Kevin (Synthesizer V Studio)

* Physical
* Digitals

* Dreamtonics (Intl.)
* Taobao
* AHS

**Digital copies**:

* AHS Store
* AHS Store (Starter Pack)
* AHS Store (Starter Pack; user discount)
* animate GAMES
* DLSite
* Dreamtonics (International)
* Dreamtonics (Intl.) (Bundle set)
* Dreamtonics (Mainland China)
* Dreamtonics (Mainland China) (Bundle set)
* Dwango JP Store
* SONICWIRE
* Vector PC Shop

**This article is about the Synthesizer V Studio software known as a voice database. If you are looking for the Synthesizer V concept then click here.**

## History

### 2021

On June 18, 2021, a male English vocal from Dreamtonics Co., Ltd. was teased singing "Something New" in a video regarding the third generation of Synthesizer V AI. It was noted that his voice was a work-in-progress and that the demo may not represent the final quality. Sometime in late June, Eclipsed Sounds, LLC assisted Dreamtonics with this vocal's configurations and had finished the majority of their work in July.

On December 23, he was featured in the demo for Synthesizer V Studio version 1.5.0 and was heard singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" in Japanese, English, and Mandarin Chinese, in addition to another unnamed song featuring him in English and Mandarin. Version 1.5.0's main new feature was "Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis", which allowed any AI voice database to not only sing in their base language but also fluently in the other two available languages despite not being trained nor recorded in them. This meant that the English male's voice database could sing fluently in Japanese and Mandarin with this feature. It was later noted on Dreamtonics's news press that they were determined to diversify the lineup of voices, hence the creation of a male native American English AI voice. He was expected to release in early 2022.

### 2022

On January 27, 2022, the Dreamtonics English male vocal was featured in the later portion of AH-Software Co. Ltd.'s livestream, which was launched to celebrate the release of Kyomachi Seika for Synthesizer V Studio, and Tohoku Zunko and Tohoku Itako for CeVIO AI. There, he was heard singing "Dancing in the binary" and he was still noted as a "work-in-progress". They mentioned that they had data of him singing in Japanese, but due to time constraints, they were unable to showcase it, rather instead revealing a brand new Japanese male afterward (later known as Ryo). On February 4, his name was officially announced to be "Kevin" and his concept art was revealed. A video featuring his test song "Stir Crazy" was expected to release later that day at 12 PM GMT+8.

Kevin and Ryo were suddenly released on February 4 as digital packages through AH-Software and Dreamtonics's new international official store. Up until February 6, users ordering from the Dreamtonics Taobao shop could receive a special New Year's discount for 100RMB off the regular prices. These were applicable for Kevin, Ryo, and their bundle sets with the Synthesizer V Studio Pro editor.

On June 13, Dreamtonics announced that they launched a new official store for the Chinese market built on WeChat's Mini Program. Users would be able to purchase the Synthesizer V Studio Pro editor and Dreamtonics' vocals through the application in a convenient manner, enjoying the automatic real-time distribution shopping experience. From June 13 to July 13, users were able to take advantage of unlimited 10% off coupons in the new store. It was later clarified that the decision to open this new shopping option was made due to Taobao's new restrictions on the sales of virtual goods as of April 2022, especially for restrictions on shipments without logistics since virtual goods would need to be delivered via email.

On June 30, it was announced that Kevin would be receiving a physical package, which was expected to release on July 21, with pre-orders beginning on July 1.

On July 21, Kevin was one of the AI voice databases to receive an update for HDVM compatibility (a feature introduced in Synthesizer V Studio Pro 1.7.0, also released the same day). However, some users complained about unstable voice-quality results when re-rendering in 1.7.0 projects saved under earlier versions of the editor that made use of his voice database (after updating it to v106). On July 22, Dreamtonics explained that by default, the AI Retakes feature favors "rich timbre and expressions over smooth and stable vocalization", resulting in inconsistent behavior relative to previous versions; as a workaround to stabilize the voice output, both Dreamtonics and AH-Software offered these steps below:

* Empty the selection.
* Open AI Retakes panel, go to Timbre tab.
* Under Takes -> Global Settings, reduce Expressiveness.

Responding to requests from users, both Dreamtonics and AHS made available for download that same day rolled-back versions of Kevin (as well as other affected AI voice databases distributed by them) by logging in to their respective websites.

### Updates

Kevin AI v102 - March 25, 2022
A free update for Kevin AI was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.6.0 update. This enables him to use the new Vocal Mode options. Four variations were included: Belt, Clear, Soft, and Solid.

