Vocaloid
Software that generates singing vocals from lyrics and melody using voice banks.
Pricing
About Vocaloid
Vocaloid, or VOCALOID, is a singing voice synthesizer developed by Yamaha Corporation. Users type lyrics and set a melody, and the software generates a sung vocal performance using a chosen 'voice bank' — a library built from recordings of a real singer. Different voice banks carry distinct tones and vocal characters, so the same melody and lyrics can sound completely different depending on which voice is selected. The desktop VOCALOID6 Editor runs on Windows and macOS and includes AI-assisted editing tools for shaping pitch, timing, and expression in a vocal performance. A separate Mobile VOCALOID Editor for iOS offers a lighter version of the workflow for $3.99 a month after a 14-day free trial. A VOCALO CHANGER plugin lets the engine work inside DAWs such as Cubase, fitting into existing music production setups. Vocaloid is aimed at music producers, songwriters, and hobbyists who want a virtual vocalist for demos or finished tracks, and it has also found use in schools for music composition exercises. One practical limitation: the core editor purchase does not include every voice — most voice banks and characters are sold separately, so building a varied vocal library adds ongoing cost beyond the initial software price.
At a glance
- Company
- Yamaha Corporation
- Platforms
- Windows, macOS, iOS
- Integrations
- Cubase
- Last verified
- August 2026
Who It's For
- •Music producers and composers.
- •Songwriters.
- •Hobbyist musicians.
- •Content creators using virtual singers.
- •Anyone interested in vocal synthesis and digital music production.
How It Works
- 1Users input melody (notes and duration) and lyrics into the VOCALOID editor.
- 2The software processes the input data using a chosen Voice Bank, which contains recorded phonetic data extracted from real singers' voices.
- 3It synthesizes the singing voice by combining and manipulating these phonetic units according to the melody and lyrics, allowing for adjustments like vibrato, dynamics, and expression to create a natural-sounding performance.
How to Use Vocaloid
- 1Install the VOCALOID software and desired Voice Banks.
- 2Open the VOCALOID editor and input musical notes and lyrics (e.g., via MIDI input or manual entry).
- 3Adjust parameters like pitch bend, vibrato, and dynamics to refine the vocal performance.
- 4Mix the generated vocal track with other instrumental tracks to complete the song.
Key Features
- •AI-assisted vocal editing
- •Multiple voice banks/characters
- •VOCALO CHANGER DAW plugin
- •Mobile VOCALOID Editor
Use Cases
- •Music production and demo song composition
- •Creating vocal performances without a live singer
- •Educational music composition exercises
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- •Enables rapid creation of vocal tracks without requiring a human singer, ideal for prototyping or final production.
- •Offers a diverse range of vocal tones and styles through various Voice Banks, providing creative flexibility.
- •Allows for precise control over vocal nuances like pitch, timing, and expression.
- •Widely adopted in the music industry, particularly in Japan, with a large community and available resources for learning and sharing.
Disadvantages
- •Can be expensive due to the cost of the software and individual Voice Banks.
- •Achieving a truly natural and human-like voice often requires significant time and effort in fine-tuning parameters.
- •The vocal quality is heavily dependent on the chosen Voice Bank, and not all Voice Banks may suit every musical style.
- •Some users might find the initial learning curve steep due to the software's depth and features.
Alternatives
- Synthesizer V
- UTAU
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vocaloid?
Vocaloid, or VOCALOID, is a singing voice synthesizer developed by Yamaha Corporation. Users type lyrics and set a melody, and the software generates a sung vocal performance using a chosen 'voice bank' — a library built from recordings of a real singer.
How much does Vocaloid cost?
Vocaloid has paid plans starting at $201.80.
Is Vocaloid free?
Vocaloid is a paid tool and does not offer a free plan.
What are the best Vocaloid alternatives?
Popular Vocaloid alternatives include Synthesizer V, UTAU.
What is Vocaloid used for?
Vocaloid is commonly used for Music production and demo song composition, Creating vocal performances without a live singer, Educational music composition exercises.
What platforms does Vocaloid support?
Vocaloid is available on Windows, macOS, iOS.
Information Accuracy
Please note: While we regularly update all tool information including descriptions, features, pricing, and other details, this information may change over time as tools evolve and update their offerings. For the most current and accurate information, we recommend visiting the official website directly. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions.