| Futaba Minato | CeVIO AI | VoiSona | VoiSona Talk | | | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This article is about the CeVIO AI software known as a voicebank. If you are looking for the CeVIO character then click here.
History[]
2022[]
On August 18, 2022, a new CeVIO AI Song Voice, "Futaba Minato", was announced to be in development by Gasoline Alley Inc. in collaboration with CeVIO Project and was planned to be released in December 2022.[1][2] Minato was confirmed to be illustrated by Japanese illustrator hitoba, and an official logo was to designed by Tohru Mitsuhashi (トールミツハシ).[3] She was advertised as a speech synthesis character project that started from a clean place with a completely new character, and was to be made available as packaged and digital download versions. An official website and Twitter account were created for her.[4]
Throughout the months of August and September, concept illustrations in the form of photographs of Minato's design were revealed and uploaded to her official Instagram and Twitter accounts, which included her clothing, accessories, and shoes.[5][6][7] On September 27, Minato's Twitter tweeted that there would be an unveiling on September 30.[8] Another promotional Tweet was posted the following day with another portion of Minato's design alongside a good morning message.[9][10] On September 30, the first demonstration for Minato's Song Voice was shown.[11][12]
On October 21, new information was revealed including the revelation of her voice provider, who was confirmed to be Sachika Misawa, a Japanese voice actress and singer. Minato's official CeVIO AI release date was announced to be on December 2.[13][14] An official PR TIMES press release was launched further detailing information of her release.[15][16] Her full illustration for CeVIO AI was revealed in the article, and it was announced that she would be releasing as physical and digital download copies of her Song Voice as well as Starter Pack options. As a bonus, newly-recorded audio files titled "Futaba Minato Sampling Voice (Provisional)" (双葉湊音サンプリングボイス（仮）), which could be used for music production and video production, and a collection of instrumental files titled "Beginner's Luck Track Pack" (ビギナーズラック・トラックパック), which supported music composition debuts (including WAV files), would be included.
Pricing was announced as followed:
- Seishun-kei CeVIO AI Song Voice Futaba Minato Starter Pack (Package Version) priced at ¥20,680 yen (tax included).
- Seishun-kei CeVIO AI Song Voice Futaba Minato Song Voice (Package version) priced at ¥11,880 yen (tax included).
- Seishun-kei CeVIO AI Song Voice Futaba Minato Starter Pack (Download Version) priced at ¥19,580 yen (tax included).
- Seishun-kei CeVIO AI Song Voice Futaba Minato Song Voice (Download Version) priced at ¥10,780 yen (tax included).
Following the reveal, Sachika Misawa gave a few words of praise stating that it was one of her dreams to do a synthesized voice and requested fans to sing various songs.[17] The final announcement was that Minato's official website was scheduled to be renewed and fully operational in early November.[18]
The following day on October 22, Minato's official Twitter announced that she would participating in two upcoming events:[19]
- October 30, 2022 M3 Autumn 2022 (M3 2022秋) in Tokyo, Japan
- November 20, 2022 Vocal Party (声音の宴) in Kyoto, Japan
The first full demonstration song, 季節のレンズ (Kisetsu no Lens) by Haru-ichiban, was released on October 30 and showcased at the official Futaba Minato booth during the M3 Autumn 2022 (M3 2022秋) album release fair. Various merchandise featuring Minato was released during the event, including clear file folders and official Minato-themed acrylic keychains.[20][21]
