what is a vocaloid

Vocaloid is a singing voice synthesizer software developed by Yamaha. It allows users to input lyrics and melodies to create synthetic singing vocals. The software works by using voicebanks—samples of recorded voices from singers or voice actors—that can be manipulated to sing any lyrics the user types in. Users can also add vocal expressions like vibrato and change tone, stress, and dynamics to make the singing sound more realistic. Vocaloid is often associated with virtual singers represented by anime-style characters called Vocaloids. These characters, such as the popular Hatsune Miku, serve as "a singer in a box" and have become virtual pop stars with fan-created music, artwork, and even live stage projections. The technology has made it easier for musicians to produce vocal music without needing a human singer and has led to a unique culture of Vocaloid music and media. Originally released in 2004, Vocaloid supports multiple languages with various voicebanks available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and more. It is used by both professional musicians and hobbyists globally to create diverse music styles. In summary, Vocaloid is both a powerful voice synthesis software and a cultural phenomenon of virtual idols created from that software's voicebanks.