Operation Manual Benutzerhandbuch Mode d’Emploi
Matthias Klag, Michael Ruf
Revision and quality control: Cristina Bachmann, Heiko Bischoff, Christina Kaboth, Insa Mingers, Sabine Pfeifer, 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 otherwise 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.
All product and company names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.steinberg.net/trademarks.
Release Date: June 12, 2013
© Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, 2013.
All rights reserved.
7 |
Installation and Setup |
45 |
Global Functions and Settings |
|
7 |
Welcome |
45 |
Introduction |
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8 |
Key Command Conventions |
45 |
The Plug-in Functions Section |
|
8 |
How You Can Reach Us |
46 |
The Toolbar |
|
8 |
Installation |
48 |
The Keyboard Editor |
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10 |
Setting Up |
50 |
The Options Editor |
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12 |
The HALion Control Panel |
55 |
Quick Controls |
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59 |
AI-Knob Support |
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12 |
Introduction |
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60 |
Common Editing Methods |
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12 |
Configuring the Control Panel |
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14 |
Setting the Focus |
60 |
Introduction |
|
15 |
Working with Multiple Windows |
60 |
Using Controls in HALion |
|
15 |
Screen Sets |
61 |
Using Key Commands |
|
16 |
Overview of the Available Editors |
62 |
Working with Presets |
|
18 |
Macro Pages |
63 |
Using Automation |
|
19 |
Managing Your Sounds |
64 |
Using Effects |
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65 |
Using MIDI Modules |
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19 |
The Slot Rack |
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67 |
Importing and Exporting Samples |
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22 |
Managing Multis |
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24 |
Managing Files via the MediaBay |
67 |
Importing Samples |
|
29 |
Content Files and Folder Structure |
71 |
Finding Missing Samples |
|
29 |
Loading HALion 3 Programs |
72 |
Exporting Samples |
|
30 |
Working with General MIDI Files |
75 |
Replacing Samples |
|
31 |
Loading and Managing Programs |
77 |
Importing Third-Party Sampler Programs |
|
77 |
Importing Sliced Loops |
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31 |
Introduction |
|||
80 |
Using the Browser |
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31 |
The Columns of the Program Table |
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32 |
Loading Programs into the Program Table |
80 |
Introduction |
|
32 |
Loading Programs from the Program |
80 |
The Path Section |
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Table to the Slot Rack |
81 |
The Location Tree |
|
33 |
Editing the Program Table |
82 |
The Results List |
|
34 |
Using the Program Tree |
84 |
The Preview and File Info Section |
|
84 |
Loading Files |
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34 |
Introduction |
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87 |
Editing Programs and Layers in the |
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35 |
The Program Tree Structure |
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36 |
Editing Zones, Programs, and Layers |
|
Sound Editor |
|
39 |
Making Selections |
87 |
Introduction |
|
40 |
Navigating in the Program Tree |
87 |
The Main Section |
|
41 |
Muting, Soloing, and Hiding |
88 |
The Trigger Section |
|
42 |
Adding MIDI Modules |
90 |
The Voice Management Section |
|
42 |
Adding Insert Effects |
94 |
The Variation Groups Section |
|
42 |
Changing the Order of MIDI Modules and |
95 |
The Quick Control Assignments Section |
|
|
Insert Effects |
95 |
The Note Expression Section |
|
43 |
Adding Audio Busses |
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|
43 |
Customizing the Program Tree |
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4
97 |
Editing Zones in the Sound Editor |
168 |
MIDI Editing and Controllers |
|
97 |
Introduction |
168 |
The MIDI Editor |
|
97 |
Global Zone Settings |
169 |
Using MIDI Controllers |
|
98 |
Editing Selected Zones or All Zones |
170 |
Assigning MIDI Controllers |
|
98 |
Absolute and Relative Editing |
170 |
Assigning MIDI Controllers to AUX FX |
|
98 |
HALion 3 compatibility |
170 |
Saving a MIDI Controller Mapping as |
|
98 |
Managing Sections |
|
Default |
|
99 |
The Voice Control Section |
171 |
Automation and Factory MIDI Controller |
|
102 |
The Pitch Section |
|
Assignments |
|
103 |
The Oscillator Section |
171 |
CC 121 Support |
|
107 |
The Sample Oscillator Section |
172 |
Mixing and Routing |
|
108 |
Organ Oscillator Section |
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172 |
The Audio Bus Architecture |
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110 |
The AudioWarp Section |
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175 |
The HALion Mixer |
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113 |
The Filter Section |
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179 |
Auron |
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117 |
The Amplifier Section |
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119 |