On November 5, Minato's BOOTH store opened and the pre-order period for the Limited Special Edition packaged version of her software started.[22] The special edition included various pieces of merchandise and media including:
- Package Illustration A5 Size Canvas Print
- Acrylic Stand
- 2 Types of icon stickers
- "Minato Futaba Preset Sound" Bonus Tracks (About 30 types of downloads, including different takes of the additional recorded sounds of the regular version.)[23]
2023[]
On September 29, 2023, the official Futaba Minato Twitter account posted a new background illustration, thanking fans for their patience, for an upcoming Futaba Minato project.[24] Moments later, a second tweet was posted, announcing the "Seishun-kei Futaba Minato Talk Voice" production project, featuring a new illustration for Minato along with three announcements, the first being the announcement of two speaking libraries for Minato, to be released for both CeVIO AI and VoiSona Talk, as well as an official crowdfunding campaign, scheduled to start on October 20, with additional details to be announced in the future.[25][26] The full illustration for Minato's talk libraries was released on October 3.[27]
A teaser for the upcoming crowdfund was later posted on October 16.[28] A preview of Minato's speaking voice was released in commemoration of the beginning of the crowdfund.[29] The first official demonstration of her VoiSona Talk library was released the next day on October 17, stated to be progressing in development little by little.[30] The following day on October 18, it was noted that crowdfunding would begin at 19:00 on Friday, October 20; the official campaign page, using ubgoe as its platform, was created in preparation for the start of the campaign. A second sample featuring Minato's Shy emotion was also showcased.[31][32] A sample of her Cry emotion was posted the following day on October 19, following a poll.[33][34]
The crowdfunding campaign was broken down into four goals: the first being the release of the CeVIO AI Talk Voice & VoiSona Talk libraries; the second being the development of six emotions: "Normal", "Fine", "Angry", "Cry", "Shy", and "Child"; the third being a goal with production for the new version 2.0 engine with even higher quality than the previous product would be adopted; and the fourth, a target release in late January 2024. The target amount for the crowdfund was set at ¥4,500,000 yen and the crowdfund period was announced to run from Friday, October 20, 2023 at 19:00, to Wednesday, November 29 at 23:59.[35]
Various reward tiers, including options for the CeVIO AI Talk Voice and Starter Pack packages and Digital Download options for both CeVIO AI and VoiSona Talk and associated merchandise, were announced. Dependent upon which tier was selected, supporters could receive the following rewards:
- Thank you voice & image message.
- Extra voice material (Preset Sound #03).
- Voice material (about 200 wav files). (Crowdfund exclusive)
- CeVIO AI Talk Voice (Packaged Version) with limited illustrations.
- CeVIO AI Talk Voice (Download version) with limited illustration data.
- CeVIO AI Talk Starter (Packaged Version) with limited illustrations.
- CeVIO AI Talk Starter (Download Version) with limited illustration data.
- VoiSona Talk activation code (with limited illustration data)
- A special Hachimaki for youth, a mini booklet with a list of supporters, and an envelope with a thank-you message.
- Acrylic stand, acrylic keychain, can badge.[36][37]
- Autograph by Sachika Misawa & voice message with the backer's name read out loud.[38]
- Limited plan to 30 people.
- supporters were asked to write the name of the person they would like to have read out loud.
- Futaba Minato original model electric guitar made by L's TRUST.
