Steinberg HALion - 4.0 Owner's Guide
Operation Manual
Benutzerhandbuch
Mode d’Emploi
オペレーションマニュアル
English
Matthias Klag, Michael Ruf
Revision and quality control: Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Marion Bröer, Sabine Pfeifer,
Heike
Schilling, Benjamin Schütte
This PDF provides improved access for vision-impaired users. Please note that due to the complexity
and number of images in this document, it is not possible to include text descriptions of images.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media except as specifically
allowed in the License Agreement. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or other
wise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Steinberg Media
Technologies GmbH. Registered licensees of the product described herein may print one copy of this
document for their personal use.
Steinberg, HALion, VST, and ASIO are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH. Windows
in the United States and other countries. Macintosh, Mac, Mac OS, and Logic are trademarks of
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Pentium and Intel Core are trademarks or reg
istered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other product and company
names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective holders.
Release Date: November 3, 2011
© Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, 2011.
All rights reserved.
7, Windows Vista and DirectX are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
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Table of Contents
6 Installation and Setup
6 Welcome
7 Key Command Conventions
7 How You Can Reach Us
7 Installation
9 Setting Up
11 The HALion Control Panel
11 Introduction
11 Configuring the Control Panel
13 Setting the Focus
13 Working with Multiple Windows
14 Screen Sets
15 Overview of the Available Editors
17 Macro Pages
18 Managing Your Sounds
18 The Slot Rack
21 Managing Multis
24 Managing Files via the MediaBay
28 Content Files and Folder Structure
28 Loading HALion 3 Programs
29 Working with General MIDI Files
30 Loading and Managing Programs
30 Introduction
30 The Columns of the Program Table
31 Loading Programs into the Program Table
31 Loading Programs from the Program
Table to the Slot Rack
32 Editing the Program Table
33 Using the Program Tree
33 Introduction
34 The Program Tree Structure
35 Editing Zones, Programs, and Layers
37 Making Selections
38 Navigating in the Program Tree
39 Muting, Soloing, and Hiding
40 Adding MIDI Modules
40 Adding Insert Effects
40 Changing the Order of MIDI Modules and
Insert Effects
41 Adding Audio Busses
41 Customizing the Program Tree
43 Global Functions and Settings
43 Introduction
43 The Plug-in Functions Section
45 The Toolbar
46 The Keyboard Editor
48 The Options Editor
53 Quick Controls
57 AI-Knob Support
58 Common Editing Methods
58 Introduction
58 Using Controls in HALion
59 Using Key Commands
60 Working with Presets
62 Using Automation
62 Using Effects
63 Using MIDI Modules
66 Importing and Exporting Samples
66 Importing Samples
70 Finding Missing Samples
71 Exporting Samples
75 Replacing Samples
77 Importing Third-Party Sampler Programs
77 Importing Sliced Loops
80 Using the Browser
80 Introduction
80 The Path Section
81 The Location Tree
82 The Results List
84 The Preview and File Info Section
84 Loading Files
87 Editing Programs and Layers in the
Sound Editor
87 Introduction
87 The Main Section
88 The Trigger Section
90 The Voice Management Section
94 The Variation Groups Section
95 The Quick Control Assignments Section
95 The Note Expression Section
4
97 Editing Zones in the Sound Editor
97 Introduction
97 Global Zone Settings
98 Editing Selected Zones or All Zones
98 Absolute and Relative Editing
98 HALion 3 compatibility
98 Managing Sections
99 The Voice Control Section
102 The Pitch Section
103 The Oscillator Section
107 The Sample Oscillator Section
109 The AudioWarp Section
112 The Filter Section
116 The Amplifier Section
118 The Envelope Section
123 The LFO Section
126 The Step Modulator Section
129 The Modulation Matrix Section
136 Mapping Zones
136 Introduction
136 The Mapping Editor
137 Setting the Focus
137 Zooming and Scrolling
138 Selecting Zones
138 Moving Zones
138 Setting Key and Velocity Range
139 Muting and Soloing Zones
139 Showing and Hiding Zones
139 Fading and Crossfading Zones
140 The Root Key
140 Triggering Zones
141 Importing Samples Using Drag and Drop
141 Mapping Zones
143 Filling Gaps between Zones
143 Selecting Zones with the Mapping Editor
Keyboard
144 Editing Samples in the Sample
Editor
144 Introduction
144 Overview
145 The Parameter Section
146 General Operations
150 Creating Loops
159 Mixing and Routing
159 The Audio Bus Architecture
162 The HALion Mixer
166 Effects Reference
166 Introduction
166 Reverb and Delay Effects
170 EQ Effects
172 Distortion Effects
173 Modulation Effects
178 Dynamics Effects
182 Panner and Routing Effects
184 HALion 3 Legacy Effects
192 MIDI Modules Reference
192 Introduction
192 The FlexPhraser
197 The Trigger Pads
199 Mono Envelope
201 Mono LFO
203 MegaTrig
207 Layer Alternate
209 Key Switch Alternate
210 Key Switch Remote
211 MIDI Randomizer
212 True Pedaling
213 CC Mapper
214 Velocity Curve
215 Tuning Scale
217 Key Commands Reference
217 The Default Key Commands
219 Using the HALion Standalone
Version
219 Introduction
219 Making Preferences Settings
221 Selecting the MIDI Input and the Audio
Output
221 The Scratch Pad
224 Index
155 MIDI Editing and Controllers
155 The MIDI Editor
156 Using MIDI Controllers
157 Assigning MIDI Controllers
157 Assigning MIDI Controllers to AUX FX
157 Saving a MIDI Controller Mapping as
Default
158 Automation and Factory MIDI Controller
Assignments
158 CC 121 Support
5
Welcome
Installation and Setup
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing Steinberg’s HALion 4.
