GACKPOID Official Release ^o^

[pixiezdust.livejournal.com]

GACKPOID Official Release ^o^

Thanks karadin for asking me to post this here
Please do not hotlink or direct-link any of my images.
Kindly upload them to your own server. Thank you m(_ _)m
Also, the layout makes it hard to read all my tables ^^;
I've adjusted them according to my screen resolution
if you're still unable to read them I apologise

It's finally officially released today~ :D Here are some pictures  XDDDD
Please right click and view image to view the entire image. I had to resize them so you can see the whole picture.

The box looks prettier than I imagined it to be XD




Talk about product promotion XDD *wants to steal herself one of those posters*





The stores were also playing Demo Movies (where did they get these from?!) XD

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New Demo Songs~

I've uploaded both demo songs in mp3 format for anyone who wants them :)

Gackpoid 2008.07.31 - KimiNiAitakute + Amagi Goe.zip [3.83MB] Format: Mp3 >>> Mediafire <<<

[ Gackpoid ] You can listen to the online streaming of the songs from the main page too :)

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More Illustrations for Download

[ Illustrations Download ]

イラストのサムネイルをクリックすると、拡大表示されます。キャラクター使用に関するガイドラインはこちら。       線画     色見本       線画     色見本

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The Birth of Gackpoid XDDDDD

For safe measure I'm posting this disclaimer here again:
Disclaimer: Please take note that my Japanese is poor and there will/may be errors/inaccuracies.
If you spot any please do let me know so I may correct them. Thank you.
As such, please do not copy or re-post any part of my translations elsewhere without permission.
I tried my best in the following but I'm sure there are mistakes. So please do take note. my apologies beforehand for any errors.
-edit- Thank you yukari-chan for helping me check/correct my translations m(_ _)m We're still in the process of checking so I may update EPISODE I + II again
It may be rather lengthy so I decided to highlight the more notable parts ;) Read the whole thing if you want o.

[ Episode I - Until the birth of GACKPOD ]  (I have to edit the tables so that it can be read in this layout format)