On October 19, additional details were released regarding the crowdfund. It was noted that Futaba Minato's sound output would be using the 2.0 engine and would be implemented in both the CeVIO AI and VoiSona Talk versions. With an activated serial number of CeVIO AI Minato Futaba Talk Voice, supporters could use it to redeem a copy of the VoiSona Talk version, free of charge, and would take a form similar to campaigns started for other products, such as the CeVIO AI Sato Sasara Talk Voice campaign.[39] It was recommended to supporters to purchase the CeVIO AI Futaba Minato tiers, noting that the introduction cost is lower than that of CeVIO AI Starter (of which the VoiSona Talk editor is not included), due to VoiSona Talk not requiring the purchase of a separate editor. VoiSona Talk is also compatible with Windows and MacOS, so it was especially recommended for Mac users and those who wanted to try out text-to-speech software.[40] Rewards for CeVIO AI and VoiSona Talk were announced to be shipped at the same time, with download versions to be sent via message and encouraging supporters to start using VoiSona Talk, using the CeVIO AI serial code, at the same time.[41] Three countdown tweets were posted the following three days, to build up attention to the crowdfund.[42][43][44]
The crowdfund began as expected on October 20.[45] Within the first ten minutes of the campaign, the two first limited tiers (the autograph and guitar tiers) had completely sold out.[46] By the first hour, 75% of the initial goal was raised, 90% by the second hour, and 100% by the third.[47][48][49] The package illustration was again reviewed as well as the announcement of a special crowdfund-exclusive Limited Package.[50][51][52] By the second day of crowdfunding, the campaign amassed more than 240 supporters.[53]
On October 22, during the midst of the crowdfund, Gasoline Alley Inc. held a booth at the 2023 "Each of Voice" festival for vocal synthesizer characters.[54] Throughout the weekend, a series of Futaba Minato-themed merchandise was distributed as well copies of her CeVIO AI Minato Futaba Song Voice.[55] A demo of Minato's VoiSona Talk library was showcased at the event.[56]
By October 23, the second goal of the crowdfund was met, allowing for the production and distribution of official portraits and character setting drawings of Minato with the emotional value of "young" as well as production of demo songs and music videos that utilize both of Minato's Talk and Song voices (using CeVIO AI and VoiSona, respectively).[57][58]
By October 25, the crowdfund amassed more than 300 supporters and was steadily rising through the 27,[59][60] and the first report was released to the crowdfund page on the 28.[61] By October 29, over 170% was funded with the third goal near in sight by the 31.[62][63]
The third goal was achieved on November 1, prompting the decision for the production of a mini 3D live show.[64] A special thank you message was released featuring Minato's speaking voice.[65][66] A report was released following the message.[67] By November 4, 200% was raised, amassing 400 supporters.[68] On November 8, demonstration audio videos for her CeVIO AI and VoiSona Talk libraries and sample images of the acrylic stand of the goods course were published on the crowdfund page and the official Futaba Minato YouTube Channel.[69][70][71][72][73] Her software interface for the CeVIO AI edition was also revealed.[74] On November 13, it was noted that the 3D mini live concert would be held in collaboration with i-Pears Inc. (アイ・ペアーズ株式会社), the studio responsible for the Sato Sasara and Suzuki Tsudumi Autumn (ささつづAutumn) live concert.[75]
By November 15, 222% was raised, reaching the ¥10,000,000 yen mark.[76] On November 21, the can badge included in the merchandise course was revealed.[77][78] Her Talk Voice demonstrations for both CeVIO AI and VoiSona Talk were later released on NicoNico on November 17.[79][80][81][82] On November 24, the illustration for the Futaba Minato Crowdfund Limited Package was revealed, featuring a new outfit, illustrated by Hitoba.[83] It was noted that the Limited Package tier would only be available to supporters until the November 29.[84] On November 26, another sample was released announcing the end of the crowdfund on the 29.[85] A report containing information about the 2.0 information and the Limited Package was released on November 24.[86] On November 28, the last day of the campaign, a review of the crowdfund tiers was released, as well as image samples for both the acrylic stand and can badge for the merchandise options.[87][88] By this point, the campaign amassed nearly 600 supporters.[89] The full illustration for the Limited Package edition was released.[90] Two reminders for the final hours of the campaign were posted.[91][92] The campaign officially concluded on November 29, amassing a total of 682 supporters and raising a total of ¥14,666,000 yen.[93][94]
On December 21, the official release date for the CeVIO AI version of Futaba Minato was decided for January 26, 2024.[95] It was noted that she would be available at computer software stores, online stores, and download sales sites nationwide. Reservations and sales pages would be released from time to time, and users were asked to wait for further updates.[96] It was stated that regular sales of the VoiSona Talk version were scheduled to coincide with the official release of VoiSona Talk. For those who supported the VoiSona Talk course through the crowdfund, it was reassured that supporters could use it at the same time as the CeVIO AI course.[97] An official report was uploaded on the crowdfunding page regarding the release date announcement, return shipping, and a consultation regarding simultaneous posting.[98] The report regarding the mini booklet with a list of supporters was posted on the crowdfund page.[99] Pre-order reservations for the packaged edition of Minato's CeVIO AI library opened on Shimamura, showcasing the boxart for Minato's package for both the CeVIO AI Song Voice and Song Starter pack.[100][101]
2024[]
Pre-order reservations for Minato's CeVIO AI Talk Voice were released on January 5, 2024 via DLsite. A commemorative 10%-off coupon was also included.[102] On January 8, CeVIO AI was updated to version 9.0.1.0, now compatible with Minato's version 1.0.0 Talk Voice.[103][104]
Futaba Minato's CeVIO AI Talk Voice was released on January 26, as expected, allowing users to activate their copies of the VoiSona Talk library before her official release at a later date.[105][106]
On March 14, her CeVIO AI Song Voice and VoiSona Song were updated to versions 2.0.0 and 2.0 respectively, receiving the new vocoder that previously debuted on first-party VoiSona Song voicebanks.[107]
CeVIO AI[]
Futaba Minato Song Voice[]
Product Information[]
A Futaba Minato Song Voice library for CeVIO AI. A feminine vocal capable of Japanese singing synthesis.
