAFU was created as a musical isotype.
The blended vocal quality—combining a human-like tone with a mechanical texture—is striking.
A girl in a geometric-pattern hoodie is depicted in a stylish design.
She excels at smooth enunciation and emotional singing, fitting perfectly with vocaloid songs across all genres.
From unique tracks to moving ballads, she is a character who can deliver technically demanding vocals.
Her cute voice is filled with a refreshing clarity and a touch of poignancy that make it especially appealing.
Hatsune Miku
Needless to say—so emblematic of “Vocaloid” that it requires no explanation—this is Hatsune Miku.
Miku’s rise began in August 2007 with her release by Crypton Future Media.
Thereafter, on platforms like Niconico, volunteer music creators—Vocaloid producers, or “Vocaloid Ps”—proliferated original songs using Hatsune Miku, and the cultural scene known as “Vocaloid” rapidly expanded.
Her voice is cute yet conveys honesty and straightforwardness, making it a perfect fit for virtually any music genre.
If you’re just getting into Vocaloid, start with Hatsune Miku!
Kasane Teto
Kasane Teto is a virtual idol born from an April Fools’ joke.
Based on the voice of Moyoe Koyama, who is also active as a singer and illustrator, she was created in 2008 for the UTAU voice synthesis software.
Her voice strikes a good balance between low and high ranges, combining a mechanical quality with human warmth.
She’s perfect for passionate tracks like fast-paced rock and electronica.
Teto is a character who delivers a warm singing voice that evokes a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia.
IA
IA, a Vocaloid created based on the voice of the female singer Lia.
Her transparent, airy singing voice is a defining trait that matches her somewhat fragile expression.
She provided the vocals for Orangestar’s “Asu no Yozora Shoukaihan,” which drew attention for its refreshing yet poignant sound.
As a character with a voice and expression that evoke a pure girl, she’s also recommended for songs that convey delicate emotions.
Please consider using her crystal-clear voice to enrich bittersweet songs themed around youth and romance.
Kagamine Rin / Kagamine Len
Rin and Len Kagamine are twin-vocal VOCALOIDs performed as a dual role by voice actress Asami Shimoda.
Released in 2007 following Hatsune Miku, they have been active since the early days of the VOCALOID scene.
Modeled after adolescent boys and girls, they feature a cute, bright singing voice.
They also excel at mechanical-style vocals, making them a perfect fit for EDM and pop with heavy bass.
Taking advantage of their paired libraries, they’re great for duet songs or tracks that unfold like a conversation.
This VOCALOID pair is known for their cool yet adorable presence, delivering passionate vocals from a 14-year-old boy and girl.
v flower
The female Vocaloid v flower, known for her medieval-like singing voice.
She flawlessly handles everything from calm, low tones to brilliant, powerful highs.
She drew attention for being used in Chinozo’s “Goodbye Declaration.” Her unique voice blends masculine and feminine qualities into a one-of-a-kind vocal.
She’s primarily featured in fast-paced, rock-style Vocaloid tracks.
As for her character design, she’s known for her silver hair and purple eyes.
Her cool yet somehow cute look matches her singing voice perfectly.
Koharu Rikka
Koharu Rikka specializes in a crisp, bright, and energetic singing voice.
Based on the vocals of voice actress Yoshino Aoyama, it reproduces a realistic girl’s voice.
With dynamic, well-defined singing that articulates phrases clearly, she’s recommended for songs that incorporate tongue twisters and for fast-paced Vocaloid tracks.
Her hallmark is a powerful yet translucent tone, so try tuning her to match different scenes in rock or ballads.
She’s a cute character with a natural, human-like voice that sounds like a teenage girl singing.