Steinberg Halion 5 Manual

							Operation Manual
Benutzerhandbuch
Mode d’Emploi
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							English 
						

							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. 
						

							4
Table of Contents
7Installation and Setup
7Welcome
8Key Command Conventions
8How You Can Reach Us
8Installation
10Setting Up
12The HALion Control Panel
12Introduction
12Configuring the Control Panel
14Setting the Focus
15Working with Multiple Windows
15Screen Sets
16Overview of the Available Editors
18Macro Pages
19Managing Your Sounds
19The Slot Rack
22Managing Multis
24Managing Files via the MediaBay
29Content Files and Folder Structure
29Loading HALion 3 Programs
30Working with General MIDI Files
31Loading and Managing Programs
31Introduction
31The Columns of the Program Table
32Loading Programs into the Program Table
32Loading Programs from the Program 
Table to the Slot Rack
33Editing the Program Table
34Using the Program Tree
34Introduction
35The Program Tree Structure
36Editing Zones, Programs, and Layers
39Making Selections
40Navigating in the Program Tree
41Muting, Soloing, and Hiding
42Adding MIDI Modules
42Adding Insert Effects
42Changing the Order of MIDI Modules and 
Insert Effects
43Adding Audio Busses
43Customizing the Program Tree
45Global Functions and Settings
45Introduction
45The Plug-in Functions Section
46The Toolbar
48The Keyboard Editor
50The Options Editor
55Quick Controls
59AI-Knob Support
60Common Editing Methods
60Introduction
60Using Controls in HALion
61Using Key Commands
62Working with Presets
63Using Automation
64Using Effects
65Using MIDI Modules
67Importing and Exporting Samples
67Importing Samples
71Finding Missing Samples
72Exporting Samples
75Replacing Samples
77Importing Third-Party Sampler Programs
77Importing Sliced Loops
80Using the Browser
80Introduction
80The Path Section
81The Location Tree
82The Results List
84The Preview and File Info Section
84Loading Files
87Editing Programs and Layers in the 
Sound Editor
87Introduction
87The Main Section
88The Trigger Section
90The Voice Management Section
94The Variation Groups Section
95The Quick Control Assignments Section
95The Note Expression Section 
						

							5
97Editing Zones in the Sound Editor
97Introduction
97Global Zone Settings
98Editing Selected Zones or All Zones
98Absolute and Relative Editing
98HALion 3 compatibility
98Managing Sections
99The Voice Control Section
102The Pitch Section
103The Oscillator Section
107The Sample Oscillator Section
108Organ Oscillator Section
110The AudioWarp Section
113The Filter Section
117The Amplifier Section
119The Envelope Section
124The LFO Section
127The Step Modulator Section
129The Modulation Matrix Section
137Mapping Zones
137Introduction
137The Mapping Editor
138Setting the Focus
138Zooming and Scrolling
139Selecting Zones
139Moving Zones
139Setting Key and Velocity Range
140Muting and Soloing Zones
140Showing and Hiding Zones
140Fading and Crossfading Zones
141The Root Key
141Triggering Zones
142Importing Samples Using Drag and Drop
142Mapping Zones
144Filling Gaps between Zones
144Selecting Zones with the Mapping Editor 
Keyboard
145Editing Samples in the Sample 
Editor
145Introduction
145Overview
146The Parameter Section
147General Operations
152Creating Loops
156Creating and Editing Slices
161Granular Synthesis
161Introduction
161Accessing the Grain Oscillator
162The Grain Tab
166Modulating the Grain Oscillator
167The Sample Tab
168MIDI Editing and Controllers
168The MIDI Editor
169Using MIDI Controllers
170Assigning MIDI Controllers
170Assigning MIDI Controllers to AUX FX
170Saving a MIDI Controller Mapping as 
Default
171Automation and Factory MIDI Controller 
Assignments
171CC 121 Support
172Mixing and Routing
172The Audio Bus Architecture
175The HALion Mixer
179Auron
179Introduction
180The Osc Page
181The Mod Page
182The Voice Page
184The Filter Section
185The Amp Section
185The Arp Page
186Trium
186Introduction
186The Osc Page
187The Sub Page
189The Amp Section
189The Mod Page
190The Arp Page
191Voltage
191Introduction
191The Oscillator Section
192The Filter Section
196The Arp Page
197Model C
197Introduction
197The Organ Page
199The Rotary Page
199The Amp Page
199The FX Page
202HALiotron
202Introduction
202The Main Page
203The Filter Page
204B-Box
204Introduction
204The Pattern Page
207The Mix Page 
						

							6
211World Instruments
211Introduction
211The Filter Section
212The Amp Section
213The Pitch/LFO/MW Sections
213The Oriental Scale Section
214The Arp Page
215World Percussion
215Introduction
219Effects Reference
219Introduction
219Reverb and Delay Effects
223EQ Effects
225Filter effects
229Distortion Effects
233Modulation Effects
240Dynamics Effects
244Panner and Routing Effects
246HALion 3 Legacy Effects
254MIDI Modules Reference
254Introduction
254The FlexPhraser
259The Trigger Pads
261The MIDI Player Module
263The Drum Player Module
267Mono Envelope
269Mono LFO
271MegaTrig
275Layer Alternate
277Key Switch Alternate
278Key Switch Remote
279MIDI Randomizer
280True Pedaling
281CC Mapper
282Velocity Curve
283Tuning Scale
285Key Commands Reference
285The Default Key Commands
287Using the HALion Standalone 
Version
287Introduction
287Making Preferences Settings
289Selecting the MIDI Input and the Audio 
Output
289The Scratch Pad
292Index 
						

							7
Installation and Setup
Welcome
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 
						

							8
Installation and SetupKey Command Conventions
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.
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 10.
Installation
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 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.
!Please read the following section before installing HALion.
!The USB-eLicenser is a separate product and is not included in the product package 
of HALion. 
						

							9
Installation and SetupInstallation
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:
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.
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.
Mac OS XWindows
Mac OS X Version 10.7/10.8*
Intel dual-core processor
CoreAudio-compatible audio hardware
VST 3 or AU-compatible host application 
for using HALion as a plug-in
Windows 7/Windows 8*
Intel or AMD dual-core processor
Windows-compatible audio hardware**
VST 3 or VST 2-compatible host application 
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.
!The HALion installer allows you to save the content files on a different hard drive than 
the program files. 
						

							10
Installation and SetupSetting Up
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.