Demonstrations[]
| Futaba Minato Song Voice Demonstrations |
|---|
|
| |
|---|---|
| CeVIO AI Song Voice Futaba Minato Teaser Video |  YouTube  Twitter
|
| CeVIO AI Song Voice Futaba Minato Teaser Video (Longer version) | Twitter
|
| CeVIO AI Song Voice Demo | Twitter
|
| 季節のレンズ (Kisetsu no Lens) |  NicoNico YouTube
|
| だっちもねえこんいっちょし (Dacchi mo ne kon iccho shi) | Twitter
|
| 雲隠 (Kumogakure) | NicoNico YouTube
|
| 【TIPS#01】ちぇびおであそぼ | YouTube Twitter
|
| 【TIPS#02】ささやき声のつくりかた | YouTube
|
| 【TIPS#03-1】 ふたばで作曲デビュー？ | YouTube
|
| 【TIPS#03-2】 ふたばで作曲デビュー？（その2） | YouTube
|
| Seishun-kei Song Voice CeVIO AI Futaba Minato Introduction Movie | YouTube
|
| My story / Your story | NicoNico YouTube  bilibili
|
| 【TIPS#04】 双葉湊音プリセットサウンド紹介 | YouTube
|
| リーフブリーズ (Leaf Breeze) | YouTube
|
| 【TIPS#05】 双葉湊音インストールの手引き | YouTube
|
| 水中イノセントベール (Suichuu Innocent Veil) | NicoNico YouTube
|
Futaba Minato Talk Voice[]
Product Information[]
A Futaba Minato Talk library for CeVIO AI. A feminine vocal capable of Japanese speech synthesis.
Demonstrations[]
| Futaba Minato Song Voice Demonstrations |
|---|
|
| |
|---|---|
| Seishun-kei CeVIO AI Futaba Minato, all 6 types of emotional values, Introduction Video (青春系トークボイス CeVIO AI 双葉湊音 感情値全6種類 紹介動画) |
NicoNico YouTube Twitter
|
System Requirements[]
- Operating environment
- Supported OS:
- Windows 11 (64bit Japanese or English version)
- Windows 10 Japanese edition (64bit Japanese or English version)
- Windows 8.1 Japanese edition (64bit Japanese or English version)
- Supported OS:
- CPU: Intel / AMD dual core processor or higher
- 4 Cores or higher recommended
- 4 Cores or higher recommended
- Memory: 4GB or more
- 8GB or more recommended
- HDD: 1GB or more (for installation)
- Display: 1280 x 720 or higher full color
Additional Notes[]
- Windows compatible sound devices are required for audio playback.
- Internet connection environment is required for license authentication and update.
- Can be used on one PC per license.
- Additional licenses may be required for commercial use of this product and synthesized speech.