Ten years after the release of the first version of HALion, Steinberg is very proud to
present the fourth incarnation of its acclaimed VST sampler. When the idea of HALion
was first formed over a decade ago, the approach was to develop a highly userfriendly, yet powerful software sampler with an unparalleled feature set and a
seamless integration into modern DAWs.
Today, HALion 4 embodies the original philosophy better than ever before. When
comparing HALion 4 with its predecessors, you find many similarities, but the
immense advancements throughout the application stand out a mile. HALion 4 has
undergone a massive overhaul and a shift to an entirely new virtual instrument,
Steinberg’s VST sampler and sound creation system.
For the first time in its history, HALion combines a premium sample engine with a
virtual analog synthesizer and in this way opens the door to new sonic spheres. The
integrated mixing console, the studio-grade effects and the flexible user interface are
just some of the features that will truly inspire your creativity. One of the key objectives
during the development process was to further optimize the workflow concept. When
you get started with HALion 4, you will soon discover the many useful details that help
to turn your vision into reality.
HALion 4 was designed according to the requirements of professional sound
designers and was relentlessly refined during the engineering process, resulting in the
ultimate tool for discerning sound designers as well as finding the appreciation of
musicians, producers, and composers.
First of all, check out the massive sound library. With more than 1,600 instruments
and patches, HALion 4 includes the complete sound collection of the appraised
HALion Sonic workstation alongside many fresh new sounds.
After you have registered HALion 4 online, take some time to explore the community
section at www.steinberg.net/forum. You will find lots of useful information and get to
know other users in our discussion forums. Registering at
www.steinberg.net/mysteinberg also gives you access to special offers from
Steinberg in the future.
Have fun creating your sound. Your way.
The Steinberg HALion Team
6
Key Command Conventions
!
!
Many of the default key commands in HALion use modifier keys, some of which are
different depending on the operating system. For example, the default key command
for Undo is [Ctrl]-[Z] under Windows and [Command]-[Z] under Mac OS X.
When key commands with modifier keys are described in this manual, they are shown
with the Windows modifier key first:
[Win modifier key]/[Mac modifier key]-[key]
For example, [Ctrl]/[Command]-[Z] means “press [Ctrl] under Windows or
[Command] under Mac OS X, then press [Z]”.
Similarly, [Alt]/[Option]-[X] means “press [Alt] under Windows or [Option] under Mac
OS X, then press [X]”.
Please note that this manual often refers to right-clicking, for example, to open context
menus. If you are using a Mac with a single-button mouse, hold down [Ctrl] and click.
How You Can Reach Us
Clicking the Steinberg logo in the top right corner of HALion opens a pop-up menu
containing items for getting additional information and help:
• This menu contains links to various Steinberg web pages. Selecting a link
automatically launches your browser application and opens the page.
On the web pages, you can find support and compatibility information, answers to
frequently asked questions, links for downloading new drivers, etc. This requires
that you have a browser application installed on your computer and a working
internet connection.
• When you choose the Help item, an online version of the documentation opens.
• You also find a menu item for the registration of your product.
For further information, see “Register Your Software” on page 9.
Key Command Conventions
Installation
Please read the following section before installing HALion.
The USB-eLicenser
Many Steinberg products, including HALion, use the USB-eLicenser, a hardware
copy protection device. HALion will not run without an eLicenser containing an
activated license.
The USB-eLicenser is a separate product and is not included in the product package
of HALion.
The USB-eLicenser is a USB device on which your Steinberg software licenses are
stored. All hardware-protected Steinberg products use the same type of device, and
you can store more than one license on one device. Also, licenses can (within certain
limits) be transferred between USB-eLicensers. This is helpful if you want to sell a
piece of software, for example.
7
Installation and Setup
The product package of HALion contains an activation code, which is found on the
!
Essential Product License Information card within the product package. To make
unlimited use of your version of HALion, you must manually download a license to an
USB-eLicenser connected to your computer, and activate your permanent license
using the activation code.
In the eLicenser Control Center you can activate new licenses and check which
licenses are installed on your USB-eLicenser. After installation of HALion, the
eLicenser Control Center can be opened via the Start menu on Windows systems or
the Applications folder on a Mac.
Ö If you are using other copy-protected Steinberg products, you may want to transfer all
licenses for your applications to one USB-eLicenser, thus using up only one USB port
of your computer. Please refer to the eLicenser Control Center Help for information on
how to transfer licenses between USB-eLicensers.
System Requirements
To use HALion, your computer must meet the following requirements:
Windows
- Windows Vista or Windows 7
- Pentium/Athlon 2.0 GHz dual core CPU
-2 GB RAM
-Approx. 15 GB of free hard disk space
- Display resolution 1280 x 800 pixels recommended
- DirectX compatible audio hardware (ASIO compatible audio hardware
recommended for low-latency performance)
- DVD-ROM drive with dual-layer support
- USB port for USB-eLicenser (license management)
- USB-eLicenser (not included)
- Internet connection for license activation
- For using HALion as a plug-in, a VST2 or VST3 compatible host is required.