The Envelope Section |
179 |
Introduction |
|
124 |
The LFO Section |
180 |
The Osc Page |
|
127 |
The Step Modulator Section |
181 |
The Mod Page |
|
129 |
The Modulation Matrix Section |
182 |
The Voice Page |
|
137 |
Mapping Zones |
184 |
The Filter Section |
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185 |
The Amp Section |
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137 |
Introduction |
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185 |
The Arp Page |
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137 |
The Mapping Editor |
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186 |
Trium |
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138 |
Setting the Focus |
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138 |
Zooming and Scrolling |
186 |
Introduction |
|
139 |
Selecting Zones |
186 |
The Osc Page |
|
139 |
Moving Zones |
187 |
The Sub Page |
|
139 |
Setting Key and Velocity Range |
189 |
The Amp Section |
|
140 |
Muting and Soloing Zones |
189 |
The Mod Page |
|
140 |
Showing and Hiding Zones |
190 |
The Arp Page |
|
140 |
Fading and Crossfading Zones |
191 |
Voltage |
|
141 |
The Root Key |
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191 |
Introduction |
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141 |
Triggering Zones |
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191 |
The Oscillator Section |
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142 |
Importing Samples Using Drag and Drop |
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192 |
The Filter Section |
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142 |
Mapping Zones |
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196 |
The Arp Page |
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144 |
Filling Gaps between Zones |
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197 |
Model C |
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144 |
Selecting Zones with the Mapping Editor |
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Keyboard |
197 |
Introduction |
|
145 |
Editing Samples in the Sample |
197 |
The Organ Page |
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199 |
The Rotary Page |
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Editor |
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|
199 |
The Amp Page |
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145 |
Introduction |
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199 |
The FX Page |
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145 |
Overview |
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202 |
HALiotron |
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146 |
The Parameter Section |
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147 |
General Operations |
202 |
Introduction |
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152 |
Creating Loops |
202 |
The Main Page |
|
156 |
Creating and Editing Slices |
203 |
The Filter Page |
|
161 |
Granular Synthesis |
204 |
B-Box |
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161 |
Introduction |
204 |
Introduction |
|
161 |
Accessing the Grain Oscillator |
204 |
The Pattern Page |
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162 |
The Grain Tab |
207 |
The Mix Page |
166Modulating the Grain Oscillator
167The Sample Tab
5
211World Instruments
211Introduction
211The Filter Section
212The Amp Section
213The Pitch/LFO/MW Sections
213The Oriental Scale Section
214The Arp Page
215World Percussion
215 Introduction
219 |
Effects Reference |
219 |
Introduction |
219 |
Reverb and Delay Effects |
223 |
EQ Effects |
225 |
Filter effects |
229 |
Distortion Effects |
233 |
Modulation Effects |
240 |
Dynamics Effects |
244 |
Panner and Routing Effects |
246 |
HALion 3 Legacy Effects |
254 |
MIDI Modules Reference |
254 |
Introduction |
254 |
The FlexPhraser |
259 |
The Trigger Pads |
261 |
The MIDI Player Module |
263 |
The Drum Player Module |
267 |
Mono Envelope |
269 |
Mono LFO |
271 |
MegaTrig |
275 |
Layer Alternate |
277Key Switch Alternate
278Key Switch Remote
279MIDI Randomizer
280True Pedaling
281CC Mapper
282Velocity Curve
283Tuning Scale
285 Key Commands Reference
285 The Default Key Commands
287 Using the HALion Standalone
Version
287 Introduction
287 Making Preferences Settings
289 Selecting the MIDI Input and the Audio
Output
289 The Scratch Pad
292 Index
6
Congratulations on purchasing Steinberg’s HALion 5.
In response to the requirements of professional sound designers, HALion 5 was carefully refined during the engineering process, resulting in the ultimate tool for discerning sound designers and bound to find the appreciation of musicians, producers and composers.
HALion combines a premium sample engine with up-to-date virtual analog and granular synthesis that 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.
Many feature requests and wishes have found their way into the fifth iteration of HALion. A dedicated slicing editor lets you chop, edit and map your samples very conveniently with just a few clicks. FlexPhrases are now recorded and exported to your DAW and the new user phrase editor lets you program your own phrases and arpeggios directly in HALion. Additionally, new MIDI modules, a tone-wheel organ oscillator, a granular synthesis oscillator and many new effects are now available in HALion 5 to give you even more creative tools for your sound design.