- Supported languages: Japanese (English lyrics input available)
Voicebank Libraries[]
| Product Information | |
|---|---|
| Optimum | |
| Language: Japanese Optimum Range: G3-F5 Optimum Tempo: 70-140 BPM
| |
| Trial Version/Starter Pack | |
| Trial Version: No Starter Pack: Yes | |
| Vocal traits as noted: | |
|
She has a clear and mid-mature voice tone. Techno-Speech Inc, describes Futaba Minato as having "a straight, blue and clear voice". | |
| Software issues as noted: | |
|
Work In Progress | |
| Voicebank sample | |
|
1.0: | |
| Product Information | |
|---|---|
| Engine as noted: | |
| Optimum | |
| Language: Japanese
| |
| Package details as noted: | |
|
In development to be released on 'January 26, 2024' by Gasoline Alley Inc. this voicebank's stable release will be CeVIO AI.
|
Trial Version/Starter Pack |
| Starter Pack: Yes | |
| Phonetic notes as noted: | |
| |
| Voicebank sample | |
| |
References[]
- ↑ https://cevio.jp/archives/17327/
- ↑ https://prs.tokyo/music/33124/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1560099666221363200
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1560099163437576194
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1562683689578135557
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1565263200425152512
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1565263200425152512
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1574322886285869057
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1574941971210289152
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1575651649334517762
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1575651649334517762
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1575681849694703617
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1583292237793853441
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1583292975584419841
- ↑ https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000106494.html
- ↑ https://twitter.com/CeVIO_st/status/1583293487620927488
- ↑ https://twitter.com/misawa_official/status/1583292035033096192
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1583294761078693888
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1583307090726092810
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1586296794509705217
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1586527752555220993
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1588730185570226177
- ↑ https://otonoeki.booth.pm/items/4289414
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1707588507001323994
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1707591032014323970
- ↑ https://www.futabaminato.com/news/353/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1708768795404156989
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1713865798304030813
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714218647718367636
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714243962373030226
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714220147379175745
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714597492355162571
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714991200464416876
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714893136877793687
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714221196961849710
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714223329228517767
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714223493121003593
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714223493121003593
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714910440638267755
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1714955945485439335
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715141525422895184
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715201181973114927
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715246470188904897
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715291778272608307
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715306867994333623
- ↑ Within 10 minutes of starting.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715325061006246316
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715339812000190890
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715350533912064227
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715297561983226331
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715339812000190890
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715350533912064227
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715595934271524944
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715923136603095363
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715674941243396556
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1715709029056659645
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1716412450344722827
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1716445263131558322
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1717168098850279842
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1717168098850279842
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1718158136757084365
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1718640266654187793
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1719330532016963950
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1719708599650279550
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1719912220463943692
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1719924257776632275
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1720052659498205354
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1720784601965314372
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1722190662861484519
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1722185809070067742
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4opcNTnxDk
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1722189089661702425
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAnsXrXEAuo
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1720400960122683424
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1724013339494453281
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1724699039835554278
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1726850063971021088
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1726907270444048502
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1725442636616773784
- ↑ https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm43032697
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1725443442254434354
- ↑ https://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm43032723
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1727980330748117383
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1727980698315944047
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1728710737500180489
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1728258747494170748
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729448579285320111
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729449303545180393
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729703175936995387
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729709268339687505
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729835019143688433
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729863448782348590
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729878485353869721
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1729879974168125492
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1738031612380783020
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1738032375244939526
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1738032950678310925
- ↑ https://ubgoe.com/projects/509/activity_report
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1742880542264361469
- ↑ https://twitter.com/shima_md/status/1738091476138270850
- ↑ https://info.shimamura.co.jp/digital/newitem/2023/12/153383
- ↑ https://www.dlsite.com/soft/work/=/product_id/VJ01001301.html
- ↑ https://twitter.com/CeVIO_st/status/1744554586160202018
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1744623768134361538
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1750715195805348037
- ↑ https://twitter.com/futabaminato/status/1750364231160262688
- ↑ https://twitter.com/CeVIO_st/status/1768109836645052768