Kevin AI v106 - July 21, 2022
A free update for Kevin AI was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.7.0 update. This enables him to use the new High Dynamics Voice Models and AI Retakes features.

Kevin AI v104 - July 22, 2022
A free downgrade for Kevin that removed HDVM compatibility while still retaining some new features. Was briefly available for download from AHS Store's MyPage, until it was pulled in favor of downgrading further back to v102 (after it was found to be still affected by the new features introduced in Synthesizer V Studio 1.7.0 that affected pronunciation, similar to what happened to Natsuki Karin v102).

Kevin AI v107b1 - November 10, 2022
A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.8.0b1 update. This enables him to use the new Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DPM) feature.

Kevin AI v107 - November 24, 2022
Final version update compatible for Synthesizer V Studio 1.8.0 and enables Kevin to use the new Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DPM) feature if the beta version was not installed previously.

Kevin AI v108b - February 6, 2023
A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.8.1b1 update. This improved the neural vocoder for male vocals in general, which results in an enhanced sound quality in the bass range.

Kevin AI v108 - February 16, 2023
Final version update compatible for Synthesizer V Studio 1.8.1 and improves the neural vocoder for all male vocals, including Kevin, which results in an enhanced sound quality in the bass range.

Kevin AI 109b1 - April 18, 2023
A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.9.0b1 update. This implemented the new rap feature available for the English and Mandarin languages. Cantonese Chinese was added to the Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis feature as well as general improvements to the overall function, resulting in more accurate pronunciation that sounds closer to a native speaker when singing foreign words.

Kevin AI v109b2 - May 23, 2023
A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.9.0b2 update. This version of the vocal allowed for compatibility with the engine's second beta, which focused on rectifying several design issues identified by the user base in the 1.9.0b1 post-release survey.

Kevin AI v109 - June 21 2023
Final version update compatible for Synthesizer V Studio 1.9.0 and enables Kevin to use the rap feature (English and Mandarin Chinese only) and allow for Cantonese Chinese Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis if the beta versions were not installed previously.

Kevin AI v110b1 - August 2, 2023 A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.10.0b1 update. This enhanced pitch generation by utilizing Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), translating to fewer off-key errors, making better use of vibrato, and creating more expressive transitions between notes. This also allowed for the use of the new "Enhancement" slider in the AI Retakes panel, which controlled the level of changes introduced by RLHF. For Synthesizer V Studio Pro users, feedback submission was enabled, allowing users to consensually share their preferred takes with only Dreamtonics for research and development purposes, where models trained with this feedback would be deployed in future voice database updates. Users may also opt out of this feature if undesired.

Kevin AI v110b2 - September 28, 2023 A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.10.0b2 update, which was the second beta version following version 1.10.0b1 that introduced enhancements to voice databases and integrated the latest user feedback via Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). Regarding the editor, numerous reported issues were addressed for a more fluid experience. A new generation of pitch models were trained using the extensive feedback from users over the past month, and the new models offered greater accuracy in voice timbre reproduction, as well as a reduction in mispronunciations. Dreamtonics also focused on issues from the previous beta release that made Vocal Modes seem less distinct on certain vocals, ensuring clearer differentiation in the 1.10.0b2 update. The latest update also introduced a new feature in the Note Properties Panel that allowed for even division of a note into multiple syllables, proving to be a useful tool for songs with faster tempos.

Kevin AI v110 - October 19, 2023 Final version update compatible for Synthesizer V Studio 1.10.0 and enables Kevin to use Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) as well as other enhancements (as listed in v110b1 and v110b2's notes) if the beta version was not installed previously.

Kevin AI v111 - October 26, 2023 A free update for Kevin was released that added support for the Japanese language to the rap feature.

Kevin AI v112b1 - December 18, 2023
A free update for Kevin was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.11.0b2 update. This implemented support for the Spanish language in the Cross-Lingual Singing Synthesis feature.