It was roughly about 10months before the release of this product. We will be presenting from the planning of the product until it's completion. □ Product planning for Vocaloid commences Vocaloid2 will be using the voice of a real artist. "Anyone can make a real well-known artiste (everyone knows) to sing the melody and lyrics they created themselves!!!". To grant such a dream, the planning started around November last year. Several candidates were brought up, although we thought we wouldn't be able to receive (positive response) easily. With little hope, we approached Gackt thinking that if it were him, perhaps he might understand the appeal of this plan as he had lent his voice to a keitai ringing tone and is always challenging new things. We received a ready consent after we sent out the offer. The impact will also be enormous because everyone will know that its Gackt just from hearing the voice and thus plans for the GACKPOID (At that time the brand name etc were still undetermined) commenced immediately. □ Recording of Gackt's voice After arranging the schedule with Gackt's side, the 1st recording was carried out in the middle of December. Recording was done by changing the pitch as he sang words as if they were an incantation. and depending on the words Gackt himself would ask for a re-take etc, keenly passing down the feeling of, since we're doing it, “we want to make it good”.  That feeling was tightly transmitted (over to us) and thereafter the recording became considerably intense. Even when he was offered a break, Gackt would say "I'm fine so let's continue" and was able to concentrate hard and continue working,  finishing in about 4 hours with almost no  retakes during the entire recording (process). (As expected he sang on continuously throughout for 4 hours. We couldn't hide (our) astonishment at Gackt's ability to concentrate and professionalism, as well as his 'can sing for 4 hours straight' well trained (lit: professional) singing voice) I was able to talk about various things with Gackt after the recording, and Gackt listened to various ideas on top of his good knowledge of Vocaloid2's "Hatsune Miku". The brand name "Gackpoid" was also decided during that talk with Gackt. Because there are voice qualities that don't suit those of Vocaloid, it is not known whether it can be put on the market without (first) producing the voice DB (database?) through tests. However Gackt kindly understood that point and the 1st round of recording concluded without incident. □ 2nd round of recording Although there was no problem in voice quality when we tested using the 1st recording's source to sing using Vocaloid, we conducted a 2nd recording at the end of January to make a product of higher quality. (Although we were recording the exact same contents as during the 1st recording, it was conducted so we may use the best take) □ Creating the Voice Database We went into creating the voice database after the 2nd round of recording. Because this data base will influence the quality of the product, it was taboo to be impatient and it was necessary to spend many hours to work carefully and throughly on it. Although we have the voice data of Gackt singing the incantation-like language (for e.g. ADA ADA IDA) at various pitches and extract the words-related portion from there, we had to find out which portions can be extracted, remove the noise at the start of the words, and fix some which aren't connected well. A lot of time is needed to adjust such portions. It wasn't sufficient to just be able to sing 50 notes, because the connecting of the words is very important. So it was necessary to check the length and scale step of the notes, as well as various patterns of connecting the words. (the next line confused me to no end, so I decided to leave it. hahaha. technicalities :p ) Also, when removing the noise we had to trial and error repeatedly and consequently took nearly 5 months to adjust this database. Because we drastically fell behind schedule  from the initial scheduled release date, I explained it to Gackt around the beginning of April and got a positive reply "We are aiming for a product of high quality." There were times when we were really worried as to whether we could make it sing really naturally etc during the first half of the period when we were creating the database. And even though we managed to achieve our goal to a certain extent by early June, we were able to further fine-tune the product due to the postponement of the release date to accommodate the change in the package's illustration. □ Creating the sample songs Entering the month of June, we had almost completed the voice database and started to produce the sample songs ○ Selection of songs Various opinions were put forth, and we decided on using 2 of Gackt's own songs "RETURNER~Yami no Shuuen~" and "Kimi ni Aitakute" as well as 3 other songs. 「大きな古時計」  "Big antique clock" We decided on using this song because a simple song will be good for explaining (the product) with use of the manual. We released it to the public in the so-called beta-state on our company's homepage when announcing the product. The song to be included in the product will be the edited (adjusted) version. 「島唄」 "Shima Uta" As we were on the idea of creating interesting edits using Vocaloid, we selected (this song) because we were incredibly hooked onto (the version) that Gackt had previously sung in a television programme. In addition to the songs already included in the normal editions, Gackt's Fanclub limited edition will also come with 2 nursery rhymes of a surprisingly amusing nature, and 1 enka [wiki] song. Also a Happy Birthday song will also be included where you can add your favourite name into the song. ○ Production (too technical for my lousy Japanese skills ^^; gomen) ・音符の入力： 歌詞どおりではなく、 子音と母音を別々の音符で入力したり、子音部分を別の音程でごく短い音符で入力したりしています。 また、ビブラートやアタックを調整しています。 ・DYN（ダイナミクス）：1音１音DYNのカーブを書いています。 ・その他のパラメータ： 必要に応じて、PIT（ピッチベンド）、POR（ポルタメントタイミング）、 BRE（ブレス）、BRI（ブライトネス）、CLE（クリアネス） などのパラメータも細かく設定してます。 　 ・MIX ：VOCALOID Editorから各パートをWAVファイルに書き出し、 DAWのソフト（Singer Song Writer）上で、カラオケのWAVファイルとMIXしました。「RETURNER～闇の終焉～」、「君に逢いたくて」のカラオケは 日本クラウン株式会社様のご協力の元、CD原版を使用しています。 その他の楽曲のカラオケは打ち込み、録音を行い、別途制作しています。MIX時には、VOCALOID Editorで各トラック毎に書き出したボーカルパー トに対して、DAW上で若干のタイミング補正、音量の補正を行いました。また、リバーブ、EQ、コンプレッサーなどのエフェクトをかけ、MIXを行いまし た。 特に「RETURNER～闇の終焉～」のサビ前の部分は、DAW上かなり深いリバーブを用いて、若干フォルマントを変更、音量カーブを書いています。 ・マスタリング：MIX後、マキシマイザーなどのエフェクトを使用してマスタリングしています。 商品には、全サンプル曲のvsqファイルを同梱していますので、どのようなエディットを行っているかをご確認いただけると思います。（デモ曲制作者：が くっぽいどエディット　中村安彦 & N.村上） エディット画面と再生音をよく聞き比べ、ご自分で制作される際の参考にして いただければと思います。 □ FIX サンプル曲を制作している段階でも、音声データベースは、細かな調整を行っていました。6月下旬に最終の音声データベースをFIXしましたが、FIX前夜まで音声の入れ替えなどの作業が続けられ、ようやく音声データベースが完成しました。 使いやすい音声データとなっていると思いますので、ユーザーの皆様に色々な曲を制作してもらえれば大変うれしいです。