Installation
Macintosh
- Mac OS X 10.6
-Intel Core Duo 2.0 GHz processor
-2 GB RAM
- Approx. 15 GB of free hard disk space
- Display resolution 1280 x 800 pixels recommended
- CoreAudio compatible audio hardware
- DVD-ROM drive with dual-layer support
- USB port for USB-eLicenser (license management)
- USB-eLicenser (not included)
- Internet connection for license activation
- For using HALion as a plug-in, a VST3 or AU compatible host is required.
Installing HALion
HALion provides a large amount of content and is distributed on a set of two DVDs.
Please have all DVDs ready for the installation.
The HALion installer allows you to save the content files on a different hard drive than
the program files.
8
Installation and Setup
Setting Up
Proceed as follows:
1. Insert the first DVD into your DVD drive.
An interactive Start Center appears. If it is does not open automatically or if you
have a Macintosh computer, you can manually open it by double-clicking the file
“HALion_Start_Center.exe” (Windows) or “HALion Start Center.app” (Mac).
2. Follow the instructions on screen to start the installation of HALion and browse
through the additional options and information presented.
If you do not want to install HALion via the interactive Start Center, follow the
instructions below:
Windows
1. Double-click the file called “Setup.exe”.
2. Follow the instructions on screen.
Macintosh
1. Double-click the file called “HALion.mpkg”.
2. Follow the instructions on screen.
Register Your Software
We encourage you to register your software! By doing so you are entitled to technical
support and kept aware of updates and other news regarding HALion.
• To register HALion, click the Steinberg logo in the top right corner of the control
panel and select “Register HALion now!” from the pop-up menu.
This option opens the registration page of the Steinberg web site in your web
browser. To register, follow the instructions on screen.
Setting Up
The following sections describe how to use HALion as a plug-in in different host
applications. HALion can also be used as a standalone application. This is described
in detail in the chapter
Setting Up HALion as a VST Instrument in Cubase
We assume that you have correctly set up Cubase as well as your MIDI and audio
hardware, and that Cubase receives MIDI data from your external MIDI keyboard. If
you want to use HALion in another VST host application, please refer to the
documentation of the corresponding application.
Cubase provides two ways of working with VST instruments: the VST Instruments
window and instrument tracks.
Accessing HALion via the VST Instruments Window
Proceed as follows:
1. Open the Devices menu in Cubase and select the VST Instruments option.
The VST Instruments window opens.
2. Click one of the empty slots to open the instrument pop-up menu, and select
HALion.
You are asked whether you want to create an associated MIDI track connected to
the VST instrument.
“Using the HALion Standalone Version” on page 219.
3. Click Create.
HALion is loaded and activated, and its control panel opens. A MIDI track called
HALion is added to the track list. The output of this track is routed to HALion.
9
Installation and Setup
Accessing HALion via an Instrument Track
Proceed as follows:
1. On the Project menu, open the Add Track submenu, and select “Instrument”.
The Add Instrument Track dialog opens.
2. On the instrument pop-up menu, select HALion.
3. Click OK to create the instrument track.
4. Click the Edit Instrument button in the Cubase Inspector to open the HALion
control panel.
HALion is now set up as a VST instrument in Cubase. For more details about the
handling of VST instruments, see the Cubase Operation Manual.
Selecting Outputs
HALion loads with a stereo output configuration by default. However, you can use up
to 32 stereo outputs plus one 5.1 output in Cubase. This allows you to route all 64
program slots to a dedicated Cubase Mixer channel.
To make these outputs available, proceed as follows:
1. Open the VST Instruments window.
Setting Up
2. Click the output button for the HALion instrument.
3. Activate the required outputs.
Cubase automatically creates a MIDI track for each additional output and adds a
channel to its Mixer. You can now route HALion programs or layers to these outputs
for further signal processing within Cubase.
Using HALion in an AU Compatible Application
You can use HALion in an AU host application (e. g. Logic). The AU version of HALion
is installed in your AU plug-ins folder and lets HALion work in an AU environment
without any performance loss or incompatibilities.
For Logic Pro, proceed as follows:
1. Open the Track Mixer and select the instrument channel that you want to use.
2. Click in the I/O field, and select the AU Instruments submenu.
3. On the Steinberg submenu, select HALion.
4. Select Multi Output or Stereo from the submenu.
HALion is now loaded as an AU instrument.
10
Installation and Setup
Introduction
A view
with a
single
editor
A view with
multiple
editors on
different
tabs
HALion provides flexible and highly customizable window management. You can
arrange the available editors in the window, structure the window sections using tabs,
and even configure several separate windows for your work. The size of each window,
and window section, is freely adjustable. This allows you to make the most of the
available screen space.
The HALion Control Panel
Configuring the Control Panel
You can set up the control panel exactly the way you want it, by determining the
number of different sections (which are referred to as “views” in this document) that
you want the window to contain, and by further configuring these sections, for
example by adding tabs. For each of these elements (views or tabs), you can specify
the editor that is displayed.
All these functions can be performed via the setup options. For views, these can be
accessed via the View pop-up menu. For tabs, they are available on the context menu.
11
The following setup options are available:
Select… (Editor)
To select the editor to be displayed, open the Editor submenu, and select the editor or
choose “Select…” to display a pane showing icons for the available editors and click
on an icon.
“Split |” and “Split --”
You can add a view or tab to the window by splitting an existing view or tab.
• To perform a vertical split, select “Split |”. This adds a new editor to the right of the
current editor.
