Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro review - His master's voice

The evolution of digital music creation tools has reached a new turning point with the rise of generative artificial intelligence. Dreamtonics is not new to the voice synthesizer market. Since the release of the first version of Synthesizer V Studio, the company has made a name for itself with its surprisingly natural and expressive voices. With this new version, the promise is even more ambitious: to offer a complete, powerful, intuitive tool, and capable of replacing (or at least complementing) a real human performance in a music production context.

Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro aims to be a complete, easy-to-use solution, combining the practicality of real-time processing with the power of high-resolution rendering (delayed processing), all in an environment designed for composers and sound designers alike.

With the release of Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro, the publisher offers an improved version of its flagship software, enriched with new features, enhanced expressiveness and an optimized workflow. There remains an essential question that many are asking: Can AI really sing like a human? Let’s find out.

Installation, DAW compatibility and ARA integration

Downloading the software is straightforward. Allow around 600 MB for the basic program, to which must be added the voice banks (some free, others chargeable). Installation is stable and cross-platform, and the software works in stand-alone mode or as a plugin (VST3, AU, AAX, ARA). An online user manual is available, along with video tutorials. Together, they enable you to familiarize yourself with the software.

Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro works standalone or in most DAWs. In the latest version used in this test, integration is exemplary, performance is stable, and the interface doesn’t slow down, even in heavy projects. Standard audio formats are supported, as are MIDI import, multi-track export with automation management.

The software supports ARA integration and can therefore be used directly within the interface of compatible DAWs (Studio One, for example). This provides great flexibility, allowing you to quickly and easily correct defects, adapt accents or modify intonation.

A visual voice editor built for precision and expressivity

On launch, you’re struck by the familiar interface. Far from the usual cluttered GUI the design is clear and above all designed for use that won’t confuse home studio users. You might think you’re dealing with a DAW, but this is a true visual voice editor, combining notation, arrangement, automation and precise parameter editing. The upper part, called Arrangement, compiles the various vocal tracks horizontally, while the lower part, called Piano Roll, is dedicated to note editing. On the right, editing and configuration panels can be deployed. Quite practical, they are used for voice selection and configuration, text editing with an integrated dictionary, and many other functions. The whole package impresses with its ease of use and obviousness.

In contrast to a classic MIDI piano roll, Synthesizer V offers an interface adapted to the specificities of the voice: each note is a segment containing syllable, phoneme, pitch, breath, expression and other information. It’s possible to edit each of these aspects in an extremely precise way, using automation curves, modifiers and customizable envelopes.

The system is based on neural networks trained with authentic human voices. The result is natural articulations, believable breaths and smooth transitions between notes. It’s possible to go very far in micro-editing: accentuate a syllable, add a vibrato, slow down an attack—all graphically, directly from the interface.

In addition, Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro lets you import lyrics, write directly in the editor or use text files. Lyrics can be automatically translated into another language, adapted to the prosody of another speaker, or even manually adjusted for phonetics.

Realistic-but-not-yet-human vocal creation

As previously mentioned, Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro’s strength lies in the realism of its vocal renderings. Whether in real time, during composition, or in high quality for the final mix, the software offers particularly convincing precision and expressiveness, depending on the context. Vocals can be soft, energetic, aggressive, melancholy. Depending on the settings, the rendering is often close to a studio take, and sometimes not at all.

While some vocal banks have their own personality, many, on the other hand, sound the same. Paid voices are of a very high standard: good diction, expressive intonation, controlled articulation. Some free banks, though of decent quality, prove less convincing in demanding contexts, such as lead vocals or solo performances.

We also note that certain limitations remain, particularly in complex phrasing or extreme modulations. AI cannot yet improvise or interpret with the sensitivity of a human singer. But for pop productions, electro, video games, film music, etc., the result is more than sufficient, and often bluffing.

Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro: the major additions of V2

Compared with the first version, version 2 introduces several major features that considerably enrich the possibilities of vocal creation. It is now possible to combine several voices within a single project, each with its own expressivity and custom settings, opening the way to complex realizations such as choirs, dialogues or evolving polyphonic arrangements.

Modulation control has been dramatically extended: breath, vibrato, formants and intensity can be adjusted or automated with great precision, thanks to easy-to-use editing curves. A new vocal morphing system allows you to move progressively from one timbre to another, even between male and female voices or languages, for natural, expressive transitions. Audio rendering is automatically generated at maximum quality, without any manual intervention, ensuring a result specific to each export. Finally, cross-lingual synthesis allows the same voice to sing in several supported languages (for the moment, English, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Spanish) with an intonation that sounds faithful and realistic.

Technical Characteristics

• Functions as standalone or plugin (VST3, AU, AAX, ARA)

• Compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux

• Graphic interface divided into Arrangement and Piano Roll

• Graphic automation curves for breath, vibrato, formants

• Syllabic editing with manual phonetic control

• Vocal morphing (transition between voices or languages)

• Cross-lingual synthesis (English, Japanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Spanish)

• ARA integration in Studio One, etc.

• Automated high-quality audio export

FAQ

Can Synthesizer V Studio replace a real singer?

Not totally. It offers excellent rendering for certain aesthetics (pop, electro, music to image.), but remains limited for complex expressive performances.

Do I have to buy the voices separately?

Yes. Some voices are free, but the most expressive and versatile must be purchased.

Is it easy to use?

The interface is intuitive, but taking full advantage of the expression curves requires a little practice.

Can it be used in a DAW like Logic or Studio One?

Yes, via plugins VST3/AU/AAX and ARA integration for some DAWs like Studio One.

Does Synthesizer V sing in French?

No full support for French yet. This remains a major limitation for certain projects.