VOCALOID 5 Tutorial 1. New Functions and Basics

Complete compatibility with AU plugins (Logic Pro)

This current version is now completely compatible with Apple’s Logic Pro as an AU plugin.
Opening/syncing VOCALOID can be done smoothly.

Create an instrument track, and select “VOCALOID 5 AU” as a software synth to open it.

VOCALOID will open like shown, allowing you to get right into production.
It plays back seamlessly with your DAW as well.

Of course, it is compatible as a VST plugin in DAWs such as Cubase as well.

Like in Logic Pro, simply open VOCALOID as a software instrument.

One precaution is that only 1 instance of VOCALOID 5 can be open in a project.
Multiple vocal tracks can be kept track of within the VOCALOID editor.

Entering vocal phrase

After opening VOCALOID, lets go into entering actual phrases.

Keeping track of parts

The containers available are called “parts,” and we will enter in notes here.

By doubling clicking a part, you can access inside of it.
We will go head and sequence in notes here.

You can move using the “arrow tool” and zoom in/out, allows you to adjust the height and length of different bars and phrases.
By pressing the “delete” key while a part is selected, you can delete the part.

To create a new part, select the “pencil tool” and drag in the time line.

Entering notes

Lets try sequencing some notes into a part.

There is a keyboard on the side, allowing you to see the pitch of notes.
The horizontal plane designates the note timing. Enter notes into your desired timings.

The piano roll works the same way as in most DAW, which allows you to easily utilize.

Switch to the “pencil” tool, and click on a desired area to enter a note.

By holding the click and dragging, you can adjust the length of a note.
In addition, you can adjust the length of an existing note by dragging the edges of it.

By changing the editor division amounts, you can make more detailed note timings.
Select the desired sub-division from the right of the TOOL area.

Zoom settings

When sequencing notes, you may need to zoom in/out.

Horizontal zoom from the bottom right part of the screen, and vertical zoom from the top/bottom areas.
Adjust these controls to optimize the view for your project.

Entering lyrics

After you finish sequencing notes, it’s time to enter in lyrics.

Select either the “arrow” or “pencil” tool, and double click on the lyric portion at the bottom of a note.
Next simply enter in lyrics for the selected note.

Lyrics can be entered in “Japanese/English”, but you need to select the correct singer (voice bank) for each language.

Voice bank (singer) settings

You can change between different singers to sing your sequenced notes.
Be sure to know which singer to choose depending on your song or project.

Access the “VOICE” tab to select a desired singer.
By selecting the LANGUAGE from the left, you can easily pin point the ideal singer.

There are 2 packages for VOCALOID 5; “Standard” and “Premium”.

• Standard: Includes「Amy」「Chris」「Kaori」「Ken」
• Premium: In addition to the 4 singers in standard,「CYBER DIVA II」「CYBER SONG MAN II」「VY1」「VY2」for 8 total

The level of the singers included in premium are very high as well, so we recommend it for those looking for a wider variety.

STYLE settings

In addition to voice banks, VOCALOID 5 has a variety of singing nuance and volume adjustment presets in STYLE.

By simply selecting from over 100 different presets, you can easily find your desired nuances, and avoid the hassle of making detailed edits to polish up your vocal tracks.

In addition, detailed edits can be made to STYLE.
We will take a look editing techniques for STYLE in the next tutorial.

ATTACK EFFECT & RELEASE EFFECT

The pitch and dynamics of sequenced notes can be controlled as well.

“ATTACK” controls the attack of the note, and “RELEASE” applies to the middle~end of the note.
They can easily be controlled as well.

Select notes that you want to apply Attack/Release to.
Then simply turn the knob to designate the strength of the effect applied to the notes.

Those who want to take their VOCALOID vocals to the next level should be sure to make sure of these nuance effects.

Phrase functions

Perhaps you have a completed track, but can’t think of a melody,
or want to try to find a better one. The phrase function comes in handy for this purpose.

VOCALOID 5 contains over 2000 phrase presets and vocal effects, allows you to easily input them into your tracks.

By pressing the media button on the top right, you can access the phrase list.
By selecting different categories, the presets will be narrowed down in the results on the right.

When you find a phrase that you like, simply drag & drop it into your timeline to use it.
Before opening the phrase in the timeline, you can preview the sound as well.

By selecting the song’s key ahead of time, you can adjust the phrases beforehand to easily integrate them into your track.

After inputting a phrase, you can input lyrics and notes just like an ordinary part.
You can even use preset phrases as building blocks for your own original music!

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We hope you found this article useful.
There have been many new improvements and additional functions added since previous versions.

Even those who are new to VOCALOID can easily create melodies while having fun!

In our next article we will look at the “phrase functions” in more detail, as well as developing more of a melody for a song.
Stay tuned!

Product Link: https://www.vocaloid.com