• To perform a horizontal split, select “Split --”. This adds an editor below the current
editor.
• You can also create a split view or tab by clicking its upper left corner and
dragging it to another position in the window.
This creates a copy of the view or tab at the drop position. A colored frame
indicates where it will be inserted when you drop it.
Configuring the Control Panel
Ö Some editors have fixed default sizes for height or width. For example, the Slot Rack
Create Tab
Ö If a view contains more tabs than can be displayed, arrow buttons are displayed to
Adjusting the Size of a Split View
• To adjust the size of two split views, point the mouse at the divider between these
two, click, and drag.
If a view is split into three or more parts, these parts are resized proportionally. To
resize an individual part, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command] and drag.
can only be resized vertically but not horizontally.
• Select “Create Tab” to create a tab.
You can also create tabs within tabs.
You can also create tabs the following way:
• Click in the upper left corner of an existing view or tab and drag it onto another
one.
• Click the plus icon to the right of the rightmost tab and click the icon for the editor
you want to display.
navigate between the tabs.
Renaming Tabs
When you create a tab, it gets the name of the editor it displays. You can rename tabs
via the context menu.
Close
Undock
• To remove a view or a tab, select Close.
• To create a duplicate of the view or tab in a new window, select Undock.
12
The HALion Control Panel
Further Setup Options
Moving Views and Tabs
• To move a view or tab, hold down [Shift], click in its upper left corner, and drag it to
another position.
Depending on the drop position, it is added as a tab or as part of a split view.
Expanding and Resizing Editor Sections
Some editors, such as the Options editor, contain expandable sections. These
sections can be resized or collapsed so that they only show their title bar. This helps
you save space and focus on the edited parameters.
Setting the Focus
• To expand or collapse a section, click the “+” or “-” icon on the left of the title bar,
or click the title bar.
• To open several sections at the same time, hold down [Ctrl]/[Command] and click
the “+” icon or the title bar.
• To resize a section, click in the middle of its lower border (the position is indicated
by a dotted line) and drag up or down.
Setting the Focus
It is useful to know which view, window, or tab has the focus, because this is where
your key commands are applied, for example. The view that has the focus is indicated
by a blue frame.
• To set the focus on a specific view, use one of its controls or edit a parameter.
You can also click on the frame of a view or in an empty background of a section.
Working with Multiple Windows
Creating Additional Windows
You can create new windows from existing views using the following methods:
• Click in the upper left corner of an existing view or tab and drag it out of the current
window.
• Use the Undock command, see “Undock” on page 12.
The window menu bar contains a pop-up menu from which you can select the
program that you want to edit.
13
The HALion Control Panel
Using Window Presets
HALion comes with several preconfigured window presets. You can open these by
clicking the “Open New Window” button in the top bar and selecting a preset from
the pop-up menu. You can also create your own window presets using the
corresponding commands on the pop-up menu.
Locking Windows
When you open an additional window, HALion shows the settings belonging to the
focused object (program, layer, zone etc.). This way, all editors and separate windows
relate to the same material.
However, in some cases it might be necessary to show different objects in different
windows, for example, to compare the parameter sets of two zones or layers. This can
be achieved by locking a window.
• To lock a window, click the lock button in the upper right corner. If this is activated,
the window no longer follows selection and focus changes in the main plug-in
window. Instead, it displays the settings of the program that was selected when
you clicked the lock button.
Screen Sets
Screen Sets
When you have set up the HALion control panel to your liking, you can save this
configuration as a “screen set”. This way, you can preconfigure HALion for different
workflows and editing situations.
When you start HALion for the first time, the default screen set is used, which is
optimized for wide-screen monitors and contains all editors.
The following factory screen sets are available:
Screen Set Recommended
Default 1440 x 900 Full editor screen set.
Basic 1024x768 A minimized single slot player view.
Extended1 1280x800 Optimized for laptops.
Extended2 1440 x 900 As Extended 1, but slightly more complex.
Advanced 1440 x 900 Full editor screen set.
Managing Screen Sets
You can load, save, and delete screen sets by clicking the screen set button on the
toolbar in the plug-in functions section and selecting the corresponding command
from the pop-up menu.
Description
Resolution
Ö Factory screen sets cannot be deleted.
14
The HALion Control Panel
Overview of the Available Editors
HALion provides a large amount of different editors that give you access to the
parameters of the plug-in and its programs and modules.
Overview of the Available Editors
The following editors are available:
Slot Rack
Allows you to load and manage the loaded programs, see “The Slot Rack” on page 18.
MIDI
Allows you to configure the ranges and MIDI parameters of the slots, see “The MIDI
Editor” on page 155.
Program Table
Shows all programs that are loaded. This includes the programs that are used in the
Slot Rack as well as those that can be loaded via MIDI program change, see
and Managing Programs” on page 30.
Program Tree
Allows you to create programs by combining samples, layers, busses, as well as MIDI
and audio effects, see
Sound Editor
Gives you access to the parameters of the various program components. It can
display the parameters of programs, layers, zones, MIDI modules, busses, and effects.
Which parameters are displayed depends on the object that is selected in the
Program Tree.
“Loading
“Using the Program Tree” on page 33.
Zone Editor
Allows you to edit the parameters of all zones of the focused layer simultaneously
(including any sublayers).
If zones are selected in the Program Tree or Mapping editor, only these zones can be
modified.