## Voice Database Information

### Voice Databases

Product Information
**Optimum**

  **Genre:** Rock, EDM, Musicals
**Versions**

  **Lite Version/FLT Available?:** No  **Starter Pack Available?:** Yes  **Web Version Available?:** No
**Package details** as noted:

Kevin is a masculine English voice database with an American accent. As expected of an AI voice database, this enables him to sing with a more human-like and realistic voice. According to Dreamtonics and AH-Software, he is noted to have a wide range, clear high tones, and a powerful voice.
**Vocal traits** as noted:

* While Kevin has a vocal timbre that is best suited for powerful tunes (like Rock and EDM), Dreamtonics stated that his clear pronunciation also makes him quite versatile for other genres (like musicals).
* According to Dreamtonics, as demonstrated in the song "Stir Crazy" by Crusher, Kevin was noted to have an outstanding treble performance.
* AH-Software described his voice to be vibrant and resilient.
* As per the Synthesizer V Studio 1.7.0 update launched on July 21, 2022, through High Dynamics Voice Models (HDVM), which later migrated to Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DPM) per the 1.8.0b1 update on November 10, AI voice databases may use AI Retakes to create multiple "takes" of a sung section with variations in pitch, dynamics, and timbre. This replicates the randomness of human vocalists, adds a more realistic feel, and allows users to find an ideal vocal without the need for "laborious tuning." This feature is only available in the Synthesizer V Studio Pro Editor.

**Phonetic notes** as noted:

* Phoneme format: ARPABET
* Through Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis, Kevin can sing in not only English but also in Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. Since the release of his v109b1 update on April 18, 2023, he can also sing in Cantonese Chinese with this feature; since his v112b1 update on December 18, he can also sing in Spanish with this feature. Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis is only available in the Synthesizer V Studio Pro Editor.

**Vocal Modes** as noted (Synthesizer V Studio Pro Editor only):

* As of March 25, 2022, Kevin became compatible with the Vocal Mode function introduced in Synthesizer V Studio 1.6.0. His v102 update included four variations:
	+ "Belt"
	+ "Clear"
	+ "Soft"
	+ "Solid"

**System requirements** as noted:

	+ Intel Core series 4th generation i5 (i5-4xxx) or higher
	+ AMD Athlon X4 845, Ryzen series or higher
* RAM: 2GB or higher
* Disk Space: 1 GB or higher (for installing one voice database)
	+ The amount of space required depends on the number of voice databases installed.
* Display: 1280 x 800 or higher

	+ Windows 11/10/8.1
	+ Mac OS X: 10.11 or higher
	+ Linux Ubuntu 18.4 or higher

**Other:**

* Sound card
* Internet connection is necessary for activation and obtaining updaters.

**License agreements** as noted:

* Dreamtonics Co., Ltd.'s End User License Agreement - Japanese
* Dreamtonics Co., Ltd.'s End User License Agreement - English
* Dreamtonics Co., Ltd.'s End User License Agreement - Simplified Chinese
* AH-Software's End User License Agreement - Japanese
* AH-Software's End User License Agreement - English

**Voice database sample**

## References

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir3eb9lwKp8
2. ↑ https://archive.org/details/solariaproductiondiary/
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De4cnZkl5pQ
4. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/cross-lingual-support-for-synthesizer-v-ai/
5. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/cross-lingual-support-for-synthesizer-v-ai/
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i\_II7NSZ51Q
7. ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/623058622026966335
8. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1489434512337809408
9. ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/623256323664345727
10. ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/671200609838301200
11. ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv17082866
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJVmg0cIZrM
13. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1542711016860962816
14. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1550050403613835264
15. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1550520904291012609
16. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1550520905868009472
17. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1550385484027035649
18. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1550520907159851009
19. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1550385686389616640
20. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/synthesizer-v-studio-1-6-0-update/
21. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/synthesizer-v-studio-1-7-0-update-ai-retakes-feature/
22. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/synthesizer-v-studio-1-8-0b1-update/
23. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/synthesizer-v-studio-1-8-0-final-update/
24. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1595674717200916481/
25. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/synthesizer-v-studio-1-8-1b1-update/
26. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1622505781265563648
27. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-8-1-final-update//
28. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1626100512675500033
29. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-9-0b1-update-rap-cantonese-and-more/
30. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1648235081608343552
31. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-9-0b2-update/
32. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1660888307482656771
33. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-9-0-final-update/
34. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1671427830629154816
35. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1686648078571655168
36. ↑ https://t.bilibili.com/825177687051993121
37. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-10-0b1-update-enhancing-pitch-generation-with-user-feedback/
38. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1686653272474738689
39. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1707304150059639108
40. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-10-0b2-update/
41. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1707304906535956719
42. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-10-0-final-update/
43. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1714919114182181140/photo/1
44. ↑ https://twitter.com/ahsoft/status/1717451110305366047
45. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-11-0b2-update/
46. ↑ https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv15113560
47. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/en/synthesizer-v-studio-1-8-0-final-update/
48. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1550048543624564736
49. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1550048543624564736