Beyond human territory!? New possibilities for Vocaloids
In the previous and the one before that, I wrote content aimed at people who are just starting out or trying this for the first time.
If it made you feel, “I could do this much!” I’m happy, and I wonder if anyone thought, “Let’s give it a try!”
This time, I’d like to explain using examples of how it’s actually being used in the mainstream music scene.
A Vocaloid that has already been used on major artists’ albums
Until now, most people who use Vocaloid have been writing songs for Vocaloid to sing, and the so-called genre of 'Vocaloid songs' has become established.
Since it's a piece intended for Vocaloids, it's possible to have a vocal range so high that it would be difficult for a human, and to include songs that make them sing rapid-fire phrases all at once without taking a breath.
However, from the perspective of a virtual vocalist, the mechanical feel, overly flat pitch, and lack of dynamic expression in the singing stood out.
For demo tracks, a roughly input guide vocal will often suffice, but is it possible to use a Vocaloid in place of a human singer?
B Who I Want 2 B feat.
HATSUNE MIKU | Namie Amuro
youtube.
com/watch?v=Y2V_Y26JTSw
Namie Amuro’s album “_genic” includes a collaborative track with Hatsune Miku.
This song cleverly takes advantage of an effective voice that retains a slightly mechanical feel, yet it sits alongside Namie Amuro’s vocals without sounding out of place.
It makes perfect sense when you hear that the tuning was handled by Mitchie M, who blew fans away with astonishing vocal data and catchy tracks.
Freely Tomorrow
youtube.
com/watch?v=ZNebSeFVPNc
A Vocaloid that can sing this human-like.
Don't you feel like it could be useful in a variety of situations?
From the third generation onward, it's become easy to convey human-like qualities.
In songs by Mitchie M, including 'Freely Tomorrow,' a singing data creation tool called 'VocaListener' (also known as 'Bokarisu') is utilized.
This tool can output data that makes a Vocaloid sing in the same way as human-sung vocal data.
Because Vocaloid Editor for Cubase (VocaListener/Bokarisu) is a commercial product, anyone can obtain it.
Of course, the output still needs a certain amount of tweaking, but vocaloids have come close enough to human-like singing that it’s now within anyone’s reach.
Vocal synthesis engine CeVIO, alongside Vocaloid
CeVIO Creative Studio, which came out after Vocaloid, also sings with quite a high level of quality, befitting its later release.
Rainbow colors
youtube.
com/watch?v=MWJcIp7Cz7U
CeVIO also has multiple characters, just like Vocaloid.
It uses a somewhat different input system from Vocaloid, but CeVIO might be easier for beginners to understand.
Reference:Which is the superior virtual singer, CeVIO or Vocaloid? Part 1
I especially want band musicians and instrumental-focused players to give it a try.
Due to their nature, vocal sound sources such as VOCALOIDs inevitably require a certain degree of proficiency.
In the sense that compatibility with characters matters, you could even say they’re a member with an individual personality.
These days, thanks in part to its popularity, a wealth of helpful audio and video resources are publicly available, and with so many users, it’s easy to find information.
Even with manual adjustments, a skilled person can make it sing naturally, even when it’s just a copy.
A Whole New World
youtube.
com/watch?v=PAEh9xKg1YM
If you were made to listen without being told, wouldn’t some people fail to notice?
I think there are many things that can be done precisely because Vocaloids have advanced to this level.
It could be interesting to see how closely we can approach human-level performance, and there’s also the option of creating multiple loop-like sound materials and using them as effects.
I especially hope that those who haven’t needed to use it until now will take this opportunity to reassess its capabilities.
Lastly
The potential of vocal sound sources like Vocaloids—which are developing the capability not only to embody distinct character personas but even to take center stage in the music itself—continues to expand.
Both fans and creators have a lot to look forward to in future developments.