vocaloid

Vocaloid is a singing voice synthesis software platform developed by Yamaha Corporation that enables users to create songs with artificial voices. It works by combining a voice bank—an audio sample library recorded from a specific singer or voice actor—with a melody, lyrics, and various control parameters. The software uses concatenative synthesis and parameter-based editing to shape pronunciation, pitch, dynamics, and expression, producing a synthesized vocal performance from user input. A voice bank represents a particular singer’s timbre, enabling distinct vocal personas.

The project began with the release of Vocaloid in 2004, and subsequent generations expanded features, language support, and realism. The most recognizable voice banks were released by Crypton Future Media, including Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin and Len, and Megurine Luka. These banks gave rise to an extensive ecosystem of fan-made music, characters, and media. Hatsune Miku, in particular, evolved into a cultural phenomenon and has headlined live concert performances as a projected holographic idol, alongside a wide range of merchandise and media appearances. Beyond Crypton’s voices, numerous other companies have produced additional banks in multiple languages, broadening the platform’s reach.

Vocaloid is used by professional producers and hobbyists to compose, arrange, and publish songs that feature synthetic vocals. The ecosystem includes editing software, third‑party plugins, and a marketplace for voice banks, with ongoing development across languages and voice quality. While it remains a niche tool, Vocaloid has significantly influenced contemporary music production and virtual-artist culture.