PowerFX Releases Sweet Ann – Virtual Vocalist

PowerFX has released Sweet Ann, the first of their new line of vocal libraries that utilizes Yamaha’s Vocaloid2 software engine. Vocaloid software applications enable users to type in words and melody and have the vocal library “artist” sing back the input. The idea of a virtual singer is nothing new, but realizing a credible version has eluded developers. In fact, more realistic virtual actors have been successfully achieved than virtual singers.

Although, Sweet Ann is more like Jar Jar Binks, than Roberta Flack, it is a step in the right direction and reveals the potential of this technology.

PowerFX CEO Bil Bryant states, “We are extremely excited about the release of Sweet Ann and developing vocal libraries for Vocaloid. Vocal synthesis and voice modelling is an evolving technology that is still in its infancy, but the developments and functions of Vocaloid 2 make it such an incredibly useful tool for any digital music maker that we had to get involved. I always looked at Vocaloid like the initial drum machines. I think innovative electronic musicians will really be able to make new and creative music based on the technology Yamaha has been developing.”

PowerFX claims Sweet Ann is a pure popstress and that her vocals include a warm vibrato and an “unmatchable range.” While she can sing lead or harmony parts, PowerFX really envisions her as essential to the music labs of producers and electronic dance artists who depend on unique vocals for their genre. (Especially if you intend to run it through a vocal processor like the Roland V-Synth’s Vocalizer. —Ed.)

Sweet Ass, er, ah, Ann’s vocals come from a real singer who was recorded extensively, enabling PowerFX to create a comprehensive library of her vocal sounds. Vocaloid software users type in words and assign melodies to Sweet Ann. She then emulates the words and notes given to her. Expressive effects, vibrato and dynamics can also be added to her singing.

PowerFX claims this makes for an exciting songwriting and recording process, and that users can compose using Sweet Ann as their demo vocalist. In addition, its possible to create and experiment with new musical styles, from remixes, vocal fx, and DJ scratch vocals, to jazz, pop, funky house music and electronica genres, all with the benefit of Sweet Ann as their virtual vocalist.

You can ear Sweet Ann sing a variety of styles at her MySpace page. Frankly, we found Sweet Ann’s pronunciation to be quite hysterical in many cases with her unable to enunciate some words. But it’s progress…

PowerFX’s Sweet Ann is now available as a download for $149. A DVD version is available for $169. More information on PowerFX Sweet Ann.

Author: FutureMusic

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