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Character designs. Kentarou Miura's comment and sketches!

[ Episode II - Character Design ] I've uploaded all 15 designs below onto Mediafire >>> HERE <<<

We will be presenting the rough sketches and comments of the mangaka and illustration author Kentarou Miura (from the start?) until the Gackpoid character "Kamui Gakupo" was completed. （※画像をクリックすると拡大画像をご覧いただけます。） ＜1～3＞ It was said that in the request at this point of time, a samurai's image was desired in the illustration of the Vocaloid using Gackt's voice. Taking into consideration the current vocaloid (characters), they were thinking about putting focus (it said "One Point" so I'm taking a guess here T_T) on cyber-style clothes which can "melt into" into our everyday lives as much as possible. Samurai = dressed in traditional japanese clothing, kimono-style collar, and a large sleeve of armor will span from the shoulder until the level of the upper arm.. A naval uniform style will also be mixed in. The hair will be tied up in a cross (-styled ribbon). We considered in our own ways why Vocaloid is so popular, and we first arrived at the answer that besides the appearance and voice, its also because there were no restrictions and the settings were unlimited like that of a bottomless vessel, and everyone is able to use it freely. Since we felt that we didn't want to bring Gackt, or his individual character out as much as possible in the character, this Gackt-version vocaloid was requested to go along the direction of normal clothings as much as possible with the pre-requisite of him being 'dead-on' (definition: exactly right, accurate, or pertinent) good looking. We feel its the same concept as the other current vocaloid (characters). ＜4～8＞ We also considered adding in (features) like those with armor, hero and naval uniform styles into the preliminary versions. These are different from Illustrations 1~3, and without inflicting restraint upon original ideas they both had strong aspects of individuality. At this point of time we were told from the producers side the gist that they wanted the eyes to look like Gackt's, as well as a combination of  cyber and traditional Japanese clothing. In addition, we heard that they wanted to make a collaborative Vocaloid between Gackt's and their own (what they wanted it to turn out like‘s) individualities, and that they wanted the characteristic colors to be different from any other Vocaloid up until that point. ＜9～11＞ And a cyber-kimono style was completed. Since the feeling of a kimono will inevitably be lost when the cyber parts are incorporated into the kimono, the body itself was designed cyber-style and exposed when wearing the kimono. Since the upper half of the body could not be seen if it was worn tightly, it was made into a battle surcoat. ＜12～13＞ To make it resemble an actual kimono, a kimono was also incorporated into the battle surcoat, but it was stopped because the sexy silhouette disappeared when the body design was hidden. ＜14＞ Can't understand 14. LOL. and my brain's very tired too ^^; gomen. 和装はワンポイントで何かを入れないとラインが流れてしまうため、少々困って大袖を使うことにした。 これで問題が解消させていればいいのだが。 ＜15＞ It is almost the final draft. I realized the sword direction was reverse and corrected it. At this point of time, the producers wanted him to have a musical instrument and it was proposed to let the vocaloid character carry a sword called Gakutou Miburi. It was considered for the blade to have a pattern where it can emit sound, and when the wielder of the sword, "Camui Gakupo" swings his sword down beautifully at his opponent, it will stimulate a (rhythmic) beat sensation within his body and influence him to enjoy music with his partner/companion. There were no oppositions to this establishment of the vocaloid character having a weapon. And finally, I am very thankful to all the producers for presenting me with this inconceivable and enjoyable opportunity to collaborate together with Gackt.

