SAROS (Synthesizer V Studio)

**Digital copies**:

* Eclipsed Sounds (Pre-Order)

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

## History

### 2023

#### Q2

On April 10, 2023, Eclipsed Sounds showed a small sample of their new 'masculine' vocal, SAROS, and confirmed that more information would be coming soon. The beta voice database would be available to demo at Eclipsed Sounds' booth at the NAMM Show, however, as the demonstrations created during the event are created by individual users rather than team-led demonstrations, it was noted that the resulting files and samples would not be uploaded. Further information would be presented toward the end of the month for those who did not attend NAMM. During the event, SAROS's design, illustrated by Superstellar, was revealed on one of the booth's banners, with a photo shared on Twitter by Tomohide Ogata from AH-Software Co. Ltd., which Eclipsed Sounds did not expect, but welcomed it.

On April 27, DTM Station released an article featuring an interview with Taylor Hennessy, the CEO of Eclipsed Sounds. In the article, SAROS was mentioned to be expected in late 2023, possibly around Autumn. On May 1, SAROS's official website was available. The final illustration and logo appear on the official SAROS webpage, with more information, including a pre-order schedule and release date, expected to come in the future.

On May 27, a newsletter about SAROS was released by Eclipsed Sounds, recapping the introduction of the new vocalist. It was noted that the company accounts were quiet for some time due to the internal development of SAROS. With SAROS appearing at the NAMM Show, Eclipsed Sounds took this as an opportunity to gather feedback to determine the vocal's positioning with regard to further demos. According to booth visitors, SAROS was described as a "midway point between SOLARIA and ASTERIAN", a "very strong and expressive voice", and "so stylish!". Attendees were impressed by the software and shocked by the realism, flexibility, and expressiveness of Synthesizer V vocals in general. Regarding demos, more were expected to be released and Eclipsed Sounds noted that they've partnered with more songwriters than ever before. They would be using their previous experience with SOLARIA's and ASTERIAN's promotional cycles to improve their strategies and focus on sharing information on SAROS. Pre-orders would not be opened until the bulk of development was completed in order to show the near-final product and provide the most accurate information. In order to ensure the same level of quality as SOLARIA and ASTERIAN, SAROS's development would be taken slower, with work extensively checked by the Eclipsed Sounds team members. Many aspects of SAROS would need to be adjusted before pre-orders open or a final release date was decided. In the current beta, the team was focused on improving the Vocal Modes' performances and SAROS was expected to have more Vocal Modes and would contain more data than SOLARIA and ASTERIAN. The team was working with an extended timeline to ensure quality and clarity in communication with a longer list of pre-release demos compared to the previous two vocals. If successful, SAROS was expected to release before the end of summer.

While responding to questions submitted to their Tumblr account, Eclipsed Sounds revealed that SAROS was in the scouting stages at the same time as ASTERIAN. However, due to scheduling conflicts, SAROS's voice provider could not begin recording until the beginning of 2023.

#### Q3

On July 9, it was announced that SAROS was continuing to be improved and soon, their core range and Vocal Modes would be solidified. As soon as this occurred, pre-orders would be opened. When asked about a physical release, Eclipsed Sounds confirmed that SAROS would be receiving one to match SOLARIA and ASTERIAN. Further details would be announced in the future. On August 4, it was confirmed that like SOLARIA and ASTERIAN, SAROS would be releasing with bonus files. Any new additions that came with SAROS would also be available to SOLARIA and ASTERIAN. On August 13, Eclipsed Sounds tweeted that due to some additional obstacles in the final phase of development, the rest of the SAROS demos were put on hold until the timeline was more solidified and before pre-orders could be made available. For the released demos at the time, it may seem that the development was complete, but the company had something special in the works that required more time. They did not expect for the delay to last for long.

#### Q4

On October 15, after publishing SAROS's latest demo song, pre-orders and physical purchases went live. Eclipsed Sounds also announced that SAROS would feature ten vocal modes in total, more than SOLARIA and ASTERIAN, and that their names were refined based on their applications on two of the official released demos. The limited-edition physical pre-order page gave December as the estimated shipping date.