MIDI Modules Editor
Allows you to edit MIDI Modules, see “Using MIDI Modules” on page 63.
15
The HALion Control Panel
Macro
This is a content-specific editor that provides a set of the most important program
parameters. Whether such an editor is available for a program, depends on the
content set, see
Mapping Editor
Allows you to specify and visualize how samples are distributed over the keyboard and
velocity range, see
Sample Editor
Allows you to define all sample and loop parameters, see “Editing Samples in the
Sample Editor” on page 144.
Mixer
Allows you to mix the program slots, access the output and AUX busses, and manage
effects, see
Browser
Overview of the Available Editors
“Macro Pages” on page 17.
“The Mapping Editor” on page 136.
“Mixing and Routing” on page 159.
Allows you to browse and import files, including external sampler formats, see
“Importing and Exporting Samples” on page 66.
MediaBay
Allows you to load programs and layers, see “Managing Files via the MediaBay” on
page 24.
Options
Contains global plug-in settings regarding the overall performance, global edit
functions, and MIDI controllers, see
Undo History
Lists all of your actions and allows you to undo changes, see “Undo/Redo” on page 46.
Keyboard
Combines a keyboard, two wheels, and the HALion Sphere. You can use these
controls to simulate external hardware, see
Quick Controls
Allows you to remote-control any parameter inside the program, see “Quick Controls”
on page 53.
“The Options Editor” on page 48.
“The Keyboard Editor” on page 46.
Trigger Pads
Allow you to assign and trigger notes and chords. Furthermore it is possible to use the
trigger pads to switch the states of FlexPhraser modules, see
page 197.
16
The HALion Control Panel
“The Trigger Pads” on
Macro Pages
VST Sound Instrument Sets provide dedicated editors, so-called Macro pages. These
Macro pages are preconfigured to show the most important parameters for the
specific programs.
Whether it is possible to edit a program only via its Macro page or whether you have
access to all underlying zone and layer parameters depends on the instrument set.
If a program comes with a Macro page, it is displayed when you open the Macro
editor.
When loading a program that contains one or multiple layers with Macro pages, all
Macro pages are shown together in the Macro editor. For each existing Macro page,
HALion inserts a navigation button on the toolbar that allows you to switch between
the different Macro pages.
Macro Pages
17
The HALion Control Panel
The Slot Rack
Program Loader
Mute Slot
Solo Slot
MIDI Activity
Indicator
Sort Slots
Remove All Programs
Show Empty Slots
Slot Sizes
The Slot Rack allows you to load up to 64 programs into so-called slots. Slots are
created dynamically for each loaded program. Their order can be arranged freely,
sorted by MIDI channel, or slot index.
Use the scrollbar to the right of the slots to navigate to the slot that you want to make
settings for.
Managing Your Sounds
Changing the Slot Size
You can change the size of the slots that are displayed using the sizing buttons above
the slots. The following options are available:
Size Features
Small Shows MIDI Indicator, Mute, Solo, Program Loader
Medium Shows MIDI Indicator, Mute, Solo, Program Loader, MIDI Port/Channel,
Large Shows Instrument Icon, Mute, Solo, Program Loader, MIDI Indicator, MIDI
Showing Empty Slots
By default the Slot Rack only shows slots that are currently filled with programs.
• To show all empty slots, activate the “Show Empty Slots” option on the toolbar.
Loading Programs
Programs and layers can be dragged from the following locations into the Slot Rack:
- HALion or Cubase MediaBay
- Program Table or Program Tree
-Import View
- Explorer (Win) or Finder (Mac)
Level, Pan, Level Meter
Port/Channel, Polyphony, Level, Pan, Output, Level Meter
18
Replacing Programs
You can replace the program in a slot by dragging another program or layer onto this
slot.
Alternatively you can use the “Load Program” button at the right of the slot to load a
new program.
Loading Programs in between Slots
• If you want to add a program or layer in a new slot between two existing slots, you
can drag it between these slots.
A red line indicates that a slot will be inserted at this position.
Ö The slot number is taken from the first available slot and does not necessarily reflect
the order in which the slots are listed.
Loading Layers into Slots
If you load a layer into a slot, HALion creates a new program.
Managing Programs via the Slot Context Menu
The Slot Rack
The slot context menu provides additional functions for managing programs. The
following options are available:
Option Description
Load Programs This option opens the “Load Program” dialog. Select a program
or layer and click OK to load it into the slot.
Save Program This option saves the program. Please note that factory content
cannot be overwritten. Instead, the “Save Program” dialog is
opened and you can save the edited program under a new name.
Save Program As… This option opens the “Save Program” dialog where you can
save the edited program under a new name.
Remove Program Select this option to remove the program from the slot.
Revert to Last Saved
Program
Cut Program Select this option to copy and remove the program from the slot.
Copy Program Select this option to copy the program without removing it.
Paste Program Select this option to paste the copied program into the slot. If the
Rename Program Select this option to enter a new name.
Reset Selected Slot Select this option to reset the selected slot to the default values.
Reset All Slots Select this option to reset all slots to the default values.
Select this option to discard any changes made to the program
in the slot.
slot already contains a program, it is replaced.
Loading Samples and Third-Party Programs
Samples and third-party programs can be loaded into the Slot Rack from a file
browser or the Import editor using drag and drop.
Renaming Programs
You can rename a program via the context menu.
Ö To make the program with its new name available in the MediaBay, you must save it.
