Q1:What is Vocaloid?
A:Vocaloid (ボーカロイド, Bōkaroido) is a singing voice synthesizer software product. Its signal processing part was developed through a joint research project between Yamaha Corporation and the Music Technology Group at Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona.The software was ultimately developed into the commercial product "Vocaloid" that was released in 2004.
Q2:When Vocaloid become famous?
A:Vocaloid became famous in the late 2000s, primarily driven by the massive success of Hatsume Miku upon her release in 2007. Her popularity was fueled by the release of the Vocaloid 2 engine and the growth of platforms like Nico Nico Douga where fans could easily share and create songs. This led to a boom in Vocaloid music, with many producers using the software to gain recognition.
Q3:How is Vocaloid today?
A:Vocaloid remains a vibrant and evolving cultural phenomenon today, though it's changing from its initial "golden age". It is still highly popular in Japan, with major events, a thriving community of both veteran and new producers, and songs consistently reaching massive view counts. While some perceive the original software as stagnant, new versions like Vocaloid6 are being released, and some older voicebanks are being revisited.
Q4:How many vocaloid characters are there?
A:There isn't a single, definitive number, as it depends on how you count, but sources suggest there are over 100 distinct Vocaloid voicebanks released since the first version iThere isn't a single, definitive number, as it depends on how you count, but sources suggest there are over 100 distinct Vocaloid voicebanks released since the first version in 2004. Some estimates put the number around 92 distinct commercial voicebanks, not including other vocal synthesis software.