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Related Articles

 
 IT Media ]

Gacktの声で「天城越え」　がくっぽいど、新デモ曲とイラスト公開 Gacktさんの声で歌うソフト「がくっぽいど」のデモソングとして「天城越え」が公開された。イメージキャラのイラストは、ダウンロードして自由に利用できる。 2008年07月31日 15時49分 更新 新たに公開したイラスト　（C）三浦健太郎 　DTMソフトメーカーのインターネットは7月31日、Gacktさんの声をもとにした合成音声で歌うソフト「がくっぽいど」の発売に合わせ、がくっぽいどが歌う「天城越え」などデモ曲2曲と、イメージキャラクター・神威がくぽのイラスト新作をWebサイトで公開した。がくっぽいどができるまでの詳細なエピソードや、神威がくぽのラフ画も紹介している。 　新たに公開したデモ曲は、石川さゆりさんの「天城越え」と、Gacktさんの「君に逢いたくて」。同社に「演歌を歌わせるとどんな感じになるのか」という問い合わせが多数あり、人気曲の天城越えを選んだという。 　漫画家・三浦健太郎さん描いた神威がくぽのイラストのイラストは、これまでに公開していたものと合わせて7種類をWebページからダウンロードできるようにした。非商用で公序良俗に反しない範囲なら自由に2次利用でき、「ニコニコ動画」に楽曲を投稿する際の動画に利用することもできる。                            最初のラフ                              ラフでは学ランを着ていたことも      “着崩した浪人風”ラフ ユーザーがイラストを描くことを前提に、描きやすさを意識してデザインしている 　エピソードは、昨年11月の企画からGacktさんの声の録音、音声データベースの完成までを紹介する「がくっぽいど誕生まで」と、神威がくぽのデザインが決まるまでの「キャラクターデザイン」を公開。神威がくぽのラフ画も15枚公開している。

[ Journal.mycom ]

Gacktの「がくっぽいど」発売 - キャラクターデザインエピソードも公開 2008/07/31 大坪知樹 イ ンターネットは31日よりボーカル音源ソフト「がくっぽいど」を発売し た。価格はオープンで、実売価格は1万8,900円前後。発売に合わせて同製品の製品情報ページでは、さまざまなコンテンツが公開された。デモソングはこ れまで公開されたものに加え、同製品のパッケージに収録されている「君に逢いたくて」が追加された。 「がくっぽいど情報」では同製品の開発から発売までの開発秘話を紹介する「がくっぽいど誕生まで」や、「神威がくぽ」完成までをイラストを描いたマンガ家の三浦建太郎氏自身のコメントとラフスケッチで紹介する「キャラクターデザイン」が公開されている。また追加イラストを含めさまざまなキャラクターイラストをダウンロードすることも可能だ。 「がくっぽいど情報」では製品開発秘話や、キャラクターデザインを担当した三浦建太郎氏のエピソードがラフスケッチとともに公開されている。また「神威がくぽ」のイラストをダウンロードすることも可能となった 同 製品はボーカリスト「Gackt」の声をサンプリングし、パソコンで歌声を作り出せるヴァーチャルボーカル音源ソフト。クリプトン・フュー チャー・メディアの「初音ミク」などと同じく、音声合成エンジンや入力インタフェースはヤマハが開発した「VOCALOID 2」を採用している。 同製品の動作環境はWindows XP/Vistaで、スタンドアロン動作のほかプラグイン形式はVST、および複数の音楽制作ソフトを内部的に接続するReWireにも対応している。

[ Watch.Impress ] I can't add the other articles because the client post is too full. ROFL ^^;