PowerFX has released Sweet Ann, the first of their new line of vocal libraries employing Yamaha’s Vocaloid2 software. Vocaloid software applications let users type in words and melody and have the virtual vocalist ”sing” back the input.

If it all sounds a bit creepy and cool, check out the demos at the PowerFX site or visit Sweet Ann’s Myspace page.

“We are extremely excited about the release of Sweet Ann and developing vocal libraries for Vocaloid,” said PowerFX CEO Bil Bryant. “Vocal synthesis and voice modelling is an evolving technology that is still in its infancy, but the developments and functions of Vocaloid2 make it such an incredibly useful tool for any digital music maker that we had to get involved.”

Description:

Sweet Ann is a pure “popstress.” Her realistic vocals include a warm vibrato and an unmatchable range. While she can sing lead or harmony parts, PowerFX envisions her as essential to the music labs of producers and electronic dance artists who depend on unique vocals for their genre.

“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,” continued Bryant.

Sweet Ann’s vocals come from a 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. All of this makes for an exciting songwriting and recording process.

Users can compose using Sweet Ann as their demo vocalist, and even 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.

PowerFX’s Sweet Ann vocal library package is available for $149 directly from PowerFX and includes a stand alone version, a VSTi plugin with real-time keyboard performance and ReWire connectivity to a host sequencer.