Ruby is probably most likely to find favour with producers of EDM and pop-dance styles
New
from Sweden's PowerFX Systems comes Ruby, a new virtual vocalist that
works with Vocaloid 4, the latest edition of Yamaha's song synthesis
engine.
Since
the Vocaloid engine first arrived on the scene, dozens of 'vocaloids'
have been created for use with it, of which Ruby is the latest.
Though most commonly heard on J-Pop and K-Pop productions, vocaloid
vocals have found their way onto recordings by western artists, such
as Mike Oldfield's 2005 Light &
Shade album.
Ruby
is described as "a youthful female vocalist with a
smooth, joyful-sounding tone of voice, capable of singing in a wide
range of musical styles from soft ballads to more upbeat dance/house
tracks". Though you'd be unlikely to mistake Ruby for a real singer,
going by the demo we've heard, in styles where heavily-effected
vocals are the norm she certainly offers a welcome alternative from
the same old sample pack vocals for aspiring producers without the
facilities, budget or contacts to record professional singers.
Ruby
is available now, priced £100 (download)/£109 (DVD). You'll also
need a copy of Vocaloid 4, if you don't have one already - the normal
retail price for that is £99 but PowerFX are also selling a Vocaloid
4 plus Ruby bundle for just £159.
You
can find out more, and hear Ruby in action, at the PowerFX website.
Tags: Vocaloid, synthesis, Ruby, PowerFX, Yamaha