To begin with, check out the massive sound library. With more than 1,000 new presets and plenty of new instruments, the content library underwent a massive upgrade. All the new instruments like the Model-C organ or the new synth section with Trium, Auron, and Voltage are equipped with dedicated interface skins that make controlling the software even more intuitive. Whether it is the comprehensive world library or B-Box, the new drum machine with included step sequencer, HALion 5 offers plenty of inspiring sounds for all kinds of tastes and situations.
The new features, instruments, and functionalities are described in detail in this manual. Please don’t forget to register at MySteinberg in order to gain access to online support offers and additional exclusive services. And check out the HALion 5 community at our online forum for tips and other useful information.
We wish you lots of musical inspiration while working with your brand-new workstation!
The Steinberg HALion Team
7
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] on Windows and [Command]-[Z] on Mac OS X systems.
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] on Windows or [Command] on Mac OS X systems, then press [Z]”.
Similarly, [Alt]/[Option]-[X] means “press [Alt] on Windows or [Option] on Mac OS X systems, 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.
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 10.
! 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.
8 Installation and Setup
Installation
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.
ÖIf 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
Your computer must meet the following minimum requirements for the Windows and Mac versions of HALion:
Mac OS X |
Windows |
|
|
Mac OS X Version 10.7/10.8* |
Windows 7/Windows 8* |
Intel dual-core processor |
Intel or AMD dual-core processor |
CoreAudio-compatible audio hardware |
Windows-compatible audio hardware** |
VST 3 or AU-compatible host application |
VST 3 or VST 2-compatible host application |
for using HALion as a plug-in |
for using HALion as a plug-in |
|
|
4 GB RAM
17 GB of free hard-disk space
Display resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels recommended DVD ROM dual-layer drive required for installation USB port for USB-eLicenser (license management)
Internet connection required for installation, activation, account setup, and personal/product registration.
*Native 32-bit and 64-bit program version.
**ASIO compatible audio hardware recommended for low-latency performance.
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.
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.
9 Installation and Setup
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 “Using the HALion Standalone Version” on page 287.
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.
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.
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.
10 Installation and Setup
Setting Up
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.
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 open the AU Instruments submenu.
3.On the Steinberg submenu, open the HALion submenu and select one of the available channel configurations.
HALion is now loaded as an AU instrument.
11 Installation and Setup
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.
A view with a single
editor
A view with multiple editors on different tabs
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.
12
Configuring the Control Panel
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.
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.
ÖSome editors have fixed default sizes for height or width. For example, the Slot Rack can only be resized vertically but not horizontally.
Create Tab
•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.
ÖIf a view contains more tabs than can be displayed, arrow buttons are displayed to 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
• To remove a view or a tab, select Close.
Undock
• To create a duplicate of the view or tab in a new window, select Undock.
13
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.
•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.
14
The HALion Control Panel
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 13.
The window menu bar contains a pop-up menu from which you can select the program that you want to edit.
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.
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 |
|
Resolution |
Default |
1440 x 900 |
Basic |
1024 x 768 |
Extended1 |
1280 x 800 |
Extended2 |
1440 x 900 |
Advanced |
1440 x 900 |
Description
Full editor screen set.
A minimized single slot player view.
Optimized for laptops.
As Extended 1, but slightly more complex.
Full editor screen set.
15
The HALion Control Panel
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.
Ö Factory screen sets cannot be deleted.
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.
The following editors are available:
Slot Rack
Allows you to load and manage the loaded programs, see “The Slot Rack” on page 19.
MIDI
Allows you to configure the ranges and MIDI parameters of the slots, see “The MIDI Editor” on page 168.
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 “Loading and Managing Programs” on page 31.
Program Tree
Allows you to create programs by combining samples, layers, busses, as well as MIDI and audio effects, see “Using the Program Tree” on page 34.
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.
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.
16
The HALion Control Panel
Overview of the Available Editors
MIDI Modules Editor
Allows you to edit MIDI Modules, see “Using MIDI Modules” on page 65.
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 “Macro Pages” on page 18.
Mapping Editor
Allows you to specify and visualize how samples are distributed over the keyboard and velocity range, see “The Mapping Editor” on page 137.
Sample Editor
Allows you to define all sample and loop parameters, see “Editing Samples in the Sample Editor” on page 145.
Mixer
Allows you to mix the program slots, access the output and AUX busses, and manage effects, see “Mixing and Routing” on page 172.
Browser
Allows you to browse and import files, including external sampler formats, see “Importing and Exporting Samples” on page 67.
