just wondering if anyone has used any of the vocaloid range ,with any degree of sucsess ?

being a novice ,and buying this ,
i now wonder if the the programme is any good?
thoughts on please?

I'm still waiting to hear a convincing vocal line out of it still. Backing vocals it does ok.

Devon

I was really excited when I first read about this, but I've read several articles from people that have tested it extensively, and they ALL say that while you can make some interesting sounds, and barely acceptable backup vocals (if mixed low with lots of reverb), it's clearly not "ready for prime time".... in other words, the technology has potential, but don't expect Leon to replace your vocalist on your next demo! Sad but true... good luck, the good news is that maybe you'll come up with some innovative use nobody has thought of yet
John

Even if the technology were there, which it doesn't sound like it is, I don't quite understand why someone would want to use a synthetic vocal simulator in place of a real vocalist; you'd either have to use a preset and sound like everyone else or program the hell out of the thing and spend more time then it would take to just hire a vocalist. Then again, I haven't exactly worked with many vocalists so I don't really know what I'm talking about

Using the technology as a new instrument in and of itself or as a sketchpad does make sense to me, though, and the demos of the vocaloid stuff made it sound to me like it has definite potential in these areas.

thanks for the opinions poeple,
and autloc,
(quote) Then again, I haven't exactly worked with many vocalists so I don't really know what I'm talking about
seriously though ,thanks .
ime quite impressed with this board ,their are indeed some dedicated poeple here ,hope it rubs off on me.

Well, speaking on a personal level, there are many reasons why I'd like a 'synthetic' vocalist. (assuming it sounded convincing!)

Firstly, I can't sing. Secondly, I'm male and I tend prefer the sound of the female voice (or at least I'd like the opportunity to work with different genders, which I guess a true 'voice synthesizer' should be able to do. . .)

Thirdly, I don't know any females with a decent voice and lastly, I don't have the facilities to record vocals.

However, untill technology has caught up with my needs, I'm happy to use samples. Being a dance music composer I can get away with it.
If I were a pop or rock musician, I think I'd be struggling right now!

I read an article many years ago (I think it was in Sound On Sound) where the author was crystal ball gazing with regards 'voice modelling', where you had a sophisticated processor in which you firstly sang in to and then it allowed you to modify your voice to sound like one of the preset templates i.e. Elvis, or you could tweak it to make it sound totally unique.

I think the author made a good point and I believe that's the future of 'voice synthesis'. Voice modification rather than singing computer software. . .

I know there are processors by the likes of TC Electronic that are supposedly able to 'gender bend' your voice and stuff but I've never tried them first hand.

I think this stuff is funny as hell, after this technology is perfected I'm sure someone will come out with a virtual 'fan', some virtual character to go to all our shows and virtual groupies to throw virtual underwear at our virtual stages

Tux wrote:

I know there are processors by the likes of TC Electronic that are supposedly able to 'gender bend' your voice and stuff but I've never tried them first hand.

I think you mean Eventide. Actually, it does a pretty decent job. Actually, it's kinda creepy too. If I think about it, I might post an example.

Devon

DevonB wrote:

Tux wrote: I know there are processors by the likes of TC Electronic that are supposedly able to 'gender bend' your voice and stuff but I've never tried them first hand. I think you mean Eventide. Actually, it does a pretty decent job. Actually, it's kinda creepy too. If I think about it, I might post an example. Devon

Can you expand on this Devon? Perhaps upload a few samples or provide some links please. I'm very interested in using this type of effect. Like most people here I'm male. I can sing in tune with a reasonable amount of soul when I practice but this doesn't help when creating dance music because most of it uses female vocalists. I'd really love to effect my voice to get it to sound genuinely female. Then maybe I could create knock-out diva vocals for my tracks. Let's be honest, it's not like any of us live next door to Martha Wash or Loleatta Holloway so there has to be some way round this dilemma.

I think TC Helicon products do this well, and for alot less than Eventide Devon. If you havent yet, you should look at what they have.

I saw this in a music shop, it was awful IMO.

Ridiculous pricetag also to go with it!

As autloc said, get any old vocalist, and use processing software to improve their voice.

But not a fake voice to start with!

It sounds like an old Amiga

munchkin wrote:

DevonB wrote: Tux wrote: I know there are processors by the likes of TC Electronic that are supposedly able to 'gender bend' your voice and stuff but I've never tried them first hand. I think you mean Eventide. Actually, it does a pretty decent job. Actually, it's kinda creepy too. If I think about it, I might post an example. Devon Can you expand on this Devon? Perhaps upload a few samples or provide some links please. I'm very interested in using this type of effect. Like most people here I'm male. I can sing in tune with a reasonable amount of soul when I practice but this doesn't help when creating dance music because most of it uses female vocalists. I'd really love to effect my voice to get it to sound genuinely female. Then maybe I could create knock-out diva vocals for my tracks. Let's be honest, it's not like any of us live next door to Martha Wash or Loleatta Holloway so there has to be some way round this dilemma.

Well, it won't make you a diva, that's for damn sure. I know there has been a few other 'gender bender' hardware effects out there too. I just grabbed the 'Warm Shift' effect and let it process.

Male

Female

Not the best examples in the world, but should give you an idea at least. This was pitched 400 cents up.

Devon