Following the release of SAROS's sixth demonstration *Keep Your Eyes On Me* also on October 15, Eclipsed Sounds revealed additional information regarding SAROS's development. It was noted that this demonstration was originally scheduled to be released in June, planned as the cutoff before the announcement of the demonstration delay. The delay was due to additional development time required for a "special addition" to be added to SAROS's voice database, however, it was noted that this demo does not utilize that update. The demonstration serves as the first usage of Synthesizer V Studio's Rap Mode for pitch generation for SAROS despite them not having additional Rap data. The producer of the song Koge used eight of SAROS's ten confirmed vocal modes, primarily being used as parameters and not being adjusted any further than 150% application. It was noted that following this demonstration's release, SAROS's vocal modes have been renamed with the producers Koge and AIKA being cited as inspiration in refining the names based on their application. It was announced that the next phase of SAROS's demonstration lineup would "eschew the full-song format to focus directly on vocal modes" as the team finishes preparing SAROS's "special addition".

As part of the return to SAROS's demonstration cycle, Eclipsed Sounds have added a section to SAROS's product page, providing raw vocals for each demonstration using the most updated version of the database. The demonstrations were exported directly from Synthesizer V with only the noted adjustments.

On November 5, the "special addition" for SAROS was revealed to be support for Spanish Cross-Lingual Singing Synthesis, which was demonstrated on "Forever". The release date was set to November 24; pre-orderers were advised to check their emails that early morning for their activation codes and download links.

On December 14, when asked by an anonymous user regarding SAROS's license mentioning a Lite version, Eclipsed Sounds responded that, like SOLARIA and ASTERIAN before, SAROS will have a Lite voice database sometime after their next project in 2024.

### Updates

SAROS AI v101b1 - November 24, 2023
The same day SAROS was released (as v100), a free beta update for them was released simultaneous with the Synthesizer V Studio 1.11.0b1 update. This added experimental support for the Spanish language in Cross-Lingual Singing Synthesis.

* **Known Issue**: After installing v101b1, Cantonese Chinese disappears from Cross-Lingual Synthesis' list of supported languages for SAROS. Eclipsed Sounds acknowledged this as a small mistake on their part, instructing users to use v100 whenever they want to use SAROS with Cantonese, and promised to fix this error in the final v101 release.

SAROS AI v101b2 - December 18, 2023
A free update for SAROS was released following the Synthesizer V Studio 1.11.0b2 update, which was the second beta version following version 1.11.0b1 that introduced support for the Spanish language in Cross-Lingual Singing Synthesis. This second beta version featured particularly improved pronunciation of the trill consonant ‘rr’ in Spanish.

## Voice Database Information

### Voice Databases

Product Information
**Optimum**

  **Tempo:** 60 ~ 180 BPM  **Range:** Tenor (B2 ~ C5)
**Versions**

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

SAROS is a tenor-based English voice database with a wide range and bilingual Spanish capability. As expected of an AI voice database, this enables them to sing with a more human-like and realistic voice.
**Vocal traits** as noted:

* SAROS is described as a dynamic and expressive virtual vocalist.
* Taylor Hennessy, the CEO of Eclipsed Sounds, LLC, noted that SAROS' vocal is regarded as a tenor and despite having both masculine and feminine voice attributes, has a vocal range that leans towards the masculine side of tone.
* The vocal style is partially inspired by glam rock and the gender ambiguity and vocal flexibility of the era.
* According to one of the demo producers, ODDEEO, he noted that generally, he liked to push the vocals to their absolute expressive limit. With SAROS, there was already so much depth even though he hardly scratched the surface.
* With Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DPM), SAROS can sing more realistically through changes in volume and breath, further enriching singing details, making each singing unique, and providing creators with more options. Through this mode, they can use AI Retakes to create multiple "takes" of a sung section to find an ideal vocal without the need for "laborious tuning". This feature is only available in the Synthesizer V Studio Pro Editor.
	+ This will not apply to the upcoming Lite version.