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 “The Options Editor” on page 50.
Undo History
Lists all of your actions and allows you to undo changes, see “Undo/Redo” on page 48.
Keyboard
Combines a keyboard, two wheels, and the HALion Sphere. You can use these controls to simulate external hardware, see “The Keyboard Editor” on page 48.
Quick Controls
Allows you to remote-control any parameter inside the program, see “Quick Controls” on page 55.
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 “The Trigger Pads” on page 259.
17
The HALion Control Panel
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.
18
The HALion Control Panel
Slot Sizes Program Loader |
Remove All Programs |
Sort Slots |
|
Mute Slot |
|
MIDI Activity
Indicator
Solo Slot |
Show Empty Slots |
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.
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, |
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Level, Pan, Level Meter |
Large |
Shows Instrument Icon, Mute, Solo, Program Loader, MIDI Indicator, MIDI |
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Port/Channel, Polyphony, Level, Pan, Output, Level Meter |
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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)
19
The Slot Rack
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.
ÖThe 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 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 |
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or layer and click OK to load it into the slot. |
Save Program |
This option saves the program. Please note that factory content |
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cannot be overwritten. Instead, the “Save Program” dialog is |
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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 |
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save the edited program under a new name. |
Remove Program |
Select this option to remove the program from the slot. |
Init Program |
Select this option to load the Init program. This contains a neutral |
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synth layer. |
Revert to Last Saved |
Select this option to discard any changes made to the program |
Program |
in the slot. |
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 |
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slot already contains a program, it is replaced. |
Rename Program |
Select this option to enter a new name. |
Reset 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. |
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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.
20 Managing Your Sounds
The Slot Rack
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 Rack toolbar, and choose a mode:
Mode |
Description |
Custom Sorting |
Default mode. |
Sort Slots by MIDI Port and |
Slots are sorted by their MIDI channels. No reordering is |
Channel |
possible. New slots are set to MIDI channel A1. |
Sort Slots by Index |
Slots are sorted by their index-number. No reordering is |
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possible. New slots are set to the next available index-number. |
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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.
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.
ÖThe 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.
ÖThe 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.
ÖThis 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.
ÖLayers and zones inside the program that are routed to individual outputs do not show any meter activity.
21 Managing Your Sounds
The Relationship between Slot and Program Table
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
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Load Multi-Program |
Export Multi-Program as VST Sound |
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Save |
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Export Multi-Program as |
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Multi-Program |
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VST3 Preset with Samples |
Remove Multi-Program
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.
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.
ÖRemoving the programs from the slots does not remove them from the Program Table.
22 Managing Your Sounds
Managing Multis
Saving 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.
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.
23 Managing Your Sounds
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 28.
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.
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.
Managing Files via the MediaBay
The MediaBay gives access to the HALion presets, such as multis, programs, and layers.
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.
24 Managing Your Sounds
Managing Files via the MediaBay
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.
Applying Filters
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 attribute from the submenu.
Instrument Set Filter
Use the “Select Content Set” pop-up menu to search a certain content set only. By default, the search is performed in any of the installed content sets.
25 Managing Your Sounds
Managing Files via the MediaBay
Using the Results List
The results list shows all files that have been found according to the category filter.
View Filters
Layer
Multi Program
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.
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.
26 Managing Your Sounds
Managing Files via the MediaBay
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 selected Slots/ Load Multi-Program
This loads the highlighted preset.
Select All |
This selects all presets in the results list. |
Select None |
This cancels any selection. |
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The following options are available for user presets only:
Options |
Description |
Copy |
This copies the selected presets to the clipboard. This way, |
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you can paste them at a different location using the file |
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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 |
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operating system. |
Show in Explorer/ Reveal in |
This shows the preset in the file browser of your operating |
Finder |
system. |
Set or remove Write |
This sets or removes the write protection for the selected |
Protection |
presets. |
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!Programs from the HALion factory content are write-protected and cannot be deleted or renamed.
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.
ÖYou cannot open protected layers. These are shown with a lock icon.
27 Managing Your Sounds
Managing Files via the MediaBay
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.
ÖAttribute 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 |
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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 |
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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. |
Musical |
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Category |
Click to select. |
Sub Category |
Click to select. |
Style |
Click to select. |
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. |
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28 Managing Your Sounds
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 23).
HALion 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 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.
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“.
29 Managing Your Sounds
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.
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 and saved as VST presets in the user preset folder.
ÖAlternatively, 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.
30 Managing Your Sounds