About

Synthesizer V (often abbreviated as SynthV) is a singing voice synthesis software developed by Dreamtonics Co., Ltd. Released in 2018, the software allows users to create vocal performances by inputting melodies and lyrics, which are then sung by virtual voicebanks.

Similar to other singing synthesis engines such as VOCALOID and UTAU, Synthesizer V is used by musicians, producers, and hobbyists to create original songs and vocal covers without the need for a human singer.^[1]

The software gained popularity in the early 2020s due to its realistic vocal output, AI-powered voice synthesis capabilities, and relatively accessible pricing model, contributing to its growing adoption among amateur and professional creators.

History

The original Synthesizer V engine was released by Dreamtonics in 2018. On June 25th, 2020, Dreamtonics and AH-Software announced Synthesizer V Studio, a major update to the software featuring an improved interface and expanded functionality. Synthesizer V was retired upon the release of Synthesizer V Studio.^[1]

The software was released in both free and paid versions, known as Synthesizer V Studio Basic and Synthesizer V Studio Pro. On December 25th, 2020, Dreamtonics introduced Synthesizer V AI, an update that incorporated neural-network-based singing synthesis technology.^[2]

A tutorial video posted by the official Dreamtonics Co., Ltd. YouTube^[3] channel, @DreamtonicsCoLtd, on May 19th, 2024, shows the software in use.

Online History

Throughout the 2020s, Synthesizer V developed a substantial online community across platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Nico Nico Douga. The software became particularly notable for attracting users from the VOCALOID and UTAU communities.

One of the platform's most notable releases was Kasane Teto AI,^[4] a commercial Synthesizer V voicebank based on the long-running character Kasane Teto.

Created in 2008 as an April Fools' Day parody of VOCALOID, Teto had previously existed primarily as a free voicebank for the UTAU engine. Her transition to a commercial Synthesizer V release was widely celebrated within the voice synthesis community and introduced the character to a new generation of users.^[3]

On July 14th, 2024, YouTube^[5] user @zoneryzone posted a video trying to revert the new software's voice to its older UTAU version, showcasing the differences and similarities between the two. The video received about 488,200 views and 19,000 likes in a bit under two years.

Related Software

Synthesizer V is frequently compared to VOCALOID and UTAU, though all three are distinct singing synthesis engines.

Vocaloid

Vocaloid (Japanese: ボーカロイド) is a vocal synthesizer released in 2004, created to "sing" by piecing together phonemes (sounds made by humans to create words and syllables) at different pitches with different settings such as vibrato, dynamics, pitch bends and transitions.

Developed by Yamaha Corporation in collaboration with the Music Technology Group at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, the technology was first released commercially in 2004. The software experienced a major rise in popularity in Japan following the release of Hatsune Miku.

UTAU

UTAU is a Japanese singing synthesizer application. Similar to Vocaloid, the software allows users to create synthesized singing voices, though UTAU differs in that it is freeware/shareware rather than commercially licensed. Released in 2008 as a free support tool available for download from its official website, the program’s name means “to sing” in Japanese.

Further spread can be largely attributed to the eventual popularity of Kasane Teto, a character and voicebank created in 2008 as part of an April Fools’ joke parodying a new Vocaloid release.

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References