**Phonetic notes** as noted:

* Phoneme format: ARPABET
* Through Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis, SAROS can sing in not only English and Spanish but also in Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese Chinese. This feature is only available in the Synthesizer V Studio Pro Editor.
	+ This will not apply to the Lite version, thus restricting the voice database to English only.
	+ Spanish support is experimental and only available after installing the beta v101b1 or v101b2 update.
	+ It should be noted that while Eclipsed Sounds officially recognizes SAROS as a bilingual voice database, their default language is set to English. They were confirmed to be trained in both English and Spanish. They would only be available as an English voice database by default in the Synthesizer V Studio Basic Editor.
* SAROS contains more data compared to SOLARIA and ASTERIAN.

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

* SAROS comes with ten variations:
	+ "**Passionate**": As with SOLARIA & ASTERIAN, SAROS’ “Passionate” mode simply provides their most natural tone, with an enhanced degree of “performance”. “Passionate” can be used to offset noise or tone for any other vocal mode. Notably, falsetto begins at the exact same part of SAROS’ range with “Passionate” enabled, but with a less high-end breathy sound. Complimentary modes in duet: "**Passionate**" (ASTERIAN), "**Passionate**" (SOLARIA). **Recommended Range: A2-G5, Falsetto Begins: A4 (A4-G5)**.
	+ "**Power**": The “Power” mode intensifies SAROS’ expression, especially in the higher end of SAROS’ range. This tone is also suitable for creating clear, non-falsetto expression at SAROS’ highest possible notes even outside of the recommended range with manual adjustment. To reach SAROS’ most powerful, we suggest combining “Power” with other strong or tense modes. Complimentary modes in duet: "**Strained**", "**Rough**" (ASTERIAN), "**Power**", "**Solid**" (SOLARIA). **Recommended Range: C#3-G#5 (Falsetto: pushed above recommended range [A5])**.
	+ "**Bright**": “Bright” adds tension and clarity to SAROS’ voice, making it more piercing and sharp in tone. Ideal for songs with an already crowded arrangement or pieces that need vocals to cut through to center stage. Complimentary modes in duet: "**Clear**" (ASTERIAN), "**Clear**", "**Solid**" (SOLARIA). **Recommended Range: C#3-F5 (Falsetto: pushed above recommended range [G#5])**.
	+ "**Dark**": “Dark” brings SAROS’ sound to its coldest and also most masculine, rounding pronunciation and pushing the database’s range to its most natural lows. “Dark” can also bring out pensive tones on falsetto notes, while pulling the falsetto transition lower in SAROS’ range. Complimentary modes in duet: "**Open**" (ASTERIAN), "**Solid**" (SOLARIA). **Recommended Range: B2-E5 (Falsetto: G4-E5)**.
	+ "**Falsetto**": “Falsetto” is based directly on falsetto-only data from SAROS’ voice provider. It can be used in moderation to warm and soften tone, or turned all the way up to create lines only in falsetto tones. Complimentary modes in duet: "**Gentle**" (ASTERIAN), "**Airy**" (SOLARIA). **Recommended Range: C3-B5**.
	+ "**Full**": The Full vocal mode creates a thicker and more solid sound that becomes stronger in high notes and pushes falsetto higher. This mode is ideal for increasing SAROS' non-falsetto range without changing their core tone very drastically, or adding solidity without too much additional power. Combining "**Full**" & "**Bright**" provides SAROS' "**Clear**" vocal mode equivalent. Opposite & Partner Mode: "**Bright**". **Recommended Range: G#2-F5, Falsetto Begins: C#5**.
	+ "**Soft**": The softest vocal mode, Soft provides a great deal of breathiness while removing much of the support from SAROS' usually powerful tone, producing a whispery voice that dips into falsetto earlier than stronger vocal modes. Soft is a naturally noisy vocal mode, and it is best rendered using the option to separate the aspiration output. Opposite Mode: "**Resounding**". Partner Mode: "**Gentle**". **Recommended Range: G#2-E5, Falsetto Begins: D#4**.
	+ "**Gentle**": Gentle is the second softest mode, subduing SAROS' powerful voice and adding a degree of warmth to their voice. This vocal mode helps to create a smooth tone ideal for ballads and generally relaxing songs, without adding a great deal of breathy noise. Opposite Mode: "**Power**". Partner Mode: "**Soft**". **Recommended Range: G2-F5, Falsetto Begins: E4**.
	+ "**Feminine**": Feminine is a second, clearer falsetto mode that presents the tone without the typical addition of a large breath component. This creates a unique and mellow tone in low notes, and a clear natural tone in the higher notes. This mode allows the user to "ease up" on SAROS' naturally tense sound when used in small amounts. Opposite Mode: "**Power**". Partner Mode: "**Soft**". **Recommended Range: B2-F5, Falsetto Begins: (in earnest at) G4.**
	+ "**Resounding**": Resounding is a stylistic mode with "spat" consonants and a biting tone meant for rock, pop punk, and metal vocals. This mode is semi experimental, and so introduces quite a bit of noise at its highest application, but allows for "screamy" high notes beyond what SAROS' other vocal modes can accomplish. Opposite Mode: "**Soft**". Partner Mode: "**Power**". **Recommended Range: B2-G#5 Falsetto Begins: no falsetto in mode's range.**

