A Linux game that allows users to sing karaoke for free.
Performous is a versatile software that not only allows you to indulge your inner singer but provides much more. Unlike typical karaoke programs, Performous not only displays lyrics but also notes and scores your performance based on how well you hit every note. With the added feature of displaying the pitch that you are singing, it becomes easier to identify where you went wrong, and correct yourself accordingly.
Most of the songs available on Performous come with original vocals, and actual karaoke versions are rare. The software works by recording your voice through a microphone attached to your computer, and the audio is then subjected to real-time FFT analysis. The audio is separated into peak frequency bands, after which additional analysis is performed to determine the precise audio frequencies contained in each band. The base frequencies and their harmonics are then combined into single tones; these identified tones are eased out by using temporal filters to create a clear audio output.
Users, who do not possess any prior knowledge of acoustics or mathematics, can also play the software, as it purely directs on-screen output to display the singing pitch. The software mainly features three types of notes are regular, golden, and freestyle, and these are displayed in varying colors. Golden notes usually offer the highest points (2x), while regular notes may get up to 1x points.
One of the key strengths of Performous is that the singing octave does not matter. Singing the right note in any octave guarantees full points. Points can also be scored while singing near the correct note, but the points per second decrease as you get farther from the right tone. Singing within the right semitone always gives full points, even if it is off by a quarter tone.
The maximum number of points attainable in a single performance is 10000, which is rarely achieved by any singer. The usual scores range from 2000-9000, depending on the skills of the singer, and the song's complexity. Slower songs tend to be more comfortable to sing, though, the maximum points that can be scored remain constant. An interesting caveat is that gaining points through dubious means, such as placing the microphone near a speaker, usually only results in a score of about 3000 points.
Overall, Performous is an ideal software for anyone looking to practice their singing skills while having fun at the same time. The program is user-friendly regardless of any prior experience in using software tools, and it's sure to provide a unique experience unavailable from standard karaoke programs.
Most of the songs available on Performous come with original vocals, and actual karaoke versions are rare. The software works by recording your voice through a microphone attached to your computer, and the audio is then subjected to real-time FFT analysis. The audio is separated into peak frequency bands, after which additional analysis is performed to determine the precise audio frequencies contained in each band. The base frequencies and their harmonics are then combined into single tones; these identified tones are eased out by using temporal filters to create a clear audio output.
Users, who do not possess any prior knowledge of acoustics or mathematics, can also play the software, as it purely directs on-screen output to display the singing pitch. The software mainly features three types of notes are regular, golden, and freestyle, and these are displayed in varying colors. Golden notes usually offer the highest points (2x), while regular notes may get up to 1x points.
One of the key strengths of Performous is that the singing octave does not matter. Singing the right note in any octave guarantees full points. Points can also be scored while singing near the correct note, but the points per second decrease as you get farther from the right tone. Singing within the right semitone always gives full points, even if it is off by a quarter tone.
The maximum number of points attainable in a single performance is 10000, which is rarely achieved by any singer. The usual scores range from 2000-9000, depending on the skills of the singer, and the song's complexity. Slower songs tend to be more comfortable to sing, though, the maximum points that can be scored remain constant. An interesting caveat is that gaining points through dubious means, such as placing the microphone near a speaker, usually only results in a score of about 3000 points.
Overall, Performous is an ideal software for anyone looking to practice their singing skills while having fun at the same time. The program is user-friendly regardless of any prior experience in using software tools, and it's sure to provide a unique experience unavailable from standard karaoke programs.
What's New
Version 0.3.2: N/A