19
Managing Your Sounds
Sorting Modes
By default, slots are arranged freely. New slots are set to the next available index
number.
• To change the sorting mode, click the Sort Slots button on the left side of the Slot
Mode Description
Custom Sorting Default mode.
Sort Slots by MIDI Port and
Channel
Sort Slots by Index Slots are sorted by their index-number. No reordering is
Slot Controls
Depending on the selected slot display size you get access to additional slot controls.
Level
The level fader controls the output level of a program. The parameter has an influence
on all outputs used by layers and zones inside the program.
The Slot Rack
Rack toolbar, and choose a mode:
Slots are sorted by their MIDI channels. No reordering is
possible. New slots are set to MIDI channel A1.
possible. New slots are set to the next available index-number.
Pan
Pan controls the stereo position of a program. The parameter has an influence on all
outputs used by layers and zones inside the program.
Ö The Pan control is disabled if the slot bus has a surround configuration.
Solo
Activate the Solo button of a slot in order to hear only the corresponding program.
Several slots can be soloed at the same time.
Mute
Activate the Mute button to turn off playback of the program.
MIDI Port and Channel
Here you can specify on which MIDI port and channel the slot receives MIDI
messages.
MIDI Activity Indicator
A green bar next to the slot number and symbol indicates incoming MIDI data.
Polyphony
Here, you can specify how many notes can be triggered simultaneously.
Ö The number of resulting voices can be much higher if one note triggers several zones
at the same time.
Output
The output selector lets you define to which output bus the slot sends its signal.
Ö This setting does not affect any output routing that has been set up for individual
layers or zones inside the program.
Level Meter
The level meter indicates the signal level of the slot output bus.
Ö Layers and zones inside the program that are routed to individual outputs do not show
any meter activity.
20
Managing Your Sounds
The Relationship between Slot and Program Table
Save
Multi-Program
Remove Multi-Program
Load Multi-Program
Export Multi-Program as VST Sound
Export Multi-Program as
VST3 Preset with Samples
The Program Table provides a list of all programs that are loaded into slots, as well as
programs that are not yet loaded but can be addressed by a program change.
When a program is loaded into a slot, it is also inserted in a free place in the Program
Table.
When replacing a program in a slot, the table updates accordingly. If multiple slots
have used the same program, all slots are updated with the new program.
Managing Multis
Multis can load multiple sounds or programs and combine them. You can use multis,
for example, to layer several programs or to create split sounds by setting several
programs to the same MIDI input channel. However, the most common usage is to
create sound sets with different instruments set to individual MIDI channels.
Managing Multis
A multi-program contains all plug-in parameters. When using HALion as a plug-in in
Cubase or Nuendo, these multis are listed in the Preset Management pop-up menu of
the host application. You can drag multis and programs from the Cubase or Nuendo
MediaBay to a slot in HALion.
When using HALion as a plug-in in a different host application, you can use either the
preset functionality from the host application, or the multi management features
provided by HALion.
Loading Multis
• Open the MediaBay and double-click a multi, or drag and drop a multi onto the
multi slot.
• Alternatively, click the “Load Multi-Program” button in the multi slot to open the
“Load Multi-Program” dialog, select a multi and click on OK.
Removing Multis
• To remove all programs of the current multi, click the “Remove All Programs”
button on the toolbar of the Slot Rack.
This also resets all slot parameters and removes effects from the slot busses.
However, AUX and Master effects are not removed.
Ö Removing the programs from the slots does not remove them from the Program Table.
Managing Your Sounds
21
Saving Multis
Managing Multis
To save multis, proceed as follows:
1. Click the “Save Multi-Program” button.
2. Enter the name of the multi.
3. Assign any attributes you require and click OK.
If the entered name already exists, the “Make Unique Name” option adds a number
suffix to the name of the new multi.
Clearing the Plug-In Instance
To reset the entire HALion instance to an empty state, right-click the Multi Loader and
select “Clear Plug-in Instance” from the context menu.
Saving a Multi as Default
To specify a default multi to be loaded with each new HALion instance, use the “Save
as Default” command on the context menu for the Multi loader.
Creating Subfolders for User-Defined Multis
You can create subfolders inside the user preset folder to organize presets.
• To create a new folder, click the “Create New Folder” icon at the top left of the
“Save Multi-Program” dialog.
22
Managing Your Sounds
Navigating Through the Folder Hierarchy
You can move through the folder hierarchy using the three navigation buttons at the
top left of the dialog.
They allow you to navigate to the previous or next browse location, or browse the
containing folder.
Editing Attributes
In the “New Preset Tags” section on the right of the “Save Multi-Program” dialog you
can edit the attribute values that are assigned to the preset.
1. To edit an attribute, click on a value field, and enter the new name or value.
2. Click OK to save the preset.
For further information about attributes, see “Editing Preset Attributes” on page 27.
Exporting Multis as VST3 Presets with Samples
You can export multi-programs with samples to transfer a complete multi to another
computer. Programs that use samples from VST Sound containers cannot be exported.
Managing Multis
To export a multi with samples, proceed as follows:
1. Click the “Export Multi-Program as VST3 Preset with Samples” button next to the
multi slot.
2. Enter the name of the multi, and click OK.
The multi is written to the specified location. Additionally, a folder named after the
preset that contains all samples is created.
Exporting Multis as VST Sound Files
You can produce your own HALion VST Sound files, containing all plug-in settings,
programs, and samples.