**Software issues** as noted:

After installing either beta update v101b1 or v101b2 (which includes support for Spanish Cross-lingual Singing Synthesis), Cantonese Chinese disappears from the list of supported Cross-lingual Synthesis languages. This is a known mistake recognized by Eclipsed Sounds and will be fixed for the final v101 update, which will support all five languages. In the meantime, v100 can be used for Cantonese Chinese Cross-lingual Synthesis.
**System requirements** as noted:

* **OS**: Windows 11/10/8.1 or later, Mac OS X 10.11 or later, Ubuntu 18.04 or later (64bit)
* **RAM**: 2GB or higher
* **CPU**: Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD processor
	+ **For editing AI in high quality mode**: 4th Generation Intel Core i5 series or later, AMD Athlon X4 845 or later, including Ryzen

**License agreements** as noted:

* Synthesizer V SAROS License Agreement - English

**Voice database sample**

## References

1. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1645606369280622593
2. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1645653126106546176
3. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1645874856163184645
4. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1645653128010780672
5. ↑ https://twitter.com/tomo\_ahs/status/1646597308627456000
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 https://www.eclipsedsounds.com/post/new-digital-vocalist-saros-from-eclipsed-sounds-announced
7. ↑ https://www.dtmstation.com/archives/60933.html
8. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1652931560075673600
9. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1652931564282494977
10. ↑ https://eclipsedsounds.tumblr.com/post/719578639503638528/a-few-questions-i-have-about-asterian-im-looking
11. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1678163580472918016
12. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1678202044568436736
13. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1687499190316797952
14. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1690854450741620737
15. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1690854452327010305
16. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1690855773163720705
17. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713699809327030556
18. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711139345883478
19. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711140696400243
20. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711134543380710
21. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711137995276618
22. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711139345883478
23. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711140696400243
24. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713711142109868160
25. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1713934542715691476
26. ↑ https://www.eclipsedsounds.com/post/spanish-is-coming-synth-v
27. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1727785762618310946
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 https://www.tumblr.com/eclipsedsounds/736722574474657792/i-was-reading-about-saros-license-and-i-saw-that
29. ↑ https://twitter.com/dreamtonics\_en/status/1727961739260510661
30. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1727980118964916720
31. ↑ https://dreamtonics.com/synthesizer-v-studio-1-11-0b2-update/
32. ↑ https://www.eclipsedsounds.com/saros#RawVocalSamples - A series uploaded by Eclipsed Sounds that mainly showcases multiple use-cases of the voice database in different styles in fully realized pieces. Users can hear the vocalist's raw voice samples with little to no manual adjustment.
33. ↑ Situationally dependent, English mode only. The official character profile lists instead 80 ~ 180 BPM.
34. ↑ Subject to change in the final version. Range recommended is for default expression & does not include usage of parameters or vocal modes.
35. ↑ https://www.eclipsedsounds.com/post/saros-for-synthesizer-v-studio-demos-range-vocal-information
36. ↑ https://i.imgur.com/CpYg6xx.png Screenshot from Taylor Hennessy, also known as celestrai "celest", regarding the description of SAROS' vocal.
37. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1647612677550923778
38. ↑ https://twitter.com/\_ODDEEO\_/status/1653039719008153601
39. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1719943944547512829
40. ↑ https://twitter.com/eclipsedsounds/status/1726436562005582010
41. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeS58zO0DnU
42. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlaRtFo55HE