1. Click the “Export Multi-Program as VST Sound” button next to the multi slot.
2. Enter the required information (marked with an asterisk) and provide additional
data (optional).
3. Enter the path or click the browse button to specify a file name and folder.
4. Click OK.
You cannot include samples that originate from protected VST Sound files.
23
Managing Your Sounds
Managing Files via the MediaBay
The MediaBay gives access to the HALion presets, such as multis, programs, and
layers.
Managing Files via the MediaBay
The MediaBay is divided into two sections. In the top section you can define which
kind of sounds you want to look for. The lower section presents the corresponding
results list. You can drag the divider at the top of the results list to adjust the size of
the two sections.
Loading Programs into Slots
To load a program into one of the slots of the Slot Rack, you have the following
possibilities:
• Select the slot into which you want to load the program and double-click the
program in the results list.
• Drag a program from the results list to an empty space in the Slot Rack to create a
new slot. If you drag it to an existing slot, the current program is replaced.
• Right-click the program and select “Load Program into selected Slot” from the
context menu.
Importing Presets
You can import existing program presets from any file location using the Explorer
(Win) or Finder (Mac). To import presets, proceed as follows:
1. Select the preset in the Explorer/Finder.
2. Drag it to the MediaBay.
The imported presets are copied to your user folder.
Deleting Presets
• To delete a user preset, right-click it to open the context menu, and select Delete.
Factory presets cannot be deleted.
Importing Folders or ISO Image Files
• To import the content of entire folders or ISO image files into the MediaBay, use
the “Batch Import” command on the location tree context menu.
Managing Your Sounds
24
Applying Filters
Multi
Program
Layer
Category Filter
You can filter the results list based on up to four filter criteria using the configurable
attribute columns.
Standard attributes are Category, Sub Category, Style, and Character. By clicking on
specific values in the columns, you define the filter. Only the files that match the
selected values are displayed in the results list. Select more values from other
columns to refine the filter.
• To select different filter criteria, click the column header, and select a different
Instrument Set Filter
Use the “Instrument Set Filter” pop-up menu to search a certain content set only. By
default, the search is performed in any of the installed content sets.
Managing Files via the MediaBay
attribute from the submenu.
Using the Results List
The results list shows all files that have been found according to the category filter.
View Filters
The toolbar of the results list has three filter buttons to define which preset types are
displayed. Presets can be multis, programs, and layers. To show a preset, activate the
corresponding icon. In the results list, the corresponding icon is shown to the left of
the preset name.
Columns
The columns of the results list show all the attribute values for the presets that match
the filters that you set up in the top section.
You can reorder the columns in the results list by dragging the table headers to
another position. Furthermore, you can use the column headers to change the sorting
of the list entries. The triangle in the column header shows the sorting direction.
Setting Up the Result Columns
You can select which attribute columns are displayed, by clicking the “Set up Result
Columns” button on the toolbar of the results list. The attributes that you choose are
added at the right of the list.
Rating Filter
You can limit the results list to presets that have a certain rating. The rating slider
allows you to define the minimum rating.
25
Managing Your Sounds
Managing Files via the MediaBay
!
Text Search
In the text search field on the results list toolbar you can enter text contained in the
name or any of the attributes of a preset that you are looking for. The results list
updates immediately and the Category search section above shows all categories
that contain presets matching the text search.
Resetting the Result Filter
• To reset the text-based result filter, click the Reset button to the left of the search
field.
Content Filter
The content filter buttons allow you to define whether you want to see all presets, only
the factory presets, or only your user presets.
The Results Counter
The number of presets that match the filter criteria is displayed at the far right of the
results list toolbar.
Using the Context Menu of the Results List
The context menu of the results list offers additional options for managing the
selected presets. The following options are available for factory and user presets:
Options Description
Load Program into
This loads the highlighted preset.
selected Slots/
Load Multi-Program
Select All This selects all presets in the results list.
Select None This cancels any selection.
The following options are available for user presets only:
Options Description
Copy This copies the selected presets to the clipboard. This way,
you can paste them at a different location using the file
browser of your OS.
Rename This opens a dialog for renaming the highlighted preset.
Delete This moves the selected presets to the trash bin of your
operating system.
Show in Explorer/ Reveal in
Finder
Set or remove Write
Protection
This shows the preset in the file browser of your operating
system.
This sets or removes the write protection for the selected
presets.
Programs from the HALion factory content are write-protected and cannot be deleted
or renamed.
26
Managing Your Sounds
Showing the Program Structure
You can also look inside multis, programs, and layers. This enables you to only load
specific components, for example.
Proceed as follows:
1. Activate the “Show Program Structure” button on the results list toolbar.
An additional window pane opens, showing the content of the selected multi,
program, or layer.
2. Navigate through the tree structure and select the subitem you want to use, for
example, a program within a multi, a single layer of a program, or a single zone.
Managing Files via the MediaBay
Ö You cannot open protected layers. These are shown with a lock icon.
Editing Preset Attributes
Each preset can be described using a predefined set of attributes. These attributes
can be set directly in the results list or in the section “New Preset Attributes” of the
Save dialog.
1. Click in the field of the attribute value that you want to set.
Depending on the attribute, a menu or a dialog opens.
2. Select a value.
Ö Attribute values are written directly into the corresponding preset files. However, this
is not possible for write protected factory content. In this case, the data is saved
within HALion’s MediaBay database.
Attributes
Attribute values can be set directly in the results list or the Save dialog. The following
table shows how to edit the various attribute values:
Attribute type Attribute Editing method
Media
Musical
Name Display only.
Rating Drag to set the rating.
Comment Click to select, double-click to edit.
Content Summary Click to select, double-click to edit.
Write Protection Display only, use context menu to set
protection.
Library Name Click to select, double-click to edit.
Library Manufacturer Click to select, double-click to edit.
Author Click to select, double-click to edit.
Category Click to select.
Sub Category Click to select.
Style Click to select.
27
Managing Your Sounds
Content Files and Folder Structure
Attribute type Attribute Editing method
Sub Style Click to select.
Character Click to open an editor dialog.
Tempo Click to select, double-click to edit.
Bars & Beats Click to select, double-click to edit.
Signature Click to select, double-click to edit.
Key Click to select.
GM Sound Click to select.
Setting the Character Values
Character attribute values can be set via a dedicated editor. This editor provides a list
of values that describe the character of a sound.
Content Files and Folder Structure
HALion has a large amount of ready-to-use sound content, made up of hundreds of
multis, programs, and layers. This content is write-protected. You can edit files while
they are loaded in HALion, but you cannot overwrite the factory content files themselves.
To save edits to the factory content, save the files under a new name. These files have
the name extension “.vstpreset” and are referred to as “user content”. They can be
searched and categorized in the same way as factory content.
User content is saved in a predefined folder structure on your hard disk. You can
create subfolders within this structure, to facilitate moving or exchanging content (see
“Creating Subfolders for User-Defined Multis” on page 22).
Loading HALion 3 Programs
HALion 4 allows you to load HALion 3 presets either from HSB container files or from
FXP/FXB files. To be able to load presets from HALion 3 HSB files, they have to be
registered in the HALion 4 MediaBay.
Registering HSB Files
1. Click the Import button on the right of the Category Filter toolbar, and select
“Register HSB/VST Sound Files”.
2. Navigate to the HSB/VST files, select them, and click OK.
The MediaBay now has access to the presets.
• Alternatively, HSB/VST files can be registered by dragging them from the
Windows Explorer or Mac OS Finder into the HALion MediaBay.
28
Managing Your Sounds
Registering VST Sound Files
Programs that are contained in VST Sound files can only be seen and accessed by
the MediaBay if the corresponding VST Sound file has been registered. HALion’s
factory content is located in a directory that is automatically scanned when HALion is
loaded. However, it is possible to add further VST Sound files that are not located in
that directory.
To register a VST Sound File, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Import button on the right of the Category filter toolbar.
2. Select “Register HSB/VST Sound Files“.
3. Navigate to the VST Sound file, select it, and click OK.
The MediaBay now has access to the presets.
Loading FXP/FXB Files
To load FXP/FXB files there are two possibilities:
• Drag and drop the FXP/FXB files from the Windows Explorer or the Mac OS
Finder onto the Slot Rack.
• Drag and drop the FXP/FXB files to the Slot Rack/Multi Loader.
HALion converts the FXP/FXB files into HALion programs/multi-programs.
Working with General MIDI Files
Importing FXP/FXB Files
To import multiple FXP/FXB files without loading them in HALion, proceed as follows:
1. Click the Import button to the right of the Category Filter and select “Import
HALion FXP/FXB Files”.
2. Navigate to the folder that contains the FXP/FXB file.
3. Select the file you want to import and click OK.
The presets are converted into the HALion 4 format and saved as VST presets in
the user preset folder.
Ö Alternatively, import multiple FXP/FXB files by dragging them from the Windows
Explorer or Mac OS Finder into the MediaBay.
Working with General MIDI Files
HALion can play back files in the General MIDI format. For this, the following
preparations must be made:
1. Load a GM multi from the MediaBay.
The first 16 slots are prepared with send effects for Chorus and Reverb.
2. Open the Options editor, navigate to MIDI Controller, and activate “Receive
Program Changes” and “Receive RPNs 0/1/2”.
3. Load the GM file that you want to use.
HALion loads the necessary programs and adjusts chorus and reverb levels.
29
Managing Your Sounds
Introduction
HALion allows you to load a virtually unlimited number of programs per instance. All
loaded programs, that means, programs that can be used in the current project, are
shown in the Program Table. You can load these programs into any of the 64 slots in
the Slot Rack.
The first 128 entries of the Program Table correspond to the 128 MIDI program
change numbers. You can load these programs into a slot by sending MIDI program
change messages on the slot’s MIDI channel.
Ö You can set the focus on any of the programs, for example to verify settings or to copy
zones from there, without having it assigned to any slot. In that case you cannot play
and hear the program.
Loading and Managing Programs
The Columns of the Program Table
The Program Table contains the following columns:
Column Description
Program Number Displays the program number, which corresponds to the
MIDI program change number.
Program Name Shows the program name. The name can be edited in place.
Used Displays the number of slots in which the program is loaded.
Preload Shows if a program is preloaded, even if it is not being used
in a slot.
File Size Displays the size of the program with all samples as it is
stored on the hard disk.
Configuring Columns
Inserting Columns
• Right-click the column header at the position where you want to insert the new
column, and select the parameter or column that you want to insert.
Removing Columns
• Right-click the header of the column you want to remove, and select “Remove…”.
Reordering Columns
• Drag and drop the header of the column left or right to the new position.
Changing the Width of a Column
• Drag the right border of the column header left or right to change its width.
Ö All modifications are stored with the project.
30
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